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MEMORANDUM <br />TO: <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />FROM: <br />TOM RIEDESEL <br />DATE: <br />JUNE 4, 2010 <br />SUBJECT: TOWERS <br />Town Staff was asked to research information on wind energy towers and ways <br />in which to regulate them. The information which was provided notes that a Gem <br />Lake resident is interested in constructing a test tower which could lead to the <br />installation of a wind turbine. Currently the City does not identify these types of <br />wind energy structures as a permitted use. Therefore an ordinance should be <br />created or a section should be added to an existing ordinance which regulates <br />these structures. <br />Staff contacted several area communities to see how they regulate these <br />structures. Attached are sections of municipal codes from the City's of Oakdale, <br />Excelsior and Woodbury, all of which currently regulate these structures and in <br />some cases other alternative energy sources. <br />In order to regulate these structures, the City should discuss what is to be <br />allowed (types of structures), create definitions of the type of structure(s) being <br />regulated, how they should be regulated (by Conditional Use Permit) and where <br />they could be located, which zoning district, minimum lot size requirements, <br />setbacks from structures and property lines. <br />The attached ordinances provide a good example of how nearby communities <br />regulate these types of structures. It is recommended that the City Council review <br />the ordinances and identify what you would like to see as requirements which <br />could be incorporated into the Gem Lake Municipal Code. Town staff can create <br />a new ordinance or add to an existing ordinance accordingly based on the input <br />from the City Council. <br />TR/psw <br />bAurbine <br />N <br />