Staff Contact: Kathy Schlabach 410-887-3521 kschlabach@baltimorecountymd.gov Legislative projects are begun in response to County Council Resolutions, Planning Board initiatives, County Executive requests, and Master Plan recommendations. The legislative staff then prepares reports recommending amendments to zoning and other regulations. Staff also tracks State and County legislation, and presents legislation of interest to the Planning Board. The Baltimore County Planning Board established a committee to consider the use of small wind energy systems in Baltimore County. This action is in response to Council Resolution 52-08 (PDF), which asks the planning board to recommend legislation to regulate the use of residential wind turbines. The Baltimore County Office of Planning prepared a staff report that the committe is considering. The report recommends that wind turbines be permitted as an accessory use, but with restrictions to address potential negative impacts. Among the restrictions are: - A minimum lot size of one acre
- A maximum wind turbine and tower height of 150 feet
- A minimum wind turbine and tower setback from all property lines of 110 percent of the total height
- Restriction on noise levels at the property line
- The energy produced must be for personal use
As part of its consideration, the Planning Board Committee on Wind Turbines held two public meetings. If you were unable to attend these meetings, they will be broadcast on Baltimore County TV, Channel 25, through November 2009. Technical/Professional Presentation Broadcast Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. Thursday at 9 a.m. (Part One) Friday at 8 p.m. (Part Two) Andrew Gohn, Clean Energy Program Manager, Maryland Energy Administration. (View a segment of Mr. Gohn's remarks.)
Representatives from BGE, Small Generator Interconnection Program Rick Bauer, Interconnection Coordinator John Fernandes, Program Manager (View a segment of Mr. Fernanades' remarks) Tim Fluharty, Fluharty Electric, installer of about 20 small wind turbines in Maryland (View a segment of Mr. Fluharty's remarks
Citizen Input Meeting Broadcast Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
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Revised November 3, 2009 |