Placer County suspends generator permit fees for residents citing PG&E power shutoffs
On Tuesday the Placer County Board of Supervisors voted to suspend back-up generator permit fees until July 2020, with the hope of alleviating burdens faced by residents in Pacific Gas and Electric Co. power shutoff areas.
A memo from the Placer Director of Building Services Steve Pedretti cited the necessity of back-up generators in allowing residents in power shutoff areas to energize refrigerators, freezers, medical devices and communication systems.
Pedretti said his office received more than 73 permit applications in the past 60 days, but that there are concerns that due to cost many may be forgoing permits and building standards codes, leading to further safety concerns.
“Improper installation of a back-up generator can bring serious life safety consequences such as electric shock, carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution or fire,” Building Services Deputy Director Tim Wegner said. “Our staff is standing by to help ensure proper safety measures and building codes are met.”
According to the memo, permit and inspection fees for residential generators total $275.23.
According to a news release, District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson’s office received correspondence expressing concern over the matter, which was also raised during public comment at a board meeting in November.
“This is an excellent demonstration of a resident providing input and the county taking swift action to implement positive change,” Gustafson said. “I hope more people are encouraged to step forward with their ideas and feedback. We are listening.”
Previous reporting by the Bee documented a similar resolution adopted by the city of Lincoln.
In the midst of power shutoffs in October, Lincoln passed an emergency ordinance that allowed residents to permanently install emergency generators on their properties, an issue that had not previously been outlined in city code.
Last month, the City council unanimously voted to extend the emergency ordinance until next fall.