Virginia Incentives/Policies for Renewables & Efficiency |
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Last DSIRE Review: 06/04/2012
Program Overview:
Summary:
In October 2004, the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors approved a zoning ordinance for small wind energy systems, the first of its kind in Virginia. Students at James Madison University drafted the original ordinance with guidance from members of the Virginia Wind Energy Collaborative (VWEC) and assistance from members of Rockingham County's planning board.
Although net metering is not required, the ordinance complements the state's net-metering regulations and requires compliance with the Uniform Statewide Building Code, FAA Regulations, National Electrical Code, and Virginia Regulations Governing Net Metering.
Other key provisions include:
- Use of wind turbine must be primarily to reduce on-site electricity consumption.
- Minimum parcel size of 1 acre.
- Maximum height of 65 feet for parcels of land between 1 and 5 acres, and 80 feet for a parcel larger than five acres.
- Setback from property lines of 110% of tower height and 150% setback from inhabited dwelling on neighboring property. These limits may be reduced with consent of the adjacent property owner.
- Noise limit of 60 decibels at the closest property line.
- Proof of liability insurance for system
The Shenandoah Valley Network commissioned a report in early 2009 called Local Ordinances to Regulate Wind Energy Projects that provides a summary of other counties in the state of Virginia with local ordinances, and also suggests a model wind ordinance for the area.
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Contact:
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Remy Luerssen
Virginia Wind Energy Collaborative
Integrated Science and Technology
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
Phone: (540) 568-3202
Fax: (540) 568-2761
E-Mail: luerssrm@jmu.edu
Web Site: http://vwec.cisat.jmu.edu
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Disclaimer: The information presented on the DSIRE web site provides an unofficial overview of financial incentives and other policies. It does not constitute professional tax advice or other professional financial guidance, and it should not be used as the only source of information when making purchasing decisions, investment decisions or tax decisions, or when executing other binding agreements. Please refer to the individual contact provided below each summary to verify that a specific financial incentive or other policy applies to your project.
While the DSIRE staff strives to provide the best information possible, the DSIRE staff, the N.C. Solar Center, N.C. State University and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. make no representations or warranties, either express or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of the information. The DSIRE staff, the N.C. Solar Center, N.C. State University and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. disclaim all liability of any kind arising out of your use or misuse of the information contained or referenced on DSIRE Web pages.
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