April 28, 2018
Another Michigan Community Moving Toward Wind Farm Restrictions
DTE turbine tower plans for Beaver Township stumble on proposed zoning board recommendation

AUBURN — The Beaver Township Zoning Board voted unanimously on Thursday to amend a proposed wind farm zoning ordinance for the Bay County community. More than 300 residents from the community of 2,900, plus anti-wind activists, wind supporters and industry representatives packed the small gym of a local church school where the meeting was held.

The measure will be discussed at the next zoning board meeting, with a recommendation that it be adopted by the Beaver Township Board of Trustees, which has the final say. According to wind project opponent Kevon Martis, the revised zoning would make the township an unattractive place for wind farm developments.

The amendments require wind turbines to have a property-line setback that is four times the height of the tower. The requirement would apply to how far the tower is from roads and communications and electric lines. Turbine towers could not be taller than 500 feet from base to blade tip, and they could not emit noise greater than 45 decibels at the property line.

By EVAN CARTER | [Michigan Capitol Confidential]

via Another Michigan Community Moving Toward Wind Farm Restrictions [Michigan Capitol Confidential]