Morrisville Unified Development Ordinance - September 2020

Article 5: Development Standards Section 5.13. Screening 5.13.1. Screening of Exterior Mechanical Equipment

B. Applicability

1.

General

a. All development shall screen exterior mechanical equipment and similar features from line of sight of adjacent streets, sidewalks, and greenways. b. All development shall screen exterior mechanical equipment and similar features from line of sight of on-site walkways.

2.

Change in Use

a. Any change in use of an existing development shall be subject to these screening of exterior mechanical equipment standards to the maximum extent practicable. Exemption a. Roof- or wall-mounted antennas, vent openings no more than eight inches wide, the tower and blades of a small wind energy system, or the solar panels or modules of a solar energy collection system shall not be considered exterior mechanical equipment for purposes of these screening standards. C. Screening Standards Household Living Uses (except multifamily) Exterior mechanical equipment for all household living uses, except multifamily, shall be screened with dense, continuous, evergreen vegetation that is equal to or exceeds the height of the mechanical equipment being screened. 3. 1. (1) Mechanical equipment within five feet of a building shall be screened by any combination of adjacent buildings and sight-obscuring wall(s) constructed of at least one predominate material on the adjacent structure. (2) The height of the screening shall equal or exceed that of the mechanical equipment being screened. (3) Screening shall comply with all clear zone requirements required by the manufacturer or utility agency. (1) Mechanical equipment five feet or more from a building shall be screened by any combination of masonry walls, berms, and evergreen vegetation. (See Figure 5.13.1.C.2.b: Screening of Ground-Mounted Mechanical Equipment.) (2) The height of the screening shall equal or exceed that of the mechanical equipment being screened. (3) Screening shall comply with all clear zone requirements required by the manufacturer or utility agency. b. Ground-Mounted Mechanical Equipment Five Feet or More From a Building 2. All Other Uses Exterior mechanical equipment for all uses, except household living uses, shall comply with Sections 5.13.1.C.2.a to 5.13.1.C.3. a. Ground-Mounted Mechanical Equipment within Five Feet of a Building

c. Roof-Mounted Mechanical Equipment

Morrisville, NC

September 1, 2020

Unified Development Ordinance

Page 5-130