Life by the seaside

Power can be chancy up here, what with high winds and wildfires. We'd like to install a generator. The local electrical contractors sent a request for a permit to the planning department. They got back:

Your building permit application was referred to the Planning Division of Mendocino County Planning and Building Services for approval. Please be advised that the Planning Division is not able to approve your building permit at this time. The proposed Propane/Generator installation does not meet the criteria for an exemption. The project site is designated as Highly Scenic and Coastal Development Permit is required.

Not gonna lie, it is Highly Scenic. It'll be interesting to see if there's a way to hide the generator that complies with the planning board's esthetics, or whether it's simply a no-go.