§ 21.31.265. Mechanical equipment screening on rooftops.

Mechanical equipment on rooftops shall be screened as follows to improve aesthetic qualities and to prevent unauthorized access into a building.

A.

R-4-H, PD Zones. In the R-4-H and PD zones which allow high-rise development, all rooftop-mounted equipment (except solar collectors, heater and plumbing vents, passive air vents, roof hatches and rain gutters) shall be screened from public view both at grade and from higher buildings. The Director of Planning and Building shall review all screening for compliance with these provisions.

B.

R-4-R, R-4-N, R-4-U and PD Zones. In the R-4-R, R-4-N and R-4-U zones, and in PD zones planned for low-rise development, all rooftop-mounted mechanical equipment (except solar collectors, heating and plumbing vents, passive air vents, roof hatches and rain gutters) shall be screened from public view by solid screening devices at least as high as the equipment being screened.

C.

Materials and Design. All screening devices shall be of a material requiring minimal maintenance. Wood generally shall not be used. All screening devices shall be well integrated into the design of the building through such items as parapet walls, false roofs or equipment rooms. Louvered designs are acceptable if consistent with building design style.

D.

Substitutions. Well planned, compact, architecturally integrated rooftop equipment may be substituted for screening with the approval of the Director of Planning and Building.

E.

Secured. All rooftop mechanical equipment shall be secured from unauthorized entry to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning and Building.

F.

Fire Rings. Rooftop fire rings shall be prohibited in all residential zones.

(Ord. C-6684 § 41 (part), 1990: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)