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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ Item 01 - Emergency GeneratorsMEMO TO: PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION FROM: ERICA MAROHNIC, PLANNING SERVICES DIRECTOR MEETING DATE: FEBRUARY 20, 2024, WORKSHOP SUBJECT: WHOLE -HOME EMERGENCY GENERATORS (AM24-01) RECOMMENDATION: Planning and Zoning Commission to hold a discussion and provide staff direction regarding possible amendments to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance No. 82-73) same being Appendix "D" of the Code of Ordinances, as follows: amend Subsection A.3, Noise Regulation of Section 55, Performance Standards by adding an exception for whole -home emergency generators. BACKGROUND: A Grapevine resident and homebuilder has submitted a request for an exception to the noise regulations laid out in Section 55, Performance Standards of the Zoning Ordinance. Currently, the only exception to maximum noise emissions on property outside of the right- of-way is for lawn and yard maintenance equipment. The requestor is seeking to add a second exception for whole -home emergency generators. Along with the request, a letter from the requestor and a specification sheet for a whole -home emergency generator have been attached. Whole -home emergency generators are designed to ensure safety and security during long power outages. They provide continuous power to keep essential appliances and systems running, such as heating and cooling, refrigeration, medical equipment, communication devices, and security systems. This can be important for individuals with medical conditions that require electricity -dependent equipment or for families with young children or elderly members who may be more vulnerable during extended power outages. In addition, having a whole home generator can help prevent property damage and financial losses by maintaining a functional home environment during unforeseen power interruptions. ISSUES: Whole -home emergency generators usually emit noise at a level of around 60-70 decibels, which is about as loud as a normal conversation. The maximum permissible sound level in a residential district is 59 dBA between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. and 52 dBA between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Many generators may need to run self -diagnostic tests automatically on a weekly or monthly basis, while others may require manual testing by the homeowners. The frequency of testing may depend on the manufacturer's recommendations and the specific model of the generator. AM24-01 Historically, Grapevine has required whole -home emergency generators to be equipped with baffling, covers, or other noise attenuation methods during the building permitting process. This is because these generators can produce a significant amount of noise while running, which can be disruptive to the surrounding community, especially in residential areas where neighbors are near each other. However, implementing these noise -reducing measures can be expensive, void the generator's warranty, or potentially affect its overall performance during an actual emergency event. Draft Exception Changes: 3. NOISE REGULATION: This ordinance shall apply to all sound originating within the limits of the City of Grapevine, Texas. It applies 24 hours of everyday of the week and year around. This ordinance does not apply to any moving vehicle or aircraft, nor does it apply to sound emitted from any emergency warning device. This ordinance does not apply to the following activities as long as they are conducted in daytime hours as a normal function of a permitted, conditional or special use and the equipment is maintained in proper working condition: Lawn and yard maintenance Whole -home emergencv generator a. General Provisions 1. A person may not conduct a use that creates a sound which exceeds the sound levels established in Table 1 or that exceeds the background sound levels by 5 dBA., whichever is greater. AM24-01 TIN BARN �G 12/4/2023 404 E Wall St Grapevine, Texas 76051 Dear Erica: I would like to make a request that the City of Grapevine consider adding home backup generators to the exceptions list for the noise ordinance Section 55 A 3. Recently the State of Texas has experienced significant demand increases on its power grid which has resulted in multiple widespread power failures. These power failures have occurred during critical times of inclement weather which have resulted in very significant damage to homeowners' property over the past several years. Because of this, the demand for home backup generators has significantly increased. The City of Grapevine has uniquely burdened the requirement for home backup generators due to their noise ordinance. This ordinance so burdens the ability to install a generator that the cost to do so will increase by as much as 50% and in many cases the solutions will void the manufacturer warranty. The Texas utility grid has experienced such demand that the State of Texas recently passed a new proposition allocation for multiple new powerplants to try and help the demand. The demand for power plants is being driven by the increased percentage of power that comes from renewable sources which are dependent on weather and atmospheric conditions. The burden is further 404 E WALL ST. GRAPEVINE TEXAS 76051 T 214-435-4502 exacerbated by the growth in population and the strong push by the federal government to transition automotives from fossil fuel to electric vehicle. Each electric vehicle added to a home, increases that home's power consumption by over 35%. With the power grid many times withing a small percentage of failure, the proliferation of EV's will very quickly push the grid beyond capacity causing more failures. These conditions are a known problem with the Texas grid as they struggle to come up with some sort of solution. In the meantime, the homeowners of Grapevine are being put at an unnecessary burden over other cities for the failure to update the current zoning. As a quick review of the typical current generators installed in Grapevine homes, Generac is the primary supplier and I have attached the specification for your review of the current largest generator designed for home use. The generator is designed so that periodically (typically once a week) the generator will power up and go into test mode for fifteen minutes. During this test, the unit will power up at full power and then immediately drop to 50% for the duration of the test which typically is set for 15 minutes. The noise during this time is far less than is experienced by homeowner when lawn maintenance equipment is operating in the area. You can see the noise levels at full power and test power in the unit specification. As a last note I would like to point out that today's homes are far more dependent on having electrical power because it supports the homes' communications, all the appliances, and home health supporting equipment such as CPAP machines. Many homes have transitioned to tankless water heaters which have a very low water volume burner that is protected from freezing by an electrical heater that during power outages leaves the very vulnerable unit to catastrophic failure. In the last big freeze, thousands of local area tankless water heaters without power failed which resulted in homeowner damage. My request is that the city exempt home backup generators from the noise ordinance so that the citizens of Grapevine can protect their homes in the same manner that the surrounding cities can from this impending problem that is predicted to get worse very soon. I am always available for any questions or to help in any way. Regards, Neal Cooper 214-435-4502 neal@tinbarnllc.com 26 kW Emi INCLUDES: • True Power'" Electrical Technology • Two-line multilingual digital LCD Evolution- controller (English/Spanish/French/Portuguese) • 200 amp service rated transfer switch available • Electronic governor • Standard Wi-Fig connectivity • System status & maintenance interval LED indicators • Sound attenuated enclosure • Flexible fuel line connector • Natural gas or LP gas operation • 5 Year limited warranty • Base fascia • Listed and labeled for installation as close as 18 in (457 mm) to a structure." 'Must be located away from doors, windows, and fresh air intakes and in accordance with local codes. FEATURES L C A01 Me INNOVATIVE ENGINE DESIGN & RIGOROUS TESTING are at the heart of Gen- erac's success in providing the most reliable generators possible. Generac's G- Force engine lineup offers added peace of mind and reliability for when it's needed the most. The G-Force series engines are purpose built and designed to handle the rigors of extended run times in high temperatures and extreme operating conditions. TRUE POWER"" ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY: Superior harmonics and sine wave form produce less than 5% Total Harmonic Distortion for utility quality power. This allows confident operation of sensitive electronic equipment and micro -chip based appliances, such as variable speed HVAC systems. TEST CRITERIA: ✓ PROTOTYPE TESTED NEMA MG1-22 EVALUATION ✓ SYSTEM TORSIONAL TESTED MOTOR STARTING ABILITY MOBILE LINK° CONNECTIVITY: FREE with select Guardian Series Home standby generators, Mobile Link Wi-Fi allows users to monitor generator status from any- where in the world using a smanphone, tablet, or PC. Easily access information such as the current operating status and maintenance alerts. Users can connect an account to an authorized service dealer for fast, friendly, and proactive service. With Mobile Link, users are taken care of before the next power outage. GENERAL' GUARDIAN® SERIES Residential Standby Generators Air -Cooled Gas Engine Standby Power Rating G007290-0, G007291-0 (Aluminum - Bisque) - 26 kW 60 Hz FIR, GENERAC -- -74 CON US or C �� Ds \�C U ., L nkile LISTED Note: CETL or CUL certification only applies to unbundled units and units packaged with limited circuit switches. Units packaged with the Smart Switch are ETL or UL certified in the USA only. O SOLID-STATE, FREQUENCY COMPENSATED VOLTAGE REGULATION: This state-of-the-art power maximizing regulation system is standard on all Generac mod- els. It provides optimized FAST RESPONSE to changing load conditions and MAXI- MUM MOTOR STARTING CAPABILITY by electronically torque -matching the surge loads to the engine. Digital voltage regulation at ±1 %. O SINGLE SOURCE SERVICE RESPONSE from Generac's extensive dealer network provides parts and service know-how for the entire unit, from the engine to the small- est electronic component. O GENERAC TRANSFER SWITCHES: Long life and reliability are synonymous with GENERAC POWER SYSTEMS. One reason for this confidence is that the GENERAC product line is offered with its own transfer systems and controls for total system compatibility. w GENERAC Q( @11, u PROMISE�.�`be GENERAC® 26 kW Features and Benefits Engine • Generac G-Force design Maximizes engine "breathing" for increased fuel efficiency. Plateau honed cylinder walls and plasma moly rings help the engine run cooler, reducing oil consumption and resulting in longer engine life. • "Spiny-lok" cast iron cylinder walls Rigid construction and added durability provide long engine life. • Electronic ignition/spark advance These features combine to assure smooth, quick starting every time. • Full pressure lubrication system Pressurized lubrication to all vital bearings means better performance, less maintenance, and longer engine life. Now featuring up to a 2 year/200 hour oil change interval. • Low oil pressure shutdown system Shutdown protection prevents catastrophic engine damage due to low oil. • EPA Certified for non -emergency applications Allows unit to be used for demand response applications. • High temperature shutdown Prevents damage due to overheating. Generator • Revolving field Allows fora smaller, light weight unit that operates 25% more efficiently than a revolving armature generator. • Displaced phase excitation Maximizes motor starting capability. • Automatic voltage regulation Regulating output voltage to ±1 % prevents damaging voltage spikes. • UL 2200 listed For your safety. Transfer Switch (if applicable) • Fully automatic Transfers vital electrical loads to the energized source of power. • NEMA 313 Can be installed inside or outside for maximum flexibility. • Integrated load management technology Capability to manage additional loads for efficient power management. • Remote mounting Mounts near an existing distribution panel for simple, low-cost installation. Evolution'" Controls • AUTO/MANUAL/OFF illuminated buttons Selects the operating mode and provides easy, at -a -glance status indication in any condition. • Two-line multilingual LCD Provides homeowners easily visible logs of history, maintenance, and events up to 50 occurrences. • Sealed, raised buttons Smooth, weather -resistant user interface for programming and operations. • Utility voltage sensing Constantly monitors utility voltage, setpoints 65% dropout, 80% pick-up, of standard voltage. • Generator voltage sensing Constantly monitors generator voltage to verify the cleanest power delivered to the home. • Utility interrupt delay Prevents nuisance start-ups of the engine, adjustable 2-1500 seconds from the factory default setting of 5 seconds by a qualified dealer. • Engine warm-up Verifies engine is ready to assume the load, setpoint approximately 5 seconds. • Engine cool -down Allows engine to cool prior to shutdown, setpoint approximately 1 minute. • Programmable exercise Operates engine to prevent oil seal drying and damage between power outages by running the generator for 5 minutes every other week. Also offers a selectable setting for weekly or monthly operation providing flexibility and potentially lower fuel costs to the owner. • Smart battery charger Delivers charge to the battery only when needed at varying rates depending on outdoor air temperature. Compatible with lead acid and AGM -style batteries. • Main line circuit breaker Protects generator from overload. • Electronic governor Maintains constant 60 Hz frequency. Unit • SAE weather protective enclosure Sound attenuated enclosures ensure quiet operation and protection against mother nature, withstanding winds up to 150 mph (241 km/h). Hinged key locking roof panel for security. Lift -out front for easy access to all routine maintenance items. Electrostatically applied textured epoxy paint for added durability. • Enclosed critical grade muffler Quiet, critical grade muffler is mounted inside the unit to prevent injuries. • Small, compact, attractive Makes for an easy, eye appealing installation, as close as 18 in (457 mm) away from a structure. r411 Tly Installation System • 14 in (35.6 cm) flexible fuel line connector • Integral sediment trap Connectivity (Wi-Fi equipped models only) • Ability to view generator status • Ability to view generator Exercise/Run and Total Hours • Ability to view generator maintenance information • Monthly report with previous month's activity • Ability to view generator battery information • Weather information GENERAC® MM Features and Benefits Listed ANSI Z21.75/CSA 6.27 outdoor appliance connector for the required connection to the gas supply piping. Meets IFGC and NFPA 54 installation requirements. Monitor generator with a smartphone, tablet, or computer at any time via the Mobile Link application for complete peace of mind. Review the generator's complete protection profile for exercise hours and total hours. Provides maintenance information for the specific model generator when scheduled maintenance is due. Detailed monthly reports provide historical generator information. Built in battery diagnostics displaying current state of the battery. Provides detailed local ambient weather conditions for generator location. 26 kW Generator Model Rated maximum continuous power capacity (LP) Rated maximum continuous power capacity (NG) Rated voltage Rated maximum continuous load current — 240 volts (LP/NG) Total Harmonic Distortion Main line circuit breaker Phase Number of rotor poles Rated AC frequency Power factor Battery requirement (not included) Unit weight (lb / kg) Dimensions (L x W x H) in / cm Sound output in dB(A) at 23 ft (7 m) with generator operating at normal load"" Sound output in dB(A) at 23 ft (7 m) with generator in Quiet -Test'" low -speed exercise mode"` Exercise duration Engine Engine type Number of cylinders Displacement Cylinder block Valve arrangement Ignition system Governor system Compression ratio Starter Oil capacity including filter Operating rpm GENERAC` Specifications G007290-0 G007291-0 (26 kW) 26,000 Watts` 22,500 Watts' 240 108.3 / 93.8 Less than 5% 110 amp 1 2 60 Hz 1.0 12 Volts, Group 26R 540 CCA minimum or Group 35AGM 650 CCA minimum 518 / 235 48 x 25 x 29 / 121.9 x 63.5 x 73.7 67 57 5 min GENERAC G-Force 1000 Series 2 999 cc Aluminum w/ cast iron sleeve Overhead valve Solid-state w/ magneto Electronic 9.5:1 12 VDC Approx.1.9 qt / 1.8 L — 3,600 Fuel consumption Natural gas W/hr (m3/hr) 1/2 Load 188 (5.32) Full Load 333 (9.43) Liquid propane 0/hr (gal/hr) [L/hr] 1/2 Load Full Load 75 (2.06) [7.781 132 (3.63) [13.731 Note: Fuel pipe must be sized for full load. Required fuel pressure to generator fuel inlet at all load ranges - 3.5-7 in water column (0.87-1.74 kPa) for NG,10-12 in water column (2.49-2.99 kPa) for LP gas. For BTU content, multiply ft3/hr x 2500 (LP) or ft3/hr x 1000 (NG). For Megajoule content, multiply m3/hr x 93.15 (LP) or m3/hr x 37.26 (NG). Controls Two-line plain text multilingual LCD Simple user interface for ease of operation. Mode buttons: AUTO - Automatic start on utility failure. Weekly, Bi-weekly, or Monthly selectable exerciser. MANUAL Start with starter control, unit stays on. If utility fails, transfer to load takes place. OFF Stops unit. Power is removed. Control and charger still operate. Ready to Run/Maintenance messages Standard Engine run hours indication � Standard Programmable start delay between 2-1500 seconds Standard (programmable by dealer only) Utility Voltage Loss/Return to Utility adjustable (brownout setting) From 140-171 V / 190-216 V Future Set Capable Exerciser/Exercise Set Error warning Standard Run/Alarm/Maintenance logs ' 50 events each Engine start sequence Cyclic cranking:16 sec on, 7 rest (90 sec maximum duration). Starter lock -out Starter cannot re-engage until 5 sec after engine has stopped. Smart Battery Charger Standard Charger Fault/Missing AC warning Standard Low Battery/Battery Problem Protection and Battery Condition indication Standard Automatic Voltage Regulation with Over and Under Voltage Protection ' Standard Under-Frequency/Overload/Stepper Overcurrent Protection Standard Safety Fused/Fuse Problem Protection M� Standard Automatic Low Oil Pressure/High Oil Temperature Shutdown Standard Overcrank/Overspeed (@ 72 Hz)/rpm Sense Loss Shutdown Standard i High Engine Temperature Shutdown Standard Internal FaulVlncorrect Wiring protection Standard Common external fault capability Standard Field upgradable firmware i ' Standard ' Rating definitions — Optional Standby: Applicable for supplying backup power for the duration of the utility power outage with correct maintenance performed. ' No overload capability is available for this rating. (All ratings in accordance with BS5514, ISO3046, UL2200, and DIN6271). Maximum kilovolt amps and current are subject to and limited by such factors as fuel BTU/Megajoule content, ambient temperature, altitude, engine power and condition, etc. Maximum power decreases approximately 3.5% for each 1,000 ft (304.8 m) above sea level and approximately 1 % for each 10 OF (6 °C) above 60 OF (16 °C). ""Sound levels are taken from the front of the generator. Sound levels taken from other sides of the generator may be higher depending on installation parameters. U.S. EPA certified for non -emergency applications. 411 Service Rated Automatic Transfer Switch Features • Intelligently manages up to four air conditioner loads with no additional hardware. • Up to eight additional large (240 VAC) loads can be managed when used in conjunction with Smart Management Modules (SMMs). • Electrically operated, mechanically -held contacts for fast, clean connections. • Main breakers are rated for 80% continuous load. • 2-pole, 250 VAC contactors. • Service equipment rated, dual coil design. • Rated for both aluminum and copper conductors. • Main contacts are silver plated or silver alloy to resist welding and sticking. • NEMA/UL 311 aluminum outdoor enclosure allows for indoor or outdoor mounting flexibility. Dimensions 200 Amps 120/240, 11a Open Transition Service Rated Height Width Depth H1 H2 W1 W2 in 26.8 30.1 10.5 13.5 6.9 cm 67.95 76.43 26.67 34.18 17.5 Wire Ranges Conductor Lug Neutral Lug Ground Lug 250 MOM - #6 350 MOM - #6 2/0 - #14 GENERAC® Switch Options Model G007291-0 (26 kW) No. of poles 2 Current rating (amps) 200 Voltage rating (VAC) 120/240, 10 Utility voltage monitor (fixed)* -Pick-up 80% -Dropout 65% Return to Utility* Approx.13 sec ETL or UL listed Standard Enclosure type NEMA/UL 3R Circuit breaker protected 22,000 Lug range MREWV 250 MCM - #6 *Function of Evolution controller Exercise can be set to weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly i— W1—+ H2 H+ -DEPTH -W2� GENERACN 26 kW Available Accessories Model # Product Description G007101-0 Battery Pad Warmer Pad warmer rests under the battery. Recommended for use if temperature regularly falls below 0 °F (-18 °C). (Not nec- essary for use with AGM -style batteries). G007102-0 Oil Warmer Oil warmer slips directly over the oil filter. Recommended for use if temperature regularly falls below 0 °F (-18 °C). G007103-1 Breather Warmer Breather warmer is for use in extreme cold weather applications. For use with Evolution controllers only in climates where heavy icing occurs. G005621-0 Auxiliary Transfer Switch The auxiliary transfer switch contact kit allows the transfer switch to lock out a single large electrical load that may not be Contact Kit needed. Not compatible with 50 amp pre -wired switches. G007027-0 - Bisque Fascia Base Wrap Kit The fascia base wrap snaps together around the bottom of the new air-cooled generators. This offers a sleek, contoured appearance as well as offering protection from rodents and insects by covering the lifting holes located in the base. G005703-0 - Bisque Touch -Up Paint Kit If the generator enclosure is scratched or damaged, it is important to touch up the paint to protect from future corrosion. The touch-up paint kit includes the necessary paint to correctly maintain or touch up a generator enclosure. G006485-0 Scheduled Maintenance Kit Generac's scheduled maintenance kit provides all the items necessary to perform complete routine maintenance on a Generac automatic standby generator (oil not included). G007009-0 LTE LP Tank Fuel Level The LTE enabled LP tank fuel level monitor provides constant monitoring of the connected LP fuel tank. Monitoring the LP Monitor tank's fuel level is an important step in verifying the generator is ready to run during an unexpected power failure. Status alerts are available through a free application to notify users when the LP tank is in need of a refill. G007000-0 (50 amp) Smart Management Module Smart Management Modules (SMM) are used to optimize the performance of a standby generator. It manages large elec- G007006-0 Itrical loads upon startup and sheds them to aid in recovery when overloaded. In many cases, using SMM's can reduce (100 amp) the overall size and cost of the system. G007169-0 - 413 LTE Mobile Link"' Cellular The Mobile Link family of Cellular Accessories allow users to monitor generator status from anywhere in the world, using G007170-0 - Wi-Fi/ Accessories a smart phone, tablet, or PC. Easily access information such as the current operating status and maintenance alerts. Us - Ethernet ers can connect an account with an authorized service dealer for fast, friendly, and proactive service. With Mobile Link, users are taken care of before the next power outage. G007220-0 - Bisque Base Plug Kit Base plugs snap into the lifting holes on the base of air-cooled home standby generators. This offers a sleek, contoured appearance, as well as offers protection from rodents and insects by covering the lifting holes located in the base. Kit contains four plugs, sufficient for use on a single air-cooled home standby generator. G007301-0 High Altitude Kit A high altitude kit may be required when operating over 2,000 ft (610 m) above sea level per U.S. EPA regulations. Op- erating the engine with the incorrect engine configuration at a given altitude may increase emissions and decrease fuel efficiency and performance. Dimensions & PCs Model UPC I 637.8 mm 1213 mm [25.1 in] [48.0 in] G007290-0 696471087307 G007291-0 696471087314 I I O l 727 2 mm [28.6 in] o 4 10 10 648 mm ,232 mm [25.5 in] [48.5 inl LEFT SIDE VIEW FRONT VIEW Dimensions shown are approximate. See installation manual for exact dimensions. DO NOT USE THESE DIMENSIONS FOR INSTALLATION PURPOSES. GENE RAC® Generac Power Systems, Inc. • S45 W29290 HWY. 59, Waukesha, WI 53189 • generac.com 1 ©2022 Generac Power Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Part No. A0002026894 Rev.D 09/19/2022