Zoning ordinance would allow for backyard wind turbines (in Middletown RI)

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http://www.projo.com/ri/middletown/content/EB_MIDDWIND23_11-23-07_OL7V5JC_v8.21e2aa0.html

Zoning ordinance would allow for backyard wind turbines

01:00 AM EST on Friday, November 23, 2007

BY MEAGHAN WIMS

Journal Staff Writer

MIDDLETOWN — A number of residents are interested in building small-scale wind turbines in their backyards to save on electricity costs, but the town has no rules to regulate the machines.

So the Town Council this week began consideration of a new zoning ordinance to allow for permitting and oversight of wind turbines.

“This is coming out of recent interest,” Town Planner Ronald M. Wolanski told the council at its meeting Monday. “Folks have been coming into Town Hall looking to build small-scale wind turbines in residential situations, but currently in the zoning ordinance, there’s no stipulation for review.”

Wolanski suggested an ordinance that would allow wind turbines in all zoning districts, provided the applicant obtains a special-use permit from the Zoning Board. Existing height requirements, such as one limiting buildings in residential areas to 35 feet, would remain in effect, he said, unless the Zoning Board approves a variance.

The proposed ordinance, he said, is “essentially an effort to allow for wind turbines in limited circumstances, with town oversight.”

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Middletown, RI