March 2010

Interest in Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems has been steadily increasing across Iowa, and many cities have contemplated how to effectively implement these systems while still protecting the public health, safety and welfare of their community. Recently, two model ordinances have been drafted in an effort to assist cities in regulating this activity.

In 2009, House File 810 created the Small Wind Innovation Zone Program. As reported in the League's 2009 New Laws of Interest publication, HF810:

"Allows cities to create small wind innovation zones for the purposes of promoting small wind production within the city. Small wind producers are eligible for a tax credit. To qualify, a city must adopt a model ordinance. League and other interested parties are required to draft a model ordinance and make it available on the Web site." (Iowa Code Section 476.48.) The Small Wind Innovation Zone model ordinance is now available as a Microsoft Word document.

The Des Moines Metro Advisory Council also created a model ordinance that focuses on regulating small wind energy systems in an urban area. The MAC model wind ordinance.