HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ 2009-11-05 MinutesMINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
PLANNING 8 ZONING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS
NOVEMBER 5, 2009
1.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Randy Shiflet at 6:50 p.m.
2.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT Chairman Randy Shiflet
Vice-Chairman Bill Schopper
Secretary Don Bowen
Steven Cooper
Mike Benton
Dianna Madar
Mark Haynes
ABSENT Ex-Officio Kathy Luppy
CITY STAFF
Chief Planner Eric Wilhite
Assistant Planner Chad VanSteenberg
Assistant Dir. Public Works Greg VanNieuwenhuize
Civil Engineer Caroline Waggoner
Recording Secretary Teresa Koontz
3.
Approval of Minutes from the October 15, 2009 Planning 8 Zoning
Commission Meeting.
Mark Haynes, seconded by Don Bowen motioned to approve the minutes of October
15, 2009. The motion was carried unanimously (7-0).
4.
Small Scale Renewable Energy Systems: Wind and Solar
Eric Wilhite gave a PowerPoint presentation on small scale renewable energy systems
for wind and solar powered systems. It was discussed that there needed to be
regulatory controls for the solar panels and wind systems. The current ordinance only
relates to wind chargers with a Special Use Permit for zoning districts with lots two
acres or larger. Solar panels only require a building permit for their installation.
According to research on average wind resources there really isn't enough wind locally
to be productive and sustain a wind energy system on a small or large scale system.
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But manufacturing companies know that this is a coming trend and they are trying to
advance the technology that will be available for homes and businesses. There are
several federal economic stimulus funds for renewable energy installations for state and
local governmental bodies available. These funds can be used for projects to install
solar panels and wind turbines or other types of renewable energy directly at a public
place to generate electricity for that site.
Mr. Wilhite said that key land use issues that need to be addressed are aesthetics.
noise, safety and property value. Staff is suggesting that design regulations be
implemented as opposed to requiring a Special Use Permit for each system installed.
Suggested design regulations for small-scale systems include:
• One (1) per residential structure
• Appearance control by color -must be primarily light gray
• Prohibit any signage on units
• Not lighted unless required by law
• Removal of abandoned non productive systems
• Use current noise standards with caveat "or 5 decibels above ambient noise
levels, short term"
• Limit maximum height above tallest point of structure being placed on. Possibly
12-15 feet.
Mike Benton asked if anything approved by the City would supersede HOA regulations?
Eric Wilhite said no, HOA's can be more but not less restrictive.
Bill Schopper stated one issue hehas is noise associated with the systems.
Eric Wilhite said that they would have to comply with the current noise ordinance of 65
decibels plus 5 and will not be more than traffic noise.
Don Bowen asked if we would restrict where they can be installed?
Eric Wilhite said it has to be mounted on the structure and it's recommended that it is on
the highest point of your house for best results. It should be restricted to possibly 12-15
feet above the highest point of your structure and it will help reduce the aesthetic
impact.
Randy Shiflet asked if your roof would not support the system, would you be able to put
poles in the yard?
Eric Wilhite said no, at this time is has to be roof mounted. There was some discussion
about restrictions to side and rear yard approval.
Mike Benton asked how much can one save by having a wind system?
Eric Wilhite said it could be as much as 5-10%.
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Regarding large scale turbines, the following regulations are being presented for
consideration:
• Establish setback to height ratio (1.5 times height)
• Height limitation not to exceed 75 ft. or 20 ft. above tree line to top of blade
No portion of blades may extend within 20 ft. of ground
• Required to be in rear or side yards unless co-located with on-site
appurtenance (such as area lighting fixture.)
• One (1) per lot
• Prohibit any signage on units
• Not lighted unless required by law
• Use current noise standards with caveat "or 5 decibels above ambient noise
levels
After discussion regarding the proposed wind and solar systems, it was recommended
by P8 Z to research the following issues:
Wind:
Solar:
1. Would side/rear yard free-standing systems be allowed
2. Have setback requirements for small systems
3. Requirement of only monopole design for small systems
4. Possible SUP requirement for "creative" small systems
5. Timeframe for "removal of non-productive systems"
1. Regulatory controls for panel design/symmetry on roof
2 Doing away with the "maximum percentage of roof coverage" as well as
possible not allowing the "SUP for elevated/stand along applications."
5.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
Chairman
andy Shiflet
Secretary
I/
n Bowen
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