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 for administrative approval of emergency generators for healthcare facilities and food stores within wellfield protection areas. Previously, such approvals required a public hearing before the Environmental Quality Control Board (EQCB). The proposed changes aim to streamline the permitting process and reduce development costs. The ordinance amends Sections 24-5, 24-18, and 24-43 of the Miami-Dade County Code. 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 that fuels be contained in an approved above-ground storage facility with secondary containment. For food stores, fuel capacity is limited to 1,500 gallons. A groundwater monitoring plan may be required. The ordinance was adopted on first reading by the Board of County Commissioners on July 21, 2026, and was set for a public hearing before the Recreation, Tourism, and Resiliency Committee on September 9, 2026. Staff anticipates no negative fiscal impact and notes potential social and economic benefits for property owners and the development community.