City Requires Generators
By Robert C. Solera, Assistant Administrator Building Department and Code Enforcement and Licensing Department Director

Before last year, everyone including myself welcomed the summer season. Because of our experiences in 2005 with Hurricanes Rita and Wilma, we look at the approach of summer in a different way, and almost dread the arrival of June 1 – the beginning of hurricane season.

In response to issues dealt with in the aftermath of the 2005 Hurricane Season, such as long lines at gas stations, no food, water or ice in stores, due to an absence of power, the City Commission decided to act. At the March 16, 2006 City Commission meeting, the Commission adopted City Ordinances 2006-248, 2006-250 and 2006-251 that require certain businesses and high rises to have working generators.

Gas stations
The City Commission passed Ordinance: 2006-248 requiring gas stations to have generators to pump gas when the electricity is out. Here is an excerpt of Ordinance: 2006-248.

“Gasoline stations that sell gasoline at retail to consumers from gas pumps at their stations, within the City, shall have as a minimum alternate energy source, a generator connection/hookup that is capable of providing electrical service during an interruption of the normal electrical supply, sufficient to power the gasoline pumps so that gasoline can be sold to the consumer…”

Food stores, including pharmacies
Here is an excerpt from Ordinance: 2006-250.

“Owners and operators of food stores, including pharmacies within the City, shall have a minimum alternate power source, a generator connection/hookup,…sufficient to provide lighting and ventilation to allow such facilities are opened for business during a declared state of emergency…”

High rises
Ordinance: 2006-251 ensures that residents living in high rises of 75-feet or higher will not be stranded on high floors.

“Any person, firm, or corporation owning or operating a High-Rise building within the city containing an elevator shall be required to provide the building with an automatic secondary type 1 emergency alternate energy source on the premises, including a generator, with sufficient electric charge to operate at least one (1) elevator unit within each building during a declared State of Emergency….shall be required to provide an adequate fuel supply to operate such an emergency generator, and must maintain a logbook containing a listing of quarterly inspections to ensure the electrical generator is in good and working condition…”

90 days to comply
In order for the associations and owners to become familiar with these new Ordinances, the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach has given (90) days from the adoption date of the Ordinances to comply with the requirements.

As a courtesy, the Code Enforcement and Licensing Department has sent letters with attached copies of the Ordinances to all associations and owner / operators that are affected.

Direct any questions or concerns regarding these requirements by calling or visiting the Building and Code Enforcement and Licensing Departments between 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at:
Sunny Isles Beach Government Center
Floor 3
18070 Collins Avenue
Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
305.957.1305

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