Page 184 - Des Moines - Zoning, Planning and Design Ch 134, 135

135-2. DeSiGN reQUireMeNtS DRAFT

Mechanical Equipment & Appurtenances

135-2.5. Mechanical equipment & B. Alignment. Multiple pieces of mechanical
Appurtenances equipment shall be organized on the facade in
a regular pattern and aligned. Compliance with
2.5.1 iNteNt this standard must be illustrated on the drawing
Mechanical equipment and appurtenances can elevations submitted as part of the application.
have a negative visual impact and detract from the c. Material coordination. To the extent practicable,
quality of the design of a building. The purpose of the facade-mounted mechanical appurtenances shall be
standards of this section is to ensure that the visual located on a material that limits their visibility. For
impact of mechanical equipment and appurtenances is example, dark colored vents will be more visible on
minimized. light colored stucco than a textured, darker surface
such as brick.
2.5.2 MecHANicAl eQUiPMeNt iN BUilDiNG
Mechanical equipment shall be located within the 2.5.5 MecHANicAl eQUiPMeNt AND UtilitY
building, unless the applicant demonstrates the APPUrteNANceS ON OtHer HOriZONtAl
equipment is necessary for the function of the building SUrFAceS
and locating the equipment within the building would Mechanical equipment located on the ground, decks,
conflict with the equipment’s function. or horizontal surfaces other than the roof, such as but
not limited to electrical equipment and air conditioners,
2.5.3 rOOFtOP MecHANicAl eQUiPMeNt shall be located consistent with the following standards:
Any rooftop mechanical equipment, such as but not A. Screening. See 135-5.12.5 for wall and landscape
limited to vents, ventilators, and skylights, and excluding screening of mechanical equipment and utility
solar energy and wind energy conversion systems, appurtenances.
shall be located consistent with one of the following B. No encroachment. Mechanical equipment shall
methods: not extend into any city right-of-way or easement.
A. Incorporate equipment into the roof design
consistent with the applicable standards of 135-1.17. c. Yard location.
B. Set the equipment back a minimum of 20 feet from 1. No mechanical equipment shall be located in the
front yard.
any public way facade.
c. To the extent practicable, all rooftop mechanical 2. Mechanical equipment may be located in a side
shall be painted to blend with the structural roof yard provided the side yard does not contain or
and limit its visibility. abut a public way or open space.
3. All equipment shall be screened from view from
2.5.4 MecHANicAl eQUiPMeNt AND UtilitY any public way with landscaping, fencing, or walls
APPUrteNANceS ON FAcADeS consistent with the building design, colors, and
Mechanical equipment and utility appurtenances materials.
shall not be located on a facade unless the applicant 4. The community development director may
demonstrates that locating the equipment in a different approve appurtenances located on a primary
location would conflict with the equipment’s function. street only if the following conditions are met:
Any equipment or appurtenance approved on a facade, a. The applicant demonstrates that the
such as but not limited to dryer vents, gas meters, and equipment cannot be located in a rear yard,
air conditioners, shall be located consistent with the non-primary street yard, or in a side yard.
following standards:
A. Facade. The mechanical equipment may be b. No utility cabinets, boxes, or other
located on a primary facade only if the following appurtenances are within 300 feet along
requirements are met: the same side of the street as the proposed
utility appurtenance.
1. The equipment is located on a surface c. The appurtenance is fully screened in a
perpendicular to any right-of-way; manner that is consistent with the building

2. The equipment extends from the facade surface design, colors, and materials and of a height
no more than 3 inches; and that is the minimum to adequately screen
3. The equipment is screened from the sidewalk. the appurtenance and that does not prevent

135-2-14 DRAFT AuGuST 3, 2017