Fort Thomas panel weighs 5-foot setback and screening for AC units

Fort Thomas planning staff told the Planning Commission on June 17 that they plan to standardize air-conditioning unit setbacks in the UDO and require screening when a unit is installed at the minimum setback. Mark Stewart, the city’s building inspector and zoning administrator, said most of the city’s minimum side-yard setbacks are now five feet and that the amendment would clarify that mechanical units placed five feet from the lot line must be screened and sound-shielded.

Commissioners raised practical concerns. Several pointed out that replacement condensers are often installed where an existing unit sits and that technicians advise homeowners not to plant vegetation directly adjacent to units for access and warranty reasons. Stewart said replacement units still require a building permit and that moving a unit or installing a new system near lot lines triggers site-plan review and potential variance requests. Staff said screening requirements can be designed to meet manufacturer clearance recommendations so they do not void warranties.

A resident, Tiffany Huber of 26 Hawthorne Avenue, asked in public comment whether replacement units always require a permit; staff reiterated that the building code requires a permit for replacements and that replacements in the same location are typically allowed while relocations are subject to zoning review.

Commissioners asked staff to clarify screening language and the relationship between zoning setbacks and building-code clearance; staff recommended precise wording that allows manufactured-specified clearances and leaves final determination to the plan-review process.