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09072010 Planning & Zoning Packet
Seward Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Packet September 7, 2010 Regular Meeting City Council Chambers Beginning at 7:30 p.m. Seward Planning & Zoning Commission Sandie Roach' Chair Term Expires 02113 Steven Heinrich Vice Chair Term Expires 02111 Frank DeMarco Commissioner Term Expires 02112 Tena Morgan Commissioner Term Expires 02113 Vacant Commissioner Term Expires 02112 Cindy Ecklund Commissioner Term Expires 02111 Vacant Commissioner Term Expires 02113 Phillip Oates City Manager Christy Terry Community Development Director Donna Glenz Associate Planner Dwayne Atwood COm/Dev. Admin Assistant Regular Meetin 1. Call to Order 2. Opening Ceremony A. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll Call 4. Special Reports & Presentations A. City Administration Report B. Other Reports, Announcements & Presentations 5. Citizens' Comments on any subject except those items scheduled for public hearing. [Those who have signed in will be given the first opportunity to speak Time is limited to 2 minutes per speaker and 30 minutes total time for this agenda item] 6. Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda. [Approval of Consent Agenda passes all routine items indicated by asterisk (*). Consent Agenda items are not considered separately unless a Commissioner so requests. In the event of such a request, the item is returned to the Regular Agenda.] Planning and Zoning Commission September 7, 2010 1 Regular Meeting Agenda 7. Public Hearings [Limit comments to 5 minutes. Those who have signed in will be given the first opportunity to speak] A. Unfinished Business Items requiring a Public Hearing — None B. New Business Items requiring a Public Hearing 1. Resolution 2010-10 of the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission, granting a Conditional Use Permit to Paul Tougas, dba Seward Information Center to Construct and Operate Kenai Fjords Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park and Winter Storage, on Lots 1, 4, And 5 Block 7, Oceanview Subdivision, located at 1115 Fourth Avenue, within the Auto CommercialZoning District............................................................. Page 4 2. Resolution 2010-11 of the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Seward, Alaska, recommending amending Seward City Code Title 15 Section 15.10.140 Definitions to allow accessory buildings on adjacent lots of the principal building or use served ....................... Page 19 3. Resolution 2010-12 of the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission, Recommending City Council Amend Various Portions of Title 15.20 Signsof the Seward City Code ....................................................... Page 24 4. Resolution 2010-13 of the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission, Recommending Adding Section 15.10.245 Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) to the Seward City Code establishing a process and standards for the siting, construction, and operation of Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) as permitted secondary uses and amending Seward City Code Title 15, Land Uses Allowed Table 15.10.225 to allow WECS in the RR, Rl, R2, R3, UR, OR, AC, HC, CB, I, RM, INS and P ZoningDistricts.............................................................................. Page 32 8. Unfmished Business — None 9. New Business — A. Set Topic for September 21, 2010 Work Session as "Continued Review of Title 15, Development Requirements and Land Uses AllowedTables"......................................................................................... Page 74 * B. August 3, 2010 Regular Meeting Minutes ................................................ Page 75 10. Informational Items and Reports (No action required) - Planning and Zoning Commission September 7, 2010 FA Regular Meeting Agenda A. Alaska Railroad Corporation Newsletter ................................................ Page 80 B. Camping Letter to Red's Burgers............................................................ Page 84 C. Vehicles in Public Right -of -Way Letter to William B. Morrell ............. Page 86 D. June — July 2010 NFIP/CRS Update........................................................ Page 88 E. Seward Summit Invitation and Draft Agenda ........................................ Page 96 11. Commission Comments 12. Citizens' Comments [Limit to S minutes per individual — Each individual has one opportunity to speak] 13. Commissions and Administration Response to Citizens' Comments 14. Adjournment Planning and Zoning Commission September 7, 2010 3 Regular Meeting Agenda Sponsored by: Applicant CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2010-10 A RESOLUTION OF THE SEWARD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO PAUL TOUGAS, DBA SEWARD INFORMATION CENTER TO CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE KENAI FJORDS RECREATIONAL VEHICLE (RV) PARK AND WINTER STORAGE, ON LOTS 1, 4, AND 5 BLOCK 7, OCEANVIEW SUBDIVISION, LOCATED AT 1115 FOURTH AVENUE, WITHIN THE AUTO COMMERCIAL ZONING DISTRICT WHEREAS, Paul Tougas dba as Seward Information Center, has applied for a Conditional Use Permit from the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission to construct and operate Kenai Fjords Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park and Outdoor Winter Storage on Lots 1, 4 and 5, Block 7, Oceanview subdivision; and WHEREAS, Lots 1, 4 and 5, Block 7, Oceanview Subdivision are located within the Auto Commercial District, to the north of Van Buren between Third and Fourth Avenues at 1115 Fourth Avenue; and WHEREAS, according to the Seward City Code, Land Uses Allowed Table 15.10.225, RV Parks and Outdoor Winter Storage are allowed in the Auto Commercial District by Conditional Use Permit; and WHEREAS, members of the public have inquired and supported the operation of a privately owned and operated RV Park within the City; and WHEREAS, the exact layout and site plan for the RV Park has not yet been determined; however the site plan and life safety inspections shall be reviewed and approved during the permitting process; and WHEREAS, having complied with the public notification process, on September 7, 2010 the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission held the required public hearing on the Conditional Use Permit application. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission that: Section 1. In accordance with SCC § 15.10.320 (D), the Planning and Zoning Commission has reviewed the applicant's request for a CUP to construct and operate a Camper Park and 4 Seward Planning and Zoning Commission Resolution No. 2010-10 Page 2 of 4 Outdoor Winter Storage within the Auto Commercial District on Lots 1, 4 and 5, Block 7, Oceanview Subdivision, and made the following Findings of Fact: 1. The use is consistent with the purpose of this chapter (the Seward Zoning Code) and the purposes of the zoning district. Finding: This condition has been established. The property is located within the Auto Commercial Zoning District (AC). Camper parks and Outdoor Winter Storage are allowed in the Auto Commercial Zoning District by Conditional Use Permit. The Auto Commercial Zoning District provides an area to accommodate highway -oriented commercial activities and uses requiring substantial outdoor activity. Operating a Camper Park and Outdoor Winter Storage is consistent with the other uses in the Auto Commercial Zoning District. 2. The value of adjoining property will not be significantly impaired Finding: This condition has been established or shall be through the conditions. The neighboring property to the North is within the Harbor Commercial Zoning District and contains the City owned parking lot. The two parcels adjoining to the South are both zoned Auto Commercial and privately owned, one is the lease site of Red's Burger Bus and the other contains the parking lot for the Saltwater Safari Hotel. The parcels to the East across Fourth Avenue contain the Harbor Lights Apartments and are zoned Harbor Commercial. To the West is the City owned Lagoon on the North which is zoned Park and two privately owned parcels to the South, one of which contains Al's Patty Wagon, both are zoned Auto Commercial. There is no indication the requested RV Park and Outdoor Winter Storage area will negatively impact the value of any of adjoining properties. 3. The proposed use is in harmony with the Seward Comprehensive Plan. Finding: This Condition has been met. The proposal is in harmony with the Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Plan (1999) in that both plans encourage growth of year-round business. This project is also supported by the Small Boat Harbor Management Plan. The availability of an RV park in close proximity to the Small Boat Harbor enhances commercial uses within the neighboring Harbor Commercial Zoning District. The Small Boat Harbor Management Plan (1993) recommends that commercial uses allowed in the Small Boat Harbor to be targeted to those that strengthen and enhance the Small Boat Harbor as a center for marine/tourist conveniences. 4. Public Services and facilities are adequate to serve the proposed use. Finding: This condition shall been met. All water, sewer, and electric power are available within the adjacent Rights -of -way. The applicant has stated the RV Park will provide full hook-ups. The applicant has met with the Public Works and Electric Departments to start the process for the needed improvements. Suitable refuse collection is available. 5. The proposed use will not be harmful to the public safety, health or welfare. 5 Seward Planning and Zoning Commission Resolution No. 2010-10 Page 3 of 4 Finding: This condition has been established or shall be through the conditions. There is no evidence an RV Park or Outdoor Winter Storage area within the Auto Commercial zoning district will cause any additional concerns to public safety, health or welfare. Adequate fire, police and solid waste disposal services are available to the property. Bear resistant trash receptacles are available and required by the conditions. A recreational vehicle park leased and operated by another company was located on the same parcels for many years with no increase to public safety, health or welfare. The applicant shall be required to obtain an annual Seward business license and Camper Park permit, which requires an annual life safety inspection of the area. 6. Any and all specific conditions deemed necessary by the commission to fulfill the above -mentioned conditions shall be met by the applicant, These may include but are not limited to measures relative to access, screening, site development, building design, operation of the use and other similar aspects related to the proposed use. Based on the above findings and conclusions, approval of the CUP shall be subject to the following conditions: 1. The use of Lots 1, 4 and 5, Block 7 as an RV Park and Outdoor Winter Storage shall meet all Seward City Code requirements for a Camper Park within the Seward City Code. 2. Approved bear resistant trash containers shall be provided. 3. A City of Seward Sign Permit is required prior to the placement of any signs. 4. The Planning and Zoning Commission may modify this conditional use permit if changed uses no longer conform to the standards and legal requirements justifying its present approval, or if the permittee applies for a modification to meet a different development plan that conforms to the standards and legal requirements for approval of a conditional use permit. 5. Any proposed modification plan shall be subject to the public notice and public hearing requirements of law, which shall occur only after payment of the filing fee established by resolution of the city council. Section 2. The Planning and Zoning Commission finds the proposed use, subject to the above conditions satisfies the criteria for granting a conditional use permit provided the conditions listed in Section 1, Subsection 6 are met by the applicant, and authorizes the administration to issue a conditional use permit to Paul Tougas, to construct and operate Kenai Fjords RV Park and allow Outdoor Winter Storage on Lots 1, 4 and 5, Block 7, Oceanview Subdivision within the Auto Commercial Zoning District. Section 3. The Planning and Zoning Commission finds that adherence to the conditions of this permit is paramount in maintaining the intent of Seward City Code Section 15.10.320; Conditional Use Permits, and authorizes the administration to issue a conditional use permit. In., Seward Planning and Zoning Commission Resolution No. 2010-10 Page 4 of 4 Additionally, the administration shall periodically confirm the use conforms to the standards of its approval. Section 4. This resolution shall take effect 10 days following its adoption. PASSED AND APPROVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission this 7 h day of September 2010. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: VACANT: Two ATTEST: Jean Lewis, CMC City Clerk (City Seal) 7 THE CITY OF SEWARD Sandie Roach', Chair P&Z Agenda Statement Meeting Date: September 7, 2010 Through: Christy Terry, Community Development Directo From: Donna Glenz, Associate Planner 41&11�r Agenda Item: Resolution 2010- 10 Granting a Conditional Use Permit To Paul Tougas, dba Seward Information Center to Construct and Operate Kenai Fjords Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park and Winter Storage, on Lots 1, 4, and 5 Block 7, Oceanview Subdivision, Located at 1115 Fourth Avenue, Within the Auto Commercial Zoning District BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION: Applicant Paul Tougas of Seward Information Center has applied for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to construct and operate Kenai Fjords Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park and Winter Storage on Lots 1, 4 and 5, Block 7, Oceanview Subdivision. The RV Park entrance is located at 1115 Fourth Avenue within the Auto Commercial Zoning District. Both the RV Camper Park and Outdoor Storage are allowed by CUP within the Auto Commercial Zoning District, as per Seward City Code (SCC) Land Uses Allowed Table 15.10.225. The Auto Commercial District is defined as follows in the SCC§15.05.025. Land use districts (8) Intended to provide areas to accommodate highway -oriented commercial activities such as offices, certain institutional uses, and limited personal services and retail uses requiring substantial outdoor activity, traffic and parking, and which also serve the offices and nearby residential areas, and which do not materially detract from nearby residential areas. SURROUNDING LAND USE AND ZONING: The neighboring property to the North is within the Harbor Commercial Zoning District and contains the City owned South Public Parking Lot. The two parcels adjoining to the South are both zoned Auto Commercial and privately owned, one is the lease site of Red's Burger Bus and the other contains the parking lot for the Saltwater Safari Hotel. The parcels to the East across Fourth Avenue contain the Harbor Lights Apartments and are zoned Harbor Commercial. To the West, on the north end is the City owned Lagoon which is zoned Park and there are two privately owned parcels to the South, one of which contains Al's Patty Wagon and the other is vacate, both are zoned Auto Commercial, Floodplain status: According to the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map, the majority of this property is not located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). There is a drainage easement and SFHA noted for the Fish Ditch which is located on the north end of the parcels. Utilities: 0 Planning and Zoning Agenda Statement Resolution 2010-10 Page 2 of I Water, Sewer and Electric are currently available within the abutting rights -of -way. The applicant has met with all the appropriate departments regarding the availability of the utilities. The lots are also serviced by developed streets. Staff comments have included the need for a Camper Park permit, which includes an annual life safety inspection. Adequate fire, police and trash services are available. Seward participates in the Bear Safe Community program and staff recommends the use of bear resistant trash receptacles. Parking. This project is to provide parking for recreational vehicles. Consistency Checklist: Yes No NA Comprehensive Plan (2020) X _ 3.2.1 Promote residential and commercial development within the city of Seward in accordance with community values. (page 19) Promote expansion and development of local entrepreneurial businesses. (page 16) Strategic Plan (1999) X This plan recommends adjusting local development regulations where appropriate to encourage development that is consistent with the economic base vision (pg 5). Small Boat Harbor Management Plan (1993) X This plan states that commercial uses allowed in the Small Boat Harbor should be targeted to those that strengthen and enhance the Small Boat Harbor as a center for marine/tourist convenience uses and that do not detract from downtown's roles as the community's traditional consumer shopping and services center. Note: While this project is not located within the Harbor Commercial District it does abutting the Harbor Commercial District and will provide a convenient area for recreational vehicles to camp and tourist to visit the Harbor area. Property owners within three hundred (300) feet of Lots 1, 4 and 5. Block 7, Oceanview were notified of this proposed conditional use permit action. Public notice signs were posted on the property, and all other public hearing requirements of Seward City Code § 15. 01.040 were complied with. At this time of publication of this report, staff has received no public comments. If any comments are received after this publication, they will be presented as a lay down to the Commission and the public at the September 7, 2010 meeting. RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS: 1. The use of Lots 1, 4 and 5, Block 7 as an RV Park and Outdoor Winter Storage shall meet all Seward City Code requirements for a Camper Park within the Seward City Code. ti� Planning and Zoning Agenda Statement Resolution 2010-10 Page 3 of 3 2. Approved bear resistant trash containers shall be provided. 3. A City of Seward Sign Permit is required prior to the placement of any signs. 4. The Planning and Zoning Commission may modify this conditional use permit if changed uses no longer conform to the standards and legal requirements justifying its present approval, or if the permittee applies for a modification to meet a different development plan that conforms to the standards and legal requirements for approval of a conditional use permit. 5. Any proposed modification plan shall be subject to the public notice and public hearing requirements of law, which shall occur only after payment of the filing fee established by resolution of the city council. RECOMMENDATION: The Community Development Department staff recommends approval of Resolution 2010-10 granting a Conditional Use Permit to Paul Tougas, dba Seward Information Center to construct and operate Kenai Fjords Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park and Winter Storage, on Lots 1, 4, and 5 Block 7, Oceanview Subdivision, located at 1115 Fourth Avenue, within the Auto Commercial Zoning District. 10 G CITY OF SEWARD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE P.O. Box 167 • Seward, Alaska 99664 (907) 224-4048 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION This completed application is to be submitted to the Community Development Department no later than three (3) weeks in advance of the next regularly scheduled Planning and Zoning Commission meeting held the first Tuesday of each month. The application must be accompanied by the $250.00 filing fee; and if property is already developed, an as -built survey prepared by a surveyor registered in the State of Alaska; or scaled site and elevation plans for undeveloped land. APPLICANT INFORMATION Applicant: Address:Telephone No.: Property Owner (if other than applicant):r�r Address: `TO— ox --t3 �79 Telephone No.: 7 Z y — &f71'r PROPERTY DESCRIPTION Address: kP Lot Block Subdivision Land Use Plan Designation: DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL INFORMATION A. What structures are located on the property? B. What is the existing use of the property? C. What is the proposed use of the property D. What is your development time schedule? CUP PERMIT 71199 12 Lot Size: (acresf/rR Tax Parcel No. - - Zoning Designation: 1 of 3 G E. Prior to the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission granting a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), it shall be established that the use satisfies the following conditions (SCC § 15.10.320) : The applicant hereby alleges that: 1. The use is consistent with the purpose of the Seward Zoning Code and the purposes of the zoning district: 2. The. value of the adjoining property will not be significantly impaired: 3. The proposed use is in harmony with the Seward Comprehensive Plan: 4. Public services and facilities are adequate to serve the proposed use: 5. The proposed use will not be harmful to the public safety, health or welfare: Any and all specific conditions deemed necessary by the commission to fulfill the above - mentioned conditions shall be met by the applicant. These may include but are not limited to measures relative to access, screening, site development, building design, operation of the use and other similar aspects related to the proposed use. CUP PERMIT 11 /99 13 2of3 C F. Include building elevation plans and a site plan, drawn to scale. The site plan should include: a) property dimensions; b) location and dimensions of existing and planned buildings; c) parking configuration; d) driveways/access; e) natural features; and f) other pertinent information. I hereby certify that the above statements and other information submitted are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge, and that 1, as applicant, have the following legal interest in the property: ( 1 Owner of record; ( I Lessee; { } Contract Purchaser; ( } Authorized to act for a person who has the following legal interest: I also understand that this item will be scheduled for action only if all application materials are submitted not less than three weeks in advance of the next regularly scheduled Planning and Zoning Commission meeting held the first Wednesday of each month. Applicant's Signature: Property Owner's Signature Enclosed: Fee: $250 ( ) Site Plan ( ) Elevation Plans ( } Location Map ( ) Other ( ) CUP PERM17 11199 14 G 3of3 Appendix to the City of Seward Community Development Conditional Use Permit Applicant Information Applicant: Paul Tougas Address: PO BOX 2207 Seward Ak, 99664 Tel #: 907 4910008 Property Owner: Tom Tougas Address: PO BOX 3572 Seward, Ak 99664 Property Description Address: 1115 4th ave. Lot Size: Lot:4 Block:7 Subdivision:Oceanview Land use designation: Auto commercial Development Proposal Information Tax Parcel: 14727003,1472002, 14727005 Zoning designation: Auto commercial Structures located on the property: A legacy civil defense building is the only standing structure on the property. Built to house generators and transmitting equipment, it's current use if for dry storage. An attempt was made to demolish this building in 2009 but the structure was too substantial for equipment located in Seward. Existing use of the property: The lot is currently used for day parking. Until] two years ago the lot was uses for RV parking as the Kenai Fjords RV park. Under this management the park had been set up with twice the number of spaces as this the current plan. The KF park had not been maintained adequately for several years and had fallen into disrepair. When we took back control of the lot the existing electrical and water system had to be removed. At that time the City parking lots had gone to $10 and the decision was made to use the lot provisionally as parking at a rate of $5. Since that time the City parking rate has been reduced to $5 making day parking within this lot uneconomical. Proposed use of the property: We propose to revamp the park for use as a premium RV park for short, medium stay visitors. The park will offer'full hookups' e.g. water, sewer, power as well as wifi internet. While there is a substantial amount of RV parking within Seward there are several segments of the RV consumer base that are not being catered to. The hookups, location, reservation ability and permitted duration of stay longer than 14 days this park should be well received. Development time schedule: The facilities are proposed to be completed and functioning for the early summer season of 2011. 15 E. 1. The use of this property an RV park is consistent with the Auto Commercial designation of the property and of the adjoining lot designation of Harbor Commercial . 2. The value of adjoining property will not be significantly impaired by this project as it will increase the appeal, traffic and economic value of this area. The owners of Red's Burger are excited to have this built- in clientele. Saltwater Safaris, which owns the other adjoining property may benefit from much of the infrastructure investment necessary for this project. 3. This use is in harmony with the Seward Comprehensive Plan as this project will support harbor business district and Seward small boat harbor use and commerce. Signatures on application. 16 Lot Plan 3.1 LotA Block:7 Subdivision: Oceanview v C m c Third Ave. Fourth Ave. Sponsored by: Planning and Zoning Commission CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2010-11 A RESOLUTION OF THE SEWARD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, RECOMMENDING THE SEWARD CITY COUNCIL AMEND SEWARD CITY CODE §15.10.140 DEFINITIONS, ACCESSORY BUILDINGS TO ALLOW ACCESSORY BUILDINGS ON ADJACENT LOTS OF THE PRINCIPAL BUILDING OR USE SERVED WHEREAS, members of the public have requested a code change to allow for the construction of single-family accessory structures on an adjacent lot; and WHEREAS, allowing the construction of accessory buildings on adjacent lots under the same ownership may promote additional orderly development in Seward by removing a barrier for both residential and commercial improvement; and WHEREAS, the public notification process has been complied with. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Seward and Planning Zoning Commission that: Section 1. The Commission recommends Ordinance 2010-_, attached and incorporated herein by reference, be forwarded to City Council for approval. Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. PASSED AND APPROVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission this 7t' day of September, 2010. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: 19 THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA Sandie Roach', Chair Sponsored by: Planning and Zoning Commission CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2010- AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, AMENDING SEWARD CITY CODE TITLE 15 SECTION 15.10.140 DEFINITIONS TO ALLOW ACCESSORY BUILDINGS ON ADJACENT LOTS OF THE PRINCIPAL BUILDING OR USE SERVED WHEREAS, members of the public have requested a code change to allow for the construction of single-family residential accessory structures on an adjacent lot; and WHEREAS, the current code does not allow for the construction of accessory buildings on an adjacent lot without first replatting the parcels, but SCC 12.01.030 allows single-family residences to be constructed across platted property lines; and WHEREAS, allowing the construction of accessory buildings on adjacent lots under the same ownership may promote additional orderly development in Seward by removing a barrier for both residential and commercial improvement; and WHEREAS, allowing the construction of accessory buildings on adjacent lots may provide additional benefit for the general welfare of Seward's residents; and WHEREAS, following newspaper publication for two weeks and written notice displayed in three public places, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing at its September 7, 2010 meeting and recommended City Council [approval] [rejection] of a proposed Zoning Code amendment; and WHEREAS, the certified minutes and public records of the Planning and Zoning Commission proceedings have been provided to the City Council. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF SEWARD ORDAINS that: Section 1. The Seward City Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Seward City Code 15.10.140. — Definitions is hereby amended as follows (Strikethroughs = deletions and are bold, Underline = additions and are bold): (b) Specific definitions. In this chapter, unless otherwise provided or the context otherwise requires: Accessory building. A detached structure that: (1) Is clearly incidental to and customarily found in connection with a principal building or use; 20 City of Seward Ordinance 2010-XX Page 2 of 2 (2) Is subordinate to and serves a principal building or use; (3) Is subordinate in area, extent or purpose to the principal building or use served; (4) Contributes to the comfort, convenience or necessity of occupants, business or industry in the principal building or use served; and (5) Is located on the same or adjacent lot under the same ownership as the principal building or use served. An accessory building shall be considered to be a part of the main building when joined by a common wall or connected by a breezeway to the main building. Accessory building means any structure regardless of type of foundation or base support, including skid - mounted or other moveable structures. Section 2. The above recitals are incorporated herein by reference. Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect ten (10) days following enactment. ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, this th day of 2010. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTEST: Jean Lewis City Clerk 21 THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA Willard Dunham, Mayor (City Seal) P & Z Agenda Statement Meeting Date: September 7, 2010 jq�( From: Community Development Director Christy Terry Agenda Item: RECOMMENDING THE SEWARD CITY COUNCIL AMEND SEWARD CITY CODE TITLE 15 SECTION 15.10.140 DEFINITIONS TO ALLOW ACCESSORY BUILDINGS ON ADJACENT LOTS OF THE PRINCIPAL BUILDING OR USE SERVED BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION: Members of the public have requested a code change to allow for the construction of single-family accessory structures on an adjacent lot. Seward City Code (SSC) provides that the Planning and Zoning Commission shall hold a public hearing and forward written recommendations to the City Council before the Council amends or repeals any land use regulations, or changes zoning or land use boundaries. Administration supports and recommends the following code change (Strikethroughs = deletions and are bold, Underline = additions and are bold): Seward City Code 15.10.140. — Definitions (b) Specific definitions. In this chapter, unless otherwise provided or the context otherwise requires: Accessory building. A detached structure that: (1 ) Is clearly incidental to and customarily found in connection with a principal building or use; (2) Is subordinate to and serves a principal building or use; (3) Is subordinate in area, extent or purpose to the principal building or use served; (4) Contributes to the comfort, convenience or necessity of occupants, business or industry in the principal building or use served; and (5) Is located on the same or adiacent lot under the same ownership as the principal building or use served. An accessory building shall be considered to be a part of the main building when joined by a common wall or connected by a breezeway to the main building. Accessory building means any structure regardless of type of foundation or base support, including skid -mounted or other moveable structures. This code change would continue to subject accessory buildings to the development requirements in 22 the Seward City Code, but would remove the necessity for the property owner to vacate an interior lot line before constructing an accessory building on an adjacent lot under their ownership. Some examples of Seward Code requirements that would continue to be reviewed for compliance are: setbacks; use; allowed only in conjunction with a primary structure and use; building codes; fire codes; and height restrictions. Allowing the construction of accessory buildings on an adjacent lot under the same ownership may promote additional orderly development in Seward by removing a financial and process barrier for both residential and commercial improvement. The construction of accessory buildings on an adjacent lot may provide additional benefit for the general welfare of Seward's residents. Property values could potentially rise with additional development and businesses might be encouraged to expand their facilities. Basic research of other municipal codes across the nation shows a mix of communities allowing these accessory structures on adjoining lots and restricting their development to the same lot as the principle building. I was unable to discover a clear preference nationally for either the practice currently required in our code vs. the option before you tonight. Locally, Anchorage and other Kenai Peninsula Borough Communities that have adopted a Zoning Code only allow accessory buildings on the same lot as the principle building or use served. CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Comprehensive Plan (2020) Yes No X The Comprehensive Plan strongly supports the promotion of residential development within the City of Seward in accordance with community values. Additionally, the Plan calls for the Community to evaluate ordinance requirements and provide incentives for property owners that balance economic development with compatible design to insure amenities such as landscaping and adequate parking is provided. Strategic Plan (1999) X The Strategic Plan supports promoting Residential and Commercial Development inside the City. This includes encouraging construction of residential and seasonal housing at all market levels. The attached Ordinance has been submitted to the City Attorney for review and recommendation. Any attorney concerns and/or corrections have been included by staff. The Ordinance has also been reviewed by City Department Heads at a Project Meeting and any concerns and/or corrections have been included by staff. Staff has received no written comments from the public. RECOMMENDATION: The Community Development Department staff recommends the Commission approve Resolution 2010-11, recommending the City Council adopt the attached Ordinance to allow accessory buildings on adjacent lots of the principal building or use served. 23 Sponsored by: Staff CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2010-12 A RESOLUTION OF THE SEWARD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION, RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL AMEND VARIOUS PORTIONS OF TITLE 15.20 SIGNS OF THE SEWARD CITY CODE WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission has held numerous public work sessions to update the Seward City Code; and WHEREAS, the public notification process has been complied with. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission that: Section 1. The Commission recommends Council approve the attached Ordinance 2010- _, amending various portions of Title 15.20 Signs; and. Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. PASSED AND APPROVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission this 7th day of September 2010. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: VACANT: Two ATTEST: Jean Lewis, CMC City Clerk 24 THE CITY OF SEWARD Sandie Roach', Chair (City Seal) Sponsored by: Planning and Zoning Commission Introduction Date: Public Hearing Date: October Enactment Date: CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2010- AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, AMENDING VARIOUS PORTIONS OF SEWARD CITY CODE 15.20 SIGNS TO CHANGE, UPDATE AND ACCOMMODATE THE WISHES OF THE PUBLIC WHEREAS, the Seward City Sign Code has not been updated in over 10 years; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission held numerous public work sessions on Title 15 updates, July 6 and July 20, 2010 specifically addressed 15.20 Signs; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission wishes to respond to the concerns and requests of the public and promote economic growth; and WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to maintain a city code that reflects community needs; and WHEREAS, at its September 7, 2010 meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing and recommended City Council approval of the proposed Sign Code amendments. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF SEWARD ORDAINS that: Section 1. Seward City Sign Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Title 15.20 Signs is hereby amended as follows (Str-iketwes = deletions and are bold, Underline = additions and are bold Italic): 15.20.015. Definitions Flashing sign. A sign which contains an intermittent or sequential flashing light source. Does not inelude time and temperature ig 15.20.025. Requirements applicable to all signs. L. Freestanding signs are subject to the following limitations: 1. maximum height of 20 feet or the height of the building, whichever is less; 2. one per street front a parcel; 3. only allowed within front yards and or side yards which are adjacent to a street. D. Projecting signs (fin or right angle signs) are subject to the following limitations: 25 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2010- Page 2 of 3 1. one per pedestrian entrance; 2 maximum height of 20 feet or the height of the building, whichever is less; 3 shall not extend over a public sidewalk in excess of the width of the sidewalk; 4 shall maintain a clear vertical distance above the nearest grade by a minimum of 8 eet. 15.20.030. Signs allowed without permits. P. wall and freestanding murals which are purely decorative in nature and content, and do not include advertising by picture or verbal message; R. temporary signs for the purposes listed below which shall be removed upon completion of the activity or project denoted by the sign: 1. grand opening and sale signs may be posted for not more than 30 days; these signs may include banners, flags, pennants, ribbons, streamers, balloons or bubble machines. 15.20.035. Prohibited signs. F. portable signs, except sandwich boards provided that they do not exceed ten square feet per side and are located entirely on private property; H. flashing and animated signs; except time and temperature; and except open signs placed inside a window or on a building; I. any sign with incandescent lamp bulbs exposed to view, with or without internal or external reflectors; not to include neon signs as allowed in other sections of Title 15, 15.20.040 Sign standards by zoning district which require permits. B. Office residential, auto commercial, and industrial districts 2. For all permitted uses, or legal nonconforming uses, the combined square footage of signs shall not exceed one square foot per lineal foot of property street frontage, to a maximum of two hundred square feet per frontage Parcel. 5. Freestanding, projecting and marquee signs, if internally illuminated, shall not exceed thirty two square feet in area per side; otherwise, a maximum of fifty square feet per side is allowed (see § 15.20.025 L. or O for freestanding or proiecting sign limitations). C. Central business district. For all permitted or legal nonconforming uses, the following limitations shall apply: 1. Combined square footage of signs shall not exceed two square feet per lineal foot of street frontage, to a maximum of two hundred square feet per parcel 4. Projeeting signs, n}aFquee. Marquee signs and or projecting signs, which proiect over a public right-of-way may not extend farther toward the street than the marquee or the width of the sidewalk and may 26 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2010- Page 3 of 3 not exceed 25 square feet in area (see sections 15.20.030(k) for under -marquee signs, 15.20.025(o) for Projecting signs.) (d) Harbor commercial district. (1) Combined sqVfiFe footage of signs shall not eyeeed one square foot per lineal foot property fr 1. The following Property frontages may be combined at one square foot per lineal foot of frontage to a maximum of two hundred square feet ofsignage per parcel.• a. A street; b. The harbor basin; c. The public boardwalk; d. Where a building faces toward a street but does not abut it; or e. A public parking lot, to a maximum of two hundred square feet per &ontag-e. (4) Marquee or proiecting signs. which Project over a Public right-of-way may not extend farther toward the street than the marquee or the width of the sidewalk and may not exceed twenty rive square feet in area (see sections 15.20.030(A) for under -marquee signs. 15.20.025(0) for Projecting signs). Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect ten (10) days following enactment. ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, THIS DAY OF , 2010. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTEST: Jean Lewis, CMC City Clerk 27 THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA Willard Dunham, Mayor (City Seal) P&Z Agenda Statement Meeting Date: September 7, 2010 Through: Christy Terry, Community Director From: Donna Glenz, Associate Planner Agenda Item: Amending various portions of Seward City Code 15.20 Signs BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION: During the past two years the Planning and Zoning Commission has held numerous public work sessions reviewing Title 15 of the Seward City Code. The Commission has held two work sessions specifically in review of Section 15.20 Signs, July 6 and July 20, 2010. Subsequent to these work sessions the Commission requested staff bring forward a resolution setting forth changes described in the attached ordinance for approval and recommendation to Council. Although the Commission discussed the Sign Code thoroughly, there are two items which staff felt there was not clear consensus from the Commission. The first item is: 15.20.025. Requirements applicable to all signs, (k) No sign shall exceed the roofline of a building within any historic district. The second item is: 15.20.035. Prohibited signs. (o) Signs advertising a home -occupation There are several options for the Commission to address these two items of the code at this time. 1) do nothing and leave these two items in the code as they are currently written; thereby no change. 2) amend the current Ordinance on the floor before the Commission to remove either/or both items from the code completely or amend any portion thereof. 3) if the Commission chooses to delete the second item the Commission also must provide criteria for the allowed signage within the residential districts. A few of the areas the Commission must address are, how many, the size, the appearance/design, where the sign maybe located, illumination, motion and/or animation, height, freestanding, above the roofline and any other criteria for the sign(s). An example of a Code change might be: 15.20.040 Sign standards by zoning district which require permits. (A) Residential districts W. Page 2 of 2 (4) One non -illuminated identification sign, not exceeding six (6) square feet. CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Yes No NA Comprehensive Plan (2020) X _ Volume I, Community Appearance Goal: Goal: Improve the appearance of the entire community through increased landscaping, beautification and litter control efforts, through more attention to sign control and through promoting the preservation of Seward's historic architecture. Bullet 7, page 9: • Revision of the sign code ordinance Strategic Plan (1999) X The Strategic Plan also does not emphasize anything that would support or deny this action. The attached Ordinance has been submitted to the City Attorney for review and recommendation. The City Attorney approves as to form. Staff has received written comment from one member of the public which has been included in the packet. RECOMMENDATION: The Community Development Department staff recommends the Commission approve Resolution 2010-10, recommending the City Council adopt the attached Ordinance amending various portions of Seward City Code 15.20 Signs. 29 Public Comments submitted by Carol Griswold Notes on current sign code document: 15.20.015 Definitions: Off -premises sign (billboard) A billboard to me, generally implies a LARGE outdoor advertising sign, it is not the same as a sign that is off -premises. I suggest that "billboard" be deleted in the parentheses, and defined separately. "On -premises sign" should be in bold and underlined. Portable sign: Would this be a good place to say that people may not "wear" the signs? Snipe sign: add ...affixed to tree, fence, utility pole, BOARDWALK, STREET OR TRAFFIC SIGN, OR OTHER SUPPORT. Add STREET SIGN (Madison Street, etc) definition 15.20.025. Requirements applicable to all signs. I especially support: 15.20.025 (L 1) limiting the number of freestanding signs to ONE per PARCEL, and on either the front yard or side yard, not both. Also 15.20.040 (L2), limit of one per parcel, and (3) only front yards OR side yards (not both.) 15.20.030. Signs allowed without permits. This is good too: (p) wall and free-standing murals 15.20.030 (r) I am opposed to balloons for environmental reasons and especially bubble machines even if limited to 30 days. Very distracting. Given our limited enforcement, these "Grand Openings" generally last all summer. Seward is a very small town with very low speed limits. A Grand Opening without all the big -city bells and whistles will still be noticed. I don't think we need to allow flags, pennants, ribbons, streamers, balloons or bubble machines at all. A banner IS adequate. 15.20.035 Prohibited Signs (f) Portable signs: have you seen ANY sandwich board signs that are located entirely on private property? The majority of the ones I have seen are on public sidewalks, public ROWs, and even off -premises. Are they allowed off -premises under current code? If allowed, I don't think they should be allowed off -premises. Be careful allowing these; Homer is overrun with them on the Spit and they are causing problems. I think Seward would be fine WITHOUT them at all as they are not enforceable. IF we had enforcement, THEN we could probably handle them. 30 (h) I am opposed to flashing and animated signs even if they are placed inside a window and especially if placed on a building. Please do not allow this. It just escalates and enforcement is difficult enough. Seward is small enough, and the speed limit is so low, it is hard to miss anything. For easier understanding, put quotes around "open" as in "open" signs. More comments: Would this be the time to add a prohibition on PEOPLE carrying or wearing portable signs? A little girl near the highway was waving a sign advertising the newest transient espresso stand located on Three Bears' property by the Shell gas station. It was VERY distracting to drivers; I thought she might have been in trouble. And for the past year or more, a man wearing a house for sale sign has posted himself on city property east of the Post Office. It's distracting and annoying. There are better ways to advertise that conform with the intents of our sign code. Thank you for this opportunity to comment. I put a lot of time and effort into the existing sign code when I served on P&Z. I did not have time to review the Land Use Tables, but they are very important. Best, Carol Griswold Seward 31 Sponsored by: Staff CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2010-13 A RESOLUTION OF THE SEWARD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, RECOMMENDING ADDING SECTION 15.10.245 WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS (WECS) TO THE SEWARD CITY CODE ESTABLISHING A PROCESS AND STANDARDS FOR THE SITING, CONSTRUCTION, AND OPERATION OF WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS (WECS) AS PERMITTED SECONDARY USES AND AMENDING SEWARD CITY CODE TITLE 15, LAND USES ALLOWED TABLE 15.10.225 TO ALLOW WECS IN THE RR, R1, R2, R3, UR, OR, AC, HC, CB, I, RM, INS AND P ZONING DISTRICTS WHEREAS, following a Planning and Zoning work session on the subject of Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) the Commission requested an addition and amendment be made to the Zoning Code; and WHEREAS, this ordinance does not establish interconnection regulations, policies or procedures to allow WECS to connect to the Seward Electric Utility power grid; and WHEREAS, the public notification process has been complied with. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission that: Section 1. The Commission recommends Ordinance 2010-_, attached and incorporated herein by reference, be forwarded to City Council for approval. Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. PASSED AND APPROVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission this 7t' day of September, 2010. AYES: NOES: 32 THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA Sandy Roach', Chair Introduction Date: Public Hearing Date: Sponsored by: Planning and Zoning Commission CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2010- AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, ADDING SECTION 15.10.245 WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS (WECS) TO THE SEWARD CITY CODE ESTABLISHING A PROCESS AND STANDARDS FOR THE SITING, CONSTRUCTION, AND OPERATION OF WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS (WECS) AS PERMITTED SECONDARY USES AND AMENDING SEWARD CITY CODE TITLE 15, LAND USES ALLOWED TABLE 15.10.225 TO ALLOW WECS IN THE RR, RI, R2, R3, UR, OR, AC, HC, CB, I, RM, INS AND P ZONING DISTRICTS WHEREAS, there has been an increase in community interest in the installation of Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS); and WHEREAS, the use of WECS is not addressed in the Seward City Code; and WHEREAS, the City of Seward ("City") recognizes that wind energy may help lower costs, is a renewable source of energy and is desired as a supplemental land use. WECS may be advantageous where the systems are used primarily for lowering the carbon footprint and energy in support of the primary use of the property on which a system is located; and WHEREAS, the intent of this ordinance is to establish a process for locating and constructing WECS, along with standards for the construction and operation of such systems, where the systems are secondary uses to established principal uses and to amend the Seward City Code Land Uses Allowed Table to allow WECS in the RR, R1, R2, R3, UR, OR, AC, HC, CB, I, RM, INS and P districts; and WHEREAS, this ordinance does not establish interconnection regulations, policies or procedures to allow WECS to connect to the Seward Electric Utility power grid. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA HEREBY ORDAINS that: Section 1. Seward City Code Title 15 is hereby amended by adding a section 15.10.245 Wind Energy Conversion Systems as follows: 15.10.245. Wind Energy Conversion Systems. 33 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 20 10- Page 2 of 8 (a) Purpose. It is the purpose of this section to establish health and safety standards for small wind energy conversion systems (WECS) as defined in this Code, and to encourage the development of small wind energy systems. (b) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning: Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS). Any device or assemblage, which directly converts wind energy into usable thermal, mechanical, or electrical energy, including such devices as windmills and wind turbines, towers and supporting structures and such directly connected facilities as generators, alternators, inverters, batteries, and associated equipment. This system is designed as a secondary accessory use to existing principal uses and to existing buildings or facilities, wherein the energy generated is used primarily for consumption on the same or adjoining parcel on which it is located. Small Wind Energy Conversion System. A Wind Energy Conversion System that has a rated power capacity of not more than 100kW and is intended to produce energy primarily for on -site consumption, either instead of or as a supplement to public utility power. Total Height, Free Standing WECS. The distance measured from the preexisting natural grade to the highest point of any blade of the turbine. Total Height, Roof Mounted WECS. The distance measured from the building height to the highest point of any blade of the turbine. Wind Turbine. A device which converts the kinetic energy of the wind into a rotational energy transmitted through a drive train to a generator and where the generated power can be connected directly to the load or feed. (c) Approval Process. WECS are subject to a building permit under Seward City Code Chapter 12.05 Codes of Technical Regulation and a building permit shall be obtained prior to construction, installation or modification of the system. The Building Official shall review each building permit for compliance with the requirements of this section. The Building Official shall grant approval if he or she is satisfied that the standards of this section have been met, that the applicant has sized and sited the system to reduce impacts on surrounding properties to the maximum extent feasible, and that the WECS is not otherwise prohibited by law. The applicant shall provide the Building Official documentation that the WECS meet the requirements of this section, including: 34 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2010- Page 3 of 8 (1) A description of the project, including the maximum rated power output capacity of the WECS. (2) The make, model, an illustrative photograph or brochure, manufacturer's specifications including noise decibels data for the proposed WECS, Manufacturer's Guaranteed Maximum Sound Power Level in dBA re 1pW, the support structure and method of attachment to the ground and/or structure. (3) Foundation plans designed for the installation location of the WECS and be stamped by an engineer licensed in the State of Alaska. (4) Elevation drawing of the WECS showing total height, turbine dimensions, tower and turbine colors, distance between ground and lowest point of any blade, and if proposed, the location of ladders, climbing pegs, and access doors. (5) Site plans showing the installation location, including any related components, and the location of other structures, fences or retaining walls on the property. (6) For roof -mounted WECS, the owner must provide the City with certification from an engineer licensed in the State of Alaska that the roof is built to accommodate the system. (7) If the WECS is not certified as meeting the IEEE1547 standard (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers), then an assessment of potential electromagnetic interference with microwave, radio, television, personal communication systems and other wireless communication is required. (8) A visual impact analysis of the proposed WECS as installed, which shall include color photographs of the proposed site from at least three locations accurately depicting the existing conditions. A computerized photographic simulation, demonstrating any visual impacts from strategic vantage points, is desirable and may be required at the Building Official's discretion. The applicant shall indicate any visual screening proposed to be incorporated into the project that is intended to lessen the system's visual prominence. (9) Evidence of compliance with Federal Aviation Administration requirements. (d) Zoning and Lot Requirements. Monopole, guyed, lattice, vertical access and roof - mounted WECS are allowed outright as a secondary use in all zoning districts if they meet the following requirements and adhere to all requirements listed in this section. Only one WECS is permitted per lot in all zoning districts. 35 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2010- Page 4 of 8 (e) Development and Design Requirements. The requirements of this section shall apply to all WECS. (1) The turbine to be constructed as a component of the WECS must be approved by the Small Wind Certification Program recognized by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) or any other accredited organization such as the Small Wind Certification Council, National Wind Technology Certification Center, or the U.S. Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory or must be certified by a professional mechanical engineer licensed in the State of Alaska as a system that meets or exceeds industry safety standards for small wind energy systems. (2) The total height limitations for WECS for secondary use are as follows: a. Free Standing WECS. i.In RR, R1, R2, R3, UR, OR, AC, HC, CB and P, WECS are allowed as an outright use with a total height not to exceed 150 feet. ii.In I, RM and INS WECS with total height not exceeding 300 feet may be permitted. b. Roof -Mounted WECS. i. In all zoning districts WECS on buildings of 34 feet or less in total height, roof top WECS shall have a total height not to exceed 20 feet. c. Both Free Standing and Roof -Mounted WECS. i. Structures shall not interfere with Federal Aviation Administration Regulations on airport approaches. ii. In no case shall the total height of the WECS exceed manufacturer's specifications. (3) Minimum blade ground clearance in all zoning districts is fifteen feet (15'). (4) All portions of any WECS, including guy wires and other anchors, shall comply with the following setback standards unless otherwise specified: 36 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2010- Page 5 of 8 a. All WECS shall be setback from all property lines at least 1.1 times the height of the system, except that the setback from a lot edge abutting a lake or pond may be one half the total height of the system. b. All WECS shall be setback from all property lines so that noise generated by the system shall not exceed fifty decibels (50dB) at the closest property line to the system, as calculated with the following formula for a 6dB doubling decay curve: SS 10^((L,,,+L„+ Ls+-.5-50)/20) Where: SS Acoustic Setback Distance in Feet L,,,- Manufacturer's Guaranteed Maximum Sound Power Level, in dBA re 1pW Lu Uncertainty Factor = 5 L,- Safety Factor = 2 c. All WECS shall be located so that the principal structure is between the WECS and the front or side property line. d. All systems shall be setback at least 1.1 times the total height of the system from all overhead power and telecommunication lines, above ground electric and telecommunication equipment and any telecommunication towers. e. All portions of any WECS, including guy wires and other anchors, shall comply with the setback standards for the lot as shown on Table 15.10.220 Development Requirements. No part of the WECS may extend into any access or utility easements. (5) The rotating turbine shall not produce vibrations that are humanly perceptible beyond the property lines of the site exceeding fifty decibels (50dB). Those who violate this provision will be subject to the penalties and remedies found in Section 9.25.035. (6) All portions of the WECS shall be a non -reflective, non -obtrusive color, subject to the approval of the Community Development Department. The appearance of the turbines, towers and any other related components shall be maintained throughout the life of the WECS pursuant to industry standards. (7) All power and telemetry lines from the tower to any building or other structure shall be placed underground and an as -built indicating the locations will be provided to the Building Department. 37 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2010- Page 6 of 8 (8) No tower shall be illuminated unless required by a state or federal agency, such as the FAA. (9) No commercial advertisements, signs, or other messages shall be placed or painted on any portion of the WECS; except that a system's or tower's manufacturer's logo, inspection tags, the owner's emergency contact information and appropriate warnings as required by national, state and local laws may be displayed on a system generator housing in an unobtrusive manner. (10) WECS structure shall -be designed to prevent unauthorized external access to electrical and mechanical components and shall have access doors that are kept securely locked. No climbing pegs or tower ladders shall be located closer than 12 feet to the ground level at the base of the structure. (11) The installation of a WECS may not enlarge, increase or expand a nonconforming use or structure. (f) Maintenance. A WECS shall be erected and maintained plumb, level, and true and shall be repaired, painted, and maintained in accordance with this ordinance, any manufacturer's recommendations and instructions, manufacturer's and inspector's repair and maintenance schedules and with industry standards for WECS. The Building Official may order the repair or removal of any WECS that is not maintained in accordance with this section. The Building Official may also order that the WECS cease operating until satisfied that the WECS meets maintenance and operating standards. An inspection of the WECS components by a recognized Wind Turbine Inspection firm is required every 5 years and following a natural disaster. A tag indicating the firm and date of the last inspection must be displayed on the WECS. (g) Nuisances; Removal. (1) Any WECS that is not operated on a functional basis for a period of twelve (12) months is hereby declared, unlawful, abandoned, and a public nuisance. In addition to other remedies provided by this Title, the nuisance may be restrained, enjoined, or otherwise abated by the City. (2) Demolition permits are required before a person removes a WECS. The permit shall require the entire system be removed (foundations to below natural grade, collection, connection, and transmission equipment) and disposed of properly at the owner's sole expense. (h) Enforcement; Abatement. 38 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2010- Page 7 of 8 (1) Failure to maintain a WECS is a violation of this Title. (2) The City may issue an enforcement order under Chapter 9.20 Public Nuisances for the repair or removal of any WECS that is not operated on a functional basis for a period of twelve (12) months or where the WECS becomes a hazard to the safety of persons or property. (3) Where the system presents no immediate hazard to health or safety, the owner shall repair or remove the system within fifteen (15) days of receipt of notification of the enforcement order. Upon agreement in writing that the owner will comply with an enforcement order to repair or remove the system if allowed additional time, the City may grant an extension of time within which to abate the public nuisance, if the City determines that such an extension of time will not create or perpetuate a situation dangerous to life or property. If the WECS is not operational or is not removed after fifteen (15) days from the date of notification of the enforcement order, or after the time of any extension provided, the City may remove the system at the owner's expense. (4) Where the City identifies an immediate health or safety hazard, and when the owner or other person responsible for the system is either not available to immediately remedy the hazard or refuses to remedy the hazard, the City may enter upon the property and disconnect, dismantle, or otherwise remove any WECS. The City shall attempt to notify any owner or other person responsible for the system of such action within forty-eight (48) hours. For purposes of this section, notice is effective the earlier of posting the notice on the property, personal delivery, or upon receipt, if sent by certified mail. (5) The costs and expenses incurred by the City in abatement of any health and/or safety hazard or of any nuisance as defined in Section 15.10.245 (h) shall be chargeable to the owner and/or may be collected in a civil action by the City. (6) A person aggrieved by an enforcement order may appeal under SCC 15.10.410. Section 2. Title 15 Seward City Code Table 15.10.225 Land Uses Allowed is hereby amended as follows: (items in BOLD and ITALIC are added to table) 39 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2007-08 Page 8 of 8 Zoning districts: Principally Residential Principally Commercial Principally Public RR R1 R2 R3 UR OR AC HC CB I RM INS P Uses Wind Energy O O O O O O O O O O O O O Conversion Systems (WECS) Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect ten (10) days following its enactment. ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, THIS DAY OF 2010. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTEST: Jean Lewis, CMC City Clerk (City Seal) 40 THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA Willard Dunham, Mayor P&Z Agenda Statement Meeting Date: September 7, 2010 From:: Community Development Director Christy Terr Agenda Item: Adding Section 15.10.245 Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) to the Seward City Code and Amending Table 15.10.225. Land Uses Allowed to Allow WECS in the RR, R1, R2, R3, UR, OR, AC, HC, CB, I, RM, INS and P Zoning Districts BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION: In response to several public inquiries and requests to allow wind energy conversion systems (WECS) development throughout the City of Seward, a proposed Wind Energy Conversion Systems code addition and proposed code change to the Land Uses Allowed Table § 15.10.225 has been drafted. Attached for the Planning and Zoning Commission review and recommendation to Council is Resolution 2010-13 and a proposed Ordinance change. This proposed Code change would establish a process and standards for the siting, construction, and operation of WECS and allow WECS in the RR, R1, R2, R3, UR, OR, AC, HC, CB, I, RM, INS and P Zoning Districts as permitted secondary uses. Currently, the Seward City Code does not address WECS. Developing Zoning and Development Requirements for these units is important to the orderly development of our community and may provide additional benefit for the general welfare of Seward's residents. These proposed code changes WILL NOT establish interconnection regulations, policies or procedures to allow WECS to connect to the Seward Electric Utility power grid. Until interconnection regulations are adopted by Council, this proposed ordinance will ONLY allow for stand-alone systems (systems not connected to the utility grid) that could require batteries to store excess power generated for use when the wind is calm. The Seward Electric Utility Employees continue to develop future code requirements, policies and procedures, but many of the interconnection requirements are complicated and critical because they deal with life safety. In addition to their concerns about the safety of our citizens and line workers, the Electric Utility is tasked with protecting the Utility's infrastructure. While the current goal of the Electric Utility is to allow for future interconnection as a possibility, there is no assurance that the technical concerns for safety and power quality will ever be resolved to the Utility's satisfaction, and therefore, there is no guarantee that interconnection will ever be approved by Council. While the Seward Electric Utility continues to move carefully forward with their piece of the required regulations, Community Development is proposing to insure Zoning and Development requirements are in place to allow stand-alone systems and for the future possibility that WECS could connect to the utility grid. At this time there is at least one stand-alone system moving forward with construction by the end of this year. Community Development is requesting direction, in the form of this resolution and proposed ordinance, from the Commission and Council to insure to compliance with the Community's desires. 41 Planning and Zoning Agenda Statement Page 2 of 6 In response to questions from the Planning and Zoning Commission generated during the work sessions and subsequent meetings, further explanations are being included on key aspects of the proposed ordinance. Total Height Free Standing WECS: According to the Forest Service, the approximate height of trees in the Forest Acres area is about 105 feet. Using this tree height we are proposing the total height of free standing WECS not exceed 150 feet. A general rule of thumb is to install a wind turbine on a tower with the bottom of the rotor blades at least 30 feet above obstructions within about a 300 foot radius. This proposed height is slightly over that recommendation to also include an average blade height of 10 feet and to support the desire for increased efficiency due to a high rate of return with increased tower height. Please keep in mind, that while WECS of this height could be allowed, they would still have to meet all other code requirements, including the setback ratio of 1.1. Based on a minimum 1.1 setback from the property line, a 150 foot WECS would require a minimum lot size of 2.5 aces. Earlier drafts included a shorter total height of 80 feet in a Residential District, but allowed much taller WECS with a Conditional Use Permit. Using the above explanation for justifying the height simplifies the process and recognizes that the acoustic setback and setback ratio will play a larger role in the actual height of the WECS as opposed to the height restrictions themselves. Roof Mounted WECS: Roof Mounted WECS are engineered to be much shorter and smaller than Free Standing Units because of the physical demands placed on the building. Roof WECS are also utilized with smaller lots and would still have to meet the 1.1 setback ratio. Insurance Those who install WECS need to discuss adding coverage for the structure with their homeowner's insurance company. Other communities have stated that insurance for WECS can be added to existing homeowner, farm or business policies as an "appurtenant" (uninhabited) structure and not require a separate policy. WECS Inspections Section (f) Maintenance of the proposed WECS ordinance states "An inspection of the WECS components by a recognized Wind Turbine Inspection firm is required every 5 years and following a natural disaster." We have received some general quotes from private certified inspectors that average $150 per hour plus travel expenses from Anchorage. Individual residents or businesses who have WECS on their premises could form a group to divide expenses for an inspector, which is similar to what people do for septic pumping services. 42 Planning and Zoning Agenda Statement Page 3 of 6 Property Values There is no data that indicates property values are negatively affected by WECS. There are some arguments on the internet that the presence of WECS increases neighboring property values and that a potential home owner would be willing to pay more for a home with alternative technology. Any potential negative impacts to surrounding property owners are being mitigated with the regulations in the proposed ordinance. Noise Seward has already experience turbine noise complaints when the Borough installed small turbines as power backup systems for our emergency warning sirens. Many communities have been searching for a process to accurately measure the noise production of WECS prior to installation. Many of the specification sheets for the WECS include information on the decibels produced by the units, but do not include the corresponding data of where the decibel reading is observed. The formula included in the proposed ordinance was developed by an acoustical engineer hired by the Town of Phillips, Maine, in conjunction with the development of their Wind Energy Ordinance. The basic explanation of the formula is as follows: Sound is characterized by small pressure fluctuations overlaying atmospheric pressure, but the human ear doesn't respond linearly to the amplitude of sound pressure. In actuality, doubling the amplitude produces the sensation of a louder noise, but it doesn't seem twice as loud. Because of this principle, the scale used to characterize sound pressure is logarithmic. The formula below that was included in the ordinance was based on accepted principles of sound (6dB doubling decay curve) and includes our requirement that the decibel level at the property line be 50 dB. SS 10A((L,,, +Lu+ L,+-.5-50)/20) Where: Ss- Acoustic Setback Distance in Feet L,, Manufacturer's Guaranteed Maximum Sound Power Level, in dBA re 1 pW L„ Uncertainty Factor = 5 Ls- Safety Factor = 2 Once the WECS is installed, any questions regarding the sound level at the property line can be measured with a meter. Additional noise could be caused if the WECS isn't functioning normally or if there is unusual weather conditions. An additional requirement is included in the ordinance to address noise levels after the WECS is installed. Birds and Bats 43 Planning and Zoning Agenda Statement Page 4 of 6 Birds and bats occasionally collide with wind turbines, as they do with other tall structures such as buildings. There have been many studies and repots examining this subject and there are conflicting reports both in print and on the internet. Much of the research focuses on `Wind Farms' and their larger cumulative effects. This proposed ordinance only allows one WECS per parcel. A report completed by the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative contained the following bar graph. Can$$ of Bird Fatalities iierlar 19,�irialtUas Source: Erickson, et.al, 2002. Summary of Anthropogenic Causes of Bird Mortality Wind Eneray Conversion System Code Exuerts from Alaskan Communities Please see below for some experts from other Alaska Communities on adopted height and setback restrictions. The entire codes were provided at an earlier work session and we can provide again upon request. Anchorage Municipal Code • On buildings of 60 feet or less in height, building mounted WECS shall be no taller than 10 feet • On buildings over 60 feet in height, building mounted WECS shall be set back from the structure edge by at least two feet for every one foot of height greater than 10 feet • In no instance shall a small WECS exceed 95 feet in height • All WECS shall be setback from all property lines at least 1.1 times the height of system, except that the setback from a lot edge abutting a lake or pond may be one half the height of the system 44 Planning and Zoning Agenda Statement Page 5 of 6 • All systems shall be setback at least 1.1. times the height of the system from all overhead power and telecommunication lines, and any telecommunications towers • The height of Utility wind energy conversion systems shall not exceed 450 feet City of Kenai • Total height of the systems in a Residential District cannot exceed 80 feet • Total height in the Heavy Industrial District may not exceeding 300 feet may be permitted; total height exceeding 300 feet requires a conditional use permit • Total height in all other districts not exceeding 150 feet may be permitted; total height exceeding 150 feet requires a conditional use permit • Total height limitation near the Kenai Municipal Airport matches recommendations outlined in the Kenai Airport Master Plan Homer • A small wind energy system may be installed only on a lot having an area not less than one acre • The distance from a small wind energy system to the closest property line may not be less than 1.1 times its total height Valdez Municipal Code • "Commercial Wind Energy System" means a wind energy conversion system consisting of a wind turbine, a tower, and associated control and conversion electronics with a rated capacity of more than 100 Kilowatts and exceeding 170 feet in total height • "Small Wind Energy System" means a wind energy conversion systems used to generate electricity at a rated capacity of less than 100 kilowatts and whose total height is less than 170 feet and whose primary intent is to reduce onsite consumption of utility power • The minimum setback between the Small Wind Energy System and property line shall be 1.1 times its total height. CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Where applicable, this resolution is consistent with the Seward City Code, Charter, Comprehensive Plans, Land Use Plans, Strategic Plan and City Council Rules of Procedures. ATTORNEY AND STAFF REVIEW: The attached Ordinance has been submitted to the City Attorney for review and recommendation. Any attorney concerns and/or corrections have been included by staff. The Ordinance has also been reviewed by City Department Heads at a Project Meeting and any concerns and/or corrections have 45 Planning and Zoning Agenda Statement Page 6 of 6 been included by staff. The Electric Utility would like to have it clearly stated that this proposed ordinance will not allow interconnection to the Seward Electric Utility Grid. The Electric Utility Director has a general concern that the passage of this ordinance is misleading to the public regarding the current status of interconnection. Community Development has tried to address those concerns with language in the proposed ordinance, Resolution 2010-13 and this agenda statement. RECOMMENDATION: Commission approve Resolution 2010-13, recommending the City Council add Section 15.10.245 Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) to the Seward City Code and Amend Table 15.10.225. Land Uses Allowed to Allow WECS in the RR, R1, R2, R3, UR, OR, AC, HC, CB, I, RM, INS and P Zoning Districts. 46 Small Wind Electric Systems 0 Consumer's Guide t s \1 US. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Bringing you a pfosperous fuhiro where enorgy is clean, abundant, reliable. and affordable Location —A home in Charlotte, Vermont Capacity-10 kilowatts Turbine manufacturer —Bergey Windpower Company Photo credit —Trudy Forsyth, NREUPIX09123 Location — Wales Wind Energy Project, Wales, Alaska Capacity — 0.1 M W Turbine manufacturer —Atlantic Orient Corporation Developer — Kotzebue Electric Association Photo credit — Steve Drouilhet, NREUPIX09674 Capacity-10 kilowatts Turbine manufacturer —Bergey Windpower Company Photo credit —Bergey Windpower Company, NREUPIX02102 Location —A ranch near Wheeler, Texas Capacity-1 kilowatt Turbine manufacturer —Southwest WindPower Photo Credit —Elliott Bayly/PIX07169 Location — A farm in western Kansas Capacity —10 kilowatts Turbine manufacturer — Bergey Windpower Company Photo credit — Warren Gratz, NREUPIX09618 Location —A cabin in South Park, Colorado Capacity-600 watt Turbine manufacturer —Southwest WindPower Photo credit—E. McKenna, NREUPIX04712 Small Wind Electric A U.S. Consumer's Guide Introduction Can I use wind energy to power my home? This question is being asked across the country as more people look for affordable and reliable sourc- es of electricity. Small wind electric systems can make a significant contribution to our nation's energy needs. Although wind turbines large enough to provide a significant portion of the electricity needed by the average U.S. home gen- erally require one acre of property or more, approximately 21 million U.S. homes are built on one -acre and larger sites, and 24% of the U.S. population lives in rural areas. A small wind electric system will work for you if: • There is enough wind where you live • Tall towers are allowed in your neighborhood or rural area • You have enough space • You can determine how much electricity you need or want to produce • It works for you economically. The purpose of this guide is to pro- vide you with the basic information about small wind electric systems to help you decide if wind energy will work for you. Why Should I Choose Wind? Wind energy systems are one of the most cost-effective home - based renewable energy systems. Depending on your wind resource, a Homeowners, ranchers, and small businesses can use wind - generated electricity to reduce their utility bills. This grid - connected system installed for a home in Norman, Oklahoma, reduces the homeowner's utility bill by $100 per month. Contents 49 small wind energy system can lower your electricity bill by 507o to 90%, help you avoid the high costs of extending utility power lines to remote locations, prevent power interruptions, and it is nonpolluting. How Do Wind Turbines Work? Wind is created by the unequal heat- ing of the Earth's surface by the sun. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in wind into mechanical power that runs a generator to produce clean electricity. Today's turbines are versatile modular sources of electricity. Their blades are aero- dynamically designed to capture the maximum energy from the wind. The wind turns the blades, which spin a shaft connected to a generator that makes electricity. First, How Can 1 Make My Home More Energy Efficient? Before choosing a wind system for your home, you should consider reducing your energy consumption by making your home or business more energy efficient. Reducing your energy consumption will signifi- cantly lower your utility bills and will reduce the size of the home -based renewable energy system you need. To achieve maximum energy effi- ciency, you should take a whole - building approach. View your home as an energy system with interrelated parts, all of which work synergisti- cally to contribute to the efficiency of the system. From the insulation in your home's walls to the light bulbs in its fixtures, there are many ways to make your home more efficient. • Reduce your heating and cooling needs by up to 307o by investing just a few hundred dollars in proper insulation and weatherization products. 50 The largest portion of a utility bill for a typical house is for heating and cooling. • Save money and increase comfort by properly maintaining and upgrading your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. • Install double -paned, gas -filled windows with low -emissivity (low-e) coatings to reduce heat loss in cold climates and spectrally selective coatings to reduce heat gain in warm climates. • Replace your lights in high -use areas with fluorescents. Replacing 25% of your lights can save about 50% of your lighting energy bill. • When shopping for appliances, look for the ENF,RGY STAR© label. ENERGY STAR® appliances have been identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy as being the most energy -efficient products in their classes. • For more information on how to make your home energy efficient, see Energy Savers in the For More Information section. Is Wind Energy Practical for Me? A small wind energy system can provide you with a practical and economical source of electricity if: • your property has a good wind resource • your home or business is located on at least one acre of land in a rural area • your local zoning codes or covenants allow wind turbines • your average electricity bills are $150 per month or more • your property is in a remote location without easy access to utility lines • you are comfortable with long-term investments. Zoning Issues Before you invest in a wind energy system, you should research poten- tial obstacles. Some jurisdictions, for example, restrict the height of the structures permitted in residentially zoned areas, although variances are often obtainable. Most zoning ordi- nances have a height limit of 35 feet. You can find out about the zoning restrictions in your area by calling the local building inspector, board of supervisors, or planning board. They can tell you if you will need to obtain a building permit and provide you with a list of requirements. In addition to zoning issues, your neighbors might object to a wind machine that blocks their view, or they might be concerned about noise. Most zoning and aesthetic concerns can be addressed by supplying objec- tive data. For example, the ambient noise level of most modern residential wind turbines is around 52 to 55 deci- bels. This means that while the sound of the wind turbine can be picked out of surrounding noise if a conscious effort is made to hear it, a residential - sized wind turbine is no noisier than your average refrigerator. 51 3 In Clover Valley, Minnesota. this 3-kW Whisper H175 turbine on a 50-foot tower is connected to the utility grid to offset the farm's utility - supplied electricity. This 1-kW Whisper turbine provides direct AC power for the water pump for stock tanks on a ranch in Wheeler, Texas. What Size Wind Turbine Do I Need? The size of the wind turbine you need depends on your application. Small turbines range in size from 20 watts to 100 kilowatts (kW). The smaller or "micro" (20- to 500-watt) turbines are used in a variety of applications such as charging batteries for recreational vehicles and sailboats. One- to 10-kW turbines can be used in applications such as pumping water. Wind energy has been used for centu- ries to pump water and grind grain. Although mechanical windmills still provide a sensible, low-cost option for pumping water in low -wind areas, farmers and ranchers are finding that wind -electric pumping is a little more versatile and they can pump twice the volume for the same initial investment. In addition, mechanical windmills must be placed directly above the well, which may not take the best advantage of available wind resources. Wind -electric pumping systems can be placed where the wind resource is the best and connected to the pump motor with an electric cable. 52 Turbines used in residential applica- tions can range in size from 400 watts to 100 kW (100 kW for very large loads), depending on the amount of electricity you want to generate. For residential applications, you should establish an energy budget to help define the turbine size you will need. Because energy efficiency is usually less expensive than energy produc- tion, making your house more energy efficient first will probably be more cost effective and will reduce the size of the wind turbine you need (see How Can I Make My Home More Energy Efficient?). Wind turbine manufacturers can help you size your system based on your electricity needs and the specifics of local wind patterns. A typical home uses approximately 10,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of elec- tricity per year (about 830 kWh per month). Depending on the average wind speed in the area, a wind tur- bine rated in the range of 5 to 15 kW would be required to make a signifi- cant contribution to this demand. A 1.5- kW wind turbine will meet the needs of a home requiring 300 kWh per month in a location with a 14- mile-per-hour (6.26-meters-per-sec- ond) annual average wind speed. The manufacturer can provide you with the expected annual energy output of the turbine as a function of annual average wind speed. The manufac- turer will also provide information on the maximum wind speed at which the turbine is designed to operate safely. Most turbines have automatic overspeed-governing systems to keep the rotor from spinning out of control in very high winds. This information, along with your local wind speed and your energy budget, will help you decide which size turbine will best meet your electricity needs. What are the Basic Parts of a Small Wind Electric System? Home wind energy systems gener- ally comprise a rotor, a generator or alternator mounted on a frame, a tail (usually), a tower, wiring, and the "balance of system" components: controllers, inverters, and/or batter- ies. Through the spinning blades, the rotor captures the kinetic energy of the wind and converts it into rotary motion to drive the generator. Wind Turbine Most turbines manufactured today are horizontal axis upwind machines with two or three blades, which are usually made of a composite material such as fiberglass. The amount of power a turbine will produce is determined primarily by the diameter of its rotor. The diameter of the rotor defines its "swept area," or the quantity of wind intercepted by the turbine. The turbine's frame is the structure onto which the rotor, genera- tor, and tail are attached. The tail keeps the turbine facing into the wind. Tower Because wind speeds increase with height, the turbine is mounted on a tower. In general, the higher the tower, the more power the wind system can produce. The tower also raises the turbine above the air turbulence that can exist close to the ground because of obstructions such as hills, buildings, and trees. A general rule of thumb is to install a wind turbine on a tower with the bot- tom of the rotor blades at least 30 feet (9 meters) above any obstacle that is within 300 feet (90 meters) of the tower. Relatively small investments in increased tower height can yield very high rates of return in power produc- tion. For instance, to raise a 10-kW Basic Parts of a Small Wind Electric System Rotor Generator/ Tail alternator Tower generator from a 60-foot tower height to a 100-foot tower involves a 10% increase in overall system cost, but it can produce 29% more power. There are two basic types of tow- ers: self-supporting (free standing) and guyed. Most home wind power systems use a guyed tower. Guyed towers, which are the least expensive, can consist of lattice sections, pipe, or tubing (depending on the design), and supporting guy wires. They are easier to install than self-supporting tow- ers. However, because the guy radius must be one-half to three-quarters of the tower height, guyed towers require enough space to accommodate them. Although tilt -down towers are more expensive, they offer the con- sumer an easy way to perform Tilt -down towers maintenance on smaller light -weight provide easy turbines, usually 5 kW or less. maintenance for turbines. 53 A Bergey X1.10, 10-kW wind turbine is part of a grid -connected wind' !photovoltaic hybrid system that reduces the utility power used by this home in Vermont. The balance of system (upper right) includes from left to right, a Trace inverter for the PV system, a breaker box. and a Powersync inverter for the wind system. Tilt -down towers can also be low- ered to the ground during hazard- ous weather such as hurricanes. Aluminum towers are prone to cracking and should be avoided. Most turbine manufacturers provide wind energy system packages that include towers. Mounting turbines on rooftops is not recommended. All wind turbines vibrate and transmit the vibration to the structure on which they are mounted. This can lead to noise and structural problems with the building, and the rooftop can cause excessive turbulence that can shorten the life of the turbine. Balance of System The parts that you need in addition to the turbine and the tower, or the balance of system parts, will depend on your application. Most manufac- turers can provide you with a system package that includes all the parts you need for your application. For exam- ple, the parts required for a water pumping system will be much differ- 54 application, the balance of system parts may include a controller, storage batteries, a power conditioning unit (inverter), and wiring. Some wind turbine controllers, inverters, or other electrical devices may be stamped by a recognized testing agency, like Underwriters Laboratories. Stand -Alone Systems Stand-alone systems (systems not connected to the utility grid) require batteries to store excess power gener- ated for use when the wind is calm. They also need a charge controller to keep the batteries from overcharging. Deep -cycle batteries, such as those used for golf carts, can discharge and recharge 80% of their capacity hundreds of times, which makes them a good option for remote renewable energy systems. Automotive batteries are shallow -cycle batteries and should not be used in renewable energy systems because of their short life in deep -cycling operations. Small wind turbines generate direct current (DC) electricity. In very small systems, DC appliances operate directly off the batteries. If you want to use standard appliances that use con- ventional household alternating cur- rent (AC), you must install an inverter to convert DC electricity from the batteries to AC. Although the inverter slightly lowers the overall efficiency of the system, it allows the home to be wired for AC, a definite plus with lenders, electrical code officials, and future homebuyers. For safety, batteries should be iso- lated from living areas and electron- ics because they contain corrosive and explosive substances. Lead -acid batteries also require protection from temperature extremes. Grid -Connected Systems In grid -connected systems, the only additional equipment required is a power conditioning unit (inverter) that makes the turbine output electri- cally compatible with the utility grid. Usually, batteries are not needed. What Do Wind Systems Cost? Installation costs vary greatly depend- ing on local zoning, permitting, and utility interconnection costs. According to the American Wind Energy Association, small wind energy systems cost from $3,000 to $5,000 for every kilowatt of generating capacity. This is much cheaper than solar electric systems, but the payback period can still be lengthy. Wind energy becomes more cost effec- tive as the size of the turbine's rotor increases. Although small turbines cost less in initial outlay, they are proportionally more expensive. The cost of an installed residential wind energy system with an 80-foot tower, batteries, and inverter typically ranges from $15,000 to $50,000 for a 3- to 10-kW wind turbine. Although wind energy systems involve a significant initial invest- ment, they can be competitive with conventional energy sources when you account for a lifetime of reduced or avoided utility costs. The length of the payback period —the time before the savings resulting from your system equal the cost of the system itself —depends on the system you choose, the wind resource on your site, electricity costs in your area, and how you use your wind system. For example, if you live in California and have received the 501jo buydown of your small wind system, have net metering, and an average annual wind speed of 15 miles per hour (mph) (6.7 meters per second [m/ s]), your simple payback would be approximately 6 years. 55 k Southwest Nindpower Air 303,300-watt urbine is the sole source of electricity or this remote some in northern lrizona. Small wind turbines like this 10-kW Bergey XL.10 provide electricity for home, farm, and ranch applications. Things to Consider When Purchasing a Wind Turbine Once you determine you can install a wind energy system in compliance with local land use requirements, you can begin pricing systems and compo- nents. Comparatively shop for a wind system as you would any major pur- chase. Obtain and review the product literature from several manufacturers. As mentioned earlier, lists of manu- facturers are available from AWEA, (see For More Information), but not all small turbine manufacturers are members of AWEA. Check the yellow pages for wind energy system dealers in your area. Once you have narrowed the field, research a few companies to be sure they are recognized wind energy businesses and that parts and service will be available when you need them. You may wish to contact the Better Business Bureau to check on the company's integrity and ask for 56 references of past customers with installations similar to the one you are considering. Ask the system owners about performance, reliability, and maintenance and repair requirements, and whether the system is meeting their expectations. Also, find out how long the warranty lasts and what it includes. Where Can I Find Installation and Maintenance Support? The manufacturer/dealer should be able to help you install your machine. Many people elect to install the machines themselves. Before attempt- ing to install your wind turbine, ask yourself the following questions: • Can I pour a proper cement foundation? • Do I have access to a lift or a way of erecting the tower safely? • Do I know the difference between AC and DC wiring? • Do I know enough about electricity to safely wire my turbine? • Do I know how to safely handle and install batteries? If you answered no to any of the above questions, you should probably choose to have your system installed by a system integrator or installer. Contact the manufacturer for help or call your state energy office and local utility for a list of local system installers. You can also check the yel- low pages for wind energy system service providers. A credible installer will provide many services such as permitting. Find out if the installer is a licensed electrician. Ask for references and check them out. You may also want to check with the Better Business Bureau. Although small wind turbines are very sturdy machines, they do require some annual maintenance. Bolts and electrical connections should be checked and tightened if necessary. The machines should be checked for corrosion and the guy wires for proper tension. In addition, you should check for and replace any worn leading edge tape on the blades, if appropriate. After 10 years, the blades or bearings may need to be replaced, but with proper installation and maintenance, the machine should last up to 20 years or longer. If you do not have the expertise to maintain the machine, your installer may provide a service and mainte- nance program. How Much Energy Will My System Generate? Most U.S. manufacturers rate their turbines by the amount of power they can safely produce at a particular wind speed, usually chosen between 24 mph (10.5 m/s) and 36 mph (16 in/ s). The following formula illustrates factors that are important to the performance of a wind turbine. Notice that the wind speed, V, has an exponent of 3 applied to it. This means that even a small increase in E �5 d � 04 `63 cc wind speed results in a large increase in power. That is why a taller tower will increase the productivity of any wind turbine by giving it access to higher wind speeds as shown in the Wind Speeds Increase with Height graph. The formula for calculating the power from a wind turbine is: Power = k CP 1/ 2 p A V3 Where: P = Power output, kilowatts CP = Maximum power coefficient, ranging from 0.25 to 0.45, dimension less (theoretical maximum = 0.59) p = Air density, lb / ft3 A = Rotor swept area, ft2 or n Dz/4 (D is the rotor diameter in ft, n = 3.1416) V = Wind speed, mph k = 0.000133 A constant to yield power in kilowatts. (Multiplying the above kilowatt answer by 1.340 converts it to horse- power [i.e.,1 kW =1.340 horsepower]). The rotor swept area, A, is important because the rotor is the part of the turbine that captures the wind energy. Relative Size of Small Wind Turbines 57 Source: Paul Gipe, Wind Energy Basics Air Density Change with Elevation 10,000 9,000 8,000 7,000 0 5,000 5,000 w 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 70 75 80 85 90 95 Density change compared to sea level, % 100 So, the larger the rotor, the more energy it can capture. The air density, p, changes slightly with air tempera- ture and with elevation. The ratings for wind turbines are based on standard conditions of 590 F (150 C) at sea level. A density correction should be made for higher elevations as shown in the Air Density Change with Elevation graph. A correction for temperature is typically not needed for predicting the long-term perfor- mance of a wind turbine. Although the calculation of wind power illustrates important features about wind turbines, the best mea- sure of wind turbine performance is annual energy output. The difference between power and energy is that power (kilowatts [kW]) is the rate at which electricity is consumed, while energy (kilowatt-hours [kWh]) is the quantity consumed. An estimate of the annual energy output from your wind turbine, kWh/year, is the best way to determine whether a particular wind turbine and tower will produce enough electricity to meet your needs. A wind turbine manufacturer can help you estimate the energy production you can expect. They will use a cal- culation based on the particular wind turbine power curve, the average annual wind speed at your site, the RN height of the tower that you plan to use, and the frequency distribution of the wind -an estimate of the number of hours that the wind will blow at each speed during an average year. They should also adjust this calcula- tion for the elevation of your site. Contact a wind turbine manufacturer or dealer for assistance with this calculation. To get a preliminary estimate of the performance of a particular wind tur- bine, use the formula below. AEO = 0.01328 Dz V3 Where: AEO = Annual energy output, kWh/year D = Rotor diameter, feet V = Annual average wind speed, mph The Wind Energy Payback Period Workbook found at www.nrel.gov/ wind / does / spread_Sheet-Final.xls is a spreadsheet tool that can help you analyze the economics of a small wind electric system and decide whether wind energy will work for you. The spreadsheet can be opened using Microsoft Excel 95 software. It asks you to provide information about how you're going to finance the system, the characteristics of your site, and the properties of the system you're considering. It then provides you with a simple payback estimation in years. If it takes too long to regain your capi- tal investment —the number of years comes too close or is greater than the life of the system —wind energy will not be practical for you. Is There Enough Wind on My Site? Does the wind blow hard and con- sistently enough at my site to make a small wind turbine system economi- cally worthwhile? That is a key ques- tion and not always easily answered. The wind resource can vary signifi- cantly over an area of just a few miles because of local terrain influences on the wind flow. Yet, there are steps you can take that will go a long way towards answering the above question. As a first step, wind resource maps like the one on pages 12 and 13 can be used to estimate the wind resource in your region. The highest average wind speeds in the United States are generally found along seacoasts, on ridgelines, and on the Great Plains; however, many areas have wind resources strong enough to power a small wind turbine economically. The wind resource estimates on this map generally apply to terrain features that are well exposed to the wind, such as plains, hilltops, and ridge crests. Local terrain features may cause the wind resource at a specific site to differ con- siderably from these estimates. More detailed wind resource information, including the Wind Energy Resource Atlas of United States, published by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), can be found at the National Wind Technology Center Web site at www. nrel.gov/wind/ and the DOE Wind Powering America Web site at www. windpoweringamerica.gov. Another way to indirectly quantify the wind resource is to obtain average wind speed information from a nearby airport. However, caution should be used because local terrain influences and other factors may cause the wind speed recorded at an airport to be different from your particular location. Airport wind data are generally measured at heights about 20-33 ft (6-10 m) above ground. Average wind speeds increase with height and may be 15%-25 Jo greater at a typical wind turbine hub -height of 80 ft (24 m) than those measured at airport anemometer heights. The National Climatic Data Center collects data from airports in the United States and makes wind data summaries available for purchase. Summaries of wind data from almost 1000 U.S. airports are also included in the Wind Energy Resource Atlas of the United States (see For More Information). Another useful indirect measurement of the wind resource is the observa- tion of an area's vegetation. Trees, especially conifers or evergreens, can be permanently deformed by strong winds. This deformity, known as "flagging," has been used to estimate the average wind speed for an area. For more information on the use of flagging, you may want to obtain 150 120 o, 90 CD t a� 0 60 30 59 Wind Speeds Increase with Height 0 41 75 100 124 Increase in wind power, % M. Flagging, the effect of strong winds on area vegetation, can help determine area wind speeds. A Siting Handbook for Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems (see For More Information). Direct monitoring by a wind resource measurement system at a site pro- vides the clearest picture of the avail- able resource. A good overall guide on this subject is the Wind Resource Assessment Handbook (see For More Information). Wind measurement systems are available for costs as low as $600 to $1200. This expense may or may not be hard to justify depending on the exact nature of the proposed small wind turbine system. The mea- surement equipment must be set high enough to avoid turbulence created by trees, buildings, and other obstruc- tions. The most useful readings are those taken at hub -height, the eleva- tion at the top of the tower where the wind turbine is going to be installed. If there is a small wind turbine sys- tem in your area, you may be able to obtain information on the annual output of the system and also wind speed data if available. 61 How Do I Choose the Best Site for My Wind Turbine? You can have varied wind resources within the same property. In addition to measuring or finding out about the annual wind speeds, you need to know about the prevailing directions of the wind at your site. If you live in complex terrain, take care in selecting the installation site. If you site your wind turbine on the top of or on the windy side of a hill, for example, you will have more access to prevailing winds than in a gully or on the lee- ward (sheltered) side of a hill on the same property. In addition to geologic formations, you need to consider existing obstacles such as trees, houses, and sheds, and you need to plan for future obstructions such as new buildings or trees that have not reached their full height. Your turbine needs to be sited upwind of build- ings and trees, and it needs to be 30 feet above anything within 300 feet. You also need enough room to raise and lower the tower for maintenance, Obstruction of the Wind by a Building or Tree of Height (H) 2H 01 20H and if your tower is guyed, you must allow room for the guy wires. Whether the system is stand-alone or grid -connected, you will also need to take the length of the wire run between the turbine and the load (house, batteries, water pumps, etc.) into consideration. A substantial amount of electricity can be lost as a result of the wire resistance —the lon- ger the wire run, the more electric- ity is lost. Using more or larger wire will also increase your installation cost. Your wire run losses are greater when you have direct current (DC) instead of alternating current (AC). So, if you have a long wire run, it is advisable to invert DC to AC. Can I Connect My System to the Utility Grid? Small wind energy systems can be connected to the electricity distribu- tion system and are called grid - connected systems. A grid -connected wind turbine can reduce your con- sumption of utility -supplied electric- ity for lighting, appliances, and electric heat. If the turbine cannot deliver the amount of energy you need, the utility makes up the differ- ence. When the wind system produces more electricity than the household requires, the excess is sent or sold to the utility. Grid -connected systems can be practi- cal if the following conditions exist: • You live in an area with average annual wind speed of at least 10 mph (4.5 m/s) • Utility -supplied electricity is expensive in your area (about 10 to 15 cents per kilowatt-hour) • The utility's requirements for connecting your system to its grid are not prohibitively expensive • There are good incentives for the sale of excess electricity or for the purchase of wind turbines. Federal regulations (specifically, the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, or PURPA) require utilities to connect with and purchase power from small wind energy systems. However, you should contact your utility before connecting to their dis- tribution lines to address any power quality and safety concerns. Your utility can provide you with a list of requirements for connecting your sys- tem to the grid. The American Wind Energy Association is another good source for information on utility interconnection requirements. The A The farther you place your wind turbine from obstacles such as buildings or trees, the less turbulence you will encounter. A grid -connected wind turbine can reduce your consumption of utility -supplied electricity. ra following information about utility grid connection requirements was taken from AWEA's Web site. For more detailed information, visit www awea.org/ or contact AWEA (see For More Information). Net Metering The concept of net metering programs is to allow the electric meters of cus- tomers with generating facilities to turn backwards when their generators are producing more energy than the customers' demand. Net metering allows customers to use their genera- tion to offset their consumption over the entire billing period, not just instantaneously. This offset would enable customers with generating facilities to receive retail prices for more of the electricity they generate. Net metering varies by state and by utility company, depending on whether net metering was legis- lated or directed by the Public Utility Commission. Net metering programs all specify a way to handle the net excess generation (NEG) in terms of payment for electricity and/or length of time allowed for NEG credit. If the net metering requirements define NEG on a monthly basis, the consum- er can only get credit for their excess that month. But if the net metering rules allow for annual NEG, the NEG credit can be carried for up to a year. 63 Most of North America gets more wind in the winter than in the sum- mer. For people using wind energy to displace a large load in the summer like air-conditioning or irrigation water pumping, having an annual NEG credit allows them to produce NEG in the winter and be credited in the summer. Safety Requirements Whether or not your wind turbine is connected to the utility grid, the installation and operation of the wind turbine is probably subject to the electrical codes that your local gov- ernment (city or county), or in some instances your state government, has in place. The government's principal concern is with the safety of the facility, so these code requirements emphasize proper wiring and installa- tion and the use of components that have been certified for fire and electrical safety by approved testing laboratories, such as Underwriters Laboratories. Most local electrical codes requirements are based on the National Electrical Code (NEC), which is published by the National Fire Protection Association. As of 1999, the latest version of the NEC did not have any sections specific to the installation of wind energy facilities' consequently wind energy installa- tions are governed by the generic provisions of the NEC. If your wind turbine is connected to the local utility grid so that any of the power produced by your wind tur- bine is delivered to the grid, then your utility also has legitimate concerns about safety and power quality that need to be addressed. The utility's principal concern is that your wind turbine automatically stops deliver- ing any electricity to its power lines during a power outage. Otherwise line workers and the public, thinking that the line is "dead," might not take normal precautions and might be hurt or even killed by the power from your turbine. Another concern among utilities is whether the power from your facility synchronizes property with the utility grid and it matches the utility's own power in terms of volt- age, frequency, and power quality. A few years ago, some state govern- ments started developing new standardized interconnection require- ments for small renewable energy generating facilities (including wind turbines). In most cases, the new requirements are based on consen- sus -based standards and testing pro- cedures developed by independent third -party authorities, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and Underwriters Laboratories. Interconnection Requirements Most utilities and other electricity providers require you to enter into a formal agreement with them before you interconnect your wind turbine with the utility grid. In states that have retail competition for electricity service (e.g., your utility operates the local wires, but you have a choice of electricity provider) you may have to sign a separate agreement with each company. Usually these agreements are writ- ten by the utility or the electricity provider. In the case of private (inves- tor -owned) utilities, the terms and conditions in these agreements must be reviewed and approved by state regulatory authorities. Insurance Some utilities require small wind turbine owners to maintain liability insurance in amounts of $1 million or more. Utilities consider these require- ments necessary to protect them from liability for facilities they do not own and have no control over. Others consider the insurance requirements excessive and unduly burdensome, making wind energy uneconomic. In the 21 years since utilities have been required to allow small wind systems to interconnect with the grid, there has never been a liability claim, let alone a monetary award, relating to electrical safety. In seven states (California, Georgia, Maryland, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Washington), laws or regulatory authorities prohibit 64 rhis grid - connected, 10-kW Bergey wind turbine offsets electrical power consumption for a small business in Norman, Oklahoma. utilities from imposing any insurance requirements on small wind sys- tems that qualify for "net metering." In at least two other states (Idaho, Virginia), regulatory authorities have allowed utilities to impose insurance requirements but have reduced the required coverage amounts to levels consistent with conventional residen- tial or commercial insurance policies (e.g., $100,000 to $300,000). If your insurance amounts seem excessive, you can ask for a reconsideration from regulatory authorities (in the case of private investor -owned utilities) or the utility's governing board (in the case of publicly owned utilities). Indemnification An indemnity is an agreement between two parties in which one agrees to secure the other against loss or damage arising from some act or some assumed responsibility. In the context of customer -owned generat- ing facilities, utilities often want customers to indemnify them for any potential liability arising from the operation of the customer's generating 65 facility. Although the basic principle is sound —utilities should not be held responsible for property dam- age or personal injury attributable to someone else —indemnity provi- sions should not favor the utility but should be fair to both parties. Look for language that says, "each party shall indemnify the other ..." rather than "the customer shall indemnify the utility..." Customer Charges Customer charges can take a variety of forms, including interconnection charges, metering charges, and standby charges. You should not hesitate to question any charges that seem inappropriate to you. Federal law (Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, or PURPA, Section 210) prohibits utilities from assessing dis- criminatory charges to customers who have their own generation facilities. Hybrid Power Systems Combine multiple sources to deliver non -intermittent electric power t Can 1 Go "Off -Grid"? Hybrid Systems Hybrid wind energy systems can provide reliable off -grid power for homes, farms, or even entire com- munities (a co -housing project, for example) that are far from the near- est utility lines. According to many renewable energy experts, a "hybrid" system that combines wind and photovoltaic (PV) technologies offers several advantages over either single system. In much of the United States, wind speeds are low in the summer when the sun shines brightest and longest. The wind is strong in the winter when less sunlight is available. Because the peak operating times for wind and PV occur at different times of the day and year, hybrid systems are more likely to produce power when you need it. (For more information on solar electric or PV systems, contact the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information Portal —see For More Information.) Battery bank For the times when neither the wind turbine nor the PV modules are pro- ducing, most hybrid systems provide power through batteries and/or an engine -generator powered by conven- tional fuels such as diesel. If the bat- teries run low, the engine -generator can provide power and recharge the batteries. Adding an engine - generator makes the system more complex, but modern electronic controllers can operate these systems automatically. An engine -generator can also reduce the size of the other components needed for the system. Keep in mind that the storage capac- ity must be large enough to supply electrical needs during non -charging periods. Battery banks are typically sized to supply the electric load for one to three days. An off -grid hybrid system may be practical for you if: • You live in an area with average annual wind speed of at least 9 mph (4.0 m/s) • A grid connection is not available or can only be made through an .: A hybrid system that combines a wind system with a solar and/or diesel generator can provide reliable off - grid power around the clock. expensive extension. The cost of running a power line to a remote site to connect with the utility grid can be prohibitive, ranging from $15,000 to more than $50,000 per mile, depending on terrain. 67 • You would like to gain energy independence from the utility • You would like to generate clean power. Glossary of Terms Airfoil —The shape of the blade cross- section, which for most modern hori- zontal axis wind turbines is designed to enhance the lift and improve tur- bine performance. Ampere -hour —A unit for the quantity of electricity obtained by integrating current flow in amperes over the time in hours for its flow; used as a mea- sure of battery capacity. Anemometer —A device to measure the wind speed. Average wind speed —The mean wind speed over a specified period of time. Blades —The aerodynamic surface that catches the wind. Brake —Various systems used to stop the rotor from turning. Converter —See Inverter. Cut -in wind speed —The wind speed at which a wind turbine begins to generate electricity. Cut-out wind speed —The wind speed at which a wind turbine ceases to generate electricity. Density —Mass per unit of volume. Downwind —On the opposite side from the direction from which the wind blows. Furling —A passive protection for the turbine in which the rotor folds either up or around the tail vane. Grid —The utility distribution system. The network that connects electricity generators to electricity users. HAWT—Horizontal axis wind turbine. Inverter —A device that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). kW —Kilowatt, a measure of power for electrical current (1000 watts). kWh —Kilowatt-hour, a measure of energy equal to the use of one kilowatt in one hour. MW—Megawatt, a measure of power (1,000,000 watts). Nacelle —The body of a propeller -type wind turbine, containing the gearbox, generator, blade hub, and other parts. 0 & M costs —Operation and mainte- nance costs. Power coefficient —The ratio of the power extracted by a wind turbine to the power available in the wind stream. Power curve —A chart showing a wind turbine's power output across a range of wind speeds. PUC—Public Utility Commission, a state agency which regulates utilities. In some areas known as Public Service Commission (PSC). PURPA—Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (1978),16 U.S.C. § 2601.18 CFR §292 that refers to small generator utility connection rules. Rated output capacity —The output power of a wind machine operating at the rated wind speed. Rated wind speed —The lowest wind speed at which the rated output power of a wind turbine is produced. Rotor —The rotating part of a wind turbine, including either the blades and blade assembly or the rotating portion of a generator. Rotor diameter —The diameter of the circle swept by the rotor. Rotor speed —The revolutions per minute of the wind turbine rotor. Start-up wind speed —The wind speed at which a wind turbine rotor will begin to spin. See also Cut -in wind speed. Swept area —The area swept by the turbine rotor, A = n Rz, where R is the radius of the rotor. Tip speed ratio —The speed at the tip of the rotor blade as it moves through the air divided by the wind velocity. This is typically a design requirement for the turbine. Turbulence —The changes in wind speed and direction, frequently caused by obstacles. Upwind —On the same side as the direction from which the wind is blowing —windward. VAWT—Vertical axis wind turbine. Wind farm —A group of wind tur- bines, often owned and maintained by one company. Also known as a wind power plant. Yaw —The movement of the tower top turbine that allows the turbine to stay into the wind. For More Information Books A Siting Handbook for Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems H. Wegley, J. Ramsdell, M. Orgill and R. Drake Report No. PNL-2521 Rev.1,1980 National Technical Information Service 5285 Port Royal Rd. Springfield, VA 22151 (800) 553-6847 www.ntis.gov Energy Savers Tips on Saving Energy and Money at Home — A consumer's guide for saving energy and reducing utility bills. www.eere.energy.gov/ consumerinfo / energy_savers We Wind Energy Basics Paul Gipe ISBN 1-890132-07-01 A comprehensive guide to modern small wind technology. American Wind Energy Association (202) 383-2500 www.awea.org or Chelsea Green Publishing Company www.chelseagreen.com Wind Energy Resource Atlas of the United States D. Elliott et al. American Wind Energy Association (202) 383-2500 www.awea.org rredc.nrel.gov/wind/pubs/atlas Wind Power for Home, Farm, and Business: Renewable Energy for the New Millenium Paul Gipe ISBN-1-931498-14-8 Completely revised and expanded edition of Wind Power for Home and Business Chelsea Green Publishing Company www.chelseagreen.com Wind Power Workshop Hugh Piggott Provides an overview on how to design a home -built wind turbine. The Center for Alternative Technology Machynlleth, Powys SY20 9AZ, UK Phone:06154-702400 E-mail: help@catinfo.demon.co.uk www.foe.co.uk/CAT Government Agencies U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information Portal www.eere.energy.gov National Climatic Data Center Federal Building,151 Patton Avenue Asheville, North Carolina, 28801-5001 Phone: (828) 271-4800 www.nedc.noaa.gov U.S. Department of Commerce National Technical Information Service 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, Virginia 22161 (800) 553-6847 www.ntis.gov Non -Government Organizations American Wind Energy Association 1101 14th St., NW 12th Floor Washington, D.C. 20005 Phone: (202) 383-2500 www.awea.org Solar Energy International Short courses on renewable energy and sustainable development Phone: (970) 963-8855 www.solarenergy.org Periodicals Apples and Oranges Mick Sagrillo A comprehensive comparison of available small wind turbines avail- able on the Home Power Magazine Web site: www.homepower.com Horne Power Magazine The definitive bimonthly magazine for the homemade power enthusiast. Phone: (800)707-6586 www.homepower.com Videos An Introduction to Residential Wind Systems with Mick Sagrillo A 63-minute video answering ques- tions most often asked by homeown- ers as they consider purchasing and installing wind power systems American Wind Energy Association Phone: (202) 383-2500 www.awea.org Web Sites Small Wind Systems Includes answers to frequently asked questions and information on U.S. manufacturers. www.awea.org/smallwind.html Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy www.dsireusa.org Green Power Network Net Metering Net metering programs are now avail- able in more than 35 states. www.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/ markets Small Wind "Talk" on the Web AWEA's Home Energy Systems elec- tronic mailing list is a forum for the discussion of small-scale energy sys- tems that include wind. To subscribe, send a subscription request to awea- wind-home-sub scribe@egroups. com. Wind Energy for Homeowners This Web page covers items you should consider before investing in a small wind energy system and provides basic information about the systems. www.nrel.gov/clean—energy/home— wind.html Wind Resource Assessment Handbook www.nrel.gov/docs/legosti/ fy97/22223.pdf 70 2002 Farm Bill — Wind Energy Development Provisions Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Incentive Type: Low -interest loans, loan guarantees, and grants Eligible Technologies: Renewable energy systems (energy derived from wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, and hydro- gen derived from biomass or water using a renewable energy source) and energy efficiency improvements. Applicable Sectors: Agriculture, rural small commercial Amount: Varies. The grant may not exceed 25% of the cost of a project, and a com- bined grant and loan or guarantee may not exceed 50% of the cost of a project. Terms: 2003 - 2007 Date Enacted: 2002 Authority- Farm Bill, Title IX, Section 9006 Summary: This law allows direct financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses for the purchase of wind power and oilier renewable energy sys- tems and for energy efficiency improve- ments. This program is authorized for funding for up to $23,000,000 per year in 2003-2007, totaling up to $115 million. In determining the amount of a grant or loan, USDA shall consider the type of renewable energy system, the quantity of energy likely to be generated, the expected environmen- tal benefits, the extent to which the system is replicable, and the amount of energy savings from energy efficiency improve- ments and the likely payback period. USDA Rural Development State Office contacts can be found at www.rurdev. usda.gov/rbs/farmbill/contacts.htm USDA Farm Bill Web site: www.rurdev. usda.gov/rbs/farmbill/resourc.htm Green Tag Purchase Program Mainstay Energy is a private company offering customers who install, or have installed, renewable energy systems the opportunity to sell the green tags (also known as renewable energy credits, or RECs) associated with the energy gener- ated by these systems. These green tags will be brought to market as Green-e* http:/ /www.green-e.org or state certified products. Participating customers receive regular, recurring payments through the Mainstay Energy Rewards Program. 71 The amount of the payments depends on the size of the wind installation, the pro- duction of electricity by that system, and the length of the contract period. Mainstay offers 3-, 5-, and 10-year purchase con- tracts. The longer contract periods provide greater incentive payments on a $/kWh basis. Typical payments for wind, which are made quarterly, range from 0.24 / kWh to 1.54/kWh. There is a $100 certification fee to get started with Mainstay Rewards. However, the fee may be paid with future green tag sales, and is generally waived for partici- pants who opt for 10-year contracts. The requirements are: 1. The system must be grid -connected; 2. Net -metering by the utility does not restrict the system owner from selling the green tags; 3. The system owner must have title to the green tags or renewable energy credits. They cannot have been sold or transferred to any other entity; 4. The system must be a new renewable, which, in most states, means pow- ered up on or after 1 / 1 / 1999. See the Mainstay Energy web site for exceptions; 5. For any systems over 10 kW, the system generation must be metered separately. For systems under 10 kW, separate metering is not necessary. Payments are made based on estimated production. Contact: Mainstay Rewards Program Mainstay Energy 161 E. Chicago Ave. Suite 41B Chicago, IL 60611-2624 Phone: (877) 473-3682 Fax: (312) 896-1515 E-Mail: info(a-)mainstayenergy.com Web site:http://mainstayenergy.com Incentives for Small Wind in the United States For a comprehensive overview of the incentives for small wind K State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency) Web site at ww 72 U.S. Department of Energy Wind Energy Program www.eere.energygov/windandhydro/ Wind Powering America www.windpowedngamerica.gov A Strong Energy Portfolio for a Strong America Energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy will mean a stronger economy, a cleaner environment, and greater energy independence for America. Working with a wide array of state, community, industry, and university partners, the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy invests in a diverse portfolio of energy technologies. Produced for the U.S. Department of Energy by the For more information contact: National Renewable Energy Laboratory, EERE Information Center a DOE national laboratory 1-877-EERE-INF (1-877-337-3463) DOE/GO-102007-2465 •August 2007 www.eere.energy.gov Printed with a renewable -source ink on paper containing at least 50% wastepaper, including 20% postconsumer waste 73 P&Z Agenda Statement Meeting Date: September 7, 2010 To: Planning and Zoning Commission Through: Community Development Director Christ} _ , j From: Administrative Assistant Dwayne D. Atwood Agenda Item: Work Session topic for September 21, 2010 BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION: The Planning and Zoning Commission began the current Title 15 Code Revisions in June of 2009. Several work sessions have been held to address various chapters of Title 15, including: Land Use Planning, Seward Zoning Code, Floodplain Management and Signs. Portions of Title 15 remain for update and review. Once the Commission's final draft of the Title is completed, public workshops will be held to discuss the updates and solicit feedback from the community prior to City Council public hearing and adoption. At tonight's meeting the Commission should formalize their direction to administration by making and approving a motion clarifying their wishes with respect to the September 21, 2010 Work Session topic and continued review of Title 15. RECOMMENDATION It is the recommendation of administration that the Commission set the work session topic for September 21, 2010 as "Continued Review of Title 15, Development Requirements and Land Uses Allowed Tables." 74 City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes August 3, 2010 Volume 6, Page 4 0 0 Call to Order The August 3, 2010 Regular Meeting of the Seward Planning & Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chair Roach'. Opening Ceremony Commissioner Heinrich led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Roll Call There were present: Sandie Roach' presiding, and Tena Morgan Cindy Ecklund Steven Heinrich Frank DeMarco comprising a quorum of the Commission; and Christy Terry, Community Development Director Dwayne Atwood, Community Development Assistant City Administration Report Community Development Directory Christy Terry updated the Commission of the following business items: • The City Manager recently met with the Women's Division, General Board of Global Ministry to discuss the future of the former Wesley Rehabilitation Center. The owners are exploring several options, including demolition and refurbishment. • The Lieutenant Governor was scheduled to attend the August 6 Chamber of Commerce luncheon. • The Summit in Seward, scheduled for October 8, was being organized and included at least seven items related to the City of Seward's interests in river navigability and flood mitigation. The Kenai Peninsula Borough was the sponsor of the summit. • PACAB was continuing to work on items identified in the recent economic development survey. One item under consideration was the recommendation to create an ombudsman position to act as liaison between the City of Seward, the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses and help with business retention. Additional economic survey information was available. • The Seward City Council scheduled a work session on land policies and procedures for Thursday, August 5. • Terry provided information regarding a letter that had been sent to a local property owner who was planning to develop a single family home in a flood zone. She noted a floodplain development permit was required. The land owner would be able to appeal the Community Development Department's determination. 75 City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes August 3, 2010 Volume 6, Page 4 01 • The Library / Museum Project design team contract was to be presented at the next regular meeting of the Seward City Council. • Terry said she intended to bring forward two ordinances at the next regular Planning & Zoning Commission meeting in September. The ordinances would have to do with allowing wind energy conversion systems and updating the sign code. • Anne Bailey, a contract employee who helped to update Title 15, gave notice that she was resigning her position with the City. Options for completing the work were to be evaluated. Other Reports, Announcements & Presentations — None Citizens' Comments on any subject except those items scheduled for Public Hearing - None Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion (Ecklund/Heinrich) Approve the Agenda and the Consent Agenda Motion Passed Unanimous Consent The following items were approved on the Consent Agenda: Resolution 2010-09 of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Seward, Recommending the Kenai Peninsula Borough Approval of the Federal Addition, Church Of The Nazarene Replat, Lots 1-6, Block 13, Federal Addition, Located Between B and C Streets on Fourth Avenue June 1, 2010 Regular Meeting Minutes Unfinished Business Items requiring a Public Hearing — None New Business Items requiring a Public Hearing Resolution 2010-08 of the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission, Granting Lucky Wilson a Floodplain Variance from Seward City Code Chapter 15.25 Floodplain Management to Construct an Aircraft Hangar on Lot 9, Block 200 Seward Airport, 2102 Airport Road Terry explained the variance request included details about the low -flow velocity of the airport area and noted that the Kenai Peninsula Borough hydrologist had concerns that adding fill could potentially increase water velocity if flooding occurred. Terry also said the 2010 proposed FEMA flood maps place the airport hangars outside the special flood hazard area. There was no flooding in the hangar development area during the last three historic flooding events. Terry noted a condition of the permit was the requirement of an elevation certificate before receiving a certificate of occupancy. 76 City of Sewar4 Alaska Planning Commission Minutes August 3, 2010 Volume 6, Page 4 0 2 Terry clarified several questions from the Commission. Roach' requested a housekeeping change to the agenda packet, noting that two pages had been missed in the printing. The Commission requested a recess. RECESS requested at 8 p.m. for document retrieval and review. Meeting RECONVENED at 8:10 p.m. Housekeeping changes to Resolution 2010-08 were noted. Notice of public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened. No members of the public signed in to speak. The variance applicant, Lucky Wilson addressed the Commission. Wilson said the immediate areas surrounding the proposed development site had not experienced any flooding. The development was planned to be equal to the highest point of land at the airport. Ecological foam would be used as part of the construction, Wilson said. In response to a question from Heinrich, Wilson stated a proposed holding tank was to be designed by an engineer and a proposed propane tank would be anchored. Wilson also explained that there would be no oil drain for the project. Instead, absorbent materials would be used for any oil or fuel that might drip or collect, Wilson said. Roach thanked Wilson for using energy efficient technology for the project. No one else requested to be heard and the public hearing was closed. Motion (Ecklund/Heinrich) Approve Resolution 2010-08 Roach' noted that staff had provided the findings for the resolution. Ecklund asked if a second motion was required to tie the findings to the resolution. Terry said the format before the Commission had been approved by the city attorney, but would enquire whether the process may need to be modified in the future. Heinrich asked if the findings were adequate. Morgan commented that staff had adequately researched the relevant issues and had called upon the appropriate professionals, including the Kenai Peninsula Borough hydrologist, to make the required determinations. Motion Passed 77 Unanimous City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes August 3, 2010 Volume 6, Page 4 0 3 Unfinished Business — None New Business -- Setting the August 17, 2010 Work Session Topic Terry noted that several hours of work had been devoted to updating Title 15 of the City Code. Terry proposed bringing forward a draft of the potential sign ordinance changes that were recently discussed. The Wind Energy Conversion Ordinance and the Development Requirements Table and the Land Uses Allowed Table would also be included in the session. Ecklund noted that the sign code and the Wind Energy Conversion Ordinance had been reviewed, but the development and land tables had not. She suggested focusing on the tables during the next work session. Commissioners reached a general consensus that the Development Requirements Table and Land Uses Allowed Table were to be the topic of the August 17, 2010 work session. Informational Items and Reports (No action required) Political Signage Letters to Candidates and Response City of Seward DFIRM Comments Snipe Sign Letter to Ted Gorman Construction Repair Assistance Letter to Telance Investments LLC CUP 2003-05 Request for Compliance Letter Sidewalk and Road Repair List Submitted to the State of Alaska Commission Comments Roach' addressed staff and indicated the correspondence included in Informational Items and Reports was appropriate. Terry said more letters were to be included in the agenda packet in the future to keep the Commission informed of various enforcement actions and notifications. Terry also said the list of sidewalk and road repairs indicated work to be done. Some of the road repairs would not be completed for up to three years, she said. Ecklund asked if the downtown sidewalks would be repaired. m City of Seward Alaska Planning Commission Minutes August 3, 2010 Volume 6, Page 4 0 4 Terry noted that some emergency sidewalk repair was underway and included some of the downtown areas. Heinrich asked about the nature of the sidewalk repairs. Terry said the work was mostly repairing cracks and section upheavals in the walkways. Citizens' Comments — None Commissions and Administration Response to Citizens' Comments — None Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Dwayne Atwood, Sandie Roach' Community Development Assistant Chair (City Seal) 79 Alaska Railroad Corporation znd Quarter, 2010 www.AlaskaRailroad.com - (907) 265-2300 OPPONENTS OPPERL HERUMBE Federal regulators continue to issue vegetation -related violations MW n 2009, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued 130 vegetation -related violations that may result in fines of up to $16,000 each. FRA inspectors returned to Alaska in late May 2010 and issued 19 violations when the growing season had just begun. Inspectors are due back in July. Well beyond the regulatory costs, the Alaska Railroad (ARRC) must control vegetation for safety reasons. FRA stated in a warning letter sent to ARRC in April 2009: "Persistent vegetation on and around the track structure presents a recognized safety risk. Plant roots growing under the tracks A ballast regulator was recently modified to include a rake attachment to Help pull brush out of the track bed. It is about 20 miles north of Seward within the permit area. (see "Herbicide Permit" on page 2) 0110000P LE60L NOTUbft NOW OKUKE Web site notices offer around -the -clock access to public he Alaska Railroad's public notice of its board of directors' meetings and land disposals (including leases and material sales) has migrated to the corporation's web site — wwwAlaskaRailroad.com/corporate — beginning mid -June. A new rule change approved by the Board of Directors in May 2010 means most ARRC legal advertising in newspapers will be replaced with online notices that are available to the public around the clock. As Internet access and use continue to rise, online notice is viewed as a preferred forum for reaching the public. (For example, Municipality of Anchorage officials note that 85% of the city's households have a computer and Internet access.) The railroad expects to save thousands of dollars each year by advertising board meetings, land leases, gravel sales and similar activities on the railroad's web site. 80 11L' Page offers information about gravel train activity and detours for impacted crossings rivers in Palmer and Anchorage have noticed an increase in summer train traffic, particularly at crossings, as gravel trains are added to the Alaska Railroad's daily mix. To help drivers plan ahead to avoid delays at train - occupied crossings, the Alaska Railroad has added a "Gravel Trains" page to its corporate web site. The page includes information on road/rail crossing delays in Anchorage and Palmer along with alter- nate routes to avoid those delays. The section also includes background information about how and why gravel trains are scheduled, impacts to specific road/rail crossings, (continued from page 1) can undermine the rail bed... overgrown vegetation can hinder railroad employees from visually inspecting crossties, fasteners, tie plates, rail bolts, and other parts of the track structure. This can lead to track defects that go undetected and result in accidents. Considering that ARRC transports over a half million passengers and 30, 000 freights cars containing hazardous materials each year, an accident on the railroad could be catastrophic. " For 26 years, the Alaska Railroad has been trying to control weeds without herbicides, but manual and mechanical methods are clearly not sufficient. Given FRA warnings, the railroad submitted a permit application to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) a year ago, proposing a limited herbicide program between Seward and Indian. The permit was accompanied by a University of Alaska study that specifically addresses glyphosate use on the track in the very area that we propose to apply it. ADEC approved the permit in late spring. On June 1, several groups and one individual appealed the permit decision, asking for an adjudicatory hearing on the decision to issue the permit and a stay to prevent herbicide spraying until the appeal is decided. On June 30, the ADEC commissioner denied the stay except for seven small stretches of track near drinking water wells. A decision on the adjudicatory hearing is expected in early August. With the permit currently active; a and the economics of moving gravel. Visit: www.AlaskaRailroad.com/Corporate (click on Community, then Gravel Trains). With summer comes Alaska's construction sea- son and a corresponding demand for gravel. Alaska Railroad hauls between two and three million tons of gravel each year in support of southcentral Alaska capital projects, such as the major expansion project at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and numerous road improvement projects. Train transport remains one of the most economical, least disruptive and safest ways to move gravel and other bulk commodities. • ARRC mobilized its herbicide contractor to begin application July 9. However, opponents appealed the commissioner's order to superior court and requested a stay to prevent application until a decision is made. On July 12, the court denied the request but entered a brief stay to allow for appeal to the state supreme court. That appeal was filed on July 13. At press time, the supreme court is considering the case and a temporary stay is in place. A lengthy stay issued by the court would effectively prevent application this growing season. The appeal has generated significant media coverage to include comments from opponents that are incorrect. At least two points of clarification are in order: 1) The permit states that AquaMaster will only be applied in areas more than 100 feet from any surface water body. 2) Herbicide opponents claim that glyphosate can cause human health effects. An independent environmental toxicologist concludes that information cited by opponents is "misleading and inaccurately represents the potential health risks". We encourage everyone interested to review all the data, not just data from either the proponents or the opponents. That is what the ADEC did to arrive at its decision to issue the permit. ADEC's Permit Decision Document and Responsiveness Summary are at http://dec.alaska.gov/eh/ pest/index.htm. ARRC vegetation management information is at wwwAlaskaRailroad.com/Corporate (click on Fnvironmental, then Vegetation Management). NORTHERN RRIL D PHOSE 0BE6�Ns Alaska Railroad is preparing to award a Phase One construction management contract he Surface Transportation Board (STB) completed a final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Northern Rail Extension project in late September 2009. In early January 2010, the STB issued a Record of Decision granting authority to construct and operate the rail extension stretching from North' Pole to Delta Junction. Since then, the Alaska Railroad has moved forward with final design and permitting activities for Phase One, which includes a road -rail bridge over the Tanana River and a levee near Salcha. Construction is expected to begin in late 2010. The Alaska Railroad is in the process of awarding Kiewit Pacific Co. the contract for construction management and general contracting (CMGC) for Phase One. Kiewit is one of the nation's largest employee -owned construction firms and has been working in Alaska for more than 60 years. "Kiewit is a local contractor with robust national resources and support," said ARRC Project Manager Brian Lindamood. "We are confident in Kiewit's ability to build what will ulti- mately be the largest bridge in the state." Phase One fund- ing includes $104 million in previous Department of Defense appropria- tions, and a recent $40 million appro- priation from the State of Alaska. Phase One key ele- ments include final design, permitting, right-of-way acqui- sition, material procurement and construction. "Hiring Kiewit brings us one step movement within Alaska. This project will put Alaskans to work and is a win -win for ARRC, the state, and our econo- my," said Bill O'Leary, ARRC Interim President/CEO and Chief Financial Officer. Phase One will create approximately 100 temporary construc- tion jobs. Completion of the entire project is expected to create up to five permanent ARRC positions in Salcha. It will also provide year-round access to one of the largest mili- tary training areas in North America. Construction on Phase Two, linking North Pole to the bridge, may begin in 2012. The Northern Rail Extension entails an 80-mile long rail line that extends rail infrastructure from the existing northern ter- minus of the Alaska Railroad. The new rail line will provide freight and potential future passenger rail services that serve commercial interests and communities in Interior Alaska. The extension will be operated as part of the Alaska Railroad sys- tem. As a common carrier, the line will be available to the general public, commercial, and military shippers including agricultural and resource development businesses. More information is available on the project web site at www.northernrailextension.com. • Legend Phan G n ral D riD�lon Corridor Area 1 Bridge, g approach road, and levee associated with ' Military Boundary the crossing of the Tanana River near Salcha. n 4+-'H Existing Railroad 2 Approximately 13 miles of rail from Fairbanks to the - Tanana River crossing. Trans -Alaskan Pipeline ' _ ■ Approximately 30 miles of rait from thewest side of the .,,on.: Richardson Highway Tanana River crossing to the Donnelly Training Ara& rl" Rivers and Streams e;"�F, Approximately 38 miles of rail between the Donnelly z{ f { Training Area and Delta ]unction. C FORTGR R1;.,,0.1A%f5 E 1 -project wzu occur zn.jour phases, with the first phase building a bridge over the Tanana River at Salcha. closer to significantly improving transportation options for the United States military, for mass transit, and for freight Used ties not needed for RR projects are sold to the public or donated to non -profits he Alaska Railroad typically replaces tens of thousands c worn wooden ties along the main line each year. Some used ties are. suitable forzxe use on low -speed sidings an spurs, but thousands are so] to the public or donated to non -profits and agencies. Two public sales were held earlier this summer and a few more are expected through early fall. Notices are pub- lished in Anchorage and Mat -Su Valley newspapers, CraigsList.com and AlaskasList.com (General and Material sales). For information on used tie sales, contact Muriel Lewis at (907) 265-2630. "Ties are heavy — 160 pounds or more — so folks should come prepared," Lewis advises. The railroad may donate several:hundred used ties each year -to mun-prof t and government agencies. This year, .266 ties )IV `a9V'dOHDNV a1Vd aDVisod ,s*r1 a I S I*d* S'dd Donated railroad ties are used for the foundation and vertical supports on a pig shelter at the Point MacKenzie Correctional Facility farm. (Photo courtesy of the farm) were donated in May and June alone and were used to improve infrastructure and jump-start projects. For example, the 200 used ties donated to the Point MacKenzie Correctional Farm (PMCF) allowed inmates to build pig shelters and greenhouse foundations. "Your generous donation of the railroad ties saves the Department of Corrections on our budget," said Kenny Moss, PMCF Administration Officer. "Every institution that receives produce from PMCF gets to cut back on their food budget and those funds are put to good use throughout the correctional institutions." Non-profit organizations and agencies can request a donation of used ties by writing a letter describing the need and tie use to Wendy Lindskoog, VP Corporate Affairs, Alaska Railroad, P.O. Box 107500,-Anchorage, AK 99510-7500. 0 L9 60-b9966 NV O UVAAM L9 6 X09 Od CIUVM3S d0 ,W0 N01038101NWidO13A30 A11NW400 AUU31311SM 96611JI0-fi....t......+.. --- nl�l�nr�n'I�'ni�n�����n�rn���ulnrllur��u���'nl� :molaq ssarppE pura gip or prura Aq our or ruas sarj 4runururoD iurm 1 'saA ❑ paliadssrW aurEN 0 piSuEgo uomd ioEiuoD Suw.v+ ssarppy ❑ Ado:) auo_uEgi aiour ,2pinTaoag as!, Sull!= iarralsmau sno t ui uom Sulmolloi aclr roarroo aseald ,aded gyoddn5 00SL-01S66 HIV 'a2EIothuV P>P�� BN9o'aN1 00S/01 xoq 'Oci dy ors C, a UOTTejod]OD pBo_iI!uU mjsuly ash CITY OF SEWARD P.O. BOX 167 SEWARD, ALASKA 99664-0167 August 9, 2010 Linda Gilmour Red's Burgers P.O. Box 2786 Seward, Alaska 99664 • Main Office (907) 224-4050 • Police (907) 224-3336 • Harbor (907) 224-3138 • Fire (907) 224-3445 • City Clerk (907) 224-4046 • Community Development (907) 224-4049 • Utilities (907) 224-4050 • Fax (907) 224-4038 RE: Camping at 302 Van Buren St.; Legal Discription — Oceanview Subdivision, Lot 3, Block 7 Dear Ms. Gilmour, It has been brought to the attention of the Seward Community Development Department that portions of the above described property, located at 302 Van Buren Street, are being used for camping. Our records show you as the owner of the business operating at the site, Red's Burgers. The parcel your business occupies is in the Auto Commercial Zoning District. Please note that camping is not allowed within the Auto Commercial Zoning District, per City Code: 8.15.510 General provisions (A). No camping, other than as specified in 48.15.515 shall be allowed within the city limits except in areas designated as campgrounds by resolution of the city council or in camper parks operating under permit. 8.15.515. Camping on privately owned lots. Camping on privately owned lots outside of a camper park operating under permit shall only be allowed in Rural Residential (RR) and un-zoned districts (see title 15, planning and land use regulation). Such occupancy shall be limited to one travel trailer, camper or tent and shall be for recreational or vacationing purposes only. Camping as provided in this section shall not exceed 60 days per calendar year. Since Oceanview Subdivision Lot 3, Block 7 is not un-zoned, or within the Rural Residential (RR) Zoning District, camping on this property is not allowed. The City of Seward solicits and appreciates your cooperation in abiding by this law. Please provide within ten (10) days of the date of this letter, written assurance that the parcel will no longer be used for camping, Copies of the appropriate portions of the Seward City Code have been included with this letter for your review. Please feel free to contact me by mail at P O Box 167, Seward, 99664 or by phone at 224-4049, or by email at datwood@cityofseward.net, or stop in at our offices, on the second floor of City Hall, 410 Adams Street if you have any questions. Thank you for your cooperation. Sincerely, The,City of Seward, Ala Dlvayn " D. At*ood Xdministrative Assistant Encl: SCC§8.15.510 SCC§8.15.515 CC: Seward Police Department Seward City Clerk m CITY OF S {'WARD P. O. Box 167 =110 Adams S�•eet Seward. Alaska 99664 August 9, 2010 William B Morrell P O Box 1808 Seward AK 99664 Community Development 907.22-1.4-049 907.224.4085 13LX cfin't�<•ih�ofsctvaucl url Regarding: Vehicles parked, stored or abandoned within the public right-of-way adjacent to, or upon private property located at 500 Fourth Avenue, Lots 21, 22 & S1/2 of 23, Block 30, Original Townsite of Seward. Dear William Morrell, This letter is being sent to request your cooperation in cleaning up concerns that have been brought to the attention of the Community Development Office. You have already been notified via a June 8, 2010 letter that vehicles in the public right-of-way (along Madison Street) need to be moved. A copy of that letter is enclosed for your review. Please read the code citations below. This letter is to let you know parking tickets will be issued on Friday, August 13. The individual selling the vehicles is also aware of the parking violation and has indicated his understanding during conversations with this office. The parking of vehicles in this manor for extended periods of time is classified as a public nuisance and therefore is covered in the Seward City Code (SCC) as follows: SCC§9.20.020 Junked or abandoned vehicles, derelict, neglected or abandoned vehicles constitutes a public nuisance. (Please see the attached SCC 9.20.020 complete section) SCC§9.20.015. Enumerated. The following acts and conditions shall constitute a public nuisance: (16) Trailers, campers, boats and other mobile equipment stored for unreasonable periods in unsheltered front yard areas, 30 days being prima facie evidence of an unreasonable period; SCC§11.15.040. Abandoned vehicles. "Abandoned vehicles, "for the purposes of this title, shall mean all vehicles which have been parked in the same location upon any city street or thoroughfare for a time period in excess of 96 hours after an illegal 24 hour parking citation has been attached to the vehicle. 0 Again, we intend to ticket the vehicles if they are not removed from the public right-of-way. Please feel free to contact this office to discuss any plans you may have to resolve this issue. Please contact this office if you have questions regarding the portions of the Seward City Code that have been included with this letter for your review. This letter is the final decision regarding the vehicles parked in the public right-of-way. On August 13, 2010, this office will be forced to pursue further action as outlined in Seward City Code (SCC § 15.01.050. Enforcement and penalties (a) Procedures for abating violations). Please note, you may choose to appeal my decision to the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission if you feel that there is an error in any requirement, decision, or determination made by the administrative official in the enforcement of the City of Seward's Planning and Land Use Regulations (SCC § 15.01.015). An appeal must be filed with the City Clerk no later then ten days after the date you receive this letter (SCC 15.10.410 (c)). You can contact the Community Development Office by mail at P O Box 167, Seward, 99664 or by phone at 224-4049, or by email at datwood(c-4cityofseward.net, or stop in our office on the second floor of City Hall at 410 Adams. Sincerely, Encl: SCC§9.20.015. Enumerated; SCC§11.15.040. Abandoned vehicles; SCC§9.20.020 .Junked or abandoned vehicles. CC: Phillip Oates, City Manager Tom Clemons, Police Chief Jean Lewis, City Clerk for City Council Planning and Zoning Commission E:b1 NFIP/CRS UPDATE June —July 20 10 Goals of CRS Strategic Plan being Realized Some In -stream Products can be seen Now Among the many projects being undertaken to pursue the objectives and strategies set out in the Strategic Plan for the Community Rating System, 2008-2013, the systematic evaluation of all CRS- credited activities is perhaps of most interest to CRS communities. At least one activity is being evaluated each year, and now the first batch of reports is ready. Each report explains the original purpose of the activity, the methods used to evaluate it, what issues have arisen since the specifications and credits were last revised, and what changes (if any) are proposed to the prerequisites, elements, credit points, verification, and/or documentation. In addition to the activity evaluations, a review of some aspects of the procedures used to verify community credit points has been completed, in particular the ways in which items (such as buildings or elevation certificates) are selected from a larger pool to be checked for accuracy. These Strategic Plan Evaluation reports are ready in draft form now: — Activity 330-Outreach Projects — Activity 350-Flood Protection Information — Activity 610-Flood Warning Program — Activity 630-Dam Safety Programs — CRS Credit for Protecting Natural Floodplain Functions — Repetitive Loss Strategy — Sampling Committee Report to the CRS Task Force — Verification Aids — Best Local CRS Administration Practices — Implementation Incentives. Communities, states, and other floodplain management professionals are invited to examine these reports and make suggestions about their Strategic Plan Evaluation Activity 630 Dam Safety Programs 9RAFT Jane 2, 2010 YIF'l.M 1WAnilibOtl lMViKl G.py�]T GOinTWCY RY.m�SySrm content and about the recommended changes in credit points included in some of the reports. Get a digital (pdf) copy of any report by emailing NFIPCRS@iso.com. Responses received by August 31, 2010, will be considered at the September CRS Task Force meeting, but ideas will be accepted any time this fall, as changes to the next CRS Coordinator's Manual are formulated. In this Issue Help on Coastal A Zone Credit ...................... 2 State Farm and the NFIP ............................ 6 Volunteers Needed for Outreach Test ........... 3 CRS Task Force Meeting ............................ 7 Substantial Improvement/Damage Guides .... 3 Training Opportunities ................................. 8 NFIP/CRS Update 88 - June -July 2010 Help on Coastal A Zone Credit One of the Community Rating System's handouts, CRS Credit for Coastal A Zone Regulations, has just been revised. It explains the credit points that are available to communities that regulate their Coastal A Zones to V-Zone standards (Section 43 Lp of the CRS Coordinator's Manual). The term "Coastal A Zone" refers to the portion of a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) lying landward of the V Zone and seaward of the line known as the Limit of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA), which is shown on new coastal Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS) as an information layer. Coastal A Zones were established because post -storm research shows that the flood hazards (and accompanying building damage) in Coastal A Zones more closely resemble those in V Zones than those in riverine A Zones. However, the National Flood Insurance Program's standards for Coastal A Zones are identical to those for riverine A Zones. In recognition of this contradiction, the CRS offers credit points to local governments that enforce NFIP V-Zone standards in the Coastal A Zones of their jurisdictions. Post -storm field studies have shown that minimally compliant A Zone foundations often fail in Coastal A Zones. (photo taken after Hurricane Fran) Up to 225 CRS credit points are available for regulations in Coastal A Zones that ■ Require new buildings to be placed on pile or column foundations; ■ Require the foundation and structure to be attached to resist wind and water loads; ■ Require areas below the lowest floor be free of obstructions; and ■ Prohibit use of fill for structural support. — Up to 125 CRS credit points are provided if the community requires that a new building's design, specifications, and plans be certified by a licensed engineer or architect that it will resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement from wind and hydrostatic loads. — Up to 100 CRS credit points are available to communities that use the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member of the building as the elevation reference point within its Coastal A Zone. — Up to 25 CRS credit points are available to communities that require new buildings in the Coastal A Zone to be located landward of the reach of mean high tide. — Up to 25 CRS credit points are available to local governments that prohibit the alteration of sand dunes or mangrove stands within Coastal A Zones. — Up to 150 CRS credit points are available if all enclosures below the base flood elevation are prohibited in Coastal A Zones; 50 points are provided if enclosures are allowed but limited to 299 square feet in area. (This is in addition to the 300 points provided for enclosure regulations under Section 430.h of the CRS Coordinator's Manual). Credit points are subject to a default impact adjustment of 0.5, although more credit can be earned for enforcing CAZ regulations in a larger area. Copies of the 6-page handout, CRS Credit for Areas with Moderate Wave Action and Coastal A Zones, can be obtained from your ISO/CRS Specialist or by emailing NFIPCRS@iso.com. NFIP/CRS Update 89 - June -July 2010 Guides for Substantial Improvement/Damage Community floodplain managers and code officials who handle proposals to do work on existing buildings in Special Flood Hazard Areas should add FEMA's new Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Desk Reference to their book shelves. And those who cope with making substantial damage determinations, especially after floods (or other events) that damage large numbers of buildings, should check out the revised Substantial Damage Estimator. Both are available online: Substantial Improvement / Substantial Damage Desk Reference (FEMA P-758) http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=4160. Substantial Damage Estimator (includes a user's manual, workbook, and the software) (FEMA P-784) http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=4166. Volunteer Communities Needed for Public Outreach As part of the review and revisions of Community Rating System activities for public awareness and outreach projects, some pilot tests will be conducted this fall of the proposed new Coordinator's Manual criteria and scoring for Activities 320, 330, 340, 350, and 360. Some volunteer communities are needed to help test-drive the new materials this fall, including trying out a new "self assessment" of the community's special outreach needs; formulating a master plan for publicity, awareness, and outreach; and related steps still to be determined. As a bonus, any community that participates in the full pilot test will receive OPS credit under the existing Activity 330 scoring system. Also, all participants will have a head start on receiving credit when the new scoring becomes effective. If you and your community can help test-drive the new approach to outreach projects, please contact your ISO/CRS Specialist. Statement of Purpose The NFIP/CRS Update is a publication of the National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System. Its purpose is to provide local officials and others interested in the CRS with news they can use. The NFIP/CRS Update is produced in alternate months. It is distributed electronically, at no cost, to local and state officials, consultants, and others who want to be on the mailing list. Communities are encouraged to copy and/or circulate the NFIP/CRS Update and to reprint its articles in their own local, state, or regional newsletters. No special permission is needed. To become a subscriber or to suggest a topic that you would like addressed, contact NFIP/CRS Update, P.O. Box 501016, Indianapolis, IN 46250-1016 (317) 848-2898 fax: (201) 748-1936 NFIPCRS@iso.com NFIP/CRS Update 90 - June -July 2010 Good Press for South Carolina CRS Communities One sometimes -overlooked benefit of participating in the Community Rating System is the recognition a community receives when its floodplain management efforts are known to be exemplary. That's why it's a good idea for local CRS Coordinators to keep their city's or county's Public Information Officer (PIO) in the loop about new activities in furtherance of CRS goals and about plans to improve in CRS class. If your locality doesn't have a PIO, you can supply local and/or statewide media with information about your program's accomplishments directly. You can reach out to newspapers, radio and television stations, and even webmasters. As an example, some articles in Charleston, South Carolina's The Post and Courier announced the news that class improvements had been achieved or were in prospect, gave pats on the back to the state's CRS communities for their work;explained how they compare to the rest of the nation; noted with approval the rate reductions received by residents; and praised the way in which the local programs' regulations, codes, and enforcement are being good for the community. A June 16, 2010, article by Katy Stech announced that Charleston County had risen to a CRS Class 4, effective May 1, 2010, which brings a 30% reduction in annual premiums for flood insurance policies. That will save the almost 22,000 flood -insured residents in unincorporated areas of the County an estimated $4.5 million each year. "We're quite proud of it," the article quoted Carl Simmons, the County's director of building inspection services. "The bottom line is, how well you enforce the regulations has a direct relationship to how much damage a building will get if there's a disaster." Further, Simmons said, his department's performance improved despite a shrinking budget and fewer staffers. "Only four communities throughout the country top Charleston County's rating. And the County holds the highest ranking in the coastal Atlantic hurricane region," The Post and Courier noted. The article is posted at http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/jun/16/rating-to-lower-flood-insurance- bills-in-county/. A few years ago, the paper described the plans of Mount Pleasant (an incorporated area near Charleston) to educate its residents about flood insurance as part of achieving a higher CRS class. Here are excerpts from that August 1, 2007 article by Jill Coley: Standard property insurance policies do not cover flood losses, said town Floodplain Manager Rob Rogerson. "All the Lowcountry is subject to flooding, even areas not specially designated flood areas," he said. "Most everybody should have flood insurance." Two types of flooding occur in Mount Pleasant. One is when heavy downpours overwhelm the storm drainage system. The second type is rising water from tropical storms. Presently, Mount Pleasant is rated an 8 in the Community Rating System. For each point lower than 10, residents earn 5% more off their insurance premiums. "Were working to submit in September for a rating of 7," Rogerson said. The article ended with eight quick tips for flood safety. [Note that Mount Pleasant did achieve its Class 7 ranking in 2008.] Read the whole article at http://archives.postandcourier.com/archive/ arch07/0807/arc080l 4858229.shtmi. NFIP/CRS Update 91 - June —July 2010 Preferred Risk Policy Eligibility Extended The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has been engaged in initiatives (MapMod, RiskMAP, and the provisionally accredited levee program) to remap areas of the United States, especially those subject to a high risk of flooding. Concerns have been raised about the implications of remapping, especially the requirement to purchase flood insurance imposed by federally regulated lenders on those with mortgages for buildings newly included in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) on the revised maps. The primary concern involves the cost of the flood insurance. In light of these concerns, and based on financial and other analyses, the NFIP is implementing a measure to help ease the burden on affected property owners. With this change, property owners should have adequate time to understand and plan for the implications of the newly communicated flood risk and the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement for federally backed mortgages. Preferred Risk Policy Eligibility Extension For preferred risk policies (PRP) effective on or after January 1, 2011, FEMA is extending eligibility for two policy years after the effective date of a map change for buildings newly included in SFHAs. The following conditions apply for the extended eligibility. Buildings that were newly designated within an SFHA due to a map revision on or after October 1, 2008, and before January 1, 2011, are eligible for a PRP for two policy years. Property owners affected by these previous map revisions will be eligible for the PRP for the two policy years effective between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2012. Buildings newly designated within an SFHA due to a map revision on or after January 1, 2011, will be eligible for a PRP for two policy years from the effective date of the map revision. Buildings that meet the above requirements must also meet the PRP loss -history requirements. If there are two claims or disaster relief payments for flood losses of $1,000 or more, or three loss payments of any amount, the structure is ineligible for the PRP. Policies issued as standard -rated policies or converted to standard -rated policies after a map change on or after October 1, 2008, may be converted to the PRP for two years beginning on the first renewal effective on or after January 1, 2011. At the end of the extended eligibility period, policies on these buildings must be written as standard -rated policies. Underwriting Requirements Validating PRP extended eligibility will require the insurance company's writing a policy to verify the current and previous flood maps and maintain documentation of the building's flood risk zone before and after the map change. Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) are available for many communities on the internet and, in some cases, historic map information is also available. DFIRMs are at the FEMA Map Service Center at http://www.msc.fema.gov.www.msc.fema.gov. Insurance writing companies must provide advance notice to the current policyholders that are now eligible for this two-year PRP extension within 90 days before the policy expiration date. Policyholders may contact their local permitting officials or CRS Coordinators for help in documenting the flood risk zone of their buildings. Local floodplain managers should be aware of and anticipate these inquiries in advance of January 1, 2011. Providing this mapping information assistance is consistent with CRS Activity 320, Map Information Service. Future issues of the NFIP/CRS Update will provide more information about the new PRP guidelines. NFIP/CRS Update 92 - June -July 2010 State Farm and the National Flood Insurance Program There have been several notices in the press lately that State Farm Fire and Casualty Company is "pulling out of the flood insurance business." Considering that the company has 800,000 flood insurance policies, many local officials must be wondering what is really going on. In a press release issued in June, State Farm explains that, under a new arrangement with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), State Farm will be transferring its customers' flood policies to NFIP Direct, a program established by FEMA for direct servicing. State Farm agents will continue to sell coverage through NFIP Direct and service existing customers whose policies transfer to NFIP Direct. However, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company will not be servicing those policies. Servicing will be handled instead by FEMA and government - designated claims adjusters. The paragraphs below are excerpts from State Farm's press release. No Change for Customers For State Farm flood insurance customers, this means no change in who is providing the coverage. Flood coverage will continue to be provided by the federal government and customers can still be assisted by State Farm agents in acquiring the federal insurance. The only change going forward will be that policy applications and flood claims will no longer be overseen by State Farm. Time for Transition The transfer process will take place over a 12-month period beginning October 1, 2010. The company will work closely with FEMA and NFIP Direct to ensure an orderly transfer of policies and responsibilities under the program. Flood policyholders will be sent notices of transfer at least 90 days before their policy's expiration date. State Farm flood policyholders will not have to complete a new application for continued coverage. State Farm will still service policies issued or renewed before October 1, 2010, until their next expiration date. The company will continue to handle claims occurring before the policies transfer, until April 2012. Change Provides More Clarity Since 2002, there have been 11 last-minute reauthorizations of the NFIP, and on four occasions the program was allowed to lapse for extended periods of time. These "stop/start" situations require a large company like State Farm to dedicate significant resources to address challenges and coordinate numerous communications with customers, employees, and its more than 17,000 agents. "Under this new process, while State Farm agents can continue to sell flood insurance, the government entity that's running the program will now handle servicing it. This kind of clarity should be best for all involved —especially policyholders," said State Farm spokesperson Phil Supple. Coordinator's Manua! and Activity Worksheets still Good Some CRS Coordinators have noticed that, the current. Coordinator's Manual and its accompanying Activity Worksheets (AWs) have an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) expiration date of August 31, 2010 (the end of this month). Even so, .the Manual and all the AWs are still valid and can be used until they are replaced by the next (2012) edition. NFIP/CRS Update 93 - June —July 2010 Tidbits from the CRS Task Force At its June meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Community Rating System Task Force discussed several items important to the future of CRS communities. — The Task Force is now about 25% along in implementing the CRS Strategic Plan. Many substantive elements of the plan have been initiated and some completed (see article on the cover page of this issue). Seventeen committees or workgroups are focusing on specific topics of the Strategic Plan. Eight independent studies —most managed by academic institutions —are underway. — As of May 2010, 1,138 communities participate in the CRS. There were an unprecedented number of class improvements during fiscal year 2010. Thirty-three communities joined the CRS in 2010, but 97 communities advanced in class, and 34 of those went to Class 6 or better. — During a presentation by the Activity 330 Outreach Committee, much time was spent considering whether communities should play stronger roles in promoting flood insurance. The flood recovery benefits and resiliency of a community with many policies in force was weighed against the popular conception of promotion of flood insurance as a matter between a property owner and his/her agent. — The Natural Functions Committee emphasized the need to recognize low -impact development and other innovative approaches in managing stormwater. — The Sampling Committee produced interesting and original work challenging the Task Force to look at how the CRS chooses statistically representative samples and the confidence level of that process. The new Verification Committee will look at the practical implications of the sampling report — Due to the complex nature of addressing repetitive flood losses within CRS and the National Flood Insurance Program, the Task Force decided to make the Repetitive Loss Committee a permanent one, to maintain a constant focus on these problems. Dave Fowler, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, took the Task Force on a tour of several Menomonee River restoration projects. Some of the techniques used there are similar to approaches the Natural Functions Committee and Task Force are considering for future CRS credits. The CRS Task Force meets next in September in Seattle, Washington. CRS Recertifications Due Soon October is the annual recertification deadline for the Community Rating System. In August, ISO/CRS Specialists send each community a detailed list of the activities for which they are receiving CRS credit. Some of the more common trouble spots for communities are — Annual reports, including those done for a public information program strategy (OPS, Activity 330) and a mitigation or floodplain management plan (Activity 510). — Under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects), copies of all the projects sent out during the year, including additional projects (OPA), projects done pursuant to a public information program strategy (OPS), and a project to the repetitive loss area (Section 503 of the Coordinator's Manual). — Reports from the local emergency manager on the annual exercise or drill of the emergency response plan, lessons learned from implementing the plan in response to an emergency or disaster, and the updated list of critical facilities affected by flooding (Activity 610). NFIP/CRS Update 94 - June -July 2010 Opportunities for NFIP and CRS Training Courses at the Emergency Management Institute —Next Year's Schedule Now Available FEMA's Emergency Management Institute (EMI) conducts courses on floodplain management and CRS-related topics. These are oriented to local building, zoning, planning, and engineering officials. Tuition is free for state and local government officials and travel stipends are available. Call the training office of your state emergency management agency, see http://training.fema.gov/, or call EMI at 1-800-238-3358 or (301) 447-1035. Here's the schedule for EMI's week-long classes of interest to CRS communities. For more information on these courses, see http://www.training.fema.gov/EMICourses/EMICourse.asp. — The Community Rating System (E278) November 8-11, 2010; September 26-29, 2011 Prerequisite: To enroll in the CRS course, you must be a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) OR have completed the National Flood Insurance Program course listed below (E273) OR be a full-time floodplain manager with more than 3 years of experience specifically related to floodplain management. The Community Rating System course is also offered at other sites upon request. "Field -deployed" courses scheduled to date include Montour Falls, New York (FEMA Region 2); September 27-30, 2010. For information, contact William Nechamen, wsnecham@gw.dec.state.ny.us. Stockton, California (FEMA Region 9); October 25-28, 2010. For information email Eric Elias at eric.elias@ci.stockton.ca.us. Managing Floodplain Development through the NFIP (E273) August 23-26, 2010; October 11-14; May 16-19, 2011; August 29—September 1, 2011 E273 is also field deployed periodically. Contact your State NFIP Coordinator for more information. Find your State Coordinator at hftp://www.floods.org/index.asp?menulD=274. — Advanced Floodplain Management Concepts (E194) February 14-17, 2011 — Advanced Floodplain Management Concepts II (E282) May 9-12, 2011 Basic HAZUS Multi -Hazards (E313) October 11-14, 2010; January 17-20, 2011; September 19-22, 2011 Advanced HAZUS Multi -Hazards for Flood (E172) (prerequisite: E313) January 3-6, 2011; July 1-14, 2011 — HAZUS Multi -Hazards for Risk Assessment (E296) January 3-6, 2011; July 11-14, 2011 — Residential Coastal Construction (E386) August 9-12, 2010; August 15-18, 2011 — Retrofitting Floodprone Residential Buildings (E279) June 27-30, 2011 Under the 2007 CRS Coordinator's Manual, five points are provided under Section 431.n, Staffing (STF), for each member of a community's floodplain permit staff who graduates from courses E194, E273, E278, E282, or E386. The maximum training credit under Section 431.n is 25 points. Graduating from E279 provides five points in Activity 360-Flood Protection Assistance. Don't forget that the CRS offers "remote" workshops to help communities with their elevation certificate requirements. If you are interested in hosting a "webinar" on the FEMA Elevation Certificate, contact your ISO/CRS Specialist. NFIP/CRS Update 95 - June -July 2010 :1=0 18 August 2010 Subject: Seward Summit Invitation Dear <Mail Merge NAME> On behalf of the Seward Bear Creek Flood Service Area, you are invited to attend the Seward Summit. The sums is a public forum scheduled to present challenges and potential solutions that could positively impact mitigati efforts for communities located on alluvial fan topogr Please reference the enclosed agenda, detailing the t to be discussed. Representatives from the Seward Bear Creek FloodE Board, Borough and City officials will host this signdi forum for change October 8, 2010 at the K.M. Rae Pu Education Building in Seward. Invitees include city,' s and congressional legislators, borough representative' state agencies. In closing, your attendance will be a valued contributi( achieve the Seward Summit's goals. Your office will be forwarded packet and destination information in the coming weeks; however, you may contact the borough> additional inquiry, 1800-478-4441 ext. #2150. Kind regards, , e c��� . M. OF h • a': i'�wr Qt A 9't4p' D4xin R. tt..kE l.,n I,6.Rp CIt_ 4TL+m EItGt, W 1 io% 4"H[ :F:ti i C Xtrazsx.rs� 08 October 2010 a Rae Building 0800 — 0950 Bus tour —Meet at the Rae Building parking lot Route to include flooding and mitigation sites (route map provided) Mid -morning snacks & beverage service 10:00 "Welcome," Mayor Dunham and Mayor Carey 10:15 — 11:45 Education and Historical information a. Bill Williamson, SBCFSA Chair b. Dan Mahalak, KPB Hydrologist Noon Governor Parnell, invited speaker Lunch served in - "Directives that Generate Change," Philip Oates, Seward City Manager 1:15-2:15 Gravel and Flood Mitigation Mitigation actions to date: culvert projects, grants, USACE a. Christy Terry, City Community Development Director b. KPB spokesperson 2:30 —4:30 Titles and Navigability a. DNR invited to present navigability determination report b. Draft KPB/City policies and State regulation changes Interaction and public comment A 4:30 — 5:00 Synopsis of Summit: draft legislative/regulatory language and capital project requests (hard copies referenced in welco packet) L 5:00 "Closing Comments," Mayor Dunham and Mayor Carey 97 September 2010 Monday Tuesday Wednesday September.., -- 12:OOpm PACAB Meeting-Canc Day (Offices Closeg 9:00am Ad Hoc Committee Meeting 0P, T&Z Meeting September 2010 October 2010 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S --_ 1 23 4 ------ 1 2 5 6 7 8 91011 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Thu AD Hoc Committee Meeting 7:00pm City Council 6:30pm HP WS 12:00pm PACAB Work 9:00am Social Meeting Session -Cana Security Rep 6:30prn Historic 7:OOpm Meet the Preservation Candidates Meeting Night (Canceled) Board of Adjustments 6,'_ , CC Special Meeting (Executive Session) 7:00prt%City Council I Meeting P&Z Work Meet the Session 7 Candidates Night 30.. Nand Richey 1 9/2/2010 3:09 PM October 2010 October2November S T T F M T W T F S S M T W T S Monday 7:00pm CC WS (Proposed Budget Modification) --- -- - -11,' 7:00pm City Council Meeting 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat/Sun- - _. _ _-- October if __ , _ - __ _ ] 5 -6_ Electiion 12:00pm PACAB 7:30pm P&Z Meeting _r Meeting 11:30am 18' 19' 20 21 -- Alaska Day (Offices Close 6:30pm P&Z Work 12:00pm PACAB Work I 9:00am Social Session Session Security Rep 6:30pm Historic Preservation Meeting -- _ 25 26 7:00pm City Council 7:00pm CC WS Meeting (Long-range financial plan) 27 10 1-A Nanci Richey 2 9/2/2010 3:09 PM