Alternative Energy Zoning Issues For the City of Shelby Planning and Zoning Board Prepared by: Josh King IPDC

Background Information Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS) –NC was the first state in the Southeast to pass –Passed in 2007, final rules passed in 2008 –10% ‘renewable source’ target for municipal electric providers (City of Shelby) –12.5% for investor owned (Duke Energy) A guaranteed market has sparked significant interest in renewable energy production

Types of Alternative Energy Wind Power- –Utility Scale –Household Scale Solar Power –Utility Scale –Household Scale Hydropower –Traditional Hydroelectric –Microhydro

Zoning Compliance Current zoning ordinance for the City of Shelby does not address alternative energy The recently completed solar plant at the airport has highlighted this Which zoning districts are appropriate for which types? (i.e. 250 foot wind turbines in residential?)

Wind Energy Wind Energy Facility Scale- –Large- Rated Capacity of 100kW –Medium-Rated capacity between 20kW but less than 100kW –Small-Rated capacity less than 20kW Source: North Carolina Wind Working Group Model Wind Ordinance 7/2008 Keep in mind: The technology for all alternative energy is improving and growing more efficient every day!

Source: American Wind Energy Association: Policies to Promote Small Wind Turbines: 2008

Solar Power **Less defined than wind** Rooftop and Pole Mounted Panels- –For Electricity Generation –For Water Heating/ Space Heating/ Space Cooling Utility Scale- Large Solar “Farms” –Solely for electricity generation –Needs to be better defined Size Power generation Number of panel units

Solar Power Utility Scale Roof Mounted on Home Pole Mounted Solar Panels

Things to consider Pole Mounted Units: –Height in relation to the surrounding buildings –Setback requirements –Screening Building Mounted: –Overall Height –Structural Safety

Allowed by Right? Should property owners be allowed to install solar/wind units on their property by right? How many units is enough? –15 turbines on a residential building roof? –15 turbines on a commercial building? –15 turbines on a industrial building? Which zoning districts should medium or large scale facilities be allowed?

Micro Hydro Emerging Technology US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has jurisdiction over all navigable waterways US Fish and Wildlife (USFW) also need to be contacted Drinking Water Source Protection (NCDENR) Floodplain Administrator Scenario: Homeowner has a pond with a steady drainage stream. Can they place a small micro hydro unit in waterway? Do they need to contact US ACE and USFW? Is this something the City of Shelby can or wants to regulate?