Garrett County Proposes Wind Turbine Setback

OAKLAND, Md. (AP) -- The Garrett County Commissioners are proposing rules to put distance between wind turbines and homes.

The formula proposed Tuesday would require turbines to be no closer to an occupied dwelling than five times the device's height. For a 400-foot turbine, the setback would be 2,000 feet.

The formula is part of a proposed countywide land-use ordinance that is available for public comment through June 15.

Garrett County does not have countywide land-use zoning. The board says the proposed ordinance would still allow virtually all land uses except in the Deep Creek Lake area, which has had comprehensive zoning since 1975.

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