Abandonment

At such time that a wind energy system is abandoned, or discontinued from use for a period of one year, the property owner is responsible for the physical removal of the wind energy system and all associated equipment. Abandonment constitutes a voiding of any granted special use permit for a wind energy system.

A wind energy system is considered abandoned when the wind energy system is discontinued or otherwise out-of-service for a continuous 12-month period. After twelve (12) months of inoperability, the zoning officer may issue a notice of abandonment to the owner of the wind energy system. The owner shall have the right to respond to the notice of abandonment of the wind energy system within thirty (30) days from notice receipt date.

Should the property owner fail to respond to the zoning officer's notice, the zoning officer may reasonably determine that the wind energy system has been abandoned or discontinued. The abandoned or discontinued wind energy system must be removed ninety (90) days after written notice of abandonment. If the owner fails to physically remove the wind energy system after the 90 days, the zoning officer may pursue legal action to have the wind energy system removed at the owner's expense.

The city reserves the right to salvage the wind energy system demolition debris to defray the cost of demolition.

(Ord. No. 2012-019, § 8, 12-12-2012)