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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."
 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 Ohio'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, Ohio's utility-grade wind potential is generally limited to the areas along the shoreline of Lake Erie . However, there is potential for wind in most of the western half of the state.
Within the last year, the State of Ohio has been very proactive with respect to wind energy. New legislation requires increases in advanced energy sources, including wind, which is projected to generate 6,000-7,000 megawatts (MW) by 2025, enough to potentially serve 2 million homes (see the Ohio Wind Working Group for more information).
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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 Ohio, small wind systems could be used to reduce electric bills and in some cases, sell energy back to the grid . To further encourage wind energy development, the State has created a grant program to assist homeowners with the cost of a small wind system.
How Can Communities Provide Opportunities for Wind Systems?
As of June 2008, the Ohio Power Siting Board has siting authority for wind facilities capable of generating between 5 and 50 MW of electricity. The siting rules address setbacks, heights, and noise. Smaller wind systems (generating less than 5 MW of electricity) must follow any applicable local zoning requirements. 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. In Michigan, 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 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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