There are no building code specs for minimum distance of an air conditioning condenser (outside unit) from a property line. But, because the noise generated by a condenser can be annoying to someone in an adjacent property, some communities have local ordinances that address the problem. For example, the City of Los Altos, California, requires that an air conditioner be a minimum of five feet from the property line for units creating less than 64 decidels of mechanical noise, and gradually ramps that distance up to 22 feet for 74-decibels.

    Coral Gables, Florida, takes a slightly different approach. They allow no more than 55 decibels as measured at the lot line, and the condenser must be however far away is necessary to meet that standard. Because condenser units tend to become noisier as they age, it’s possible for one to age into non-compliance after a decade or so. 

    Other municipal jurisdictions around the country have similar ordinances. And it is typical for many of them to require that the condenser be located so it is not visible from the street. Also see our articles How much clearance is needed around an air conditioner? and What is the best location for an air conditioner? 

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  To learn more about heating and air conditioning systems, see these other blog posts: 

• How can I find out the SEER of my air conditioner? 

• My air conditioner won't turn on. What's wrong? 

• How can I find out the size of my air conditioner? 

• How can I tell whether the condenser (outdoor unit) is an air conditioner or heat pump? 

• Where is the air filter for my central air conditioner and furnace? I can’t find it? 

• Does an old air conditioner use more electricity as it ages? 

• How did homes stay cool in Florida before air conditioning? 

• What is wrong with an air conditioner when the air flow out of the vents is low?

• Why has the thermostat screen gone blank? 

• Why does it take so long to cool a house when an air conditioner has been off for a while? 

• Why is my air conditioner not cooling enough? 

• What are the most common problems with wall/window air conditioners?  

• Will closing doors reduce my heating and cooling costs? 

   Visit our HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.