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Wind turbines violate City of Canyon ordinance
Posted: 03.08.2013 at 9:19 AM
Mari Samarripas

Mari is a multi-media journalist for Pronews 7.

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CANYON, TEXAS -- Since November Casey Dobbs a resident of canyon, has been using wind turbines to produce green energy, now he must remove them.

"I was told the day before yesterday a new policy, for aesthetic reasons that wind generators will not be allowed in the city limits anymore."

Canyon city officials say this is not a new ordinance, it was created from an aesthetic standpoint and to protect from noise, lack of maintenance, and safety.

Dobbs lives in a single family district, which means the wind turbines must go.

"In 2009, we passed an ordinance that stated, wind energy turbines would only be allowed in commercial and industrial districts," said Danny Cornelius Canyon Code Enforcer Director.

Even then, a specific use permit must be approved by the planning and zoning and city commission.

Dobbs said that the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, regarding the increase of renewable fuels, efficiency of products and consumer protection should apply to him.

"I'm not familiar with that however, when we adopted this ordinance we did present it to our city attorney to make sure we were on firm legal ground," said Cornilius.

Officials said Dobbs is being cooperative in the matter, but Dobbs does have one main concern.

"If they can come and tell you what you can and cannot do with your home, outside your home, then what's next?" said Dobbs.

The City of Canyon said this is not an issue for any resident to fear, Cornilius said, "I really don't think there's any worry that we're just going to come in his home at the spur of the moment, that's not a fear I think he needs to worry about."

Dobbs has nine more days to take the wind turbines down.

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