Ask the Architect

A permit to keep cool?

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Q. Seriously, I need a permit for an air conditioner? What’s next, a permit for flower pots? Why would I need a permit for an air conditioning unit that came with the house when I bought it? Why did this only come up when we wanted to build a deck?

A. Ah, communication — so highly underrated, so highly needed, and the reason you wrote this question. So, which travels faster and farther, good news or bad? Are you likely to hire someone who tells you about it? Can you imagine the nightly news covering a homeowner’s illegal side-yard air conditioning unit? Reporters swarm for this hot story, vying to interview the terrified homeowner, who claims he’s innocent while trying to jump into his car and make a hasty exit from the scene. It could happen, but only if the house was burning, a child was gasping for air just above that unit and a firefighter couldn’t reach the child fast enough because the unit was blocking the way.

Of course, from TV and real life, we know that firefighters are resourceful, will stop at absolutely nothing and won’t let an air conditioning unit stop them, but that’s one reason for the scrutiny leading to a permit. Another reason stems from noise complaints. On a sweltering hot day, when most people are keeping cool with modern technology, some still tough it out, or use a fan with wet towels and a bowl of ice. Windows open, they’re hot and irritated, lying there, simmering, when the neighbor’s air conditioning unit starts up for the 100th time that day. “That’s it!” they scream, “I’m calling to complain!”

But who do they complain to? Local government, which reacts by passing rules limiting where an AC unit can sit. When you file, so that safety can be taken into account, you must submit application papers, along with a picture of the manufacturer’s label and a copy of your owner’s manual page, showing what testing agency certified it, such as UL (Underwriter’s Laboratories) or AHRI (Air-Conditioning Heating and Refrigeration Institute). Your AC condenser unit may be too close to a property line, requiring a time-and-cost delaying zoning variance in addition to a permit, or relocation. Communities’ requirements vary. One wants 3 feet of clearance to a property line, some want 5 feet, and others require a clear distance in a side yard of 8 to 20 feet.

This only came up because there seems to be no reason to inform people of the rules in their community when sending out local government newsletters. Instead, it’s left up to those who meet with you to consult on building matters, except installers, who “forget” to tell you. You feel ambushed because official communication was badly needed but just not done. It isn’t easy being the bearer of regulations while not being backed up by official communications. When it comes to air conditioning, though, try to keep your cool. Good luck!

© 2016 Monte Leeper. Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.