Rockwell Plantation ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES HANDBOOK

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1 Rockwell Plantation ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES HANDBOOK April 2016

2 I. Introduction Intent of Handbook 3 II. Maintenance Performed by the Association 4 III. Improvements to Lots General Guidelines Fences Utility/Storage Sheds Trampolines & Play Equipment Basketball Goals Landscape Modification Doghouses Exterior Lighting Swimming Pools Signage Mailboxes.. 7 IV. Improvements to Structures General Guidelines Additions Decks / Patios Satellite Dishes Exterior Colors. 9 V. Aesthetics Flags Window Treatments Exterior Holiday Decorations Trash Removal 10 VI. Parking Street Parking Parking of Commercial/Recreational Vehicles 10 VII. Material Storage Visible Storage Storage of Children s Toys 11 VIII. Pets 11 IX. Disturbances / Nuisances 12 X. Safety Fire Children Theft / Burglary 12 XII. Management Company 12 2

3 I. Introduction 1.1 Intent of Handbook This Handbook of Architectural Guidelines is adopted pursuant of Article VIII of the Declaration of Covenant, Conditions, and Restrictions for Rockwell Plantation (the Declaration ) and is designed to provide an overall framework and comprehensive set of standards and procedures for the development of the community in an orderly and cohesive manner. Compliance with the guidelines and requirements of this Handbook is required, but does not constitute the sole basis for review of applications for approval under Article VIII of the Declaration, nor does it guarantee any approval of any submission or application. Each submission presented to the architectural committee will be approved or denied based on its own conditions. The committee has the expressed right to consider any and all factors it deems relevant. Committee decisions may be based on purely aesthetic considerations. Each owner and member of the Rockwell Plantation Community Association acknowledges that determinations as to such matters are purely subjective and opinions may vary as to the desirability and/or attractiveness of the proposed addition or modification. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, and although a modification or addition may have been approved in one instance, there is no guarantee that it will be approved again. This document is not intended to replace the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions but rather to clarify and to simplify the process by which homeowners may customize and modify the exterior property associated with the home and home site. Unless otherwise specifically exempted by the Declaration or this guide all proposed modifications and additions to homes and lots within Rockwell Plantation require application to and prior approval of the ARC. ANY HOMEOWNER WHO INITIATES ALTERATIONS, ADDITIONS, IMPROVEMENTS OR REPAINTING WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN APPROVAL BY THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE RISKS HAVING TO CORRECT OR REMOVE SAID ACTION AT HIS/HER OWN EXPENSE. A FINE OF $50 WILL BE LEVIED FOR ANY IMROVEMENT COMMENCED PRIOR TO APPROVAL BY THE ARC. 3

4 II. Rockwell Plantation Community Association Maintenance 2.1 Performed by the Association 1. The Association is responsible for the exclusive management and control of the common area. The association shall be responsible for the payment of all costs, charges and expenses incurred in connection with the operation administration and management of the common area. 2. No resident shall cause any object to be fixed to the common property (including the planting of any plant material) or in any manner change the appearance of the common property. 3. The cost of repair or replacement of any improvement maintained by the Association, in cases where the repair or replacement is required because of an act of negligence or omission of any owner (including guests, family members and tenants of the owner), shall be the responsibility of the owner. 4. Residents are required to keep their property maintained in such a manner as to provide a neat and attractive appearance. 5. The Rockwell Plantation Community Association, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to temporarily maintain a homeowners property if said property is deemed by the Board to be unruly or presents a health hazard due to high grass, weeds or other negligent reasons. All fees associated with action will be the responsibility of the homeowner to pay. III. Improvements to Lots 3.1 General Guidelines 1. ALL improvements to lots require specific prior approval by the Architectural Review Committee, and will be approved or disapproved based on compliance with the Declarations, these Guidelines and / or the aesthetic discretion of the Committee. 2. All projects should be completed within thirty (30) days of start date, unless not feasible due to the magnitude of the project. 4

5 3. Any utility additions must be underground and adhere to applicable code for such utilities. 4. All applications must include a detailed description of the planned project and must contain the following information, as applicable: * Size of structure * Quantity * Height * Detailed drawing * Wall material * Utilities * Estimated length of construction * Location on site plan * City/County permit (if required) * Owner is responsible for locating existing survey pins or acquiring a new survey prior to approval 3.2 Fences 1. White vinyl picket, wood picket and black aluminum fencing from 4 to 6 in height is allowed. Only this type of fencing will be approved. 2. Wooden fences must be stained or seal. 3. Chain link fencing in any form is strictly prohibited (including dog pens / runs of any material). 4. The finished side of all fencing must face outward. 5. Fencing may not be erected any closer to the street than the side and / or rear building setback line on lots adjoining streets. Consult your property survey for your setback lines. 6. Fencing may not be extended any closer to the street than the rear façade of a home unless approved by the committee due to the existence of a side service door entrance. 7. Fencing may be approved to screen HVAC units or approved trash bins. Specifications must match that of perimeter fencing described above. 8. All approved fences must be maintained by owner (e.g. resealing, re-staining and/or pressure cleaned) on a regular basis 9. Rotted or damaged boards or sections must be replaced 3.3 Utility/Storage Sheds 1. Utility buildings or storage sheds of any design or type require prior approval. Please refer to Article 3.1 (#4) for a list of required items needed for submission. 5

6 3.4 Trampolines and Backyard Play Equipment 1. Trampolines and backyard play equipment of all types require a homeowner to submit an architectural request prior to their installation. 2. Wooden, stained (natural color) swing sets and play structures are permitted. No metal swing sets will be approved. 3. All playsets, swings and trampolines must be kept in good condition and be placed in the center, rear of the backyard, out of the line of sight from the front street view of the property. 4. Trampoline approval may be rescinded by the Board and the homeowner may be required to remove said trampoline if, in the Board s sole opinion, the presence of the trampoline constitutes an unreasonable nuisance to the neighborhood. 3.5 Basketball Goals 1. Free-standing permanent basketball goals, mounted on black poles are permitted as long as the backboard is installed perpendicular to the street. The goal must be mounted on the lot a minimum of 15 from the back of the curb and set at least 6 inside the property line. 2. Portable basketball goals are also permitted as long as they do not encourage play in the street. Goals must be positioned in such a way as to contain all play on homeowner s driveway. 3.6 Landscaping Modifications 1. Plant Materials: ANY significant changes or additions from builder installed plant materials require architectural approval. Exceptions are annuals in existing plant beds, which may be planted without approval. 2. Plant Beds: additional plant beds or expansions of existing plant beds may be approved but require architectural approval. 3. Trees: Palm Trees of any variety are prohibited. 6

7 4. Mulch: Pine needles or natural colored wood mulch are allowed in plant beds. Rock, with the exception of lava rock, is allowed as long as it is contained by a solid border. 5. Edging / Borders: edging and/or borders around plant beds may be approved, but require architectural approval 6. Vegetable Gardens: vegetable gardens are prohibited in front and side yards. Small gardens may be approved in rear yards, but require architectural approval. 3.7 Doghouses 1. Doghouses must not be visible from street and need prior approval from the committee (location on site plan and description of material and style). 2. Dog pens and runs are not permitted anywhere on the property. Pets must be on a leash and restrained whenever they are outside of the owner s property line. 3.8 Exterior Lighting 1. Eave-mounted floodlights may be approved. 2. Low-level landscape lighting may also be approved. 3.9 Swimming Pools 1. In-ground swimming pools may be approved, but require the installation of an approved perimeter fence enclosing the entire rear yard or an approved privacy fence that surrounds the pool deck area. 2. Above-ground pools defined as any pool that requires, for its normal course of operation, inflation, a ladder, steps, a water filtration system, a pump or any combination of these items are prohibited in Rockwell Plantation Signage 1. Only the following types of signs are permitted on any lot: a. One temporary sign advertising the home for sale, provided the sign has a maximum face area of five (5) square feet on each side and, if freestanding, stands no more than four feet (4 ) off of the ground. b. One security service sign located in the front yard and one located in the rear yard, provided the signs have a maximum face area of two (2) square feet. 7

8 c. Notification signage as may be required by legal proceedings or a governmental entity (such as a building permit). d. No signage advertising a home FOR RENT is permitted on lot or home at Rockwell Plantation Mailboxes 1. Only builder approved mailboxes are allowed (the same style and material as provided at original construction). IV. Improvements to Structures 4.1 General Guidelines 1. ALL improvements to structures require specific prior approval by the Architectural Review Committee, and will be approved or disapproved based on compliance with the Declarations, these Guidelines and / or the aesthetic discretion of the Committee. 2. All projects should be completed within thirty (30) days of start date, unless not feasible due to the magnitude of the project. 3. Any utility additions must be underground and adhere to applicable code for such utilities. 4. All applications must include a detailed description of the planned project and must contain the following information, as applicable: * Size of structure * Roof design * Height * Roof material * Wall material * Exterior finish * Location (on site plan) * Quantity * Utilities (water, electric) * Detailed drawing * Estimated length of construction * Copy of building permit (if required) 4.2 Additions 1. Must adhere to all applicable building codes. 2. Exterior surfaces must match those on existing structure. 4.3 Decks / Patios 1. Must adhere to all applicable building codes. 2. Decks cannot extend into a side yard beyond the side plane of the home. 8

9 3. Decks must be waterproofed, sealed or stained a natural wood color. 4. Patios must be constructed of concrete, stone or brick pavers. 4.4 Satellite Dishes 1. Maximum allowable size for a satellite dish is twenty-four (24 ) inches. 2. Approved dishes must be mounted to the house in a position not visible from the street (unless approved by the Committee due to reception issues as detailed in Article XI, Section 13 of the Declaration). 3. If installation is required in a location other than the abovereference location, include a statement from the installer with the architectural request form. The association reserves the right to obtain a second opinion from a licensed installer and may require the homeowner to move dish location at their expense based on results from the licensed installer. 4. No other types of television or radio pole, antenna, aerial or tower may be constructed, installed, erected or maintained on any lot in Rockwell Plantation. 4.5 Exterior Colors 1. All exterior changes including, but limited to, painting, staining, addition of storm doors and shutter replacement require approval from the Architectural Review Committee. All proposed exterior changes must conform to the original scheme designed by the builder. 2. Shutters and doors must compliment the exterior color scheme and maintain the original colors intended by the builder. V. Aesthetics 5.1 Flags 1. Two (2) flags up to four feet by six feet (4 X6 ) in size attached to a flagpole mounted to the home may be approved. The pole may not exceed four inches (4 ) in diameter and sixty inches (60 ) in length. 2. Only official flags of countries, states or universities and seasonal decorative flags may be displayed. Flags which display trademarks or advertising, battle flags and similar flags which, in the Board s judgement, are intended to, or 9

10 tend to, incite, antagonize or make political statements (other than a statement of citizenship or country of origin of the residence of the dwelling) shall NOT be displayed. 3. Approved flags shall be maintained in good condition and shall not be displayed if mildewed, tattered or faded beyond recognition. 5.2 Window Treatments 1. Only typical window treatments such as blinds, draperies, shades and plantation shutters are allowed and do not require architectural approval. 2. Window air conditioning units or fans are not allowed. 5.3 Exterior Holiday Decorations 1. Seasonal house decorations must be removed within thirty (30) days of the holiday. 2. Christmas lighting is not permitted before Thanksgiving. 5.4 Trash Removal 1. Garbage cans and recycle bins must be stored in one of the following locations (stated in order of preference): a. inside your garage b. behind your house (screened from street view by your house or an approved screening fence as described in the Fences section above) 2. No refuse containers (of any type) may be stored in the front of your house. 3. No garbage can or recycle bin should be placed at the curb any earlier than the night before collection and should be removed by midnight the day of collection. VI. Parking 6.1 Street Parking 1. Except to accommodate overflow guest parking for short periods, on-street parking is prohibited. 6.2 Parking of Commercial and Recreational Vehicles 1. A commercial vehicle as defined by the Association is any vehicle with permanent markings and / or attachments. (Vehicles with removable signs or attachments must remove 10

11 said items within one (1) hour from the time the vehicle is parked.) 2. Tractor trailer rigs (also referred to as transfer trucks, etc.) are prohibited. 3. No commercial vehicles may be parked in Rockwell Plantation, with the exception of temporary parking for deliveries, repairs, etc. and for vehicles that are fully enclosed in the attached garage of a dwelling. 4. Recreational vehicles may not be parked where they are visible from the street. 5. A recreational vehicle as defined by the Association is any vehicle commonly referred to as or considered a recreational vehicle, including but not limited to campers, RV s, full-size conversion vans, etc. 6. Boats and other water sports equipment, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles and other off-road vehicles are not allowed in Rockwell Plantation unless fully enclosed in an attached garage. VII. Material Storage 7.1 Visible Storage 1. Storage of materials of any kind that are visible from the street or neighboring yards is not allowed. 2. Weeds, vegetation, rubbish, debris, garbage or waste materials are not allowed to be accumulated on any lot in Rockwell Plantation. 7.2 Children s Toy Storage 1. Toys must be stored out if sight when not in use. VIII. Pets Generally, all pets should be kept under their owner s control at all times and in compliance with applicable leash laws. 1. All dogs should be contained on the owner s lot or leashed when off of the owner s property. 2. Owners are responsible for cleaning up any mess that a pet creates in any Common Area, as well as on any private property. 3. Owners are responsible for their animal s actions and are liable for any provable damages. 11

12 4. Each home is limited to three (3) pets. 5. Animals being a nuisance to residents will not be tolerated this includes issues with noise. Should an issue arise, please try discussing the situation with the animal s owner before calling Animal Control. IX. Disturbances / Nuisances In matters that become a problem between neighbors in Rockwell Plantation, the Board may act upon some under the general powers conferred by the Declaration. In the rare event that a resident causes unreasonable noise or other disturbances that cannot be resolved by speaking with the neighbor, the appropriate public law enforcement agency should be contacted. (For disturbances related to pets of residents, please see Section VIII, subsection 5 of this document.) X. Safety 10.1 Fire 1. Residents should use extreme caution when using grills on wood decks or in close proximity to structures or flammable landscape materials such as pine bark mulch or pine needles. 2. Smoke detectors should be located on each level of every home near sleeping areas and should be tested twice yearly. 3. The local fire department may be contacted for more tips on fire safety Children 1. Please observe speed limits and be alert for children playing that may dart into your path. Keep Rockwell Plantation safe for everyone Theft / Burglary 1. Please report any suspicious activity in the community to the police department. 12