Sioux City, Iowa — Woodbury County Supervisors have unanimously approved changes to the county’s wind turbine regulations.
The county’s ordinance originally barred wind turbines within 600 feet of city limits, but now wind turbines may not be placed within two miles of the city limits of any community in Woodbury County. Woodbury County Supervisors Chairman Matthew Ung says the change protects future growth around cities.
MidAmerican Energy may file a legal challenge of the supervisors’ decision. Some Woodbury County residents, like Moville Mayor Jim Fisher, had hoped for wider no-go zones for wind turbines.
Fisher says the concern is scenic views around Moville will be ruined by the wind turbine structures. Bob Fritzmeyer of Sioux City was the only resident at the supervisors’ meeting who spoke in favor of wind turbines.
Daniel Hair of Hornick responded.
Supervisors approved another change in Woodbury County’s wind turbine ordinance, extending the no-go zone to a mile for turbines placed near conservation areas.
