City adopts new residential generator rules

By Grace Lovins

Following an elevated number of carbon monoxide scares in 2024, Birmingham has some new rules around standby generators in residential areas after city commissions adopted a zoning ordinance amendment during its Monday, March 26, meeting.

According to city planning director Nick Dupuis, the ordinance amendment was brought to the table by the city’s building and fire departments in September 2024. The fire department had responded to several carbon monoxide (CO) incidents involving standby generator use, prompting new ordinance language to address health, safety and welfare concerns.

CO is a colorless, odorless gas that is dangerous and potentially fatal in certain amounts. The gas is produced and released as exhaust as a result of combustion in a generator’s engine.

The city’s planning board held several study sessions on the topic before formally recommending approval to commissioners following a public hearing in February.

Dupuis explained that the ordinance establishes regulations on the placement of generators, the direction of generator exhaust outlets as well as when generators are able to be used. Per the new language, all generators must be placed in the rear yard of a property at least five feet from any principal building or habitable space.

On top of the placement of the generator itself, exhaust outlets are required to be directed into the rear yard, or rear open space, and can’t be pointed towards any principal building or habitable space within 20 feet. Residents looking to install a generator are not required to obtain a permit from the community development department.

The new language also gives the fire department authority to issue cease and desist orders for usage of generator units if the department deems a generator unsafe due to CO readings. If that happens, they can require a generator to be relocated in accordance with the new regulations.

Fire marshall Jeff Scaife noted that 92 percent of the recent generator installations reviewed by the fire department were already located in the rear yards. A smaller number have been installed on side lots, but Scaife said this was generally seen in cases where property sizes were larger.

Commissioners voted unanimously, 5-0, to approve the ordinance amendment. Jason Emerine and Katie Schafer were absent from the meeting.