Permitting and Zoning

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Securing necessary permits and zoning approval is an essential step for all energy projects. The processes and information required for permitting wind projects vary across applications and geographic areas.

Permitting

Understand Permitting and Zoning. This section of WINDExchange’s Small Community Wind Handbook discusses ordinances, zoning, and permitting related to community wind projects.

Wind Energy Ordinances. Ordinances regulate aspects of wind projects such as their location, permitting process, and construction and provide clarity to wind developers and the public. WINDExchange compiled this database of wind energy ordinances from around the country.

Zoning

Wind Energy and Wind Park Siting and Zoning Best Practices and Guidance for States. This report from the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners provides guidelines for managing the siting and zoning processes and applying siting and zoning principles to wind energy decision making.

Site Selection Resources

Explore the resources below to better understand the wind project siting process, including how to analyze wind maps and data, navigate permits and ordinances, and apply best practices for project size and location.