Planning & Zoning Policies & Practices
Alternative Energy Use Policies
Constituting only 5 percent of the world?s population, the United States absorbs one-fourth of the world?s energy supply and is responsible for one-fourth of all greenhouse gas emissions (42). Alternative energy sources not only contribute to energy efficiency and conservation but also national security. Zoning policies may help encourage the use of alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal energy.
Independence
- Independence has codes for solar energy systems that include guidelines for maintenance and access, location, compliance with building codes, installation of equipment, new construction, and existing solar energy systems (43)
- Adopted codes for small wind energy systems that include purpose, applicability and sitting requirements (43)
Shawnee
- Adopted codes regarding wind energy conversion system(s) (WECS) (44)
- Persons wishing to operate or maintain such systems must apply for a building permit and obtain special inspection report
- If connected to a public utility, WECS must meet that utility?s standards for interconnection
- Systems must be equipped with both manual and automatic rotation speed controls to limit the rotational speed of the blade
- Systems must be inspected every two years?
Last updated January 27, 2011 Communities that wish to update their information |