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Bunker Hill Village Council denies homeowner's request to place generator closer than ordinance allows
Summary
The City Council unanimously denied Daniel Harrison's appeal to install a standby generator with a 12-inch clearance and a 7-inch encroachment into required greenspace at 4 Blalock Woods, citing code requirements and safety concerns; staff was directed to consult the Fire Marshal.
On July 24, 2024, the Bunker Hill Village City Council denied an appeal by homeowner Daniel Harrison to allow a standby generator to be installed with a 12-inch clearance to the house and to encroach 7 inches into the city's required five-foot greenspace at 4 Blalock Woods. The motion to deny the appeal passed 4-0.
Director of Public Works Elvin Hernandez summarized the appeal and the applicable ordinance provisions. Section 4-76(11)(d) of the City's code requires a minimum clearance of 24 inches between a generator foundation and other structures, and Section 4-76(11)(f) prohibits placement in required green space. The code also specifies sound limits, easement restrictions and permit documentation requirements.
Councilmembers raised safety concerns, citing potential fire and ventilation hazards if clearances were reduced. Councilmember Keith Brown led the discussion and the Council directed staff to consult the Fire Marshal to determine acceptable safety standards and to consider whether the ordinance should be amended to address safety while preserving setback and greenspace protections.
The Council's action was taken under the Board of Appeals authority provided in Chapter 4, Section 4-76(2) of the City Code, which directs appeals of Building Official determinations to the City Council. The denial leaves the current clearance and greenspace requirements in force for 4 Blalock Woods; the Council did not adopt an alternate permit or conditional approval.
Next steps: staff will consult the Fire Marshal and return with recommended safety clarifications or possible ordinance amendments for Council consideration.
