Guidance for Local Wind Energy Ordinances

The New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has created a Wind Energy Guidebook to provide information on various aspects of wind energy development and to help communities that are interested in wind energy development prepare for the issues that they might encounter. The guidebook contains information and resources to support local governments managing land-based wind energy development in their communities. The guidebook’s chapters address important aspects of wind energy project siting, including environmental considerations, community impacts, permitting information, and other key topics. The majority of wind projects built in the state will be permitted through one of two comprehensive state-level siting mechanisms: the “Article 10” process, or the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) review process. Small wind energy facilities may be permitted at the local level in accordance with the State Environmental Quality and Review Act (SEQR) and applicable municipal land-use regulations. Local government officials can request free technical assistance to help further understand the issues addressed in the guidebook at [email protected].