Deschutes County May Let More Wind Power Bloom
Keisha Burns – KTVZ.COM – October 7, 2009
Another issue discussed, which has hit a roadblock before, was whether to allow taller wind-energy turbines in the area. Current county restrictions prevent structures over 30 feet in most zoning districts, but that could change as soon as next year.
Planning Director Nick Lelack said many residents are for the idea, but adding wind turbines has its pros and cons.
“Generally we hear that people support them,” he said. “The key issue is when they are proposed on their neighbor’s property, and maybe between the neighbor’s property and view of the mountains, something of that nature.”
Luke said they won’t move forward with an ordinance until they hear from the public about any concerns, starting the public process with the county planning commission.
“That’s the process that I would favor, so the citizens would have the opportunity to comment on it,” he said.
After a proposal is drafted and debated before planning commissioners, commissioners will take up the issue again, to see if the public favors the idea, before moving forward.
The wind-power issues could be part of the ongoing update of the county’s overall land use plan – the first total rewrite in some 30 years – or it could be handled separately, Luke said.
