Approval required. No owner shall, within the Village, build, construct, use or place any type or kind of wind energy system without holding the appropriate conditional use permit for said system.

Separate permit required for each system. A separate conditional use permit shall be required for each system. Said permit shall be applicable solely to the systems, structures, use and property described in the permit.

Basis of approval. The Village Board shall base its determination on general consideration as to the effect of such grant on the health, general welfare, safety and economic prosperity of the Village and specifically of the immediate neighborhood in which such use would be located, including such considerations as the effect on the established character and quality of the area, its physical attractiveness, the movement of traffic, the demand for related services, the possible hazardous, harmful, noxious, offensive, or nuisance effect as a result of noise, dust, smoke or odor and such other factors as would be appropriate to carrying out the intent of the Zoning Code.

Fees. The Village Board shall by resolution establish fees for the processing and issuance of conditional use permits under this article.

Definition. For purposes of this section, the following definition shall apply:

Application. The permit application for a wind energy system shall be made to the Clerk-Treasurer or Building Inspector on forms provided by the Village.

The Clerk-Treasurer and/or Building Inspector shall review the application and, if the application is complete and contains all required information, shall refer it to the Village Board.

Hearing. Upon referral of the application the Village Board shall schedule a public hearing thereon as soon as practical and the Village Board shall notice said hearing as deemed appropriate.

Determination. Following public hearing and necessary study and investigation, the Village Board shall as soon as practical render its decision in writing, and a copy shall be made a permanent part of the Board's minutes. Such decision shall include an accurate description of the special use permitted, of the property on which permitted, and any and all conditions made applicable thereto or, if disapproved, shall indicate the reasons for disapproval. The Village Board may impose any conditions or exemptions necessary to minimize any burden on any persons affected by granting the special use permit.

Termination. When a special use does not continue in conformity with the conditions of the original approval, or where a change in the character of the surrounding area or of the use itself causes it to be no longer compatible with surrounding areas, or for similar cause based upon consideration for the public welfare, the special grant may be terminated by action of the Village Board following a public hearing thereon.

Changes. Subsequent change or addition to the approved plans or use shall first be submitted for approval to the Village Board, and if in the opinion of the Board such change or addition constitutes a substantial alteration, a public hearing before the Board shall be required and notice thereof shall be given.

Approval does not waive permit requirements. The approval of a permit under this article shall not be construed to waive the requirement to obtain electrical, building or plumbing permits prior to installation of any system.

Additional standards. Wind energy conversion systems, commonly referred to as "windmills," which are used to produce electrical power shall also satisfy the requirements of this section, in addition to those found elsewhere in this article.

Construction. Wind energy conversion systems shall be constructed and anchored in such a manner to withstand wind pressure of not less than 40 pounds per square foot in area.

Noise. The maximum level of noise permitted to be generated by a wind energy conversion system shall be 50 decibels, as measured on a dB(A) scale, measured at the lot line.

Electromagnetic interference. Wind energy conversion system generators and alternators shall be filtered and/or shielded so as to prevent the emission of radio-frequency energy that would cause any harmful interference with radio and/or television broadcasting or reception. In the event that harmful interference is caused subsequent to the granting of a conditional use permit, the operator of the wind energy conversion system shall promptly take steps to eliminate the harmful interference in accordance with Federal Communications Commission regulations.

Location and height. Wind energy conversion systems shall be located in the rear yard only and shall meet all setback and yard requirements for the district in which they are located and, in addition, shall be located not closer to a property boundary than a distance equal to their height. Wind energy conversion systems are exempt from the height requirements of this chapter; however, all such systems over 75 feet in height shall submit plans to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to determine whether the system is to be considered an object affecting navigable air space and subject to FAA restrictions. A copy of any FAA restrictions imposed shall be included as a part of the wind energy conversion system conditional use permit application.

Fence required. All wind energy conversion systems shall be surrounded by a security fence not less than six feet in height. A sign shall be posted on the fence warning of high voltages.

Utility company notification. The appropriate electric power company shall be notified, in writing, of any proposed interface with that company's grid prior to installing said interface. Copies of comments by the appropriate utility company shall accompany and be part of the application for a conditional use permit.