Review Request for Alternative Mechanical Screening at 7333 Sunwood Dr NW; Case of NAU Country Insurance Company

On October 30th, 2012, City Staff received an Application for Building Permit to construct multiple pieces of mechanical equipment at 7333 Sunwood Dr NW, home of NAU Country Insurance. On November 8th, 2012, the Applicant supplied supplemental information at the request of Staff.

The request includes upgrades to the data center portion of the building, and requires upgrades and additions to certain mechanical equipment, including a second transformer, a backup/emergency generator, and four pieces of cooling equipment proposed to be constructed at ground level west of the existing building along Sunwood Drive. The Design Framework for The COR (City Code) states on page 28 that "equipment, mechanical systems, transformers, etc. must be screened from view in a way that is integral to the architecture of the building; screening should be accomplished with materials similar to or compatible with materials used on the main structure; metal fencing or mechanical vent screens alone are not sufficient." The Applicant is proposing to utilize a vinyl coated, mesh fabric covered chain-link fence with vegetative screening along Sunwood Drive.

No notification required.

The Design Framework sets minimum design standards for all future development to follow in The COR, including architectural standards. The Framework also allows some flexibility in creativity in design, provided that the design intent is met. Certain architectural review can be approved administratively by Staff. Some architectural approval requires consideration and approval by the City Council. Staff believes that the current propsal is not a design that Staff could approve administratively under current City Code, but may be a proposal that could be approved by City Council. There are six larger pieces of mechanical equipment in close proximity to Sunwood Drive.

In its review, Staff divided the review into primary mechanical equipment (transformer and backup generator) and accessory mechanical equipment (cooling system). As the electrical transformer and generator serve a primary purpose related to the functional capability of the building and placement is somewhat dependent upon placement by the utility company, the City has allowed flexibility in screening for these components. The City has consistently required that this accessory mechanical equipment be screened in some capacity.

The Applicant has stated, based on general structural review, that the mechanical equipment cannot be located on the roof of the building. There are several pieces of mechanical equipment that currently serve the data center. According to the Applicant, this equipment must remain in operation during the construction phases to avoid disruption in service. According to the Applicant, the structural capability of the roof cannot adaquately sustain the existing equipment (to be removed) and the proposed equipment. Thus, the Applicant has focused its efforts on the proposed 'equipment courtyard' at ground level.

Additionally, the Applicant has stated that it is cost-prohibitive to require an architectural screening wall consistent with materials used on the building itself. A copy of the response by the Applicant is included for your review.

If the City Council does approve the request as presented, Staff would recommend that the Applicant enter into a Maintenance Agreement and supply a Landscape Maintenance Guarantee to ensure the long-term survival of landscaping that will serve as screening.

Ideally, Staff would recommend a combination of fencing and architectural wall as a solution to the mechanical equipment needs of NAU Country Insurance and the screening requirements of City Code. Staff would recommend, under current City Code, a screening wall with materials compatible with the existing building along Sunwood Drive, and the use of the proposed fence for the remaining two (2) sides.

Alternatively, Staff would support the use of fencing and vegetative screening, if the City Council decides that this is an acceptable screening mechanism for future development. Staff would recommend documenting this policy at a future date to guide future reviews administratively. Staff recommends that vegetative screening include a maintenance agreement and surety to ensure long-term maintenance and survival. The Design Framework is intended to provide baseline design standards, while encouraging and providing for creative and flexibility in design.

Review of the Building Permit is included as part of the Plan Review Fee collected with the Building Permit.

Motion to approve/deny the request for mechanical screening with use of a vinyl coated, chain-link fence with mesh fabric and vegetative screening along Sunwood Drive.