Morrisville UDO - June 2017 version

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Article 5: Development Standards
Section 5.13. Screening
5.13.1. Screening of Exterior Mechanical Equipment
June 23, 2017 Morrisville, NC
Page 5-130 Unified Development Ordinance
(Ord. No. 2016-001, 05/10/2016)
Reduction in Standards due to Nature of Parcel
A reduction in the count or spacing standards by up to 20 percent may be allowed when desirable
in terms of enhanced protection of existing natural resources, greater consistency with the goals of
the Comprehensive Plan, or a site design that exceeds the quality of what would otherwise result
under a strict application of the standards in this Ordinance.
Reduction in Standards due to Site Size
A reduction in the count, configuration, or location of required landscaping materials may be
allowed in cases where a lot is nonconforming in terms of dimensional requirements or setbacks, or
in cases of redevelopment on existing small lots, is not capable of supporting the minimum amount
of landscaping material required.
Upgrading of Nonconforming Landscaping
An adjustment to planting locations or spacing may be allowed in conjunction with an upgrading of
nonconforming buffer or landscaping in accordance with
Reduction in Standards due to Existing Infrastructure
A reduction in the count, configuration, or location of required landscaping materials is permitted
in cases where landscaping is strictly prohibited since it creates a public safety hazard (e.g.
headwalls of dams).
(Ord. No. 2016-001, 05/10/2016)
SECTION 5.13. SCREENING
5.13.1. Screening of Exterior Mechanical Equipment
A. Applicability
General
a. Except for bungalow court, pocket neighborhood, single-family detached, single-family
attached, duplex, and manufactured dwellings, which is screened with evergreen landscaping,
all new development, and expansions to principal structures shall screen the following exterior
mechanical equipment and similar features from line of sight of adjacent streets, sidewalks,
and greenways in accordance with the standards of this subsection:
(1) Electrical and gas-powered mechanical equipment and power systems equipment (e.g.,
permanent electrical generators, refrigeration equipment and ductwork, swimming pool
pumps, back-flow prevention devices);
(2) Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning equipment, tanks, and ductwork (e.g., air
conditioning condensers and compressors, heat pump condensers and evaporators, air
filtration systems, bottled gas tanks, propane tanks), and vent openings greater than eight
inches wide;
b. All new development and expansions to principal structures shall also screen the above
mechanical equipment and similar features from line of sight of on-site walkways.
c. 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.