METEOROLOGICAL TOWERS/AIRSPACE REG.                                            H.B. 4727 (H-1):

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill 4727 (Substitute H-1 as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Representative Triston Cole

House Committee:  Local Government

Senate Committee:  Transportation

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Tall Structure Act to do the following:

-- Establish regulations for meteorological towers, including physical features and requirements for the reporting of specific information to the Michigan Aeronautics Commission.

-- Expand provisions regarding lighting during daylight hours on structures.

-- Increase from 20 to 30 days the period of time after notification of the final determination of an application that the applicant has to request a hearing before the Commission.

-- Require an applicant for a permit to obtain a variance from an ordinance adopted under the Airport Zoning Act, if a structure would violate the ordinance.

-- Revise terms used in the Act.

The Tall Structure Act regulates the height, location, and visual and aural identification characteristics of certain structures. "Structure" means an object constructed or installed, including, but not limited to, a building, tower, antenna, smokestack, or overhead transmission line.

The bill would define "meteorological tower" as a structure, including all guy wires and accessory facilities, on which an anemometer is mounted for the purposes of documenting wind resources for the operation of a wind turbine generator. "Anemometer" would mean an instrument for measuring and recording the speed of wind.

The bill would take effect 90 days after its enactment.

MCL 259.481 et al.                                                   Legislative Analyst:  Drew Krogulecki

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

Date Completed:  2-8-16                                                   Fiscal Analyst:  Glenn Steffens

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.