For the first time, O'Fallon has zoning codes regulating the design and installation of solar, wind and geothermal renewable energy systems.

The City Council Thursday night voted 8-2 to approve a bill updating the codes.

David Woods, O'Fallon director of planning and development, said city ordinances previously did not address things like solar panels and wind turbines. But with the systems gaining popularity, the city wanted to head off potential future problems.

Controversy erupted last year in Town and Country when neighbors objected to a homeowner's plan to install a ground array of solar panels in his back yard.

Woods said residential and commercial property owners have questions about where and under what conditions renewable energy systems are allowed. Until now, the city could not answer those questions.

Under the new provisions, building permits are required for solar, wind and geothermal systems. A written certificate from a Missouri licensed structural engineer is required for most installations. Electrical wires and plumbing must be underground.

Ground-mounted solar energy systems are allowed only in rear yards and must not exceed height limits. Roof-mounted panels must be flush with the roof and cannot extend more than 8 inches above the surface.

For geothermal systems, which cool air or water by pumping it under the ground, drilling and trenching is prohibited on any easement. The systems must comply with standards set by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Small wind energy systems, like windmills, are allowed only in rear yard lots. The systems must have brakes for the blades, which have height requirements. Artificial lighting is prohibited unless required by the Federal Aviation Administration. Wind systems are subject to rules on color, noise and signage.

Building-mounted wind systems, guyed and lattice towers and monopole tower wind systems are allowed only on commercial and industrial property. Monopole towers require a conditional-use permit. No more than two ground-mounted wind systems are allowed on any lot.

Woods said the planning department would return to the council later this year with amendments dealing with wind systems on residential property.

The news of amendments did not sit well with Councilman Jeff Schwentker, Ward 4, who along with Councilman Jim Pepper, Ward 2, voted against the new regulations. Schwentker said the staff brought the bill forward prematurely. They should have proposed a finalized set of rules instead of saying they would come back later with amendments, he said.

"We need to do this right the first time and get consensus instead of doing all these amendments," Schwentker said.

Voting for the bill were council members Bill Gardner and Rick Lucas, both of Ward 1; Rose Mack, Ward 2; John Haman Jr. and Rick Battelle, both of Ward 3; Bob Howell, Ward 4; and Mike Pheney and Michael Snowden, both of Ward 5.