(a) An owner must apply for and receive a zoning permit from the Department of Planning and Development (hereinafter referred to as the “Department”) before installing, constructing, or expanding any small wind energy system.

(b) The owner must pay an application fee at the time the application for a small wind energy system is filed with the Department.

(c) A zoning permit issued by the Department expires if construction of the small wind energy system is not commenced within 18 months from the date of the permit or if the small wind energy system is not installed and functioning within 12 months from the date construction begins. [Code § 12.18.2-3.]