18J.15.155 Mechanical Equipment and Outdoor Storage Screening.
A. Applicability. The provisions of this Section apply to mechanical equipment and outdoor storage associated with:
1. New multi-family, civic, commercial, and industrial uses; and
2. Modification and expansion of multi-family, civic, commercial, and industrial uses when the mechanical equipment or outdoor storage is being modified or expanded.
B. Exemptions. [Reserved]
C. Design Objective. Protect the aesthetic quality of developments and surrounding properties by screening service areas for mechanical equipment and outdoor storage.
D. Mechanical and Utility Equipment Screening Standards.
1. Utilities necessary to provide power or to heat and cool buildings shall be integrated into the architectural and site design of the project.
2. Rooftop mechanical equipment shall be screened by either a parapet, rooftop vegetation, or a stepped or sloped roof form that is a part of the architecture of the building and is at least as high as the equipment being screened. Other mechanical equipment screening methods may be utilized for buildings that exceed two stories in height when it is determined by the Department that the screening is effective, durable, and complimentary to the design of the building.
3. Screening for noise impacts shall be required for all mechanical equipment.
4. See PCC 18J.15.090 D.5. for screening standards applicable to mechanical equipment and/or service areas that are located within a parking lot.
5. When replacement or expansion of existing utility systems is required, such expansion or replacement shall, when feasible, be underground.
E. Outdoor Storage Area Screening Standards. See also PCC 18J.15.230 for Outdoor Stockpile standards.
1. Outdoor storage shall be screened from adjacent sites with the use of structural enclosures compatible with the primary structure and landscaping.
2. Outdoor storage areas shall be located behind the front wall of the primary building on site and shall be no closer than 10 feet to a required building or landscape buffer with no setback less than 10 feet from any property line.
3. Landscape shall be Type I with fence or structural enclosure.
4. Material shall not exceed the height of fences or screening enclosures.
5. Materials or colors for fences or walls shall be compatible with building architecture.
6. Where appropriate, landscaping meeting the Landscape Level 1 buffer requirement shall also be installed to provide additional screening.
7. When landscaping is used to achieve buffer requirements, native and drought-tolerant vegetation should be used.