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Planning commission approves 400 kW emergency generator for Friedman’s Home Improvement; staff to require follow-up noise testing
Summary
The commission unanimously approved a use permit amendment allowing Friedman’s Home Improvement at 1360 Broadway to install a permanent 400-kilowatt diesel emergency generator. The permit includes noise limits, a required follow-up noise study and staff plans to draft citywide standards for emergency generators before the next PSPS season.
The City of Sonoma Planning Commission unanimously approved a use-permit amendment allowing Friedman’s Home Improvement at 1360 Broadway to install a permanent 400-kilowatt emergency diesel generator and an integrated 650-gallon fuel tank.
Why it matters: The installation is intended to allow the store to operate during planned and emergency power outages, including Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). Commissioners supported continuity of services but raised questions about cumulative noise effects as more fixed generators are installed in the community.
Project details: Planning staff said the generator would sit in the center of the property within the lumber-yard area, on a concrete pad inside an 8-foot vinyl-coated security fence. The unit dimensions were presented as roughly 7 feet wide by 11 feet long by 8 feet tall. Staff said the manufacturer sound rating is about 76 decibels at 23 feet; acoustic analysis showed attenuation to about 55 decibels at the nearest property line (roughly 240 feet away), consistent with the city’s commercial noise standard (Chapter 9.56). Conditions require an in-place verification noise study within 90 days of installation.
Commission discussion and next steps: Several commissioners expressed concern about the long-term proliferation and cumulative effect of fixed generators. City staff said the planning department and the chief building official intend to prepare a citywide ordinance for emergency-generator noise standards (stationary and mobile) within roughly 90–120 days so that the city can address cumulative effects before the next PSPS season.
Outcome: A commissioner moved to approve item 7.2 as submitted; the motion carried on a unanimous roll-call vote. The approval included the categorical CEQA exemption cited by staff and the post-installation noise verification requirement.
Ending note: Staff will track the generator’s noise performance and incorporate generator standards into proposed ordinance work to address cumulative impacts and operating conditions during PSPS or other emergencies.
