Y
Planning Communities
& Transportation Systems
28021 Southfield Road
Lathrup Village, MI 48076
(p) 248.423.1776
(f) 248.423.1793
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Did You Know?
The staff at Birchler Arroyo Associates, Inc. has logged many miles on foot and bike in recent years. We've got one avid cyclist, two marathon runners, a triathlete, 5 and 10-K runners and walkers. Like everyone in Michigan, this has been a hard winter on us and we're itching to hit the road!
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Can You Expect Wind Farms in Your Community?At both the Federal and State level, investment in infrastructure for clean and renewable energy sources has been a focal point of recent legislation. One of the goals of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is to "revive the renewable energy industry and provide the capital over the next three years to eventually double domestic renewable energy capacity." Governor Granholm signed Public Act 295 of 2008 in October (the "Clean, Renewable, and Efficient Energy Act"), which mandates that 7 percent of the electricity sold in Michigan must come from renewable energy sources by the year 2015. What does all this legislation mean for planners and local officials in our State? Can we expect to see more utility-grade wind farms like the one that has already come online in northern Huron County?
 The answer depends on where in the State your community is located. The US Department of Energy's Wind Program and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have created a map (shown at left - click to enlarge) that shows the State's wind power density at a height of 50 meters (approx. 160 feet) above ground, which is generally a minimum height for utility-grade systems. As can be seen on that map, Michigan's utility-grade wind potential (in red) is generally limited to the areas along the shorelines of the Great Lakes. However, the wind potential within those areas is significant; according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Michigan is the 14th most wind abundant state in the nation.
P.A. 295 of 2008 created the 11-member Wind Energy Resource Board, which by June of 2009 will identify a list of regions within the state with the highest potential for utility-grade wind potential. Once their report is submitted, the Michigan Public Service Commission will designate a region of the State as a Wind Energy Resource Zone. Local units of government within that resource zone will have limited authority with respect to the siting of wind turbines or the transmission lines to connect to them. |
Small-Scale, Private Wind Systems Generate Interest
 Individual homeowners and businesses are investing in alternative energy systems to take control of their energy needs. New developments in private wind systems are making wind energy a viable source of supplemental energy for many. In Michigan, when people are able to generate enough electricity for their use, they can go "off-grid," forgoing commercial utilities. Even users who generate a portion of their utility needs are able to use "net metering" and "roll back" their meters while using alternative energy sources. (More information on small wind systems in Michigan is available on the State of Michigan's website.)
How Can Communities Provide Opportunities for Wind Systems?
Rather than waiting until property-owners start seeking building permits for small-wind systems, Michigan communities will be well-served to get out in front of this emerging technology by establishing reasonable standards within their zoning ordinances for the citing of private wind energy conversion systems.
 Most communities recognize that individual property owners should not be saddled with over-burdensome or costly regulations for investing in a clean and renewable source of energy for their own use. At the same time, neighboring property owners should be provided with some reasonable protection from wind systems being too tall, too close, or too noisy. Birchler Arroyo Associates, Inc. has developed zoning ordinance regulations for several communities which provide reasonable standards for the siting, height, and design elements of privately-owned, "small wind" systems.
Some communities have expressed concern with the prospect of small wind energy systems degrading from the visual character of their community. A response to this issue has been that utility poles and overhead wires were likely considered unattractive by some when they were first introduced to the landscape, but the benefits of electricity and telephone service undoubtedly outweighed the costs to aesthetics. Some may initially consider these systems to be unsightly, but they may also be eventually recognized as an indication of a progressive and environmentally conscious community.
Between residential/small business applications and wind farms, communities should also consider the applications of wind energy systems on developed properties. Meijer Inc. recently announced plans to add six rooftop wind turbines to its corporate offices in Grand Rapids. This trend, supported by a 30 percent federal tax credit for new wind energy systems included in the recent economic stimulus package, is likely to grow.
Once a community decides to create regulations for wind energy conversion systems, much of the initial concern expressed by local officials and residents will be with the prospect of massive wind turbines looming over private property. The reality is that only a few select areas of the State have the potential for utility-grade wind generation. Individual small-wind systems on private property are much more likely, particularly as energy costs continue to rise ("Electric Bills May Jump 11% This Year" - The Detroit News, March 24, 2009), the cost of wind energy conversion systems continues to decline, and the technology for them continues to evolve.
Top graphic: US Dept. of Energy
Middle photo credit : Southwest Windpower
Bottom graphic - prepared by Birchler Arroyo Associates, Inc.
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