Cleveland Township planners have recommended approval of a long-awaited zoning ordinance amendment outlining requirements for "wind energy systems" in the township.

Work on the amendment has been under way since last year. The draft amendment specifies requirements for structures used for anemometers or windmills that generate electrical power for individual residences, businesses or farms.

The maximum allowable height for such towers under the proposed zoning ordinance provision is 125 feet.

Following a public hearing at their regular monthly meeting June 6, Cleveland planners voted unanimously to send their draft to the Leelanau County Planning Commission for a review prior to sending it to the Cleveland Township Board for consideration of adoption.

In other business at last week’s meeting, the Cleveland Township Planning Commission continued work on a series of changes to zoning ordinance language related to the township’s residential districts, according to draft minutes of the meeting.

Following a lengthy discussion of proposed changes, commission chairman Tim Ewing agreed to incorporate commissioners suggestions into an updated draft, consult with professional staff, and bring a refined draft to next month’s meeting.