This past week, Virginia Beach City Council unanimously voted to approve residents and business owners installing windmills to generate electricity.

Homeowners may only install a windmill if they own at least 1/3 of an acre of land.  In most zoning districts, one free standing windmill up to 35 feet high or a roof mounted turbine is permitted.

It is important to note that many Virginia Beach neighborhoods are part of a homeowner's association and approval must be obtained from the association prior to installing any type of windmill.

In business and industrial areas, there is not a height restriction on the wind turbines.

According to Virginiaplaces.org, Virginia Beach is considered a good-to-excellent wind resource.  For more information on wind energy resources, visit the American Wind Energy Association's website.