Model Wind Energy Ordinance

About the Program

Category: Planning (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

Developed by the Ottawa County Planning Commission in conjunction with Michigan State University Extension, the Model Wind Energy Ordinance is a model ordinance that local units of government can utilize in order to implement zoning standards for wind energy that are appropriate for varying turbine sizes. The County’s Model Ordinance is innovative in that it is one of the first in the nation to establish size appropriate regulations for small, medium, and large wind turbines. The size appropriate regulations in the Model Ordinance promote wind energy for residential and commercial use. Additionally, the Model Ordinance provides regulations that will protect landowners from any possible negative impacts of wind turbines such as noise, tower failure, and shadow flicker.