Wind Turbines for Homes Coming to Highland Park

Wind powered energy came a step closer to reality for individual Highland Park residents Monday when the City Council unanimously directed Corporation Counsel Steve Elrod to draft a change in the zoning ordinance to allow private turbines. 

The revised ordinance will be ready for a final council vote at either its April 11 or April 25 meeting, according to the city's . 

The vote was 5-0 with council members , , and joining Mayor Mike Belsky favoring the project.  Councilmen Jim Kirsch and Scott Levenfeld were not at the meeting. 

The city began looking at the possibility of private wind turbine power more than a year ago. Monday’s action came to the City Council after approval by the Planning Commission on a 6-0 vote March 1. 

The proposed ordinance will allow people to mount a turbine on their home by applying for a building permit. A second structure would be allowed with a conditional use permit requiring the homeowner to seek Planning Commission and City Council approval, according to Blue. 

“This is a great moment for Highland Park,” Belsky said. “This is mostly for public properties with ample space. This provides an alternative renewable energy source in our city.” 

Mandel suggested the process should be easier for a homeowner who wants a second roof mounted turbine. “How long is the conditional use process?” he asked Blue. 

Blue indicated the process could take up to four months. He also indicated the final ordinance would consider simplified processes based on a City Council request. 

“We’re going to look at how we can increase the number [of turbines on a roof] and simplify the process,” Blue said after the meeting. He indicated the final ordinance will contain the easier path as directed by the council. 

According to studies made by the city, a roof mounted turbine system can be purchased for about $6,000, said the building director. 

“One turbine will provide 20 percent of the energy needs to the average house in Highland Park,” said Blue, who described the average home in the city between 4,000 and 5,000 square feet. 

Rotering was pleased with the concept but expressed concerns about the noise made by the roof mounted units. 

“I’m thrilled,” she said. “How do make sure these are in high wind areas? How does the noise compare to an air conditioner compressor?” 

Blue noted that the turbines are quieter than air conditioners. He also said locating the unit on a roof is the homeowner's decision. Some units are already in use at the affordable housing project on Hyacinth Street in northern Highland Park. 

Taller wind towers will also be allowed on large properties under the proposed legislation. If a lot is between 80,000 square feet and 160,000 square feet, a 100-foot structure can be erected. A 125-foot tower is permitted on lots larger than 160,000 square feet. These all require zoning approval, Blue said. 

Blue indicated few single-family lots exist in Highland Park that would accommodate towers built on the ground. 

“These would be used for places like parks, golf courses and schools for their individual use,” he said. Users who generate more than power than they need would be able to sell the excess electricity back to the public utility company. 

Earlier in the meeting, management analyst Emily Palm demonstrated the city’s recently launched updated website. The web address is unchanged but it has new features, including the ability for people to report potholes by e-mail. There will soon be an application to let the city know about the repairs via cell phone.