Wind turbines have a place in town

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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Our state is the nation's No. 2 producer of wind energy, most of it generated from giant turbines in rural areas. The wind industry has attracted new companies and created 2,300 manufacturing jobs.

But do wind turbines belong within city limits? We think they have a place, though not necessarily everywhere.

More Iowa cities are considering whether to allow turbines in residential, commercial and business zones. The University of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa already have operating turbines.

Cedar Rapids approved an ordinance in August. Not surprisingly, it's being tested in the arena of public debate.

The Cedar Rapids-Iowa City Electrical Training Center at 2300 Johnson Ave. NW wanted to build a 61-foot and two 37-foot turbines on its property to promote renewable energy and give electricians a place to train. After residents of the largely residential neighborhood objected, center officials dropped the taller turbine from the proposal and still hopes to win approval for the smaller structures from the City Planning Commission and the Board of Adjustment.

Kirkwood wants to build a 400-foot turbine on its campus, projecting it will cut the annual electric bill by 35 percent and provide training for students studying to become wind energy technicians.

The Cedar Rapids ordinance allows wind turbines in all districts if they meet conditional-use permit rules, including:

l Setback distance - at least 110 percent of the turbine's height to the nearest property line.

l Sound limits - no more than 50 to 75 decibels depending on the time of day and whether it's residential, commercial or industrial.

l Shadow flicker - Alternating changes in light intensity caused by rotating blades casting shadows on stationary objects, such as a home's window, can occur no more than 30 hours per year.

Those rules provide reasonable protections for neighbors. But we suspect much of opposition will focus on aesthetics - “I don't want to look at that tower in my neighbor's yard.”

A valid concern. And the ordinance addresses it only minimally.

However, the size of most city residential lots, and less-windy conditions in many areas, will preclude wind turbines in many neighborhoods. We're more likely to see turbines on industrial sites, schools and perhapslarger residential lots.

We expect this ordinance will be challenged again. That's necessary and not unusual for something so new.

We also urge Cedar Rapidians not to reject out of hand the possibility of wind turbines in town. Study the ordinance (Chapter 32, city code) and learn about the potential benefits. Not only is wind energy a growth industry, it's one way individuals and companies can explore renewable-energy options that could enhance

a community's overall quality of life.