SB459 Summary

• Requires permit from local DeKalb County governing body (county commission or municipal council) before constructing, installing, or operating a wind energy conversion system for power resale purposes.

• Property must be appropriately zoned and systems must be certified by a licensed engineer with wind energy experience to meet good engineering practices and all building and electrical codes.

• Establishes design and safety requirements including manual and automatic overspeed controls, 40-decibel noise limit at property line, 2,500-foot encroachment buffer from adjacent properties, and unclimbable tower design with anti-climbing devices or fencing.

• Applicant must maintain $1,000,000 liability insurance plus financial assurance covering reclamation and removal costs; local governing body collects $1,000 permit fee plus all review costs including engineering, inspection, and attorney fees.

• Systems inactive for 365 consecutive days may be deemed abandoned and removed by operator; permit holder can request delay by proving system will become operable.