1500-17-010 - Purpose — Sutter County Zoning Code

This Chapter supports the development of wind energy resources primarily for on-site use to reduce the consumption of electricity supplied by utility companies consistent with the General Plan. It is the goal of this Chapter to minimize potential adverse impacts associated with wind energy systems on area residents and aesthetic quality through careful siting and design and to minimize public safety risks by providing standards for the placement, design, construction, modification and removal of such systems.

(Ord. of 6-28-2022)

1500-17-020 - Applicability

A.

Mini-wind energy systems are permitted in all zoning districts.

B.

Small wind energy systems are permitted, subject to the provisions of this Chapter, in the Agriculture (AG), Ranchette (RAN), Estate Residential (ER), General Commercial (GC), Commercial Industrial (CM), Light Industrial (M-1), General Industrial (M-2) and Public (P) zoning districts.

(Ord. of 6-28-2022)

1500-17-030 - Definitions

The words, phrases and terms as used in this Chapter shall have the following meanings:

A.

Mini-wind Energy System. A wind energy conversion system consisting of a wind turbine attached to permitted structure or tower together with associated control or conversion electronics that has a rated capacity of not more than 7 kilowatts per lot, and is used primarily to reduce onsite consumption of utility power.

B.

Small Wind Energy System. A wind energy conversion system consisting of a wind turbine, a tower, and associated control or conversion electronics that has a rated capacity of not more than 50 kilowatts per lot, consistent with the requirements of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 25744 of the Public Resources Code, and that will be used primarily to reduce onsite consumption of utility power.

C.

System Height. The height of the tower and the system measured to the top of the blade at the highest point of the system extended above the existing grade when being operated.

Tower Height. The height above grade of the fixed portion of the tower, excluding the wind turbine.