Commission backs windmill ordinance

The Carson City Planning Commission backed an ordinance that would make owning a private windmill somewhat easier and cheaper. The ordinance is stricter than an ordinance backed by the commission earlier this year.

The Carson City Board of Supervisors will have to approve the ordinance twice to make it law. The board approved the original ordinance once but rejected it on a second vote.

Private windmills can be up to 60 feet tall or a height equal to the distance from the center of a property to the edge of a property. Noise can be up to 50 decibels on properties more than an acre and 25 decibels on properties less than an acre.

One windmill per acre is allowed under the new ordinance. One vertical-style windmill is allowed on properties less than an acre.

Under the original ordinance, windmills could be up to 90 feet tall and noise could be up to 50 decibels at homes or 60 decibels on other private land. One windmill of any kind was allowed on properties less than an acre. The ordinance put no limit on the number of windmills on an acre or more of land.

City staff looked at an ordinance this year after they got complaints that the city put unreasonable restrictions on owning a windmill.

The city currently requires a $2,200 permit application fee and planning commission approval for a windmill. Windmills are treated by the city like any other structure more than 32 feet high. Commissioners said the original ordinance allowed everyone the chance to own a windmill. It also controlled nuisance by keeping a windmill's height no more than the distance from the center of a property to the edge of a property, they said.

"I like what we did the first time because I think it was fair," said commission Chairman Mark Kimbrough.

The 10 residents who spoke at the meeting were divided on the issue.

Opponents such as Bruce Kittess, of Carson City, said private windmills belong in commercial wind farms. He said windmills are unattractive, noisy and hurt property values.

"I live in a residential neighborhood, not a ranch or a farm," he said.

Supporters such as Carson resident Tim Howard said windmills are an efficient way to produce power residents should have the right to use. He said windmills aren't as unattractive as many other things accepted by society.

"I've got obnoxious-looking 60-foot power poles running up and down my street," he said.