DEADWOOD - The Lawrence County Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a set of guidelines and restrictions for wind energy conversion systems.

The proposed ordinance now moves to the Lawrence County Commission for approval.

The commission has been researching guidelines regarding safety and sight issues since a wave of homeowners began applying to install wind generators on their properties. Most of the units are for small-scale generators, but a few required large-scale towers.

The draft ordinance requires a 500-foot setback for small generators and a 1,000-foot setback for the larger units.

Charles Brown has been previously permitted for one of the large towers, but his application for a second large tower has been delayed during the drafting of the ordinance. He opposed the setback measurements, saying it would stop some people from putting up electrical generators.

"You're limiting Lawrence County residents," Brown said. He suggested limiting tower heights or making exceptions in special cases.

All of the previously permitted wind generators would not be permitted under the new ordinance. They will be allowed to continue operating, however.

Planner commissioner Tom Brady favors tougher restrictions, saying they protect neighboring landowners.

"On a 10-acre tract, we will not approve a wind energy system," he said.

The ordinance addresses other aspects of wind generator towers such as lighting, appearance, signage, noise and density regarding how many in a certain area.

For details, call the Lawrence County Planning and Zoning office at 578-3871.