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small wind
Checklist
A Summary of Basic
Steps for Obtaining a Small Wind Turbine in California¹
1. Contact your county planning department or permitting agency:
- Find out if small wind energy systems are addressed by local ordinance and, if so, get a copy of the ordinance. (If not, see 2 below.)
- Learn the relevant permitting procedures.
- Ask what documents you’ll need. Are you required to submit plans from a consulting engineer, or will documentation from the turbine manufacturer or dealer do?
2. Review the applicable standards and restrictions:
In California, if small wind energy systems are not specifically addressed by local ordinances in your area, or if local ordinances have not been brought into compliance with AB 1207, then your small wind turbine is an allowable use, subject to the provisions of the California Government Code, Section 65892.13(f), which sets the following restrictions:
- Minimum parcel size: One acre; must be outside an “urbanized” area unless otherwise specified.
- Minimum allowable tower height: Up to 65 feet must be allowed on parcels 1-5 acres; up to 80 feet must be allowed on parcels of five acres or more. Taller towers are not prohibited by state law.
- Setback: No part of the system, including guy wires, may be closer than 30 feet to the property boundary. (The installation must also comply with fire setbacks established by Section 4290 of the Public Resources Code.)
- Noise levels: Must not exceed 60 dB(A) during normal operation, as measured from the closest neighboring inhabited dwelling.
- Equipment: Contact the California Energy Commission for a list of certified small wind turbines² and for recognized national certification programs.
- Building code compliance: Standard drawings and an engineering analysis of the tower are required showing compliance with the Uniform Building Code or the California Building Standards Code and certification by a licensed professional engineer. “Wet stamps” are not required.
- Electric code compliance: Requires line drawings of system electrical components showing sufficient detail to determine that installation conforms to the National Electric Code.
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Federal Aviation Administration requirements: Installations close to airports (within 10,000 to 20,000 feet of runways) may require prior FAA notification.
- Other siting restrictions: Small wind energy systems may be subject to local restrictions adopted pursuant to state legislation establishing coastal areas, scenic highway corridors, or other specially designated areas.
3. For California gric-connected systems:
- Notify utility: You may need to show your permitting agency that you have notified the utility of your intent to install an interconnected wind generator.
- Reserve an Energy Commission rebate: Reserve your rebate prior to installation by submitting a Reservation Request Form and required supporting documentation to the Energy Commission.³ Once your rebate reservation is accepted, you have up to nine months to install your (10 kW or smaller) system.
- Interconnection agreement: The state’s investor-owned utilities (SDG&E, PG&E, SCE) have simplified, consumer-friendly interconnection agreements. Utilities are required
to process net metering applications within one month.4
4. Notify your neighbors:
- Counties may not require notice of an application to install a small wind turbine to property owners beyond 300 feet from the proposed site.
5. Comply with permitting requirements:
Permitting requirements, procedures, and fees vary widely among counties.
- Building permit, use permit, zoning permit, or “plot plan” fees can range from less than $100 to $1600.
- Other costs for public notification, hearings, or environmental impact studies may range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
- If a particular fee seems excessive or inappropriate for your situation, find out the basis for the fee. You may be able to avoid it or have it reduced.
- To be eligible for an Energy Commission rebate, your system must be installed by a licensed California contractor possessing an active "A," "B," "C-10,” or “C-46” (photovoltaic system) license.
- Obtain a final inspection sign-off prior to claiming your rebate. Net metering provisions take effect when the permit is obtained or the wind turbine begins operation.
References
[1] Many permit requirements are not applicable in certain California counties or outside the state. For recommended practices, see Zoning “Do’s & Don’ts.”
[2] www.consumerenergycenter.org/erprebate/equipment.html
[3] www.consumerenergycenter.org/erprebate/forms.html
[4] For more information see: www.awea.org/smallwind/california.html
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