Fairway board approves homeowner’s variance for backup generator despite staff noise concern

Philip Meyer, a Fairway homeowner at 5638 Aberdeen, won approval Monday from the Fairway Board of Zoning Appeals to install a backup generator in a location staff said would exceed the property-line decibel reading.

Basil, a city staff member, told the board staff had determined the property is an intersection lot "which basically says it does not have a backyard," and that the proposed generator placement would exceed decibel limits at the property line. Meyer said the unit would operate only during power outages and that the proposed location behind his garage was the best practical option for visibility and to limit nuisance to the public. "Fairway's a great community. I tell everybody who listens that it's the best, neighborhood in Kansas City, to raise kids," Meyer said when introducing himself and his case.

Board members discussed the five statutory criteria required under Kansas law for granting variances and noted two adjacent neighbors had submitted supporting letters. Chair asked whether potentially affected neighbors had been notified; staff confirmed notice and the board heard there were no objections. Board member Bill asked whether the decibel figures came from the manufacturer; Meyer confirmed and said a fence and the garage would likely reduce the actual sound reaching neighbors.

During deliberations, Peter said the favorable responses from the two directly adjacent neighbors and the applicant's presentation indicated the five criteria had been met. Other members agreed the location was logical and would be muffled by existing structures, though one member noted generators can be loud when running. The chair called for a motion to approve the variance; a motion was made, seconded, and the board voted in favor. "The variance is approved," the chair announced.

After the vote, Meyer asked whether any further steps were needed to hook up the unit; the board confirmed he should proceed with the necessary permitting. The hearing recorded no public commenters and concluded with an adjournment.

The approval allows Meyer to place the backup generator at the proposed site despite staff's note that sound at the property line will exceed the decibel reading; the record does not include a numeric decibel value. The board did not record a roll-call vote by name in the transcript. The applicant and staff are expected to follow normal permitting procedures for the installation.