SB403 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Phillip W. Williams
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2014
Title: Etowah Co., wind energy conversion systems, permitting and regulation of by municipal governing body or county commission, certification by licensed engineer required, regulation of location, design, and operation of systems
Summary: Etowah County wind energy projects would require local permits, engineering certification, and strict safety, financial, and removal rules.
What This Bill Does
The bill applies only in Etowah County and requires anyone who wants to install or operate a wind energy conversion system to obtain a local permit and comply with zoning. It requires a licensed engineer to certify the system’s design and safety, and to ensure the system follows building and electrical codes, with overspeed controls. It also sets rules for application information, public notice, fees, and permit conditions, including noise limits, setbacks, and restoration; requires financial assurances for reclamation and liability insurance of $1,000,000, lasting through the life of the system. It provides that if the system is not used for 365 days it may be deemed abandoned and must be removed, with local officials able to delay abandonment in some cases, and it mentions possible Public Service Commission jurisdiction for certain activities.

Who It Affects
Wind energy developers and operators in Etowah County who must obtain permits, meet zoning and safety requirements, provide financial assurances, and follow specific design, operation, and removal rules.
Residents and neighboring property owners in Etowah County who gain protections from setback and noise requirements, and from public notice and monitoring related to wind energy projects.

Key Provisions
Requires a local permit before construction or operation of a wind energy conversion system in Etowah County; zoning must be appropriate.
Local governing bodies must adopt rules detailing permit applications, public notification, and permit conditions (turbine design, site layout, operation/maintenance, restoration, and revocation) and set permit fees (minimum $1,000 per system plus review costs).
Mandates a licensed engineer certify the system’s design and safety, with overspeed controls and compliance with building and electrical codes; changes require new certification.
Imposes safety and design requirements: manual/automatic overspeed controls, proper electrical housing/installation, warning signs (High Voltage), and anti-climbing measures; tower compatibility must be certified.
Sets noise limit at property lines (not to exceed 40 decibels) and imposes setback/encroachment rules (no encroachment onto adjacent properties; at least 2,500 feet from center-mass to property edge; 1.5x tower height setback from overhead lines and 0.5x height from underground lines).
Requires financial assurance for reclamation/removal and a separate $1,000,000 liability coverage, to remain in effect during construction and the life of the system.
Provides for abandonment rules: if a system is not operating for 365 consecutive days, it may be deemed abandoned and removed; local officials can delay abandonment designation in certain cases.
Governs how the project may be regulated if it becomes a non-jurisdictional electric utility, potentially placing it under the Alabama Public Service Commission.
Effective date is the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Etowah County