§ 3-6. Minimization of shadow flicker and blade glint impacts by a large system or utility-scale wind energy facility.

3-6.1.

The applicant shall provide a shadow flicker and blade glint report for each proposed wind energy facility. The report shall:

A.

Evaluate the worst case scenarios of wind constancy, sunshine constancy, and wind directions and speeds.

B.

Map and describe the zones where shadow flicker and blade glint will likely be present within the project boundary and a one-mile radius beyond the project boundary.

C.

Identify existing residences and the locations of their windows, locations of other structures, wind speeds and directions, and existing vegetation and roadways.

D.

Calculate the locations of shadow flicker caused by the proposed project and the expected durations of the flicker at these locations, including outdoor viewsheds.

E.

Calculate the total number of hours per year of flicker at all locations, including the outdoor viewshed.

F.

Identify problem zones within a 1-mile radius where shadow flicker will interfere with existing or future residences and roadways and describe proposed measures to mitigate these problems.

3-6.2.

Based upon the findings of the report, the wind energy facility shall be designed so that shadow flicker or blade glint will not fall on or in any roadway or occupied property, unless approved by the Planning Commission.

A.

Shadow flicker or blade glint that falls on a portion of an occupied property is acceptable only under the following circumstances:

1.

The flicker or glint does not exceed 120 seconds per day for 7 consecutive days, with a five-hour maximum per year and

2.

The flicker or glint falls more than 100 feet from an existing residence or business property.

B.

Shadow flicker or blade glint that falls on a roadway is acceptable only under the following circumstances:

1.

The traffic volumes are less than 500 vehicles per day on the roadway and

2.

The flicker or glint shall not fall onto an intersection of public roads.

If shadow flicker or blade glint exceeds any of the conditions listed in this Section, the source wind energy facility shall be shut down until the flicker or glint problem is remedied. Each such occurrence shall be a separate violation of this Ordinance and the penalties shall be cumulative.

(Ord. of 11-18-13; Ord. of 2-10-14)