Community Development Department

1. In addition to the above, every effort shall be made to site generators at the furthest possible distance from the abutting single-family dwelling unit’s windows and/or doors; and
2. All generators shall have user preselected exercise times limited between the hours of 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

1. At time of building permit, applicants shall submit a narrative and drainage exhibit showing how the installation of the mechanical equipment does not impede flow of drainage.
   
   
   1. The drainage exhibit shall show the following:
      
      1. The location of the proposed mechanical equipment on the property and adjacent properties with full measurements.
      2. existing elevations; and
      3. drainage arrows; and
      4. existing landscaping; and
      5. existing gutters; and
      6. a detailed cross section through the proposed mechanical pad, from the existing single-family building to the adjacent single-family building; and
      7. any other elements that are located between homes.
      8. These requirements may be modified if an acceptable alternate plan is provided

1. In addition to the submittal requirements of Sec. 4-1892(7)(d), when mechanical equipment is proposed to be located less than 5’ from the property line, the following are required:
   
   1. An elevated, open-style platform for the mechanical equipment to ensure drainage is not obstructed, as required. The elevated platform must provide a minimum of 1’ of clearance area under the pad so drainage may pass. The area under the platform must be maintained at all times.
   2. Show the end or sidewall of the neighboring house or building adjacent to the applicant’s home. 
   3. Show all existing window and door openings on both the applicant’s end wall and the adjacent properties end wall to scale.
   4. Show all existing equipment in plan view only and all existing exterior equipment, as well as the proposed mechanical pad location.  Both existing and proposed mechanical pads must be to scale and be dimensioned as to distance from closest part of equipment to nearest window or door opening.  In addition, dimension how close the equipment is to the rear corner and front corner of the home.
   5. Gutters and downspouts on the side of the homes to reroute drainage to the front and back of the home, as required.
   6. Install yard drain(s) and piping, as required.
   7. Landscaping alterations to ensure proper drainage flow.
   8. Property line survey.
   9. A final grading/engineering inspection prior to Certificate of Completion of building permit.
   10. Items a-i above may be modified if an acceptable alternate plan is provided.

The following methodology is highly recommended when submitting measurements for mechanical equipment as defined (all measurements must add-up – see below). Additionally, when providing measurements, use standard feet/inches OR decimal measurements, not both combined.

For purposes of this section, mechanical equipment includes heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) units, swimming pool equipment and back-up electrical generators. It does not include chimneys or oven exhaust systems.

1. First: Provide existing house setback measurement from property line (as an example, we’ll use 7.5ft)
2. Second: Provide total measurement of mechanical equipment measured from home to outer edge of equipment, (as an example, we’ll use 3.0ft). NOTE: For generators, factor-in separation from home requirement.
   
3. Third: Provide setback from outer edge of equipment (furthest from home) to property line.
4. Forth: Provide measurement from outer-edge of equipment to other equipment on adjacent property (some subdivisions may also require separation requirement from mechanical equipment on same property. Govern accordingly)

Example:

7.5ft (existing house setback from property line)
3.5ft (minus outer edge of equipment measured from home)
———
4.0ft (equals distance from outer edge of mechanical equipment to property line)

Where no mechanical equipment exists on abutting property, such must be called-out and the following clearly illustrated (NO MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT ON ABUTTING PROPERTY). Finally, sub-divisions may also require measurements from mechanical equipment on the same property.  If so, this must be labeled and clearly delineated.

This will assure a speedy review process and avoid delays in the permitting review process. If you have any questions in this regard, please reach out to our planner-on-call by dialing (239) 444-6166 and one of our professional planners will gladly assist you.

The following is a running-list of planned development subdivisions which are permitted (via ADDs and Ordinances), encroachment of mechanical equipment (def.) for lots not satisfying the minimum required 7.5ft side-yard setback per LDC. Sec. 4-1892(7).

LDC. Sec. 4-1892. – Measurement; permitted encroachments.
(7) Mechanical equipment. Mechanical equipment that is placed on an exterior concrete pad may be permitted to encroach a maximum of 3½ linear feet into the rear or side yard setbacks provided that the setback is greater than 7½ feet. For purposes of this section, mechanical equipment includes heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) units, swimming pool equipment and back-up electrical generators. It does not include chimneys or oven exhaust systems.