Kirkland, WA Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)

115(3)(p) sets the placement standard for HVAC and similar mechanical equipment on any property in the City. The base rule keeps such equipment no closer than five feet to a front, side, or rear property line. Front-yard placement is generally off-limits for single-family residential uses, allowed only under the narrow exception in subsection (3)(p)(2): when there is no feasible alternative location outside the required front yard, and even then the equipment must be surrounded by landscaping or a solid screening enclosure, or positioned so it is not visible from adjoining properties or rights-of-way.

Non-single-family properties face the same landscaping-or-screening requirement regardless of yard location. Equipment can also be tucked into an approved storage shed under subsection (3)(m) or a garage approved under subsection (3)(o)(2) instead of meeting the five-foot setback directly. on weekends and listed holidays. A Planning Official may approve a modification to HVAC's locational rules specifically for equipment replacing legally nonconforming units where the footprint does not increase.