Proposed Updates to Pulaski County’s Wind Turbine Regulations Now Available for Review

Pulaski County has released the list of proposed changes to the county’s wind turbine regulations. The Pulaski County Advisory Plan Commission spent several months on the proposal, after residents expressed concern over a potential wind farm development.

If approved, the update would increase the minimum setback from nonparticipating properties to 3.5 times the turbine’s overall height or a quarter mile, which ever is greater. That’s an increase from 1.1 times the height currently. Turbines would also have to be placed farther away from roads, other rights of way, and incorporated towns. They would have to be at least six miles away from the Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area, and one mile from the Tippecanoe River.

The proposed update would also add a setback for airport runways, along with requirements for shadow flicker and drainage tile inspection. It would also tighten noise restrictions. Additionally, the proposal would create a Wind Energy Conversion Systems Overlay District, where wind turbines would be permitted. Regulations would also be increased for non-commercial wind energy systems and those shorter than 200 feet.

The amendments are being proposed as part of a larger update to the Pulaski County Unified Development Ordinance. It would also likely involve repealing the county’s rules on campaign signs, following concerns from the Pulaski County Election Board. Residents and candidates would still have to obey state and federal election laws.

The proposed changes to the Unified Development Ordinance can be found online. They were originally posted Tuesday but were then removed after county officials realized they had shared the wrong version. The correct proposal was then posted Friday.

Residents will have a chance to weigh in on the proposal during a public hearing before the plan commission. It will be held Monday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. EDT at the Star City Community Building at 2550 East Key Street.

Following the hearing, the plan commission will vote on the updates. They will then go to the county commissioners for final approval.