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A. Applicability. The requirements of this section shall be imposed for all new development, and construction or placement of new mechanical equipment on existing buildings. Mechanical equipment shall be installed so as not to detract from the appearance of the building or development.

B. Location Requirements.

1. To the maximum extent reasonable and consistent with building and site design objectives, mechanical equipment shall be located in the building, below grade, or on the roof.

2. Where the equipment must be located on the roof, it shall be consolidated to the maximum extent reasonable rather than scattered.

3. Mechanical equipment shall not be located adjacent to a sidewalk, through-block pedestrian connection, or area designated open to the public, such as a plaza.

C. Screening Requirements.

1. Exposed mechanical equipment shall be visually screened by a predominantly solid, nonreflective visual barrier that equals or exceeds the height of the mechanical equipment. The design and materials of the visual barrier or structure shall be consistent with the following requirements:

a. Architectural features, such as parapets, screen walls, trellis systems, or mechanical penthouses shall be consistent with the design intent and finish materials of the main building, and as high, or higher than the equipment it screens.

b. Vegetation or a combination of vegetation and view-obscuring fencing shall be of a type and size that provides a visual barrier at least as high as the equipment it screens and provides 50 percent screening at the time of planting and a dense visual barrier within three years from the time of planting.

c. Screening graphics may be used for at-grade utility boxes.

2. Mechanical equipment shall be screened from above by incorporating one of the following measures, in order of preference:

a. A solid nonreflective roof. The roof may incorporate nonreflective louvers, vents, or similar penetrations to provide necessary ventilation or exhaust of the equipment being screened;

b. Painting of the equipment to match or approximate the color of the background against which the equipment is viewed;

c. Mechanical Equipment Installed on Existing Roofs. The Director may approve alternative screening measures not meeting the specific requirements of this section if the applicant demonstrates that:

i. The existing roof structure cannot safely support the required screening, or

ii. The integrity of the existing roof will be so compromised by the required screening as to adversely affect any existing warranty on the performance of the roof.

D. Exhaust Control Standards.

1. Purpose. Where technically feasible, exhaust equipment shall be located so as not to discharge onto a sidewalk, right-of-way, or area designated accessible to the public; including but not limited to a plaza, through-block connection, pedestrian bridge, and minor publicly accessible space.

2. Exhaust Location Order of Preference. Mechanical exhaust equipment shall be located and discharged based on the following order of preference:

a. On the building roof;

b. On the service drive, alley, or other façade that does not abut a public street, sidewalk or right-of-way;

c. Located above a driveway or service drive to the property such as a parking garage or service court; or

d. A location that abuts a public street or easement; provided, that the exhaust discharge is not directly above an element that has earned FAR Amenity Incentive System points, such as a public plaza.

3. If mechanical exhaust equipment is located as provided in subsection D.2.c or D.2.d of this section, then it shall be deflected from such public space and located at least 16 feet above finished grade, street, easement or other area designated accessible to the public.

4. Exhaust outlets shall not be allowed to discharge to an area that has earned FAR Amenity Incentive System points, such as a public plaza.

E. Modifications. The location and screening of mechanical equipment and exhaust systems are subject to review and approval at the time of land use review. The Director may approve an Administrative Departure pursuant to LUC 20.25A.030.D.1 if the applicant demonstrates that the alternate location or screening measures provide an equal or better result than the requirements of this section.

F. Noise Requirements.

1. Mechanical equipment shall meet the requirements of Chapter 9.18 BCC, Noise Control.

2. The applicant shall be required to demonstrate the mechanical system compliance with the requirements of Chapter 9.18 BCC prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy. (Ord. 6377, 10-16-17, § 2)