ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES, RULES AND REGULATIONS

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1 ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES, RULES AND REGULATIONS 1 Rev: 2010

2 Table of Contents Introduction to Architecture Review Page 3 Architecture Review Submittal Policy Page 4 Design Guidelines and Regulations Fences Page 5 Landscape Guidelines Page 6 Landscape Lighting Page 7 Outdoor Structures and Accessories Arbors, Pergolas and Trellises Page 8 Boats and Recreational Vehicles Page 8 Clotheslines Page 8 Decks Page 8 Flags/ In Ground Poles Page 8 Holiday Decorations Page 8 Hot Tubs Page 8 Junk Vehicles Page 8 Mailboxes Page 8 Outside Antennas Page 8 Outside Storage / Sheds Page 8 Patios, Patio Enclosures and Screened Porches Page 9 Pet Enclosures Page 9 Play Structures Page 9 Trash Receptacles and Recycle Bins Page 9 Satellite Dishes Page 9 Signs Page 9 Storm Doors Page 9 Swimming Pools Page 9 Yard Ornaments and Decorative Objects Page 9 Attachments BDS - 01 Page 10 BDS - 02 Page 11 BDS - 03 Page 12 3

3 Introduction to Architectural Review Preserving the beauty and developing the community with an emphasis on value, quality, aesthetics and environment are the focus of ARC. Well thought out and consistently enforced architecture requirements and rules help maintain uniformity, which in turn helps support the highest market values of the homes. The Arbors at Westgate Protective Covenants ( Covenants ) and all amendments are binding on all home and lot owners in the Arbors at Westgate Association. Accordingly, the Arbors at Westgate Association Board of Directors may establish an Architecture Review Committee ( ARC ). This committee or the board of directors reviews the design and landscape plans of all new homes and any changes or additions to the landscaping or exterior of any existing homes. The intent of the Arbors at Westgate Association Architectural Review Procedure for Existing Homes is to: Define what the architecture review procedures are and how they work Define the specific project criteria and standards needed for design approval Define specifications and specific design practices that will assist Members when applying for approval of projects Identify projects that require ARC review and approval Show the owners what is expected of them in the architecture and review process 3

4 Architectural Review Submittal Policy The process in which members of The Arbors Homeowners Association are required to follow in order to implement alterations to their existing home or home site are in accordance to the Arbors at Westgate Association Inc., Covenants, By-Laws, and the NC State Statutes governing homeowner associations and nonprofit corporations. The current required steps for submission of an architectural request along with plans and specifications are as follows: Step 1 - Contact the Management Company employed by the Arbors at Westgate Homeowners Association to inform them you wish to alter your existing home or home site and request them to provide you with a copy of the Architectural Permit Request form. Step 2 - Ascertain that your request is compliant with the Arbors at Westgate Covenants, Bylaws and the NC State Statutes. Step 3 - Complete the Architectural Permit Request form and provide all applicable required attachments as indicated on the application (i.e. plans, specifications, and/or manufacturers schematic). If the change includes the addition of anything on the property, use plat plan showing all property lines and dedicated easements. Step 4 - Submit your completed Architectural Permit Request form directly to the Management Company employed by the Arbors at Westgate Association. The Management Company will begin to process and forward this request to the Board of Directors for the approval review process. Step 5 - The Management Company will send the submitting member of the homeowners association a written notification that they have received the request along with the plans and specifications. At this time, if additional information is required to complete the review process the member of the homeowners association will be notified and the request will not be processed until all information has been provided. Once all information is provided the Review Package will be considered completed. Step 6 - The Architectural Review Committee will review the request and reply in writing regarding the approval status within thirty (30) days of receipt of a completed Architectural Review Package along with completed plans and specifications. Be advised the thirty (30) day period begins the date the Architectural Permit Request Packet is completed and notification of said completed packet has been sent to the owner(s). The homeowner will contact the Management Company to check the status of the submittals. Step 7 If the committee or board fails to approve or disapprove such design and location within thirty (30) days after complete plans and specifications have been received by it and notification of receipt of plans and specifications has been sent to the submitting owner(s), approval will not be required and this Article will be deemed to have been fully complied with. No construction or work of any nature that deviates from the approved plans is allowed. Homeowners are responsible for the work being completed in a timely manner and that the completed work is in accordance with the approved Architectural Permit Request. Periodic inspections will be made in order to ensure compliance. Additionally, penalties may be assessed or other action taken if the requested change(s) deviates from the approved permit request. All work set out in the approved Architecture Review Package must be completed by the submitting member of the homeowners association within 30 consecutive calendar days unless prior written approval has been granted by the AWA Board of Directors. 4

5 FENCES Privacy fencing and fencing used for screening are allowed on the side and or rear of the home only. Perimeter fencing around entire lot is not allowed. Setbacks will apply to side fencing per the deed restrictions. Fencing should be compatible with neighboring fencing in style, color and material. Fencing is limited to one approved style: Board on Board as illustrated above. Wood fences may be sealed with a clear (natural) color stain. Developer installed fences abutting homeowners property must be maintained by the owner. All fencing must not encroach on utility or maintenance easements. Height for board on board fence along each side of the home is 6 feet. Maximum and minimum height for board on board fence along the rear of the home is 6 feet and only along the pond the maximum is 4 feet. Invisible pet containment fencing is permitted with approval. 5

6 LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES Landscaping promotes a high quality community and enhances property values for the entire Arbors at Westgate community. Imaginative landscape design provides color and texture while enhancing the architectural character of the home. Property owners are encouraged to consult with a landscape architect or designer to assist them in the preparation of a landscape plan. Guidelines to follow are: Outline of all structures and site elements i.e. house, driveway, walkways, patios, easements etc. Outline of proposed tree and shrub locations, lawn areas, ground cover, and seasonal color areas with quantities and names indicated. Mulched areas and any hard landscape elements (arbors, trellises, fences, patios, walls, stepping stones etc.) Existing trees and vegetation are to be preserved. Native plants are recommended along with tropical plants acclimated to the NC Southeastern coast. Plant list showing quantity, common name or botanical name, shrub container size, tree caliper and height, ground cover container size, spacing and sod type. Planting beds must be mulched with pine straw or hardwood mulch to control weeds and conserve water. Natural colored rocks may also be used. Screening of HVAC units, pumps and wells, above ground transformers, junction boxes, solar collector, satellite dish etc. Location of a required automatic timed irrigation system to be determined. Foundation plantings may be installed. Location and sizes to be determined. Hedges or similar planting may be planted with approval. Replacement of trees or shrubs with similar trees or shrubs does not require approval. Seasonal flowers and plants do not require approval. Landscaping with irrigation systems must be completed within 30 days of certificate of occupancy. 6

7 LANDSCAPE LIGHTING Well-designed exterior lighting can add a dramatic touch to a home site. The key to a successful lighting system is the proper placement of the right fixtures to produce the desired lighting effects. Landscape lighting includes up lighting, down lighting, back lighting, shadowing and accent lighting among plants. The light source should be hidden so that only the effect of the light on the subject is seen. Low voltage lighting offers a wide variety of fixtures and bulbs to produce virtually any landscape lighting effect. All exterior lighting should be installed so as not to disturb neighbors or impair vision of traffic on adjacent streets. Colored lights are prohibited, other than during the holidays. OUTDOOR STRUCTURES AND ACCESSORIES 7

8 Arbors, Pergolas and Trellises Approval process to install one of these structures is to be determined. Boats and Recreational Vehicles Recreational vehicles (boats, RVs motor homes and campers) shall be stored in a garage, out of view from the street and adjoining properties. It is recommended the recreational vehicle be stored at an offsite storage facility when not in use. They may be parked in a driveway no longer than 24 hours for loading and unloading. Clothesline There shall be no outdoor clothesline on any home site. Deck Design should be consistent with the architectural character of the house. Flags/ In-ground Poles The American Flag no larger than 4 feet x 6 feet may be flown on a pole attached to the home in an approved location and displayed in accordance with traditional rules and regulations governing the flying and display of the American Flag. (State Statute 47F-3-121) No in-ground poles are allowed. Fountains Fountains can not exceed 36 inches height. Holiday Decorations Christmas lighting and decorations may be displayed from Thanksgiving Day through one week post January 1 st. Easter, Halloween and other holiday decorations may be displayed 2 weeks prior and 1 week after the holiday. Hot Tubs Hot tubs shall be shown on the site plan or landscape plan. Hot tubs shall not be installed on the front or side yard of any home. Hot tubs will be subject to additional screening requirements as imposed by the AWA Covenants. Junk Vehicles No stripped, partially wrecked, junk motor vehicle or part, or any motor vehicle not displaying a current valid inspection sticker shall be permitted to be parked on any home site. Mailboxes Homeowners are responsible for maintenance, repair and/or replacement of their mailbox if it is damaged. Outside Antennas Outside Antennas are prohibited unless or until permission for the same is granted by the committee or board in accordance with applicable government regulations. Outside Storage / Sheds Outside Storage / Sheds are limited to the rear yard and generally should not be visible from any street or adjacent properties. Structure must have significant details matching house i.e. siding and roof shingles. 8

9 Patios and Patio Enclosures, Screened Porches Outdoor living areas should be consistent with the architectural character and details of the home. Porches on the rear of the home may be screened and/or glass enclosed. Patio surfacing materials should be concrete, stone or pavers. The location, materials and finish used on all porches shall be submitted for approval. Pet Enclosures / Pet Runs Pet Enclosures / Pet Runs may be approved for dogs or cats only and must be in the confines of the owner s lot. No pets may be kept for commercial purposes, become a nuisance, or bother other owners. Play Structures Permanent play structures are limited to the rear yard. They may subject to additional screening requirements or fencing as imposed by the Board of Directors. Inflatable play structures are permitted in the rear yards only. No basketball backboards and/or baskets (nets) shall be attached to the dwelling. Portable basketball goals must remain on the driveway near the garage area and away from the street and must be stored in the garage when not in use. Satellite Dishes Installation of a satellite dish and/or outside antenna does not require prior approval per the state statutes. Installation must comply with the following guidelines. The satellite dish must be one meter or smaller in diameter. The installation must be in the most inconspicuous location of the property that will allow for acceptable signal reception and if at all possible should be at the side or rear of the house. Satellite wiring must be secured at all times and painted to match the exterior of the home. Signs No signs may be placed or erected on any lot. For Sale and/or Real Estate signs may be displayed in the window only. Advertisement signs are prohibited and no sign may be nailed to a tree. Political Signs are regulated by State Statute 47F and may not be displayed earlier than 45 days before the day of the election and later than 7 days after an election day. The sign must comply with the city and county ordinances. Signs may not exceed 24 inches by 24 inches and must be on the member s personal property. No political signs may be places on any common ground. Storm doors Style of doors and storm doors need architectural review approval. Swimming Pools Swimming pools are allowed based on rear yard location and Board approval and must meet the requirements of the Covenants of the Arbors at Westgate. Trash Receptacles and Recycle Bins All trash receptacles and recycle bins shall be stored in a garage or screened enclosure, behind a fence or natural landscape materials on non-trash days. Yard Ornaments / Decorative Objects Yard ornaments and decorative objects are advised to keep to a minimum of three. This includes sculptures, statues, fountains, decorative flags, artificial wildlife, and other decorative objects. Yard ornaments shall not exceed 48 inches in height. Birdbaths, birdhouses, birdfeeders and decorative planters may be placed around the home without architectural approval. 9

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