Homeowners Association. Architectural Standards, Guidelines And Control Specifications. January 2010

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1 Homeowners Association Architectural Standards, Guidelines And Control Specifications January 2010

2 Letter of Introduction Architectural Submittal and Approval Process 1 Appeals 2 Clotheslines 3 Mailboxes 3 Parking 3 Storage 4 Awnings 5 Basketball Goals 6 Play Equipment 7 Garden Plots 8 Pets 9 Painting 10 Skylights and Attic Fans 11 Swimming Pools & Hot Tubs 12 Solar Collectors 13 Lawn ornaments, Decorations, Lighting, Signs, Flagpoles 14 Landscaping Antennas/Satellite Dishes 17 Additions and Structural Changes 18 Sheds 19 Driveways and Parking Pads 20 Decks, Patios, Arbors and Screen 21 Fences Garbage Can Receptacle Enclosure 25 Burn Barrels 26 Maintenance 27 HOA Architectural & Landscaping Review Request Attached

3 SUBMITTAL AND APPROVAL PROCESS Each homeowner has the responsibility to complete an Architectural Request Form prior to making any changes to the exterior of their home or property. The process will be the same for all submittals with the required details varying depending upon the type of change. Items to be submitted: 1. Architectural Request Form Completed in its entirety. 2. Plat Plan outlining the position or placement of the change. 3. Drawings/Plans showing the construction and effects of the change. 4. Samples of paint, siding or any other items that may be helpful in making a decision. Submit your completed Architectural Request Form to the Management Company to perform an initial review for completeness and legibility. All completed submittals will be forwarded to the Architectural Committee. The committee will review the request and inspect the site. The Management Company will advise the homeowner, via mail, of the final decision of the Architectural Control Committee. Reminders: approved installation/change shall constitute establishing a precedent for approval. must be removed at the owner s expense within 7 days. If the improvements are not removed the homeowner will be subjected to fines plus legal fees. Such action by Building permits may need to be obtained. It is the responsibility of each homeowner to obtain these permits. Allow at least 30 days for processing and permits in planning for changes. Projects must be started within 30 days of receiving approval from the ACC and be completed within 90 days. 1

4 Appeals To appeal a disapproved submittal, submit a written response to the Board of Directors, including specific detailed information that clarifies why the submittal should be reconsidered. Submit this information to the management company for review by the Board of Directors. Management Company: CAS, Inc N. Salem St., Suite 101 Apex, North Carolina Office (919) Ext 1501 Fax (919)

5 Exterior clotheslines are prohibited. CLOTHESLINES MAILBOXES All new mailboxes or replacements shall conform to the mailbox style approved for the community. Planting around the base of a mailbox is allowed, provided that the guidelines for landscaping are followed. PARKING Homeowners shall not park or permit parking of vehicles on the streets in the development. No vehicle shall be parked in the yard. Owners of lots shall not be permitted to park boats, trailers, campers and all other similar property on the streets in the development. Such property shall be parked in a garage or area screened from the street and adjoining Lot view and approved by the Architectural Control Committee. In no case shall recreation vehicles be parked in the front of or beside the house. All vehicles parked within HOA must be in operating condition both legally and mechanically, i.e. current license plates, no flat tires etc. Any owner with a vehicle that is not in operating condition, as defined above, will be subject to a fine until the vehicle is either removed from the property or placed in operating condition. No commercial licensed vehicles, trucks or tractors may be parked on the street or on any lot without the approval of the Board of Directors. Automobile Repairs Minor repairs (oil changing, tire changing, spark plug replacement etc) are allowed, however, major repairs (engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake replacement, rear end repairs etc) are not allowed. Vehicles are not permitted to be allowed to remain on jacks or blocks. 3

6 STORAGE No trade materials or inventories may be stored upon any lot. Temporary storage of materials for modifications projects should be discreetly placed and maintained in an orderly manner. POD S The Architectural Control Committee must be notified before any Portable Storage Unit is delivered. Portable Storage Units must be removed within 7 days. Parking arrangements must be made for any automobiles normally parked in the driveway, where the Portable Storage Unit has been delivered, to avoid parking in the street. Architectural Standards Guidelines and Control Specifications AWNINGS Items Requiring Architectural Approval: All awnings require architectural approval. Information Required on Submittal: 1) Plat plan-showing location of awning. 2) Elevation showing location of awning. 3) Description and sample of material (s) to be used. 4 5

7 Guidelines: Awnings can only be installed in the rear of the house Fabric to blend with color of house. The awning material shall be fabric only. Can be either retractable or stationary. Upon deterioration, the awning will be repaired or replaced. Awnings must be attached to house, not free standing.

8 BASKETBALL GOALS Items Requiring Architectural Approval: All basketball goals require the approval of the Architect Control Committee. Information Required on Submittal: 1) Plat plan showing location of basketball goal. 2) Picture or description of item. 3) Description and placement of screening. Guidelines: Permanently installed goals are not permitted. Portable basketball goals are not allowed along the street right-of-way. Goals at the front of the property are to be positioned on the driveway no closer than halfway between the front of the home and the curb and set on the side of the driveway away from the front yard. Goals are not allowed to be mounted on any portion of the house. All parts of the goals are to be kept in good repair, (No broken backboards, missing or broken nets, poles are to be painted.) and the area around the base must be trimmed and well maintained. 6

9 SWING SETS, PLAY HOUSES, TRAMPOLINES AND JUNGLE GYMS Items Requiring Architectural Approval Prior to placement the Architectural Control Committee must approve all permanent and non permanent play equipment. Information Required on Submittal: Plat plan showing location of play equipment and distance from the property lines. Drawings or pictures of the play equipment. Guidelines: Permanent play equipment must be installed to be as inconspicuous as possible and should be placed out of view of any street. It cannot be placed any closer to the property lines than 10 feet. The preferred location is in the rear, directly behind the house, but each request will be reviewed on its own merit. Screening may be required in order to block the view and/or noise from neighboring lots. Landscape plans should accompany the submittal. Non-permanent play equipment must also be placed inconspicuously so that it does not detract from neighborhood surroundings. All play equipment must be kept in a good state of repair. 7

10 GARDEN PLOTS Gardens will not require prior approval of the Architectural Control Committee if they are wholly located in the rear portion of the fenced lot and a minimum of five feet from the side and rear lot lines. Architectural Committee approval is required for any garden location other than described above, or any deviation from the above guidelines. Compost piles are allowed within the property lines. Architectural Committee approval is required for any compost pile location other than described above, or any deviation from the above guidelines Vegetable gardens and compost piles are prohibited in the front and side of homes Guidelines: Maintenance of the garden is required. Debris must be removed at the end of the gardening season and the yard returned to a natural state. This would include removal of stakes and any other structural additions required for harvesting the garden, unless fenced as noted above. Where the garden or compost pile is visible from the road, screening may be required. 8

11 PETS, PET HOUSES AND PENS No animals, exotic animals, livestock or poultry of any kind shall be raised, bred or kept on any lot, except that: Dogs, cats or other household pets may be kept provided that they are not bred or maintained for commercial purposes. Guidelines for the Housing of Animals: Pet pens must be at least 10 feet from the property line. They must be located in the back or side yards (whichever is least conspicuous). Screening should be provided as much as possible as approved by ACC. No chain link or metal fencing is allowed, the fencing must be an approved fence Information Required on Submittal: 1. Plat plan showing the location of the proposed structure. 2. Description of the materials to be used. 3. Descriptions of the type size and number of animal(s) to be enclosed. 4. Description of the plantings to be provided for screening. 9

12 Items Requiring Architectural Approval: PAINTING OF EXTERIOR OF HOUSE A change of color or materials from the existing structure or color must have Architectural approval (submit color samples with your application). Items Not Requiring Architectural Approval: Repainting and re-staining with the existing color does not require approval. 10

13 Items requiring Architectural Approval: SKYLIGHTS AND ATTIC FANS The Architectural Committee must approve the addition of a skylight or attic fan that alters the exterior of the roof. Information Required on Submittal: 1. Plat plan showing the location of the addition. 2. Description of style, size and materials to be used. 11

14 SWIMMING POOLS AND HOT TUBS Items Requiring Architectural Approval: Only in-ground pools are allowed, with the following exception: Children s wading pools no larger than 5 foot in diameter and 12 inches deep, to be removed at the end of the summer season. Must be kept clean and fully inflated (if inflatable) All in-ground swimming pools must have architectural approval. Hot tubs must also be approved. Information Required on a Submittal: Plans and specifications showing the nature, kind, shape, height, materials, and location must be submitted. 1) Plat plan showing the location of the pool or hot tub. 2) Plan for screening (fencing or landscape screening). Guidelines: Any wood support structure must be the same color as the house or deck. Pool or hot tub cannot be located within a buffer or easement. All Health Department regulations must be met. Pool or hot tub must be screened from view from any street. All permits and building codes must be in compliance with local Regulations. 12

15 SOLAR COLLECTORS Items Requiring Architectural Approval: All solar collectors require architectural approval. Information Required on Submittal: 1) Drawing showing the location of the unit. Plat plan showing visibility from streets and neighboring lots. Guidelines: Solar collectors must be installed to be as inconspicuous as possible. Collectors must be attached to the roof or side of the home, not free standing or ground mounted. Every effort must be taken to camouflage the plumbing and supports of the collectors. This camouflaging may require completely encasing the collectors. All metal parts should be painted to match roof coloring. There should be a minimum exposure of piping. Piping running down the side of the dwelling is not permitted. Any tree removal required to permit increased solar exposure to the collectors, must adhere to the tree removal guidelines. 13

16 LAWN ORNAMENTS, DECORATIONS, OUTSIDE LIGHTING, SIGNS, FLAGS & FLAGPOLES Items Requiring Architectural Approval: Lawn ornaments, free standing flagpoles, lantern poles, flood lights, security lights, decorations attached to dwellings and fishponds. Items Not Requiring Architectural Approval: Holiday Decorations. Information Required on Submittal: 1. Plat plan showing location of item. 2. Picture or description of item. 3. Picture and description of materials to be used for fish ponds Guidelines: Free standing flagpoles shall only fly United States American Flag. Proper protocol for United States American flag must be maintained at all times. Every effort should be made not to disturb or adversely affect neighbors with the installation and operation of flood, flag and security lights. On items not requiring approval, the committee reserves the right to advise a homeowner to remove an item if surrounding homeowners complain. No commercial advertising signs, with the exception of a For Sale or For Rent sign no more than three feet in width and three feet in height, shall be erected or maintained on any lot. Holiday decorations and lighting must be removed within 30 days of the holiday. 14

17 Items requiring Architectural Approval: MAJOR LANDSCAPING The ACC will follow the guidelines set forth in the Covenants. Any shrubs and trees that are over 3 foot or grow over 3 foot need approval. Landscaping of a minor nature such as naturalizing an area of the yard or adding low growing shrubs and bedding flowers do not require approval provided they do not encroach upon neighboring properties or common area.. After initial planting, no tree having a trunk diameter exceeding six (6) inches at a height of four feet above ground level, shall be removed without the Architectural Committee s and/or the Association Board of Directors, prior to written approval. Exception: A tree that is dead or diseased or poses an imminent threat or danger to persons or property does not require approval. Any owner who fences or encloses any portion of his lot (which fence or enclosure shall require approval of the Association) may plant trees, shrubs, flowers and grass in the fenced or enclosed portion as he elects and maintains the fenced or enclosed portion at his own expense, provided that such maintenance does not hinder the Association in performing its maintenance as to the Common Area. Other types of landscaping that are structural, or change the contour of the land, or are adjacent to a property line, or obstruct a neighbor s view, will require approval. Information Required on Submittal: 1) Plat plan showing quantity and location of plants. 2) Description of plants. Details of any landscape plant that may change the flow of any drainage/runoff shall be submitted with details, including a Plot Plan, drawings showing the proposed change in the drainage flow as a result of the change. Guidelines: 1. Hedges and Screen Plantings No hedge or screen planting shall be erected on any lot closer to the front lot line than the front of the house. 15

18 Hedge or screen plantings which form a barrier between properties should have the following: Agreement for maintenance access Setback to allow for plant growth Stones and gravel must be aesthetically pleasing and require Architectural Control Committee approval. No changes or modifications are allowed to Common Property, without prior Board of Director s written approval. Retaining walls see guidelines for retaining walls. Ornaments see guidelines for lawn decorations. Garden Plots see guidelines for garden plots. Fences see guidelines for fences. 16

19 RADIO/ TV ANTENNAS AN SATELLITE DISHES Items Requiring Architectural Approval: All exterior TV antennas and satellite dishes require Architectural Control Committee approval. No Radio antennas or towers will be approved Guidelines: Satellite dishes installed at ground level must be screened so the dish is not visible from any street or neighboring property as viewed from ground level. The screen will consist of live evergreen screening. Any tree removal required must have approval. All wiring shall be properly buried Satellite dishes may be located on the roof of a building provided that the dish is not on the portion of the roof facing the street, and the highest point of the dish is no higher than the peak of the roof. Satellite dishes may be mounted on the back or on the side of the homeowners building but must not be mounted on the front. If mounted on the side of the building, dishes cannot be placed within ten (10) feet of the front of the dwelling. If there are limited possibilities for a satellite signal it is necessary to obtain documentation from a professional satellite installer stating where the dish should be placed. In no way shall these guidelines waive more stringent City / Town / County Requirements nor waive the necessity of any permits. 17

20 Items not requiring approval: ADDITIONS AND CHANGES TO HOMES Normal maintenance to preserve the structure in its original state does not require architectural approval. Items Requiring Architectural Approval: All external changes to homes must have architectural approval before changes begin. This includes, but is not limited to, new rooms, porches, garages, attached structures or detached structures of any kind. Also, any changes to windows, doors or chimneys require approval. Information Required on Submittal: 1. Official plat or survey showing lot boundaries, the existing building and the proposed structure. 2. Elevations showing the planned appearance of the structure. 3. Description of materials to be used including siding, paint, color and shingle samples if necessary. Guidelines: No change shall encroach upon the setbacks for the lot as listed in the covenants. Changes must match the house color and style. City / Town / County Building Permits are the responsibility of each homeowner. 18

21 Items Requiring Architectural Approval: All sheds must be approved Guidelines: Only 1 shed is permitted per property. Sheds No shed larger than 12 foot x 14 foot Total height from ground to peak not to exceed 10 foot. Shed color to match color of home. No metal sheds are allowed. All permits and building codes must be in compliance with local Regulations. Information Required on Submittal: Official plat or survey showing lot boundaries, the existing building and the proposed structure. 1. Elevations showing the planned appearance of the structure. 2. Description of materials to be used including siding, paint, color and shingle samples if necessary. 19

22 DRIVEWAYS Changes to driveways require architectural approval. Location and Restrictions: Driveways shall normally be concrete only. Aggregate base, thickness, reinforcement, etc. must comply with good construction practices. Painted driveways are prohibited. Close attention must be paid to structure placement, setbacks and encroachment onto buffer areas, Association owned common property and neighboring lots. 1) Pavers, bricks or stones placed adjacent to the driveway must be approved by the ACC Information Required on Submittal: 1. Plot plan showing location of driveway. 2. Elevation drawing showing the measurements of the driveway such as the length, height and width as well as any landscaping that will be added along the perimeter. 20

23 DECKS, PATIOS, ARBORS AND SCREENS There are no predetermined styles for decks or patios. All new decks, patios, arbors, screening and under deck enclosures, including associated landscaping, require architectural approval. Any appearance change requires Architectural Control Committee approval. Deck Materials a) Deck materials must be pressure treated wood and weather resistant. b) The types and treatment of wood should be like that of fences. c) Posts may be made of brick, pressure treated wood or other suitable material. d) Include any landscape plan/screening of the area underneath the deck. Patio Materials a) Concrete slabs, smooth finish. b) Bricks, with sand fill or grout. c) Stone, with sand fill or grout. Include any landscape plan with your request for the area around the perimeter of the patio. Height of deck, arbors and screens a) Decks should be of a reasonable height for their intended purpose. b) Arbors are to be no higher than eight feet above the deck surface. c) Free standing deck screens (i.e., lattice) shall not exceed five feet in height. Screens as part of an arbor may extend to the arbor. 21

24 Location and Restrictions Patios must be located behind the house and may not extend around corners. Obstruction of views or breezeways of adjoining properties will be given consideration in all cases. a) The construction of decks or patios within buffer areas will not be allowed. Only exterior materials comparable to those on existing structures and compatible with the Architectural character of the community will be approved. All permits and building codes must be in compliance with local Regulations. Information Required on Submittal: 1. Plat plan showing the location of the deck and patio, in relationship to other structures and property lines. 2. Elevation drawing (s) showing style of deck and patio, including railing, steps, etc. 3. Description of materials used, including samples of stain or paint, if applicable. 4. Front courtyards need Architectural Control Committee approval. 22

25 FENCES All fences must be approved by the Architectural Control Committee. Information Required on Submittal: 1. A top down surveyor s map to indicate the exact location of the fence in relation to the house and property lines. 2. Dimensions must be included. 3. Gate locations must be included. GUIDELINES FOR FENCES I. Style No split rail fences are permitted II. COLOR Natural Painted fences are prohibited III. MATERIALS Wood fences must be pressure treated to be weather resistance. White vinyl. Powder coated Wrought iron. No wire, chain or concrete fences are allowed. IV. HEIGHT A uniform height is to be maintained parallel to the ground line. The maximum height allowed is 6 feet measured from the ground to the top of the post. V. LOCATION No fence shall extend further forward than the half way point of the side of the dwelling. Each case will be adjudicated on an individual basis, due to the location of utility meters. All fences must be constructed on the property line, except where there is a setback requirement. Existing topography and landscaping within a buffer shall not be disturbed. 23

26 VI. SETBACK May be required for the sake of landscaping. VII. LANDSCAPING Must be included with the request. VIII. CONSTRUCTION DETAILS A. All hardware is to be galvanized B. All posts must be set in concrete. C. The finished side of the fence styles must face adjoining lots. IX. MAINTENANCE Maintenance of the fence is the responsibility of the property owner. 24

27 GARBAGE CAN RECEPTIALS ENCLOUSERS All enclosures must be approved by the Architectural Control Committee. Information Required on Submittal: Fence Enclosure 1. A top down surveyor s map to indicate the exact location of the enclosure in relation to the house and property lines. 2. Dimensions must be included. 3. Types of material must be included 4. Gate locations must be included. Landscaping Enclosure 1. A top down surveyor s map to indicate the exact location of the enclosure in relation to the house and property lines. 2. Dimensions must be included. 3. Types of plants must be included Guidelines for Enclosure Location: All garbage receptacles, containers, and enclosures shall be located at the rear of the dwelling structure on a Lot, out of view of any street abutting the Lot. 25

28 BURN BARRELS Burn barrels and the burning of trash is prohibited in the subdivision. Architectural Standards Guidelines and Control Specifications MAINTENANCE It is the primary responsibility of each homeowner to maintain his property in a way that does not detract from the overall aesthetics of the Community. Following is a list of areas that must be reviewed on a regular basis to insure that your home is in good repair: A. Shrubbery, Trees and Lawns B. Driveways and Sidewalks C. Decks 26 27

29 D. Fences E. Play Equipment F. Roofing G. Wood H. Paint and Stain I. Siding. (Mildew and Algae, Damage) J. Garbage Can Storage HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPE REVIEW REQUEST Please provide the following information: Homeowner: Date: Street address:, City, NC ZIP Lot #: Tele (day) (home) ( ) Builder/Contractor (tele) (Please note if you are an agent submitting on behalf of a homeowner.) Expected start date: Expected completion date: I am applying for the following improvement(s) to my/our Lot. More than one box may be checked.

30 Addition (Space conditioned rooms, garage, sunroom, screen porch) Deck Fence Landscape (trees, bushes, flowers) Hardscape (walkways, walls) Paint Exterior (color chip required) Pool Other (explain) All applications must include the following information. Incomplete applications will be returned. Plat Plan (Showing locations of improvements on the Lot, drawn to scale.) Floor Plans and Roof Design (if applicable). Neighbor Notification (Neighbors who can reasonably view and or be affected by the improvements.) Materials and Finishes, Colors (Attach samples, paint chips, etc.) Photos and Brochures (if available), Exterior elevations (scale drawings). Plant Selections (If applicable, include size, variety, etc.) Neighbor Notification (Note does not imply approval, for notification purposes only.) Name Signature Address Name Signature Address Name Signature Address Please provide a description of the improvements to be made. (Use additional paper if necessary.) Signature of Applicant Date ACC Use Only Approved Not Approved Approved with Conditions (See attached.)

31 Resubmit with additional Information (See attached.) Reviewer Date For the Architectural Control Committee Submit your application to: Mail: CAS, Inc., 1930 North Salem Street, Suite 101, Apex, NC FAX: (919) approved installation/change shall constitute establishing a precedent for approval. must be removed at the owner s expense within 7 days. If the improvements are not removed the homeowner will be subjected to fines plus legal fees. Such action by the owner could delay response from ACC. A review of the documents does not constitute approval. However, if you would like to expedite the process please review the Covenants for your community. Also, if you have seen other examples of the work you would like to perform, please include the address in the packet. Any deviation from the approved plans and timeline approved by the ACC will require reevaluation. Any work done differently from approved plans may result in re-work at the owner s expense. ACC review and approval is only for compliance with the Homeowners Association s Covenants and Architectural Guidelines. The Owner/Builder is responsible for compliance with the Covenants and Architectural Guidelines, local ordinances, and other applicable codes and regulations. If you have any questions please contact CAS, Inc. at (919) Ext 1501.