Architectural Review Standards and Guidelines

Transcription

1 Architectural Review Standards and Guidelines I. Purpose The Board of Directors of Sierra Gardens has adopted these Standards and Guidelines for two primary purposes: 1. To establish and preserve a harmonious design for the community 2. To protect the value of property within the community Simply stated, the Board s purpose in setting these Standards and Guidelines is to keep Sierra Gardens a pleasant community and to insure that the value of the property increases in accordance with the market. These standards are adopted with the intent of effecting the provisions of the declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R s), Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation. The CC&R s both require and empower the Board of Directors to perform these functions. The use of the architectural review process is a necessary component contributing to the success of planned communities such as Sierra Gardens. II. Architectural Review Objectives The Sierra Gardens Architectural Review process considers all aspects of each design, concentrating on the following objectives: A. Landscape and Environment Prevention of the unnecessary destruction or blighting of the natural landscape or the neighborhood environment as achieved by the developer. B. Relationship of Structures Ascertain that the existing developed spaces maintain an attractive and harmonious visual relationship with the proposed improvements. C. Protection of Neighbors Protect neighboring homeowners by making sure that reasonable provisions have been made for such matters as: 1. Surface Water Drainage 2. Sight and Sound Buffers 3. Preservation of View 4. Light and Air Access 5. Improvement s Effect on Surrounding Property Values 6. Visibility with Respect to Existing Structures

2 III. The Review Process Homeowners wishing to make any alteration or addition which will affect the exterior of their residence, either front, side or rear or any element of the building exterior, including decks and deck railings, must submit an official Architectural Application, with copies of detailed plans and specifications prior to beginning the proposed work. It is important to note that should the application be denied and the work is in progress or completed, the Board of Directors can and will require or cause the improvement to be corrected at the Homeowner s expense. After the Association has received an Architectural Application they have sixty (60) days in which to process the request. The Board or their designated agent will approve, conditionally approve, deny or take some other appropriate action. Approved work must be completed within one year from the date of approval. IV. Conformance The failure of a completed modification or addition to conform to the plans, specifications and conditions approved by the Board of Directors, or a failure to complete the approved project within the specified time limitations, shall be deemed a violation of the Architectural Standards and Guidelines. Upon completion of any work by an Owner for which approval was required, the Owner must notify the Board of completion in writing. If an Owner fails to give this notice, the Board may take appropriate follow-up action. Nothing shall be installed which is not in compliance with building codes and regulations. IMPORTANT NOTE: If there is a question as to whether or not approval is required, it is always safer to submit an Architectural Application. V. Architectural Standards Balconies/Patios: No enclosures or structures shall be permitted on balconies/patios without Association approval. Residents are to maintain the balconies and patios in a clean and sanitary condition and are required to keep the deck area and deck boards free of garbage and debris as these may contribute to damage of the Common Area. In general, with the exception of plants and patio furniture, items kept on a balcony or deck are not to extend above the top of the railing. Absolutely no items are to be hung from the underneath side of the balconies or attached to any stucco surfaces. *Any holes in the wooden surfaces must be sealed using a silicone sealer in order to avoid deterioration of the wood.

3 Awnings, Outdoor Window Coverings: No awnings or outdoor window coverings shall be affixed to any window, door, sliding door or over or under any balcony, deck, fence or patio without appropriate approval from the Board. Window coverings: Window coverings shall be defined as any covering of a window or glass sliding door which may be seen from the outside. Window coverings may be made of either fabric, blinds or wooden shutters, of a type that is standard for window coverings. No sheets, paper, foil or other materials will be allowed. No window covering material shall be of a reflective type. WINDOWS MAY NOT BE REFLECTIVELY TINTED unless approved by the board. All window coverings must be installed within the interior of the unit. No blind, curtain shutter or awning may be installed on the exterior. No stained glass installations of windows shall be permitted. All window coverings must be maintained in an attractive manner. Landings, Entryways, Porches: The following policy has been adopted by the Board of Directors regarding the Landings and Entryways in Sierra Gardens. 1. Nothing may be stored on the landings. The landing is the platform midway between the upper and lower units. 2. Residents are allowed to keep a decorative item, only in the corner across from the entry door and allowing emergency access of at least 40 inches clearance. Decorative items, meeting the above criteria, can include a plant, planter or figurine. Items specifically not allowed include bicycles, barbecues, strollers, firewood, boxes, recycling materials, garbage bags or toys. 3. Items specifically not permitted on the front porch include: bicycles, barbecues, baby strollers, firewood, boxes, garbage, toys, etc. 4. Maintaining your front porch light is also your responsibility. The bulb can be up to 75 watts, maximum. If the outer globe becomes broken, check with the management company for a recommendation as to where to purchase a replacement globe.

4 Plants in the Common Area/on Balcony Railings: No individual owner shall plant in, or make any modification to Common Area landscaping. *The Association reserves the right to require the removal of any plant pots or planter boxes placed on balcony railings as these items may cause danger should they fall into the Common Area and may affect the Association s insurance coverage. *Any plants placed upon wooden or deck surfaces should be placed on a pan to catch water or be placed on a stand which allows water to run off beneath the plant in order to avoid damage that could be cause by prolonged contact between wood and water. *Proper maintenance of the plants on decks or patios is the responsibility of the Homeowner, not the Association. Trees can not be permitted to grow in height beyond the balcony boundary line and vines can not be permitted to grow on stucco, siding, or overhead horizontal surfaces. *No plant boxes shall be hung on the exterior of railings, as they pose a danger to persons and property below. Any plant boxes hung from the interior of railings shall not be affixed to the railing. Residents are requested to use hooks or clamps that do not require the use of screws, bolts, nails or any other apparatus that penetrates the railing or siding in any way. No plant pots or plant boxes shall be placed on or near any stairs within the development as they present a trip hazard. Exterior Entry Flooring: *No material except standard doormats may be installed or placed at entryways. No interior grade carpet will be allowed as doormats. Exterior Lighting Fixtures: No fixtures may be added to the exterior of any of the condominium units. Signs: One (1) sign of reasonable dimensions may be placed on a Unit advertising the Unit for sale or rent. All signs displayed shall be attractive and compatible with the design of the complex and shall comply with all applicable local ordinances. Real Estate signs are not allowed at the front of the complex. Clothes lines: These may not be added to any unit.

5 Storm Doors, Windows: These may not be added to any unit or changed without the Board s approval. Windows may be replaced in the existing style. In addition the SGHOA Board has approved almond-color vinyl windows as acceptable replacements, available at most glass/window companies, but this requires Board approval. Barbecues or Hibachis: Only barbecues or hibachis which are designed for use on patios shall be allowed. All barbecues and hibachis must be located, secured and used in a manner to insure fire safety. Barbecues and hibachis must be properly maintained. Non-conforming Activities: No disposal of lint, dirt or other materials from units will be permitted in private patios or Common Area. No rugs, clothing or materials of a similar nature will be dried or draped over fences or outdoor furniture. VI. Prohibited Improvements The following items are either prohibited by the CC&R's or are of such a nature that the improvements are detrimental to the life and appearance of the community and are therefore prohibited. 1. Covers or Trellises 2. Wind Barriers 3. Fence Enclosures 4. Fixtures of Any Kind Attached to Exterior Walls 5. Storage of Any Kind in the Common Area 6. Clothes Line 7. Fence Extensions 8. Sheds or Other Detached Buildings 9. Swings, Gym Sets or Play Equipment 10. Synthetic Grass/Indoor-Outdoor Carpeting 11. Brightly Colored Lava Rock or Reflective Rock 12. Exterior Mechanical Devices; e.g., Window Air Conditioners