Small Wind Electric System Zoning, Permitting, and Covenant Requirements
Before you invest in a small wind energy system, you should research potential zoning and neighborhood covenant issues.
You can find out about the zoning restrictions in your area by contacting the local building inspector, board of supervisors, and/or planning board. They can tell you if you will need to obtain a building permit and provide you with a list of requirements.
In addition to zoning issues, your neighbors or homeowners' association might object to a wind machine that blocks their view. They also could be concerned about noise.
Most zoning and aesthetic concerns can be addressed by supplying objective data.
Height Issues
Some jurisdictions restrict the height of the structures permitted in residentially zoned areas, although variances are often obtainable. Most zoning ordinances have a height limit of 35 feet.
Noise Issues
The sound level of most modern residential wind turbines is slightly above the ambient wind noise. This means that while the sound of the wind turbine may be picked out of surrounding noise if a conscious effort is made to hear it, a residential-sized wind turbine is not a significant source of noise under most wind conditions.
For more information, see state and community codes and requirements for small renewable energy systems.