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 at healthcare facilities and food stores within wellfield protection areas, subject to specific conditions. Previously, these required a public hearing before the Environmental Quality Control Board (EQCB). The change aims to streamline permitting and reduce costs for essential facilities while maintaining environmental protections. The ordinance revises definitions, operating permit requirements, and prohibitions within wellfield protection areas. Key conditions for approval include the property being served by utility water and sewer, located more than 30 days travel time from a water supply well, outside the most restrictive wellfield protection areas, within the Urban Development Boundary, and having fuels contained in approved above-ground storage facilities with secondary containment. Fuel volumes for food stores are capped at 1,500 gallons, while healthcare facilities must meet regulatory requirements. A groundwater monitoring plan may be required. The ordinance was introduced on 6/30/2026 and tentatively scheduled for a public hearing on 7/21/2026 before the Recreation, Tourism, and Resiliency Committee.