Joel, The hurdle to wind turbines in just about every municipality in New York with zoning in force is the zoning regulations. The vast majority of zoning ordinances in the state do not even mention "wind turbines" or "wind energy systems" and hence they are automatically NOT permitted. Secondly, the majority of zoning ordinances have maximum height limitations of 30 feet to 40 feet for all structures except for antennae. The Town of Dryden last year adopted a local law that technically permits wind energy systems, but trhere are some many obstacles to getting approval only the die hard would consider trying. The Town of Groton is right now considering a new zoning ordinance that I have drafted for them that will permit residential wind energy systems in its new Rural Agricultural zoning district, with heights up to 120 feet and capacity of up to 20 KwH, by special permit. It will have standards that govern setbacks, etc, but overall a simple process for approving them. Farm operations are exempt from the special permit process. Solar panels would be considered an accessory use if not located on the house, but subject to heght restictions and setbacks for accessory structures. Anybody else out there tackling the issue of zoning that prohibits green technology? George Frantz
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