Home Generators: Permits, Noise Concerns, etc. (Tampa: for sale, neighborhood, purchase)

[StingyDiva]

Hi All. I recently saw a home for sale in the Culbreath Bayou area of South Tampa. The home was great EXCEPT that the next door neighbors installed a permanent home generator.

The neighbors placed the generator away from their home and within 12" of the property line. The home generator is about the 3' tall and 5' wide. So you essentially have this huge machine right next to the property line. It is hidden by shrubs though. So you would not see it unless you were looking for it. HOWEVER, when it turns on, you can hear it from several hundred/thousand feet away. It sounds like a thousand food processors on all at once (no lie).

Allegedly, it only runs twice a week (for a maintenance charge?) for 15 minutes. However, while touring the home, the generator turned on. I could hear it inside the home for sale all the way on the other side of the house. While inside the kitchen (which is essentially right next to the generator), the floors of the kitchen (wood) were vibrating from the noise. Wow.

Also shocking is that this type of incredible nuisance would be in such a "tony" neighborhood......

I know power outages, etc. have made home generators more attractive to homeowners however- how about the noise disturbance vis a vis the neighbor's quality of life, etc.?

I realize now that even if I don't purchase this home, it does not preclude another neighbor in the future from putting in their own generator. Sooooo, Here are my questions:

1) What is the maximum decibel level allowed for a home generator?
2) Is a permit required to install a home generator?
3) Are there noise canceling systems for home generators?
4) I checked the Hillsborough county ordinances for noise and it is very vague. Are there any allowances/exceptions when it comes to a home generator?
4) How can I address this issue without creating an all out neighbor
war?

THANKS from "Too Noisy for Me" in Tampa.......

[TampaKaren]

The Code Enforcement Department for the City of Tampa can answer your questions as it relates to Culbreath Bayou since it's located within the city limits. Following is a link to their page on the net. Also included is a link to the municipal code (search on noise) --> Code Enforcement.

[algia]

My hubby said the the ordinance is only enforced if too early in the morning or too late at night and that practically in between nobody can do anything about it....you should be on my street Wednesdays (rain or not) all the lawns are mowed at the same time.....