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Commission advances first reading of ordinance to require permits and third‑party inspections for residential backup systems
Summary
A first reading of Ordinance 2026-17 would add permit requirements and allow third‑party inspections for permanent residential backup generators and solar backup systems; staff said the standard $100 fee is used by other cities and the rule excludes portable extension‑cord setups.
City staff introduced Ordinance 2026-17, which would amend building regulations to require permits and verification for permanent residential backup power systems such as Generac generators and rooftop solar backup installations. Staff said the ordinance implements provisions associated with a recently passed state senate bill, permits third‑party inspections with plan review by the planning department and establishes a $100 fee (charged to either the owner or company) as the prevailing approach used by other cities.
Commissioners clarified the rule applies to permanently connected equipment and not to portable generators that residents temporarily run with extension cords. "This only applies to, say, like, a Generac or solar cells...not portable extension-cord setups," a commissioner said. The commission voted to forego the reading and advance the ordinance to the first-reading stage for further consideration and formal adoption processes.
