Planning commission OKs homeowner's request to place generator 3 feet from side lot line

The Euclid Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday granted an area variance allowing a homeowner to install a backup generator three feet from the side lot line at 304 East 218th Street.

Staff presented the request for case 2026VAR‑01, describing the two‑story colonial home built in 1941 and explaining that the Euclid code requires generators to be located behind the home and at least 10 feet from side property lines. Staff said the proposed location would be roughly 30 feet from the neighbor’s house and screened by an existing privacy fence and that staff had no objection to the variance.

Applicant Jeffrey Hug, who was sworn and identified his address as 304 East 218th Street, told the commission the generator originally ordered would be difficult to place behind the house without occupying the center of the limited backyard space. He said he and the neighboring homeowner had discussed the placement and that the neighbor supplied a letter of non‑objection.

“I spoke with them. They had no problem with it and prepared a letter,” Hug said.

Commissioners asked technical and operational questions. Hug said the unit is a 14‑kilowatt model on a pad roughly 3 feet by 2 feet, that the manufacturer requires a minimum setback from windows, and that the unit’s weekly automatic test is about 10 minutes and could be scheduled at neighbor‑friendly times. He added the installer would leave at least 30 inches between the unit and the fence to allow service access.

Commissioner Wade moved to grant the variance permitting the generator to be located three feet from the side lot line (a seven‑foot variance). The motion was seconded and approved by roll call. Chair congratulated the applicant and instructed him to coordinate with staff on any permitting steps.

The commission recorded the decision as an area variance approval; the applicant was advised that building permits remain required before installation.