Transcript Fiscal Impact Analysis

City of Gloucester
Wind Turbine Siting
Background
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Prior to May 17, 2007
Wind Energy Conversion Devices
– Special Permitted in any district by ZBA
– Footnote Standard:
WECD shall be set back from every property line by
a distance equal to its height (to tip of blade)
except where a “fall area” easement is obtain,
enclosed by 6’ fencing and anti-climbing devices
as approved by Building Inspector
–
Context Ordinance Development
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Varian Semiconductor’s proposal for two
commercial sized turbines
Statewide discussions about Cape Wind
Renewable Energy Evaluation Assistance and Design
and Construction Incentives/grants
Increasing Energy Cost - GHGE
Inadequacy of existing ordinance to address siting
criteria and concerns (noise, shadow flicker, etc.)
Approach
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Encourage or Restrict?
Accessory or Principal Use?
Where in the community?
Encourage use as an accessory use
throughout the community with differing
standards for supporting residential and
non-residential uses
Resulting Ordinances
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Residential Districts
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–
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ZBA Special Permit on lots greater than
40K sqft, maximum height 150’
Dimensional standards may be reduced
Commercial/Industrial Districts
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CC Special Permit with max height 500’,
50’ from building, 150’ abutting property
lines, 100’ public ways or rotor blade
length, flexible relief
Successful Siting
33 Emerson Avenue
33 Emerson Avenue
•Located in a General Industrial District
•Proposed 131’ Monopole, 180’ Tip of
Blade, 250kw installation
•Adjacent land uses mix of commercial,
industrial, utility and residential (~0.1 mi)
•Accessory to proposed office complex
Successful Siting
Varian Semiconductor - Blackburn
Varian Semiconductor - Blackburn
•Located in a Business Park District
•Proposed 328’ Monopole, ~485’ Tip of
Blade, 2.5 mw installations
•Adjacent land uses mix of commercial
and industrial (residential ~0.25 mi)
•Accessory to existing manufacturing plant
Next Steps for Consideration
•Principal Use
•Potential expanded allowance by district
with adequate controls
•Municipal Projects (accessory and
potential principal use)