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AGENDA REPORT
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| | | | | | | | DATE:
| July 21, 2020
| TO:
| Mayor and City Council
| FROM:
| Stefan T. Chatwin, City Manager 
| | SUBJECT: | Public Hearing; and
First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 2020-13 of the City Council of the City of Fairfield Amending Sections 25.30.6, 25.1402, and 25.1405 of the Fairfield City Code to Add an Exemption from Noise Regulations and Clarify Regulations for the Use of Generators During Emergencies and Power Outages
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| | | | | | | | | RECOMMENDED ACTION | | Hold public hearing; waive full reading, read by title only; and introduce ordinance for first reading. |
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| | | | | | | | | STATEMENT OF ISSUE | | With extended power shutoffs becoming more frequent, demand for installation of home emergency generators has increased significantly. Most, however, do not meet the City's strict noise standards. The proposed ordinance would authorize generators to operate at a higher noise level during power shutoff periods. |
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| | | | | | | | | DISCUSSION | During the 2019 fire season, Pacific Gas and Electric Company initiated a series of temporary power shutoffs to customers in areas potentially subject to fire from downed power lines. These outages varied in time frame and areas covered, but during the worst events, much of the Bay Area was without power for several days.
Losing power is more than an inconvenience for some citizens dependent on powered medical equipment to address chronic illnesses and conditions. As a result, residents and contractors have been submitting an increased number of permit applications for new emergency generators. Many of these applicants have proposed placing generators in side yards. The majority of home-use emergency generators on the market today do not meet the current Fairfield Noise Ordinance requirements, which is 67 decibels at property line. While options remain for noise-deadening enclosures, these enclosures add costs and can be difficult to place in side yards while meeting setback standards.
The proposed Ordinance would authorize emergency generators to operate at a slightly higher noise level during a power shut-off or emergency. Operation would be allowed up to 70dB at a distance of 21 feet, as long a the generator is located at least ten feet from property lines. In staff’s review of product specifications submitted by contractors, the most common generators on the market will meet these standards. The Ordinance also permits periodic testing during normal “construction” hours, again with the goal of reducing noise impacts.
Environmental Review
Staff has determined that the proposed amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 21080(b)(4) of the Public Resources Code and Section 15269(c) of the State CEQA Guidelines because this is a specific action necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency.
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| | | | | | | | | FINANCIAL IMPACT | | There are limited direct financial impacts to the City. Applicants for permits will continue to pay Building Permit application fees and, where appropriate, Planning Permit fees. |
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| | | | | | | | | CITY COUNCIL WORKPLAN | Community Safety
| Community Infrastructure | Quality of Life | | Financial and Operational Sustainability | Economic Development | Travis Air Force Base |
| City Council Goal this item supports:
Community Safety, Quality of Life |
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| | | | | | | | | Project: | One-time item not recommended for including in the Workplan
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| | | | | | | | | PUBLIC CONTACT/ADVISORY BODY RECOMMENDATION | At its June 24, 2020 meeting, the Planning Commission held a public hearing that was duly noticed in the Daily Republic on April 12, 2020. At said meeting, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 2020-11 recommending Council adopt the Ordinance.
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| | | | | | | | | ALTERNATIVE ACTION | The City Council may choose to not adopt the Ordinance or require amendments. |
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| | | | | | | | | STAFF CONTACT | Brian Miller, Associate Planner
(707) 428-7446
bkmiller@fairfield.ca.gov
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| | | | | | | | | COORDINATED WITH | City Attorney's Office
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| REVIEWERS: | | Reviewer | Action | Date | | Feinstein, David | Approved | 7/7/2020 - 5:08 PM | | Gassaway, David | Approved | 7/7/2020 - 12:14 PM | | Alexander, Amber | Approved | 7/7/2020 - 5:25 PM | | Alexander, Amber | Approved | 7/8/2020 - 4:14 PM |
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