HB676 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Randy Davis

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Harry ShiverAlan BakerJoe Faust

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Baldwin Co., co. commission regulation of wind turbines, wind mills, and wind farms, permits, placement

Summary

The bill gives Baldwin County the power to regulate wind energy facilities in unincorporated areas, including permits, locations, sizes, and penalties.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes the county to set standards for wind turbines and similar facilities, choose where they can be built, require setbacks, and enforce rules with fines and removal if violated. It also creates a process for exceptions, variances, and appeals, and allows the county to charge fees to cover review costs. It does not replace state law and becomes effective after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects

• Unincorporated Baldwin County landowners and residents who must follow the wind facility regulations, face setbacks and potential penalties, and may have buildings removed if violations occur.
• Wind energy developers/operators and property owners seeking to build or operate wind facilities, who must obtain permits, pay fees, comply with standards, and may pursue exemptions, variances, and appeals.

Key Provisions

• Authority for Baldwin County Commission to regulate permitting, construction, placement, and operation of wind turbines, wind mills, wind farms, and other wind facilities in unincorporated areas; can set standards, conditions, and requirements (including size, location, noise).
• Set minimum setbacks, including at least 1.5 times the tower height from overhead electrical power lines, and possible setbacks from underground lines; determine appropriate locations and prohibit sites if needed.
• Establish remedies and penalties for violations, including fines up to $1,000 per offense (with costs), daily offenses, designation of violations as a public nuisance, and removal of violative structures with the cost lien on the land.
• Authority to levy permit and application fees to cover administrative and review costs, including expert or consultant fees as needed.
• Provide for exceptions and exemptions terms, a variance process, and a variance appeals process to Circuit Court; interpretation of authority as additive to existing powers; not removing any state law requirements; provisions are severable; act becomes effective immediately after governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Baldwin County