GB#09 – Mason City Goes Wind Crazy

This past week, Mason City, Iowa became the first town in that state to allow windmills anywhere. The City Council unanimously approved the new ordinance in hopes of encouraging the use of wind turbines, regardless of whether they’ll be in commercial, industrial or residential zoned areas.

From an article in USAToday…

A few generations ago, almost every farm around here had a windmill that generated enough energy to pump water or grind grain. Those old-fashioned windmills became extinct after rural electric cooperatives extended power in the 1940s. In the last decade, commercial wind farms sprouted as energy costs soared.

Now, this isn’t an absolute windmill free-for-all. Mason City’s new rule still requires permits for windmills and there will be limits. Residential turbines won’t be allowed to exceed 100 feet in height, can be only placed in backyards and the lot will have to be big enough so that if the tower comes down, it doesn’t cross property lines.

Congrats on your great forward-thinking, Mason City!

Here’s that article at USAToday.

[via GroovyGreen]