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2026-007 Request of Holly O'connell for the property located at 59 North Covington Drive to allow for a 44" setback to lot line for installation of a generator (5' setback required). - Project Description: The applicant requested a variance to install a standby generator, requiring a 44-inch setback (16 inches shy of the 5-foot requirement). - Justification: The proposed location is on the same side of the home as the gas meter and electrical panel, which minimizes trenching and consolidates utilities. The applicant stated there is no other feasible location due to property layout constraints, including an elevated concrete patio and the driveway on the other side. - Need for Generator: Reliable backup power is necessary for health and safety, including powering a CPAP machine, a sump pump, and the furnace. - Generator Details: The unit is a Cummins home standby generator designed for residential use, operating only during outages and for weekly 15-20 minute self-tests. Its noise level is approximately 65 decibels. - The applicant provided letters of support from neighbors at 64 and 65 North Covington, and two from 55 North Covington. - Code Enforcement Busse confirmed the site constraints and stated that placing the generator elsewhere would require a more significant variance. They did not believe the request was significant. - The Law Department had no comment. Holly O'Connell - The applicant confirmed they have already moved a downspout that was pictured near the proposed generator location. Tronolone presented the area variance test findings: - Neighborhood Character (No): The structure is typical for a residence, and the minor 16- inch setback reduction in a rear side yard will not create an undesirable change. - Feasible Alternatives (No): Relocating the generator is likely not practical due to lot size, existing structures, and utility connection points. - Substantiality (No): The request for a 16-inch variance is minimal. - Environmental Impact (No): Potential noise and emissions are minimal with modern generators. - Self-Created Difficulty (Yes): The difficulty is self-created, but this does not preclude granting the variance. Motion by Tronolone, seconded by Lang, to approve the installation of a generator. Ayes: 4 Noes: 0 Abstain: 1 Motion Carried 2026-008 Request of Michael Wiley for property located at 104 Norwood Drive to allow construction of a 6' fence in front/ side yard (maximum height in front/side yard 4' and rear yard 6').