EMERGENCY GENERATORS INSTEAD OF EQCB

Board of County Commissioners · 2026-07-21 · ordinance

This ordinance amends Miami-Dade County Code sections 24-5, 24-18, and 24-43 to authorize administrative approval for emergency generators for healthcare facilities and food stores within wellfield protection areas, subject to specific conditions. Previously, such approvals required a public hearing before the Environmental Quality Control Board (EQCB). The changes aim to streamline regulations and reduce development costs while maintaining environmental protections. The ordinance revises definitions, operating permit requirements, and prohibitions within wellfield protection areas. Key conditions for administrative approval include the property being served by utility water and sewer, located more than 30 days travel time from a water supply well (and outside the Northwest and West Wellfield protection areas), within the Urban Development Boundary, and having fuels contained in an approved above-ground storage facility with secondary containment. Fuel volumes are capped for food stores (1,500 gallons) and based on regulatory requirements for healthcare facilities. A groundwater monitoring plan is required for exposed secondary containment. An operating permit is also required. The ordinance was introduced on 6/30/2026 and had a first reading on 7/21/2026.