Palatine Adjusts Zoning Code For Electric Generators

After thousands of power outages across Palatine resulting from record breaking summer storms, the village has seen spikes in the number of permit requests for permanent electric generators.  

In response, the Village Council has amended a zoning ordinance that allows the generators.

“We adjusted the code to make permanent electric generators allowable since a number of single family residences don’t have the lot size or lay out that allows their placement,” said Reid Ottesen, village manager.

For example, Ottesen said under the old code residents with rectangular lots wouldn’t have the ability to utilize the generators because of placement restrictions.

Previously, the zoning code allowed a three-foot encroachment into a resident’s yard, while the revised code would permit up to a four foot encroachment. A minimum two foot setback also would be required from any lot line.

The revised code allows the generators to be permitted encroachments, and they will be treated as compressors or condensers formerly included in the code.

On July 22 and July 23, seven inches of rain fell in a 24 hour period, with more than five inches occurring in about a three-hour period. 

The severe weather caused about 10,000 power outages in Palatine.

On July 11 powerful winds knocked down trees and damaged power lines also causing outages throughout Palatine.

Officials from ComEd will make a presentation at the Oct. 17 village council meeting to address the summer power outages and discuss a plan for the utility’s overall performance and reliability.