Model wind zoning and wind ordinances can help citizens, businesses, and communities facilitate and streamline responsible wind energy development in a way that works well within a community.  

Resources for Wind Ordinance Adoption in Utah:

• Utah Model Wind Ordinance|
  In 2009 the Utah State Legislature recognized the need for Utah specific renewable energy ordinances. With the passage of Senate Joint Resolution 1 the Utah State Energy Program (USEP) was charged with developing model ordinances in line with the needs and values of Utah. In partnership with diverse stakeholders including the League of Cities & Towns, Utah Division of Wildlife, the Governor's Energy Advisor's Office, Utah Clean Energy, the American Wind Energy Association, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, wind industry professionals, various Utah local governments, interested citizens, and others, USEP developed and established the Utah Model Wind Ordinance as a best practice guide for Utah wind energy ordinance development.

  The completed ordinance can now be adopted in its entirety or serve as a template for counties or cities wishing to implement a local wind ordinance. Box Elder County has been the first to use the Model Ordinance as a template to formulate wind regulations for their county. Still, most jurisdictions are unaware of the Utah Model Wind Ordinance and the guidance it can afford to institute responsible wind development.

  The model ordinance reflects accepted national practices for small wind, large wind, and anemometer towers. If your community or county is looking to adopt an ordinance or zoning for wind, we encourage you to use this ordinance as a template and references.
   

• In the Public Interest (a small wind permitting guide)
  A user friendly guide for state and local governments looking to regulate small (residential) wind energy systems. It explains the reasons behind many aspects of wind zoning regulations, and includes clear and concise diagrams and photos. In addition it addresses common misconceptions about small wind energy systems.

• The U.S. Department of Energy's Wind Energy Ordinance Fact Sheet
  A quick reference guide to additional resources and items typically included as part of a comprehensive wind energy ordinance.

Additional resources for model ordinances and best practices are available on-line:

• Box Elder County, Utah Wind Ordinance
  
• Model ordinance created by the American Wind Energy Association
• Wind zoning toolbox
• General information on zoning for small wind
  
• Minnesota Model Wind Energy Ordinance
• Minnesota Wind Ordinance Scoping Document
• Natrona County, Wyoming Model Commercial Ordinance
• NYSERDA Model Wind Zoning
• Permitting of Wind Facilities Handbook (NWCC) National Wind Coordinating Committee
• Report: Wind Turbines and Home Property Values
• Panel Report: Wind Turbines Safe for Human Health

If you need assistance with wind zoning & ordinances, please contact Bonnie Christiansen with Utah Clean Energy or the Utah State Energy Program.