The ZBA approved a setback distance for the towers of 2,000 feet and a height not to exceed 499 feet. ZBA Chair Andy Hedrick says the recommendations came from the Regional Planning Commission and indicates they rarely go against the RPC's recommendations.

 

 

With the adjustment to the ordinance, Hedrick speculates DeWitt County is now in the top end of setback distances for central Illinois. He says it was a balance trying to protect landowners who want the turbines on their property and those that do not.

 

 

The previous ordinance had no restrictions on turbine height and the turbines only had to be 1,500 feet from the nearest house. 

 

Hedrick says the ZBA's next big decision will come up when a wind farm proposal comes before them.

 

The proposed regulations now head to the DeWitt County Board for final approval on April 19.