Once a client has decided to purchase a small wind turbine, he or she must obtain the necessary permits. The landowner should first contact their county, inquire about their town’s specific zoning laws, and determine which specific documents are necessary to obtain the permit.
The client, most likely, will either have to obtain a special-use permit or apply for a zoning variance. A special-use permit allows a landowner to build a structure only if certain requirements and conditions are met, while a zoning variance gives permission to install the turbine even though the type of structure would otherwise violate a zoning rule. In some counties, height restrictions will be enforced on towers, if this is the case the economics of the project will be affected and the results presented in the report analysis this report may not be as accurate.
If wind turbines are allowed through only a conditional-use permit, the client will only have to follow certain rules that consider lot size, maximum structure height and electrical compliance. If this is not the case, a landowner will have to apply for a conditional-use permit (IS THIS CORRECT? SAYS IF ALLOWED THROUGH CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT…IF NOT APPLY FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT…) that might require the local planning board to hold a public hearing. There is the possibility that an application for a zoning variance will be necessary if zoning rules do not allow structures above a certain height, or if another zoning code is violated.
The problems that might be encountered in obtaining a permit would most likely be on the grounds of aesthetics, neighbors not approving, perceived structural integrity of the system, or other issues that are readily addressed. There are many sources that have documented information of those issues that can be shared with the zoning board. The VWEC/JMU office can assist in this regard.
Please scroll through the drop-down menu to the county or city you live in to obtain your zoning contact. If your county or city is not there, please select the "Not Listed" option.