Do you allow generators and is there a problem with them

Started by ShirleyR2 • 11 replies • 2817 views

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ShirleyR2 (Virginia)
Posts: 16

Posted:

We have 8 generators in our small community of 88 condos. The ARC chair brought out a list of why we shouldn't have anymore
and doesn't want to approve a new application of a resident who needs it for her medicine storage. He has written extensive proposed rules and regulations to make it difficult.

Is this a problem in your community - the use of a generator is maybe 8 days a year.

I would appreciate your thoughts.
Shirley

TimM11
Posts: 354

Posted:

You're talking about standby generators rather than portable ones, correct?

CathyA3 (Ohio)
Posts: 6,299

Posted:

* Where are they sitting? On the common elements?

* How are they vented? Must the venting run through an exterior wall or roof, which would probably be through common elements as well?

* How are they fueled? I assume these are small portable generators that run on gasoline or some such.

* Do the generators affect the association's master insurance policy? In other words, does the presence of generators raise the premiums? What about liability due to fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, etc.?

I can see all sorts of problems due to improper installation and operation of these units. If this is a condo association, the board could probably prohibit use and operation on the common elements, which would mean that people would probably have them in garages or on decks, which may violate fire codes.

AugustinD
Posts: 5,144

Posted:

What alternatives does a person on meds have to keep her or his meds cold?

A review of disability law is likely appropriate here. Also the reality of climate change probably helps the side who wants generators. I do not like it when a board has to consult an attorney, but on this one, I would.

The net has a lot of chatter on this. Google for {generators condominiums}.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,061

Posted:

Personally, I don't think it's an issue.
When we lose power, more and more of the residents have been purchasing generators.

What most residents do is run them during the day and turn them off at night (as the fridge and freezer will keep things cold). This is simple common courtesy.

We have zero rules or regs about generators.

GenoS (Florida)
Posts: 4,276

Posted:

Just this year we enacted Rules & Regulations about portable generators. After a storm some people have them and we understand that. When we all lost power after Hurricane Matthew a couple of years ago there was one homeowner who ran his portable generator 24 hours a day. His neighbors, also without power and without air conditioning, were annoyed to no end since everyone was sleeping with the windows open.

We considered restricting the hours of use but some brought up medical conditions, like CPAP machines prescribed by physicians that require continuous electricity to work.

So we dropped the idea of any restrictions. If we ever lose power for days or weeks I'm sure the noise issue will re-surface and we'll deal with it then. Other than that we have no covenants or rules addressing generators.

GenoS (Florida)
Posts: 4,276

Posted:

A small correction, we DO have the new Rules & Regulations about portable generators but they're concerned with the permissible locations to set them up, not hours of operation.

ShirleyR2 (Virginia)
Posts: 16

Posted:

Yes

ShirleyR2 (Virginia)
Posts: 16

Posted:

They are outside and vented outside - I am not sure how they are powered... my bad. They are on a small area of common element near each condo.

ShirleyR2 (Virginia)
Posts: 16

Posted:

Thanks for info. Yes I appreciate your thoughts.

ShirleyR2 (Virginia)
Posts: 16

Posted:

Thanks - I am with you ..

NigelB (Texas)
Posts: 254

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By ShirleyR2 on 12/04/2018 12:38 PM
We have 8 generators in our small community of 88 condos. The ARC chair brought out a list of why we shouldn't have anymore
and doesn't want to approve a new application of a resident who needs it for her medicine storage. He has written extensive proposed rules and regulations to make it difficult.

Is this a problem in your community - the use of a generator is maybe 8 days a year.

I would appreciate your thoughts.
Shirley

You need to check your State property laws. The reason I state this is because in its last session, the Texas legislature restricted HOA's from having rules that prohibit standby generators

Section 202.019 of the Texas Property Code restricts a Homeowners Association from adopting or enforcing a dedicatory instrument provision that prohibits or restricts a homeowner from owning, operating, installing, or maintaining a permanently installed “standby electric generator

Your State might have something similar

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