The city of Cumberland, Maryland is prepping a new zoning text amendment to regulate wind turbines, primarily to create height restrictions on turbines over 150 ft. in height.
"David Umling, city planner, said the amendment was presented at the May 11 Planning Commission meeting.
'The city has no provisions for wind energy systems at all,' he said. 'The proposed changes would establish standards and requirements for small wind energy systems and a prohibition on large wind energy systems.'
The amendment states that small wind energy systems will have a rated maximum output of no more than 15 kilowatts of electricity for direct consumption; large systems are considered to have a rated maximum output over 15 kilowatts.
The amendment also says that the maximum height variance will not exceed 150 feet and, if a height variance is granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals, the board is allowed to impose additional landscaping requirements along the boundaries of the property."
FULL STORY: City drafts amendment for wind turbine zoning

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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