On September 8, 2009, the City Council adopted an amendment to the City Zoning Ordinance defining and permitting Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS), which are also referred to as windmills, wind turbines, and similar names. A WECS is defined as “any device, such as a windmill, wind turbine or wind charger, that converts wind energy into electricity, including the rotors, nacelles, generators, towers and associated control or conversion electronics.” The Zoning Ordinance provides for two types of WECS, freestanding (the typical ‘windmill’ at the top of a pole) and roof-mounted.

The answer to the question of whether or not you can have a WECS is found in the ordinance, which is listed under "'Related Documents" to the right. The ability to install a WECS is dependent on the zoning district that you are located in, whether you want a freestanding or roof-mounted unit, what size lot you have, and various other factors. Additionally, even if allowed, there are permits that are required and documentation that must be submitted when the permit is applied for. The requirements are provided in the ordinance amendment. If you have any questions, after reading the ordinance amendment, please contact the Zoning Office at 385-8074.