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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/19/2010 - MinutesCommissioners Present: Ms. Martha Hooker Mr. Gary Jarrell Mr. Rodney McNeil Mr. Jason Peters Mr. David Radford Staff Present: Mr. Philip Thompson, Secretary Mr. Joe Obenshain, County Attorney Ms. Lindsay Blankenship Mr. John Murphy Ms. Megan Cronise CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Jarrell called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Approval of Agenda Ms. Hooker made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 5-0. Wind Energy Regulations Mr. Thompson provided a brief overview of the proposed ordinance. He reviewed proposed setbacks for small systems. He stated systems in Planned Residential Developments would still be required to follow current guidelines in addition to ordinance requirements. He stated some portions of the proposed ordinance are included for informational purposes. He discussed system height, clearance, and definitions. He discussed the applicant's responsibility regarding maintenance of the structure. Mr. McNeil inquired about enforcement of removal of the system. Mr. Murphy explained the process. Ms. Hooker inquired about the appeal process. Mr. Murphy discussed this issue. Mr. Thompson stated the required standards would be in addition to acquiring a special use permit (SUP) for large utility systems. He reviewed the utility scale and setbacks for various systems. Mr. McNeil suggested leaving the required setback as 150% or as approved in the conditions of the SUP. Mr. Thompson suggested setting minimum standards. Mr. Jarrell and Ms. Hooker agreed. Mr. Peters suggested allowing this issue be resolved as part of the SUP. Mr. Jarrell and Mr. McNeil suggested acquiring information regarding recommendations made by the manufacturer. Ms. Hooker expressed concern regarding appropriate land use if systems are spread out. Mr. Thompson reviewed noise level recommendations. Ms. Hooker noted it will be difficult to measure since applicable areas have naturally occurring wind noise. Mr. Obenshain discussed legal issues regarding the measurement of noise. Mr. Murphy stated this issue could be addressed during site Page 1 of 2 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 19, 2010 plan review. Mr. Peters expressed concern regarding noise allowances, noting initial requirements should be conservative. Ms. Blankenship and Mr. Thompson discussed this issue with the commissioners. Mr. Radford discussed requiring third party inspections which would be paid by the petitioner. Mr. Obenshain stated a certification requirement could be added to the process. The commissioners agreed that they should postpone amending noise limits until more research is acquired. Mr. Thompson discussed lighting issues. Mr. McNeil inquired about access requirements. Mr. Murphy noted originally access requirements were based on fire department regulations. He stated this issue would be addressed during the site plan review process. Ms. Hooker inquired about speed control of turbine blades. Ms. Blankenship stated speed control is a safety precaution. Mr. Radford noted the speed level would impact noise emitted from system. Mr. Thompson and the commissioners briefly discussed application requirements and ordinance adoption procedure. Mr. McNeil requested that the commissioners review state regulations. Upcoming Planning Commission Meetings Ms. Hooker made a motion to cancel the November 1, 2010, Planning Commission Public Hearing and Work Session, which passed 5 -0. Other Comments Mr. Thompson briefly reviewed upcoming petitions. With no further business or comments, Mr. Jarrell adjourned the meeting at 7:01 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Susan Carter Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission Philip T ompson Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission Approved: A ary Jar II Chairma Roanoke County Planning Commission Page 2 of 2