The city of Coos Bay has drafted an ordinance to allow wind
turbines in town. The World of Coos Bay reports that turbines
have been under a moratorium, but the city plans to take public
comment in early 2013. The draft ordinance would allow turbines
no higher than 70 feet - industrial wind turbines are more than
250 feet. For large turbines, residents would have to show that
noise would be minimal, viewsheds would not be disturbed and
that the device would meet tough safety standards. Restrictions
would be reduced for smaller devices. An Oregon State University
expert tells the paper that urban settings aren't generally
favorable for turbines: Both wind speed and elevation are low.