San Diego Municipal Code Div. 9 Mechanical and Utility Equipment Screening Regulations

(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)

The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that mechanical and utility equipment associated with a development is appropriately screened from public vantage points. The intent of these regulations is to minimize visual impacts to surrounding properties and public rights-of-way. (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)

This Division applies to all multiple unit residential, commercial, and industrial development that proposes mechanical or utility equipment, whether or not a permit or other approval is required for the development, except that solar energy systems are exempt where developed in accordance with Section 141.0418. (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.) (Amended 8-7-2015 by O-20555 N.S.; effective 9-6-2015.)

(a) Except when located in the RS, RX, and RT zones, the following equipment and appurtenances shall be screened from public view and be architecturally integrated with the primary building on the premises:

(1) Mechanical equipment

(2) Tanks

(3) Ducts

(4) Elevator enclosures

(5) Cooling towers

(6) Mechanical ventilators

(7) Air conditioners

(8) Other similar appurtenances

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(b) Exterior facilities associated with a structure such as plumbing, heating,
cooling, electrical, chemical processing, compressor, motor, and incinerator
facilities shall be completely screened on all sides with a solid wall or fence
that is painted or texturized to match the primary building on the premises.

(c) All utilities, such as gas meters, electrical meters and panels, fire control
panels, telephone, cable television panels, and similar devices shall be
screened from public view unless other Municipal Code regulations require
that visibility be maintained. Landscape screening may be used to screen
utilities.

(d) Equipment and appurtenances associated with industrial development that is
classified as a manufacturing use shall be exempt from the screening
requirements in Section 142.0910(a) and (b) if located on a premises that is
not abutting residentially zoned property.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
(Amended 5-5-2015 by O-20481 N.S.; effective 6-4-2015.)
(Amended 8-9-2019 by O-21114 N.S.; effective 9-8-2019.)
(Amended 7-22-2024 by O-21836 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21836 N.S. will not apply within the
Coastal Overlay Zone until the California Coastal Commission certifies it as a Local
Coastal Program Amendment.
Click the link to view the Strikeout Ordinance highlighting changes to prior language
http://docs.sandiego.gov/municode_strikeout_ord/O-21836-SO.pdf ]

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Article 2: General Development Regulations