24 replies to this topic

[Dude]

Hi,

I'm thinking of relocating my A/C unit from the backyard to the sideyard because it's just too noisy. I was all gung-ho to push forward till I heard from a neighbor that Elliot refused his request to move it during construction due to it being too noisy for the neighbor. I assume they pace them in the middle of the backyard to be as fair as possible to all.

Honestly, I think it's better for all if these noise machines would be placed on adjoining sides so it's as far from the backyard as possible and still just as fair to all. Like this, if I may: house - side - side - house - side ac - side ac - house - side - side - house - side ac - side ac - house.....etc.

If I do this correctly, I think all I need is a permit for the electrical work, correct? What about the neighbor, can he/she enforce code to prevent it?

[SunshineServices]

Hi,

I'm thinking of relocating my A/C unit from the backyard to the sideyard because it's just too noisy. I was all gung-ho to push forward till I heard from a neighbor that Elliot refused his request to move it during construction due to it being too noisy for the neighbor. I assume they pace them in the middle of the backyard to be as fair as possible to all.

Honestly, I think it's better for all if these noise machines would be placed on adjoining sides so it's as far from the backyard as possible and still just as fair to all. Like this, if I may: house - side - side - house - side ac - side ac - house - side - side - house - side ac - side ac - house.....etc.

If I do this correctly, I think all I need is a permit for the electrical work, correct? What about the neighbor, can he/she enforce code to prevent it?

No.

[Dude]

Is that a no permit, no code?
Have you done this for someone or yourself?
Do you offer the service?
Do you know of someone who does?
Do you have a ball-park estimate for a home built in 2000 at about 1500 sq ft?

[SunshineServices]

Is that a no permit, no code?
Have you done this for someone or yourself?
Do you offer the service?
Do you know of someone who does?
Do you have a ball-park estimate for a home built in 2000 at about 1500 sq ft?

It's not against code, but you will need a permit for the electricity. It's not something that I would like to tackle. You will need a new concrete pad, new copper lines run and the electricity moved. Can't recommend anyone off the top of my head. But I estimate about $1500.

Good Luck

Jeff

[Dude]

Thanks a bunch, Jeff, that's great to know, on with the project than.

[randb]

I moved mine a few years ago. I did the electrical myself. I ran the copper line and had a buddy hook it all back up. This was all done under a pool construction permit where I was the general contractor. I was quote $2000 for someone to do the work. I did it myself for about $300.

[Howdy]

Hi,

I'm thinking of relocating my A/C unit from the backyard to the sideyard because it's just too noisy. I was all gung-ho to push forward till I heard from a neighbor that Elliot refused his request to move it during construction due to it being too noisy for the neighbor. I assume they pace them in the middle of the backyard to be as fair as possible to all.

During construction of an Elliot home we bought new a number of years ago we had them relocate the A/C to the side of the house. Went directly to the site supervisor for this and not to the sales office.

[Dude]

There's definitely lots to save for DIYer's & it appears my neighbor gave up too easily.

I've a couple little and very active boys and am concerned that they will undoubtedly bump the unit if placed just a couple feet from the side wall (my home is not huge). So, I'm thinking of placing it closer to the fence. But, according to this .pdf for Sunnyvale, some setback/zoning limitations may pertain as I'm sure there must be similar regulations for Sac. too. Is anyone familiar? If not, I guess a call or two is due before I get too far, in thought even.

[Chris]

I moved mine about 4 to 5 feet around the corner to the side of the house, much more quiet there against a solid wall than right in the backyard under the living room window. Permit was about $50 and another $300 to have Buetler do the copper and electrical. Worth every penny. Regards, Chris

[Dude]

Chris,

That's great, I just sent a request for a free estimate from Beutler Corporation in McClellan, thanks a bunch.

[Bill Z]

There's definitely lots to save for DIYer's & it appears my neighbor gave up too easily.

I've a couple little and very active boys and am concerned that they will undoubtedly bump the unit if placed just a couple feet from the side wall (my home is not huge). So, I'm thinking of placing it closer to the fence. But, according to this .pdf for Sunnyvale, some setback/zoning limitations may pertain as I'm sure there must be similar regulations for Sac. too. Is anyone familiar? If not, I guess a call or two is due before I get too far, in thought even.

Yes, there are set-back requirements with regards to the fenceline. As for protecting the ODU, when I had dogs, I used redwood lattice to make a "cage" that kept the dogs from the unit, but didn't hinder air-flow around the unit. I even covered the top with lattice to give my "cage" structural integrity. It just sat there but could be easily picked and moved away from the A/C unit if it ever needed repair (or to kill the weeds that grew between it and the ODU). It worked great, protected the fins and stuff from damaged but didn't hamper operation, if anything, it provided some shade for the thing as mine is on the south wall of my house.

[Dude]

That cage's a good idea and I'll probably do just that, whether by the wall or fence.

[Dude]

Well, I got with the Planing Counter on a couple different occasions, speaking to separate individuals each time.

There are no setback regulations for outdoor A/C units. They only mentioned being considerate to the neighbor regarding noise and to maintain a 3' space around the unit for fire safety. On one occasion, they said that space really only needs to be maintained around just the three exposed sides, meaning to say the unit can be just 2' from the fence. And, of course, the permit.

[MikeinFolsom]

There's no setback requirement for the AC unit, but what about the electrical and coolant lines going to the unit? I don't think you can put those next to your property line.

[Dude]

All I can say is that we spoke about the plan, which included having HVAC do the connections, and the only permit they mentioned I needed was for the electrical connections. I'm no expert but the conversations, both of them, left me feeling like all areas was covered. They both addressed the same things but the more lenient one gave me the extra narrow gap at the fence line.