A/C or Heat Pump Placement and NYC Building Code

We are thinking about installing a mini-split a/c unit or heat pump in an apartment located at the garden level of a brownstone. I have been told that we may need to put the external unit on the roof to conform with NYC building codes, which will make the project more expensive. Evidently there are some requirements regarding the placement of the external condenser unit and the property line.

I tried to search the NYC Building codes for more information but could not find any applicable information on the topic. Does anyone know what the regulations are regarding the placement of the external part of the unit?

Any help is extremely appreciated.

dianeg

in General Discussion 7 years and 8 months ago

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Guest User | 4 years and 11 months ago

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Before I posted here I spoke to multiple plumbers and hvac people so I tried that route. All said Hvac units can only be on dunnage. However, no one including my architect knew the exact section of the code. Anyway I figured it out.

Guest User | 4 years and 11 months ago

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I would call a licensed plumber and consult

Guest User | 5 years ago

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Does anyone know the section of the code that pertains to HVAC roof installation? Thanks in advance

dianeg | 7 years and 8 months ago

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Thanks everyone for all the information!

robyim1 | 7 years and 8 months ago

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I have done it both ways. Filed w/DOB, architect, drawings and put the condenser on roof. I’ve also added a condenser in the back for the cellar without filing anything.

For the roof we needed to install metal beams spanning the width of the brownstone because code doesn’t allow you to secure the condenser directly to a roof surface. This means your guys will either have to find a way to carry these heavy suckers up or crane it. That’s when it gets expensive. For the inside units they must drain the evaporation somehow so if you need to connect to plumbing more $$$. You will also need a licensed electrician to make the connections.

For the cellar I just hired someone and he put it in the backyard installed the interior unit and connected electrical. Obviously the amount of labor is less and so is the price.

robyim1 | 7 years and 8 months ago

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I have done it both ways. Filed w/DOB, architect, drawings and put the condenser on roof. I’ve also added a condenser in the back for the cellar without filing anything.

For the roof we needed to install metal beams spanning the width of the brownstone because code doesn’t allow you to secure the condenser directly to a roof surface. This means your guys will either have to find a way to carry these heavy suckers up or crane it. That’s when it gets expensive. For the inside units they must drain the evaporation somehow so if you need to connect to plumbing more $$$. You will also need a licensed electrician to make the connections.

For the cellar I just hired someone and he put it in the backyard installed the interior unit and connected electrical. Obviously the amount of labor is less and so is the price.

jimhillra | 7 years and 8 months ago

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Zoning 23-44:

“Permitted Obstructions in Required Yards or Rear Yard Equivalents

In all #Residence Districts#, the following obstructions shall be permitted within a required #yard# or #rear yard equivalent#: (a) In any #yard# or #rear yard equivalent#: (1) Air conditioning condensation units, #accessory#, for #single-# or #two-family residences#, provided that such units, if located between a #street wall#, or prolongation thereof, and a #street line#, are not more than 18 inches from a #street wall#, and fully screened from the #street# by vegetation”

This means you can have the condenser in the yard (front, side, rear) if you live in a one or two family building, and that if you put it in front of the building it must be within 18″ of the front of the building, and be screened from sight by plantings.

If you live in a 3-family and up, it needs to be on the roof.

Hope that helps.

Jim Hill, RA, LEED AP, CPHD

neilw | 7 years and 8 months ago

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FWIW, last year I had installed a mini-split system and placed the condenser on the ground in the back of the house. Used and architect and filed it with DOB, no problems.