Structured parking site planning and design standards

(a) Structured parking location and configuration. (1) All mechanical equipment on or in structured parking that is visible from a street, right-of-way, or public park, including but not limited to electrical panels, transformers, telecommunication distribution boxes, and backflow preventers must be screened from view. Mechanical equipment necessary for emergency responders, such as fire prevention standpipes, need not be screened. (2) Mechanical parking systems are permitted in parking structures. (3) Illuminated parking areas within the structure and on the roof must be designed or shielded to prevent any direct illumination toward any other zoning lot or street. (b) Landscape screening for parking structures. Parking structures that are adjacent to zoning lots with side or rear setback requirements must meet the following requirements: (1) An 18-inch landscaping strip along the abutting property line must be provided, and consist of landscaping a minimum of 42 inches in height; provided that a solid wall 42 inches in height may be substituted for this requirement; and (2) A minimum 2-inch caliper vertical-form tree must be planted for every 50 linear feet of structured parking building length facing a required yard.