EMERGENCY GENERATORS INSTEAD OF EQCB

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

Miami-Dade County is considering an ordinance (File Number 261214) that would revise environmental protection codes to allow administrative approval for emergency generators at healthcare facilities and food stores within wellfield protection areas, instead of requiring public hearings before the Environmental Quality Control Board (EQCB). This change aims to streamline the permitting process and reduce development costs. The ordinance revises definitions and operating permit requirements, and amends regulations for the protection of potable water supply wells. Key conditions for administrative approval include the property being served by utility water and sewer, located more than thirty days travel time from a water supply well, outside the Northwest and West Wellfield protection areas, and within the Urban Development Boundary. Specific requirements for fuel storage, secondary containment, and groundwater monitoring are also stipulated. The ordinance is currently in committee, with a first reading held and a public hearing tentatively scheduled. Approximately eight variances for similar generator placements were granted by the EQCB between 2020 and 2025.