Politics & Government

Washington Twp. Council Passes Generator Law

The new ordinance sets rules for residential generators.

A new law in Washington Township will govern rules for the use of emergency generators for homes.

The ordinance, which was approved by the council during their meeting Monday night, came just months after Hurricane Sandy knocked out power in some township homes for two weeks.

"With the storms we've had, it's becoming a really popular addition right now," Councilman Richard Hrbek previously said of generators.

The law limits residents to one permanent generator per home with a maximum power of 20 kilowatts. It requires generators be installed on a concrete pad in the backyard or side of the house at least 5 feet from the property line and within 15 feet of the building, among other regulations.

The generators "shall be used only during periods of emergency" or for a maximum of 30 minutes between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. once per week for testing.

Generators can use natural gas or propane, or diesel fuel if it's in a home's backyard.

The application to install a generator will cost residents a $25 fee.

Several residents at the meeting said they supported the new law.

"My ultimate goal is to never have to use [a generator], but I appreciate the fact that you thought about it and worked on it fairly quickly," Dan Colucci said.

The new law may still see some tweaks going forward. David Snyde, a resident of the Washington Commons townhouse complex, said that the regulations make it difficult or impossible for those who live in townhouses or condos to install generators. 

Washington Township's law is among the first covering residential emergency generators in the area. Officials said they would review and amend the law as needed.


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