(a) Permitted Outdoor Generator Units. Outdoor generator units shall be permitted in zoning districts if the performance and design standards in Section 1176.09(b) are met.
(b) Performance and Design Standards.
(1) Outdoor generators shall be used for backup or emergency purposes only and shall not run continuously except during utility outages.
(2) Outdoor generators shall be located in the rear or side yard only and shall not be visible from any major thoroughfare.
(3) No more than one outside generator shall be permitted per single-family dwelling and no more than two shall be permitted for multi-family or non-residential buildings.
(4) All setbacks of the applicable zoning district or development standards text shall be met.
(5) Outdoor generators shall be installed at grade.
(6) Outdoor generators for residential buildings shall not exceed a maximum footprint of 12 square feet and not exceed four feet in height.
(7) Outdoor generators shall be screened in accordance with Section 1173.06(b).
(8) Outdoor generators shall be limited in size to only provide backup power or emergency power for on-site needs.
(c) Conditional Outdoor Generator Units.
(1) Purpose and intent. The purpose of this section is to establish supplementary standards for certain outdoor generator units that may affect adjacent properties, the neighborhood, or the community even if all of the general standards of this chapter are met. It is the intent of this section to establish appropriate standards for the location, design, and operation of these conditional outdoor generator units to ensure they will be installed and operated in a manner that is consistent with the underlying zoning district and will not compromise adjacent uses.
(2) Scope. Conditional outdoor generator units include the following:
A. Outdoor generators intended to operate for other than backup or emergency purposes;
B. Outdoor generators intended to provide power for off-site needs or for multi-family uses;
C. Any non-residential building wanting more than two outdoor generators.
(3) Supplemental performance and design standards for conditional outdoor generator units.
A. The applicant shall provide evidence that the nuisance aspects of noise and pollution associated with the operation of these generators has been reduced or eliminated so as not to impact adjacent properties. This review should be particularly sensitive to adjacent residential uses.
B. For applications requesting non-emergency operation or off-site power supply capacity, the applicant shall provide a written recommendation from the Westerville Electric Utility Manager evaluating the impact of the proposal to the overall Westerville utility operation.
C. For applications at multi-family or non-residential buildings that are requesting additional outdoor generators beyond the two allowed as permitted installations;
1. The applicant must provide justification for the additional installations(s). Preference will be given to uses providing emergency services such as hospitals, urgent medical care facilities, or uses that are required to have additional installations based on a recognized national industrial or governmental emergency back-up standard.
2. The applicant must address the location of the proposed installation(s). Preference will be given for location away from adjacent roadways that are least visible. Locations should also respect building architecture by avoiding conflicts with windows, building entries, and other architectural features. Locations shall also avoid natural or man-made site amenities or vistas.
3. The applicant must address screening of the proposed installation(s) through a combination of an enclosure using materials and design compatible with the building and landscape materials to soften the appearance of the enclosure. The height of the enclosure must be equal to or greater than the height of the generator.
(Ord. 2011-12. Passed 3-15-11.)