Wind Energy Systems in Whatcom County

Regan Clover is the conservation resource analyst for Whatcom County. In this position she works to promote energy and resource conservation in the county’s operations. She has a master of science degree in ecology and environmental science and has worked in the conservation field since 1999.Visit Whatcom County’s resource conservation webpage to learn about how the county promotes sustainability in its daily operations: http://www.whatcomcounty.us/executive/conservation/index.jsp

Have you been thinking about installing a wind turbine on your property but you weren’t sure of the County rules and regulations? In the case that you have heard conflicting or confusing information on where one can install such a renewable energy source, this article is to help clear the air on where wind energy systems are permitted in Whatcom County.

Before even considering wind energy, there are a host of factors to consider. Factors that should be considered are: the location of your building, the amount of land you own, the amount of wind in the area, how much energy you actually use, and whether you have already taken preliminary energy savings initiatives such as ensuring your home/building is well insulated. Take a look at the Department of Energy’s “Guide for Small Wind Electric Systems: A Washington Consumer’s Guide”1 for a more comprehensive write-up on what the consumer needs to know.

The next step is determined by the size of the system you want to install, and the zone where your parcel of property is in Whatcom County. Before we get to the details, let’s start with the basics.

Whether you call it a wind “turbine” or wind “mill,” any device that produces energy from wind has been dubbed by Whatcom County Ordinance a “Wind Energy System,” and for short they use the acronym WES.

Wind Energy Systems (WES) come in many sizes; you can find small and large turbines. In considering a home or small business turbine there are small and smaller turbines. Small wind energy systems (SWES) range in size from 1 to 100 kilowatts. The smaller (also known as micro) turbines range between 20-500 watts. The micro systems are the types of turbines you’d see on an RV or sail boat to charge their batteries. The SWES are practical for residential installations or small businesses. Large turbines produce over 100 kilowatts and would be practical for larger businesses or utility-size usage.

Whatcom County’s land is divided into approximately twenty-three land use zones all of which have specific guidelines for residing/building/business activities in efforts to ensure the maximum health, safety, quality of life, and economic viability of the county residents. Depending on the size of the SWES/WES you wish to install, you will want to verify that you reside or work in a zone that allows SWES/WES installation. If you have any questions as to what your property is zoned as, check with the Whatcom County Planning Department.

The list below will outline the size of the wind system and zones they are allowed in.

Small Wind Energy Systems: As mentioned, Small Wind Energy Systems are systems that produce an output of 100 kilowatts or less. These systems are outright permitted in all county zones. Likewise, with an Administrative Permit from the Whatcom County Planning and Development Services Department, it is also permitted if a property owner would like to install multiple small wind energy systems that produce a total of 100 kilowatts or less.

Wind Energy Systems with an output between 101 and 500 kilowatts: With an Administrative permit from the County Planning and Development Services Department, these WES are permitted in Rural, Agricultural, Commercial Forestry, Rural Forestry, and High Impact Industrial zones.

Wind Energy Systems with an output over 500 kilowatts (or multiple systems on the same parcel with an output over 500 kilowatts): With a Conditional Use Permit from the County Planning and Development Services Department, these WES are permitted in Commercial Forestry and High Impact Industrial zones.

I have heard there is a Whatcom County Moratorium on Wind Energy Systems. Is this true? And what does this mean?

There is not a moratorium on all Wind Energy Systems in Whatcom County. All of the system types mentioned above are still allowed in the designated zones as listed. There has been a temporary moratorium, however, placed on Wind Energy Systems with an output over 500 kilowatts (or multiple systems on the same parcel with an output over 500 kilowatts) in both the Rural Forestry and Agricultural zones. These systems are quite large, and the zones listed tend to have residents living in or near them. The Whatcom County Council decided to disallow the acceptance of applications for WES in these two zones while they reevaluate the current ordinance. They are hoping to establish more comprehensive guidelines to ensure the health, safety, and quality of life of residents that these zones are not negatively impacted by the installation of these larger WES. To date, the ordinance has been through a thorough review and public comment process. The review process may lead to revisions on other aspects of the ordinance as well. With any luck, all ordinance modifications will be established by the end of 2012.

There are many sources for further research. For questions about land zoning, and types of permitting, stop by or contact the Whatcom County Planning and Services Division2 (address and phone number below). The Washington Department of Commerce’s website3 provides links to the Washington Consumer’s “Guide to Wind, Fish and Wildlife Guidelines,” and a Wind Resource Power Map among other helpful sources. The Department of Commerce can even connect you with state and/or federal incentives to help reduce your cost. Lastly, for questions on varying types of Wind Energy Systems and if they are right for you, check in with one of the local Wind Energy Systems installers in the County.

1. “Small Wind Energy Electric Systems: A Washington Consumer’s guide.” U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. National Technical Information Center, NTIS/GPO Number: 912950, 2007. Weblink: http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy07osti/41391.pdf

2. Whatcom County Planning and Development Services Department, 5280 Northwest Drive, Bellingham, WA. Phone: (360)676-6907. Website: http://www.whatcomcounty.us/pds

3. Washington Department of Commerce: Information and Resources on Wind Energy: http://www.commerce.wa.gov/site/1155/default.aspx