A wind turbine could be installed at the Cliff House under a proposal being considered by the National Park Service.

The proposal calls for the installation of a turbine in the southwest corner of the observation deck, on the upper level of the Cliff House outside Sutro’s restaurant. The turbine would be installed over a few days starting July 1 if the plan is approved, and would operate for a three-year test period.

Unlike a traditional windmill with rapidly turning blades or sails, the turbine would use a disc-shaped generator designed to turn within a frame at just 85 rotations per minute. The Park Service says this turbine would be safe for birds and bats, but will stop the test operation if any bird is injured.

The turbine also complies with State Historic Preservation Office rules, according to the NPS.

According to the NPS, the turbine would be almost 31 feet tall from the floor of the observation deck and would be a little less than 9 feet taller than the top of Sutro’s restaurant.

The turbine would generate enough power to supply the Cliff House gift shop, according to the NPS.

The National Park Service is seeking public input on the Cliff House wind turbine proposal. Email Alexandra_Picavet@nps.gov, call (415) 786-8021 or write to GGNRA, 201 Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA 94123.

Cliff House Wind Turbine Fact Sheet