Chapter 84.26 — WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS - ACCESSORY

The purpose of this Chapter is to provide a uniform and comprehensive set of standards for the placement of accessory wind energy systems on parcels in unincorporated areas of the County in order to encourage the generation of electricity for on-site use, thereby reducing the consumption of electrical power supplied by utility companies. These regulations are intended to ensure that accessory wind energy systems are designed and located in a manner that minimizes visual and safety impacts on the surrounding community.

(Ord. 4011, passed - -2007; Ord. 4188, passed - -2012)

This Chapter provides development standards for accessory wind energy systems. (Ord. 4011, passed - -2007; Ord. 4188, passed - -2012)

(a) Maximum Number of Accessory Wind Energy Systems. The maximum number of accessory wind energy systems on a single parcel is determined by the total combined rated kW hours for all the wind turbines in a system. Wind turbines are defined in § 810.01.250(m)(4) of this Title. The maximum number of accessory wind energy systems is as follows:

(b) Maximum tower height . The tower height limitations in Table 84-14b (Maximum Tower Heights for Accessory Wind Energy Systems) shall apply to all accessory wind energy systems, provided that the application for a system includes evidence that the proposed height does not exceed the height recommended by the manufacturer or distributor of the system.

Table 84-14 b

(c) System Separation Requirements . All units located on the same parcel shall be separated from each other in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended distances.

• (d) Setbacks . The minimum setback from any property line shall be equal to the system height.

• (e) Climbing apparatus . Climbing apparatus shall be located at least 12 feet above the ground, and the tower shall be designed to prevent climbing within the first 12 feet.

• (f) Lighting . Tower structure lighting shall be prohibited unless required by another code or regulation.

• (g) Noise . The noise performance standards in § 83.01.080 (Noise) shall apply, except during short-term events

• (e.g., utility outages, windstorms, etc.).

• (h) Visual effects . An accessory wind energy system shall not substantially obstruct views of adjacent property owners.

• (i) Location .

(1) An accessory wind energy system shall be placed or constructed below any major ridgeline when viewed from any designated scenic corridor as identified in the Open Space Element of the General Plan and in Chapter 82.19 (Open Space (OS) Overlay).

• (2) An accessory wind energy system shall not be:

• (A) Located within a scenic corridor as identified in the Open Space Element of the General Plan and in Chapter 82.19 (Open Space (OS) Overlay).

• (B) Allowed where otherwise prohibited by any of the following:

• (I) The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act.

• (II) The terms of any easement.

• (III) The listing of the proposed site in the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historical Resources.

(j) Turbine certification . All wind turbines in an accessory wind energy system must be approved by the California Energy Commission as eligible in the Emerging Renewables Program or certified by a national program recognized

and approved by the Energy Commission including the Clean Energy States Alliance.

• (k) Engineering analysis . The application shall include standard drawings and an engineering analysis of the system's tower, showing compliance with the California Building Code (CBC) or the California Residential Code

• (CRC) and certification by a professional mechanical, structural, or civil engineer licensed by the State. However, a wet stamp shall not be required, provided that the application demonstrates that the system is designed to meet the:

• (1) CBC or CRC requirements for the applicable wind speed and exposure;

• (2) CBC or CRC requirements for the applicable seismic design category;

• (3) Requirements for a soil strength of not more than 1,000 pounds per square foot; or

• (4) Other relevant conditions normally required by a local agency.

• (l) Compliance with aviation law . The system shall comply with all applicable Federal Aviation Administration requirements and the State Aeronautics Act (Public Utilities Code §§ 21001 et seq.).

• (m) Compliance with electrical code. The application shall include a line drawing of the electrical components of

the system in sufficient detail to allow for a determination that the installation conforms to the California Electric Code (CEC).

(n) Reduction in onsite electricity consumption . The system shall be used primarily to reduce onsite consumption of electricity.

(Ord. 4011, passed - -2007; Am. Ord. 4098, passed - -2010; Am. Ord. 4188, passed - -2012; Am. Ord. 4488, passed - -2025)