Paso Robles Municipal Code Ch. 21.47 Mechanical Equipment and Screening

A. Purpose. For the purposes of this chapter, mechanical equipment shall include machines and devices, including backflow devices, HVAC units, fans, vents, generators, and elevator motors integral to the regular operation of climate control, electrical, plumbing, and similar building systems.

B. Applicability. The standards of this chapter apply to:

1. New development;

2. New equipment that is added to serve existing buildings; and

3. Condominium conversions.

(Ord. No. 1144 N.S., § 3(Exh. A), 10-1-2024)

A. General Screening. All exterior mechanical equipment shall be screened or incorporated into the design of buildings so as not to be visible from the public right-of-way, highways, passenger railways, or abutting residential zoning districts.

B. Location. Exterior mechanical equipment shall be screened to the height of the particular piece of equipment, as follows:

1. Roof-Mounted Equipment. Mechanical equipment may be mounted on roofs, provided the equipment is concealed from view from adjacent at-grade public streets with solid architectural features that are integrated into the overall architectural design, such as a roof well or parapet wall.

Exception. For detached single-family residences (and accessory dwelling units), air-conditioning and evaporative cooling systems shall not be mounted on the roof.

2. Equipment at Grade. When located on the ground adjacent to a building, mechanical equipment shall be:

a. Located behind the front face of the building unless determined to be infeasible by the city utilities and emergency services departments; and

b. Screened by landscaping or an architecturally compatible screen or a combination of materials from the view of the street or surrounding properties.

A mechanical equipment screen shall fully block the view of the equipment with structural/architectural materials that match the architectural style and materials of the adjacent structure.

When landscaping is used, proposed plant materials shall have the capability of achieving sixty percent of total view blockage within eighteen months of planting, and one hundred percent of total view blockage within three years of planting.

Backflow devices shall utilize a combination of fencing and landscape screening unless determined to be infeasible by the city utilities and emergency services departments.

3. Setbacks. Mechanical equipment may be located within required setbacks, provided building code requirements are met.

C. Height Limit Projection. Roof-mounted equipment and related architectural screening that exceed maximum height limits are subject to the provisions of Table 21.41.040-1 (Allowed Projections Above Height Limits) in Paragraph 21.41.040(A)2.

D. Screening Modifications. Modifications to the provisions of this chapter may be allowed through a site plan modification (Section 21.17.020). In approving such a request, the review authority shall find, in addition to the findings associated with a site plan modification (Subsection 21.17.020(C)), that screening is infeasible due to health and safety, structural limitations, or utility requirements.

(Ord. No. 1144 N.S., § 3(Exh. A), 10-1-2024)