The East Oregonian reported on testimony given by Stoel Rives attorney Elaine Albrich at a Umatilla County (Oregon) Board of Commissioners hearing regarding revisions to the County's wind power siting guidelines. The Board is currently reviewing several draft land use code amendment proposals, including guidelines for setbacks between a wind turbine and a city urban growth boundary, rural residence or roadway. The Board is expected to adopt final code language as early as June 28, 2011.
Albrich said that wind power companies would like to see the County include a waiver option in the final setback provisions. "[A setback waiver option] allows the developer to know what the county expects for a setback although it gives the discretion – to whatever involvement, whether city or a landowner – to waive that setback and have turbines closer to their property if they reach some kind of agreement."
"Setbacks around every turbine" was published by The East Oregonian, May 14, 2011.