Exploring Options for Wind Energy and Wildfire Hazard Mitigation
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Date
2021-06
Authors
Buchanan, Ariana
Jannelli, Anthony
Adams-Schoen, Sarah
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
In Spring 2021, the University of Oregon School of Law’s Land Use Law class, led by Professor Sarah Adams-Schoen, was tasked with analyzing and preparing two sets of suggested amendments to the City of Troutdale’s Development Code—one set of draft code amendments to facilitate the development of small-scale wind energy conversion systems (i.e., small wind turbines) and another to increase the City’s resilience to wildfire. The class was divided into four student groups with two groups of students working on each project. The following report is a compilation of the groups’ suggested code amendments and analysis.
Approaches presented in the wind energy development section ofthis report are intended to provide Troutdale with information to assist the city in determining how to appropriately incorporate wind energy conversion systems into its development code and permitting processes. The suggested ordinance language was designed to properly regulate andsite wind energy facilities and address potential complications that canarise. These potential complications include aesthetic and noise impacts, environmental impacts, socioeconomic impacts, and potential risk to wildlife populations and others. The Draft A ordinance also considers small- and medium-scale wind energy systems. Suggested best practices for regulating wind energy systems, relevant zoning and permitting considerations, and case studies of relevant examples from local communities around the country are also presented.
When assessing each proposed code, it became apparent the two wind energy groups developed distinct approaches, either of which may appeal to Troutdale. The two approaches are presented here as Draft Ordinance A and Draft Ordinance B.
Approaches presented in the draft ordinance establishing a Wildfire Hazard Overlay Zone are intended to balance the tremendous socio- economic benefits of implementing best practices against the socio- economic costs of implementing a robust hazard mitigation strategy.The students recognize that some of the proposed approaches may not align with Troutdale’s current scope or capacity; however, they are offered as possibilities that can be tailored to fit Troutdale’s specific needs. There are suggestions for language to use when creating a wildfire hazard overlay zone and supplementary development regulations to reduce or minimize the potential impacts of wildfire on properties, the occupants of properties, and the occupants of adjacent properties. Recommendations for how to implement robust hazard mitigation are also provided.
Description
67 pages