AUGUSTA -- In response to the likelihood of more residents looking to find an answer to the rising cost of energy blowing in the wind, the Planning Board unanimously approved an ordinance to regulate windmills Tuesday.

The ordinance would allow windmills up to 60 feet tall on lots of at least 1 acre anywhere in the city, as well as on smaller lots in certain areas, or with Planning Board review.

Matthew Nazar, deputy director of development services, said the city has seen a significant increase in interest in installing small wind turbines to generate electricity. He said he expects that interest to continue, especially as energy costs continue to escalate.

That increase in interest is evident in the business All Season Home Improvement has done since the Augusta-based business started installing windmills two years ago.

"We've installed, this year, to date, over 40 and have 40 more on the books to install ... because of the energy situation today," All Season Home Improvement owner Bob Greig said. "I'm probably one of the only (construction firms) hiring around here right now, and that's because of the wind turbines."

The ordinance as proposed would allow small systems -- up to 60 feet tall -- without Planning Board review in most of the city, but would require board review as a conditional use in densely developed neighborhoods.

Large windmills, defined as 120 feet to 199 feet tall, would create a conditional use requiring Planning Board review in a few, mostly rural, zones in the city. Medium towers, 60 feet to 120 feet, create a conditional use requiring board review in all zoning districts in the city.

Standards include requirements any towers for windmills be far enough away from abutting properties that, if they fell, they would not land on a neighbor's land or building.

Board members, in part at the suggestion of Greig, added requirements including:

* All windmills be approved by Underwriter Laboratories, or UL, as meeting safety standards;

* a licensed electrician must connect the system to the home or other structure;

* noise levels shall not exceed 60 decibels 60 feet downwind of the windmill; and

* wires connecting the windmill to a building be run underground.

City Councilor Cecil Munson spoke in favor of the ordinance and said windmills are an alternative form of energy the city should look into, as well as solar power.

Board members also unanimously approved changes to city zoning rules which will, if the changes are approved by the City Council, require all commercial development of any size on several major "gateway" routes into the city to be reviewed by the Planning Board.

Previously, small commercial projects could occur with review by only the code enforcement officer.

Planning Board Chairwoman Allison Nichols noted the change is meant as an interim step only until a new zoning ordinance is adopted, which Nazar said could be in 2009.

Board members are currently reviewing proposed changes to be incorporated in the new zoning ordinance.

Keith Edwards -- 621-5647

kedwards@centralmaine.com