Title
RESIDENTIAL WINDMILLS AND ALLOWED USAGE IN RESIDENTIAL ZONE
Submitted by: Ken Botero
Supported by: Don Jensen
COUNCIL STRATEGIC INITIATIVE ADDRESSED:
Preserve and Enhance Neighborhoods
Address quality of place issues
CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: N/A
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
At the present time we have a citizen of Longview requesting a new provision in our residential allowable activities regulations. The present code for allowable activity, such as the windmill, is not currently mentioned in our zoning information. The request is to have the Longview Planning Commission work within their responsibility to investigate this request, along with all necessary requirements.
I have only had a conversation with one individual concerning this issue and at this point cannot respond with a positive report that more citizens would like to update this item .
Having some history with this issue I do understand the concern and feel that with the proper input from the planning commission a positive solution can be reached.
An example: This particular situation is for the irrigation of agricultural produce, in the form of an orchard. This use is not meant for water consumption for any public event. The location is located on three acres of land, which is bordered by a slough and a residential avenue and creates no specific problems for the neighbors. We, as a council, could recommend that our planning commission consider changing our current use permit to include windmills for irrigation, with a set height of not more than thirty (30) feet. We may also ask the planning commission to set the site limit to possibly two (2) or three (3) acres. I am sure that there are other specifics that should be considered when proposing a positive solution.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Motion to refer the matter of updating our residential compliance code, in the matter of allowing windmill erection within the Longview City limits, to agricultural use, land requirements, and height requirements.