Board OKs 4-foot variance for generator at Peters Township fire station

The Peters Township Zoning Hearing Board approved a request to place a backup generator at the fire department building at 892 Bebop Road, granting a 4-foot variance to the front-yard setback. Fire Chief Michael McLaughlin testified the building has never had backup power and said the generator is necessary to keep garage doors, locks and technology operational during outages. The board attached the usual conditions, including building-permit submittal within 30 days and a one-year commencement requirement; the motion carried 5–0.

Chief McLaughlin said the chosen location aligns with existing gas and electric service and is the least intrusive option for neighbors. "The problem that we have is it's never had backup power," Michael McLaughlin said while describing prior operational difficulties and the department's need for reliable power. Board members asked about specifications and noted that a township affidavit confirming the owner's approval was not yet on file and would need to be provided as part of permit follow-up.