Small-Scale Residential Wind Turbines

With the advent of small-scale residential wind turbine technology, Estes Park faces important regulatory decisions pertaining to height restrictions, visual impacts and noise.  The Town is seeking input on what changes, if any, should be made to the Estes Valley Development Code to regulate wind turbines. These regulations must weigh the rights and expectations of individual property owners against the broader community values and standards.  Property owners and residents of the Estes Valley are invited and encouraged to submit comments.

Pole Mounted Horizontal Axis

Two public forums have been held to answer questions and gather information from citizens. The forums were facilitated by Community Development Director Bob Joseph, and public comment both in support and opposition of small-scale residential wind turbines in the Estes Valley was received. Click here to view Director Joseph's Public Forum presentation.

Pole Mounted Vertical Axis

On August 11, 2009, the Town Board of Trustees placed a temporary moratorium on the issuance of any building permit by the Community Development Department for the installation of any wind turbine within the Town of Estes Park. The moratorium takes effect immediately and will be in force for one hundred twenty (120) days unless amended and/or terminated by the Board of Trustees. This moratorium period is being provided to facilitate an informed public discussion of the pros and cons of residential-scale wind turbines prior to the formal adoption of local policies and regulations.

Roof Mounted Horizontal Axis