Cedar Rapids looks to fashion zoning ordinance to allow wind turbines; Kirkwood, IBEW want to build them

CEDAR RAPIDS - The city is considering adopting new rules for wind turbines inside the city limits in part because of a plan at Kirkwood Community College to construct a 417-foot commercial turbine.

Brad Larson, a planner in the city's Community Development Department, on Monday said the IBEW apprenticeship training center at 2300 Johnson Ave. NW also has expressed an interest in constructing a wind turbine.

The City Council on Tuesday evening will consider changing the city's zoning ordinance so wind turbines would be permitted in all zoning classifications with a conditional use.

The ordinance addresses small and large turbines and takes into account setback requirements – at least 110 percent of the height of the tower - sound restrictions and shadow flickers.

The proposal has been approved by the City Planning Commission, Larson tells the council in a pre-meeting memorandum.

Larson on Monday noted that there has been much local discussion about "sustainable" energy as part of the city's flood-recovery effort.

"Allowing wind turbines would be a good way of doing this," he said.

The City Council has talked about building wind turbines at the city's Northwest Water Treatment Plant for several months.