The city of Rancho Cucamonga has modified its development code to allow electricity-producing wind turbines to be erected on residential properties of one half acre or more.
In Rancho Cucamonga, properties designated as very low density have a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet and a maximum residential density of up to 2 units. Owners of such properties are now eligible to apply for a permit to construct a wind energy tower in such properties’ backyards, pursuant to setback requirements.
City officials said they have cleared the way for the towers, which in residential zones cannot stand any higher than 40 feet, to supplement energy sources and encourage the use of renewable and non-polluting means of meeting power needs.
The new code calls for freestanding 40-foot-high maximum towers to be free of guy wires, and utilize a color scheme that is non-reflective and presents no startling contrast from its surroundings. No more than one freestanding tower can be erected on a parcel. Up to two roof-mounted turbines can be attached to a structure if they reach no higher than 15 feet. Such systems are to remain functional, according to the redrafted city code, and if they fall into disuse for more than 12 months must be removed.
In specified industrial areas, land owners are permitted to erect up to two 80-foot high turbines per parcel.