City looks to let people power homes with wind - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

Iowa is considered one of the country's wind energy capitals.  You usually see those big wind turbines out in the country.  Soon, you might see smaller wind systems popping up in backyards across Sioux City.

Right now, the city doesn't not have an ordinance that allows wind turbines.  However, city code is about to catch up with the times.  City leaders hope to give residents the option of a second source of electricity.

It's the first step in creating a wind innovation zone which brings tax incentives for wind generation with it.  Wind Energy kits typically run $600 and have five foot blades.

To prevent them from falling over onto other property, some restrictions will be in place.

"If you have a narrow lot, you're going to have to have a shorter tower.  If you're out on an acreage you can go pretty much as high as you want," explained City Planner Brent Nelson.

The proposed ordinance keeps wind generators from being more than 125% of the width of a person's property.