Roof Mounted Wind Energy Systems Zoning Ordinance

At a glance

Based on auto-generated captions; names, numbers and addresses may be misheard. The captions end partway through public comment.

What: a zoning ordinance sponsored by Lydia C. King that would allow small roof-mounted wind energy systems by right in all districts, with a 10-foot setback from lot lines, a cap of 5 feet above the maximum building height of the zone, and device limits of 10 kilowatts nameplate capacity and 20 feet total height. It separates these from land-based wind facilities in section 6.9. It leaves noise, historic districts and battery storage to existing rules.
Where it stands: a joint public hearing of the City Council and Planning Board was held October 19; no vote was taken. Five councilors were absent and Andrew W. Varela joined remotely.
Council feedback: Andrew W. Varela and Katelyn Holappa were supportive; Holappa suggested treating wind like other height-exempt rooftop items. Timothy G. Flynn raised noise, storm stability and appearance. Erin Turowski asked about inspections and salt-air durability. Varela noted historic commission review and state battery rules apply.
Planning Board feedback: members generally favored the idea but asked to define an ambient noise standard, require building inspector sign-off, clarify the confusing height language, consider mast or wall mounting and a special permit path, and reconsider the 5-foot limit as too tight for many devices.
Public comment: a resident of Essex Street supported it; an online speaker questioned noise frequency and whether many installations would be economical in the Northeast.

2026-10-19 - City Council and Planning Board Joint Meeting - Joint public hearing held; Planning Board to send recommendations.