EMERGENCY GENERATORS INSTEAD OF EQCB

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

Miami-Dade County is considering an ordinance to amend environmental protection codes. The proposed changes would allow for administrative approval of emergency generators for healthcare facilities and food stores within wellfield protection areas, subject to specific conditions, instead of requiring public hearings before the Environmental Quality Control Board (EQCB). This aims to streamline the permitting process and reduce development costs for essential facilities. The ordinance revises definitions and operating permit requirements, and modifies rules regarding hazardous materials 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, and within the Urban Development Boundary. Fuel storage must be in approved above-ground facilities with secondary containment, and groundwater monitoring plans may be required. For food stores, fuel capacity is capped at 1,500 gallons. The ordinance is currently in committee.