Mechanical Equipment
Generally, mechanical equipment must be located at least 10 feet away from the side or rear property line (per SMC 21.04.030.C)
Air conditioners, heat pumps, generators, and pool equipment are all regulated as mechanical equipment. For placement in a yard, such equipment falls within the category of "accessory structure".
Illustration of house with mechanical equipment.
To place equipment closer than 10 feet to side and rear property lines, you must do the following:
STEP 1 - COMPLETE THE MECHANICAL AGREEMENT LETTER
- Have the letter signed by neighbor
- Have the letter signed by owner installing the mechanical unit
TIP - DO NOT WRITE IN THE MARGINS OF THE LETTER, OR YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO RECORD IT
STEP 2 - RECORD THE MECHANICAL AGREEMENT LETTER & SITE PLAN WITH KING COUNTY
- Review the formatting standards required in order to record documents
- Prepare a site plan showing the location of the unit
- Record the Mechanical Agreement Letter on BOTH parcels through one of the ways listed on the King County Recorders Record-A-Document webpage
STEP 3 - UPLOAD THE RECORDED AGREEMENT TO YOUR PERMIT
- Log in to www.mybuildingpermit.com and upload the recorded agreement to your permit or provide it to the inspector
- Please do not bring or mail the form to City Hall
Example of document that has been recorded with King County.