Electrical power generators in residential use districts shall only be located in compliance with the following requirements.
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this Section 1348.03, generators may be placed in a side yard, as defined in Section 1123.03(b)(112)D., if the following factors demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the Building Commissioner that such placement will better serve the home owner and will not create adverse conditions or impacts on neighboring properties:
(1) Topography;
(2) Landscaping;
(3) Location of a patio, deck or pool;
(4) Window placement;
(5) Site line from adjacent homes;
(6) Other similar factors determined by the Building Commissioner.
1 (c) Generators shall be placed a minimum of fifty (50) feet from the rear lot line and a minimum of thirty-five (35) feet from any side lot line.
(d) Generators shall be screened from view from public rights-of-way and adjacent properties by means of a landscape buffer, consisting of year round plantings of a height at least equal to the height of the generator. The landscape buffer shall be provided and maintained in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Building Commissioner.
(e) Generators shall contain vibration dampeners and sound attenuation equipment sufficient to ensure that the sound level produced during operation shall not exceed 70 db measured at the nearest property line. The Building Commissioner shall take a minimum of three sound readings at two-minute intervals. The sound level shall be the average of these readings.
(f) Generators shall be situated so as to exhaust into the interior of the lot on which they are located.
(g) Generators shall be installed in conformance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
(h) Generators shall be installed on reinforced concrete pads a minimum of four inches in thickness, placed on firm ground and of sufficient area to support the unit.
(i) Generators shall be programmed to cycle for routine testing and maintenance not more than once a week for no more than twenty minutes, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. only.
(j) Generators shall be used only during periods of power outages or for periodic testing and necessary maintenance operation and shall not be used to sell power back to a power company or for use by power customers during periods of peak demand.
(k) Generators shall be fueled by natural gas.
(l) No generator shall be installed prior to the issuance of a generator permit.
(Ord. 2014-37. Passed 6-11-14.)