Extensive Wind Energy Legislation Being Proposed For Wicomico

This Thursday, May 14, 2009, at 1:30 P.M. on the Third floor of the Government Office Bldg. the Wicomico County Planning Commission will take-up the task of revising Wicomico's current zoning laws governing the installation of wind generators.

Presently, a wind generator is exempt from required zoning authorization as spelled out in Section 225-13.2 on page 15 of Chapter 225 - Wicomico County Zoning Code Regulations.

Here is what the Wicomico County zoning code says;

Section 225-13.2 Permitted Uses Not Requiring Zoning Authorization

Not withstanding any other provisions of this Chapter, no zoning authorization - (emphasis added) - is necessary for the following uses, however other County permits may be required

A. Facilities such as wires, lines, cable, pipes and supporting structures thereof that are
reasonably necessary to provide local properties with water, sewer, gas,
electric - (emphasis added) -telecommunications or similar services.

This is all about to change dramatically if some of the proposed text amendments are adopted by the Wicomico County Planning and Zoning Commission.

So if you are a renewable energy advocate - or foe - I would encourage your attendance and input into this subject, particularly, if you are located in the Airport District of this County. You see a Small Wind Energy System is being suggested by the Planning Staff to be designated as a Prohibited Use.

You can't say we at SBYnews didn't attempt to provide ample warning for the residents that have been sitting on the fence on this subject! And you probably won't be reading about any of this in The Daily Times.