Commission mulls wind tower recommendations
By JILL SCHRAMM, Staff Writer jschramm@minotdailynews.comBackyard wind towers would be limited to 35 feet in height under an ordinance proposal being considered by the Minot Planning Commission.
An ad hoc committee of the commission reported Monday on its recommendations for wind towers. The commission formed the committee in response to a turbine request from landowners in a rural subdivision that falls within the city's zoning jurisdiction.
The commission voted 10-1 to recommend the Minot City Council deny the request from William and Sandra Carlson for a turbine of up to 100 feet in height at 5408-6th St. SE.
It took no action on recommendations of the committee. The committee will continue to discuss an ordinance and address suggestions of the planning commission for improving the draft.
Recommendations offered Monday for residential areas included:
Height can be no greater than 35 feet to the top of the blades.
Turbine setback from the property line must be 1.1 times its total height unless easements are secured from adjacent property owners.
Monopole design is required.
A tower out of service for a year must be removed within 30 days.
Owner must have signed contract with an electric company before a building permit is issued.
Owner must carry liability insurance or bond.
Pole foundation must be designed by a structural engineer.
Blades must have a 15-foot ground clearance.
The committee also suggested wind towers be permitted in commercial zones at heights not to exceed 60 feet and in industrial zones at heights of up to 90 feet.
In other business, the commission re-approved a proposed energy park in north Minot.
John Coughlin with Puppy Dog Properties, the development company, said several potential park occupants and city officials suggested following last month's approval that the lots are too small. He presented the commission with a new design with larger lots.
The 90-acre industrial park to be known as Northern Plains Energy Park is located north of 36th Avenue Northeast on the east side of U.S. Highway 83.
Several residential neighbors attended Monday's meeting to protest the project because of drainage concerns. They cited existing drainage problems and noted the additional development will aggravate the situation in Ridgedale Addition.
Coughlin and engineers for Puppy Dog Properties responded that they are aware of the drainage problems and plan to improve existing drainage.
Neighbors also raised a concern about chemical spills and runoff. Donna Bye, city planner, said companies would have to obtain special permits if they wished to store chemicals.
The planning commission's recommendation for approval of the energy park goes to the city council Sept. 2. It includes a stipulation for a buffer between the industrial area and residences.
The commission defeated a motion to require that the portion of the property abutting Highway 83 be rezoned commercial. Commissioner Randy Conway requested the change for aesthetic reasons along an entrance road into the city.
Coughlin said the company's intent is that the lots along the highway will be used commercially even though zoned for industrial use.
