Exterior Architectural Guidelines

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1 Exterior Architectural Guidelines 6/11/08 1:17 PM Exterior Architectural Guidelines The following represent standards generally acceptable to the Board at the present time. Please note that they are subject to change. If the Board deems it necessary to modify these specifications, it will endeavor to notify residents of any such changes through the Homeland newsletter. These standards should serve only as a guide for your reference. The Homeland Association does not waive, release, or disclaim its right to enforce or defend the covenants of the Deed and Agreement. The homeowner is responsible to obtain the approval of the Architectural Committee before any exterior modification or maintenance commences. Roofs Fences Windows Shutters Paint colors Siding Swimming pools / hot tubs Landscaping New construction, additions, enclosures, and restoration Roofs. Material restricted to slate or standing seam copper or terne metal. Asphalt shingles, imitation slate and snap together metal roofing are not acceptable. Fences. Rear yard only. Type restricted to wood picket or post and rail, 42" maximum height, installed with posts and rails facing inward. Stockade and wrought iron may be allowed under special circumstances. Chain-link fences are not acceptable. Windows. True divided lights, with appropriate scale panes and painted frames appropriate for most conditions. Simulated divided lights, if the best match to existing windows, may be approved as long as they are wood with permanently attached wood muntins inside and out, and with an interior spacer bar in the airspace. Vinyl or aluminum clad windows are not acceptable. Shutters. restricted to painted wood. Width, whether operable or fixed, required to properly cover window opening. Shutters may not be screwed or nailed to the house or window, but must be hung on appropriate hardware. Paint colors. Traditional colors approved by the board on a case by case basis for each home. Siding. Original replacement or restoration materials only. Vinyl, aluminum or Hardi-plank type siding are not acceptable. Swimming pools and hot tubs. Very few Homeland lots qualify for construction of a pool or hot tub. Detailed restrictions are set forth in the Homeland History, Bylaws, Deed and Agreement booklet. Landscaping. Extensive changes in landscaping require approval by the Architectural Committee. Mature trees contribute to the value of your home and the neighborhood and should be saved whenever possible. Page 1 of 2

2 Exterior Architectural Guidelines 6/11/08 1:17 PM New construction, additions, enclosures, and restoration., style and scale required to remain in harmony with existing structures and compatible with appearance and quality of surrounding houses. Please note that approval of exterior changes by the Board does not necessarily mean that the project qualifies for tax credit under the Heritage Tax Credit (see Historic Designation) Page 2 of 2

3 Standards Concerning Exterior Changes Awnings Replacement/New construction: Yes Metal frames, canvas covers Design and color must harmonize with house architecture! Detailed plan of proposed construction! Pictures, manufacturer!s specifications or samples of proposed materials, including colors and patterns! Photographs of house showing proposed construction site Decks and Uncovered Porches Replacement/New construction: Yes Concrete, brick, metal (for railings), stone, wood; no artificial wood Design must harmonize with house architecture Must be painted or stained to harmonize with house body and trim Ref. Subdivision IV, pg. 20, Homeland History, Bylaws, Deed & Agreement, 1924/1994! Detailed plan of proposed construction including railing details Page 1 of 13

4 ! Pictures, manufacturer!s specifications or samples of proposed materials! Photographs of house showing proposed construction site Doors, front and back Wood, steel; no aluminum, no vinyl clad Style must harmonize with house architecture Finish must harmonize with house body and trim! Pictures and manufacturer!s specifications for proposed door(s)! Photographs of house showing door(s) to be replaced Doors, storm Fully-glazed low-profile aluminum, wood, steel Style must coordinate with inner door and house architecture Finish must coordinate with inner door and trim No security doors Application documentation! Pictures and manufacturer!s specifications for proposed door(s)! Photographs of house showing door(s) to be replaced Doors, garage Page 2 of 13

5 Aluminum, steel, wood; no vinyl, no fiberglass Style must harmonize with house and garage architecture Finish must harmonize with house and garage body and trim Doors with raised style, with or without raised panel with a pronounced profile No flush doors! Pictures and manufacturer!s specifications for proposed door(s)! Photographs of house showing door(s) to be replaced Driveways and parking pads Brick, Cobblestones, Concrete, exposed aggregate concrete; no asphalt, no gravel Application documentation! Detailed plan of proposed construction! Description of materials to be used! Photographs of house showing area of proposed construction Exterior lights Replacement/New: No, except in the case of front yard, free-standing lighting fixtures No sodium vapor, metal halide or tungsten lamps Page 3 of 13

6 All exterior lights must coordinate with the design of the house Fences Minor repairs to approved fences: No Wood; Metal (for example, wrought iron) in special circumstances. No plastic, no chicken wire, no chain link Fencing materials must not project beyond the front face of the house Style and finish must coordinate with house architecture Approved styles include wood picket or post and rail; stockade in special circumstances; no chain link Height: 42" max; 18"-24" set back from edge of lane preferred Standard picket dimensions 3.5" wide, 1/2" thick, spacing 2.5" apart Good side must face out Gutters and down spouts! Plan for proposed fence! Pictures and manufacturer!s specifications for proposed fence! Photographs of house showing area of proposed fence Repair of existing installations: No Gutters: 1/2 round: aluminum, copper, or painted galvanized metal; no plastic Down spouts: smooth-faced box or round profile aluminum, copper or galvanized metal; no plastic Note: Box or "K" style may be approved if it can be established that the original construction was with Page 4 of 13

7 the Box or "K" style! Pictures and manufacturer!s specifications for proposed gutters/downspouts! Photographs of house showing gutters/downspouts to be replaced or added Landscaping Installation of trellises unless very extensive: No Extensive landscaping changes including tree removal, major redesigns, addition of water features and arbors, extensive changes in garden and security lighting: Yes Arbors: wood, metal; no plastic Lighting: see "Exterior lights" In accordance with Homeland!s Olmsteadian landscape design, no front yard landscaping that creates actual or visual barriers or interrupts vistas is allowed For garden paths see "Paths and Walkways," for patios see "Patios."! Detailed landscape plan with all plants and structures labeled! Pictures and manufacturer!s specifications for any proposed structures! Photographs of house showing current landscaping Outbuildings (sheds, etc.). Approval Required? Yes. Submit application as for new construction Outbuildings other than garages are generally prohibited for most Homeland properties. Refer to Subdivision III of your Deed & Agreement Paint Page 5 of 13

8 All exterior painting, including repainting with same color scheme: Yes Colors must harmonize with house materials and environment! Color samples for proposed changes! Photographs of house showing current color scheme Paths and walkways Brick, concrete, exposed aggregate concrete, stone; no asphalt Design must harmonize with house architecture! Detailed plan of proposed construction! Pictures, samples or manufacturer!s specifications for proposed materials! Photographs of house showing area of proposed construction Patios Brick, concrete, stone, tile; no asphalt! Detailed plan of proposed construction! Pictures, samples or manufacturer!s specifications for proposed materials! Photographs of house showing area of proposed construction Page 6 of 13

9 Play Equipment Must be installed in rear yard, not visible from street Colors should harmonize with house and garden! Detailed plan showing area of proposed installation! Picture and manufacturer!s specifications for proposed unit! Photographs of house showing area of proposed installation Porches, including railings, screening and enclosures Repairs to approved screened enclosures and railings: No, including re-screening and replacing railings Screens: Anodized aluminum, bronze, copper, fiberglass, nylon, steel Framing: Wood Railings: Wood, metal (e.g. wrought iron) in special cases Roofs: See Roofs Design must harmonize with house architecture Framing must be finished to match house! Pictures, samples or manufacturer!s specifications for proposed screening! Photographs of house showing area to be screened or re-screened NOTE: For new enclosures, see the requirements for new construction Roofs Page 7 of 13

10 Repairs to approved roofs: No Pitched roofs: cedar shakes, terracotta tile, slate, standing seam copper, terne metal Flat roofs: asphalt, painted canvas, rubber membrane No asphalt shingles, no rolled asphalt, no synthetic or composite slate Design must harmonize with house architecture! Detailed plan of proposed construction! Pictures, samples or manufacturer!s specifications for proposed materials! Photographs of house showing area of proposed construction Roof Decks/Porches (flat) Repairs to approved decks and porches: No Concrete, painted canvas, metal, rubber membrane, stone, tile, vinyl membrane, wood for Railings Wood, metal in special circumstances; no plastic Design must harmonize with house architecture Views other than from the street (e.g. from neighboring properties) will be considered! Detailed plan of proposed construction! Pictures, samples or manufacturer!s specifications for proposed materials Page 8 of 13

11 ! Photographs of house showing area of proposed construction Satellite Dishes Must be installed in rear yard, not visible from street, preferably not visible from neighbors! yards If possible, should be painted to harmonize with house colors! Detailed plan showing area of proposed installation! Picture and manufacturer!s specifications for proposed unit! Photographs of house showing area of proposed installation Shutters Repairs to approved shutters: No Wood only; no plastic, no metal Design must harmonize with house architecture Shutters must be painted wood, wide enough to cover windows if closed Shutters must include working hardware but may be fixed to house walls! Pictures, samples or manufacturer!s specifications for proposed shutters! Photographs of house showing area of proposed shutters Signs All signs except standard Realtor or for-sale signs, contractor signs, and partisan election signs: Yes Page 9 of 13

12 Swimming pools and hot tubs Pools and hot tubs are generally not permitted. Ref. policy statement, pp , Homeland History, Bylaws, Deed & Agreement, 1924/1994 Walls, exterior Brick, cedar shakes, cementicious stucco ("true stucco"), stone, wooden siding None of the following: aluminum, composite, Exterior Insulation and Finish System ("fake Stucco"), fiberboard, plastic, plywood, thinset brick, vinyl must harmonize with existing house architecture! Detailed plan of proposed construction! Pictures, samples or manufacturer!s specifications for proposed materials! Photographs of house showing area of proposed construction Walls, garden and retaining Brick, stone; other types may be approved at the discretion of the Association Board must harmonize with existing house and garden Page 10 of 13

13 ! Detailed plan of proposed construction! Pictures, samples or manufacturer!s specifications for proposed materials! Photographs of house showing area of proposed construction Window boxes Restoration/ No vinyl, no plastic and design must harmonize with existing house architecture Window boxes must harmonize with or match house trim color! Pictures, samples or manufacturer!s specifications for proposed window boxes! Photographs of house showing area of proposed window boxes Windows Restoration/ Wood frame and sash, steel frame and sash No aluminum clad or vinyl clad windows, no plastic muntins Original windows must be retained whenever possible If replacement windows are used, they must replicate the originals, with particular care taken to match the originals in terms of light patterns, scale, dimensions and profiles True or simulated divided lights, permanent exterior and interior muntins; if insulated then Page 11 of 13

14 must be equipped with a spacer bar between the interior and exterior muntins All new, restored or replacement windows must be appropriate to the house architecture! Pictures, samples or manufacturer!s specifications for proposed windows! Photographs of house showing current windows Windows, exterior storm Restoration/ No vinyl, no plastic Exterior storm windows must harmonize with or match house trim color Minimal profiles strongly preferred! Pictures, samples or manufacturer!s specifications for proposed storm windows! Photographs of house showing area of proposed storm windows Windows, security bars and grates Exterior security bars and grates are not allowed ***************** New Construction New Construction Page 12 of 13

15 Yes. There are two basic types of new construction: new buildings and additions to existing buildings. All new construction is complex and the application and approval process generally involves multiple steps. Because the process extends over multiple steps, sufficient time must be built into the planning schedule for this process. All new construction must integrate with the style, mass, and scale of the neighborhood, with particular care given to the immediate street, the neighboring homes, and in the case of additions, to the existing home. It must conform to the setback and free space requirements, keeping in mind that these are the minimum requirements allowed for the property. Setback information is found in the property!s deed or in the overall Homeland deed. The free space requirements are in the Homeland Deed. See Sub- Divisions IV, V, and VI. All new construction must also conform to the standards for the individual elements as outlined, e.g., doors, windows, roofing. The first step of the new construction process is the Concept Review. For this step, submit a description of the project, photos of the existing buildings and/or land, a site plan showing where the new construction will be, the primary elevations, the floor plans, a list of the proposed materials, and the proposed colors. The second step of the process is the Schematic Review. For this step, submit a dimensioned site plan including the setback and free space calculations, complete details of proposed exterior construction materials (manufacturer!s information: model numbers, catalogue pages, etc.), elevations and plans with the overall dimensions, plans showing the building sections, and color chips. The third step of the process is the Final Review. For this step, submit the landscaping plan including materials, the typical details (how the trim and framing detail fits together, etc.), and any remaining detailed specifications (manufacturer!s information). The better the information provided to the Architecture Committee, the better the feedback it is able to provide during each step of the process. The homeowner and architect can contact the Homeland Association office at any time during the process to help with any questions.! Detailed architectural plans and elevations with all measurements and materials specified! Photographs of area of proposed construction Page 13 of 13

16 Exterior Change Information 6/11/08 1:18 PM Exterior Change General Information All exterior changes must be approved in advance by the Homeland Association Board of Directors. If you are considering making an exterior change to your property please review the following procedure. 1. Review the exterior guidelines for Homeland. Feel free to contact the Homeland office at which can put you in contact with the Architectural Committee. 2. Review the submission guidelines put forth by the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation on how to describe your proposed exterior change. The association strongly recommends that you work with a licensed architect familiar with historic neighborhoods such as Homeland for any significant changes. 3. Complete an architectural application. If you submit an application by the 1st Thursday of the month, you should learn the disposition of your application within a month. Meetings of the Architectural Committee are 2 Mondays prior to the Board Meeting. 4. The architectural committee will review your architectural application, architectural drawing, paint chips, material samples, etc at the next meeting of the committee. 5. If the application is approved by the committee, it will be submitted to the Homeland Association board at the next board meeting for approval. The board meets the 3rd Thursday of most months. 6. If approved by the board, you will be notified! You are responsible to ensure that the changes are made with strict conformance to the approved application. 7. If not approved by the board, you will be notified and be provided with guidance on why your application was not approved. You are free to resubmit your application at a later date. Please bear in mind that not all applications are approved as submitted. Extensive renovations, additions, and new construction require careful review and possibly modification of the architectural drawings. Do not put deposits down on contractors or materials prior to having your plans approved unless you are willing to lose the deposit in the event that your plan is not approved. Many alterations may be eligible for Historic Tax Credit. Contact the Maryland Historical Trust at or at for further information. Approval by the Homeland Board does NOT guarantee approval for tax credits. Page 1 of 1

17 Architectural Guidelines 6/11/08 1:17 PM Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation Submission Guidelines In order to insure that all necessary information is available for reaching a decision on the appropriateness of an application for a Building Permit, the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation has established the following guidelines. A complete application should explain not only the work to be done, but also the relationship of the proposed work to the adjacent part of the building, or to the neighboring buildings as appropriate. A. NEW BUILDINGS 1. Site Plan - (Minimum Scale: 1" = 50') 2. Elevations - (Minimum Scale: 1/8" = 1'0") 3. Floor Plans - (Minimum Scale: 1/4" = 1'0") 4. Sections - (Minimum Scale: 1/4" = 1'0") 5. Specifications and detailed drawings showing any and all signs. exterior lettering, roof treatment, openings in the facade, materials and color (accompanied by samples of materials to be used.) B. ALTERATIONS 1. Photograph(s) of existing structure showing area to be altered in relation to entire structure. 2. Detailed drawings and specifications of any alteration to the present exterior, indicating any and all signs, exterior lettering, roof treatment, openings in the facade, exterior materials and color (accompanied by samples of materials to be used). (Scale adequate to show in detail any alteration proposed.) C. EXTERIOR COLOR CHANGE REQUIREMENTS 1. Samples of any and all colors to be used on exterior of structure (Minimum size: 2" x 2"). 2. Complete description of all areas to be painted and the color to be used in each area. Page 1 of 1

18 Untitled Document 6/11/08 1:19 PM APPROVAL OF PLANS 1. You must have written approval from the Association before any exterior change is made If you want to make an exterior change, you must submit a written application and have the Association s approval before making the change. You cannot make the change before you receive the written approval. These requirements are found in Sub-Division VI of your Deed and Agreement. 2. Use the Architectural Standards to assist you with your project planning We have included many of the exterior changes for which approval is required in the Architectural Standards. The list contains generally approved materials for each of the changes. The listed materials are the only ones currently approved for use in Homeland. You must submit an application for any proposed exterior change, even if the materials are listed as generally approved. Keep in mind that each house in Homeland is different and not all materials are appropriate for each house. We maintain a list of suppliers for approved materials at the Association Office. We are happy to share that information with you. However, please note that the Homeland Association does not endorse nor guarantee the work of any particular vendor. 3. Include all the required documentation with your application Page 1 of 5

19 Untitled Document 6/11/08 1:19 PM When you prepare your application, include all of the required information and documentation. The required supporting documentation is listed in the Architectural Standards. Remember that we rely on your application for the information that we need to make a decision. The more complete the information, the more able we are to make a good decision. Keep in mind that the application must show that all exterior changes meet the standards of quality of the original developers, are compatible with the general ambience of Homeland, and are in harmony with their surroundings. Because your change must harmonize with the neighborhood, consider your neighbor s houses and gardens in your planning process. 4. Please submit your application well before the projected start date of the work We need enough time to consider your application. We may need to ask you questions or ask you to provide additional information. 5. Submit your application before the first of the month for consideration during that month Submit your application to the Homeland Association, 5603 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD If we receive your application before the first of the month, we will consider it at the next meeting. If we receive your application on the first of the month or later, we will consider it at the next meeting only if there is enough time. If there is not enough time, we will consider it in the following month s meeting. Page 2 of 5

20 Untitled Document 6/11/08 1:19 PM 6. Include all the required documentation with an application. Each project requires supporting documentation, as explained in the Architectural Standards. The Architectural Committee won t be able to act on an application without the required documentation. Decisions on incomplete applications may be delayed. Incomplete applications will be held for 90 days from the date of the original submission and then considered withdrawn. In this case a new application will need to be submitted. 7. Your application is reviewed by the Architectural Committee The decision whether or not to approve your application is made by the Board of Directors of the Homeland Association. The Board has an Architectural Committee that reviews your application and makes a recommendation on it to the Board. The Architectural Committee reviews your application to ensure that all exterior changes meet the standards of quality of the original developers, are compatible with the general ambience of Homeland, and are in harmony with their surroundings. The Architectural Committee meets on Monday nights, 10 days before each monthly Association Board meeting. The Board meets on the third Thursday of the month. Page 3 of 5

21 Untitled Document 6/11/08 1:19 PM 8. Projects should not commence without written approval from the Board Many projects are simple. If the application is complete, the Architectural Committee is able to make a recommendation to the Board after a single review. More complicated projects, such as new construction, often require more than one review. More information about new construction is listed in the Architectural Standards. If the Architectural Committee has questions or needs additional information before making a recommendation to the Board, we will contact you. If you are contacted for more information, you have 90 days to provide the information. If you do not get the information to us, we will consider the application withdrawn. If you want to pursue the project after it is withdrawn then you need to submit a new application. After the Architectural Committee makes its recommendation, the Board makes the decision on your application. Immediately after the monthly meeting of the Association Board, a letter advising you of the Board s decision will be sent. If a project is not approved, an explanation will be provided. 9. Complete the project as approved by the Board If your application is approved, work must start within a year of the approval. If work does not start within the year, a new application is required. Remember that the approval is based on the information provided in your application. If you discover a need to change your project, for example, the materials or design, you must request that the changes be approved. Page 4 of 5

22 Untitled Document 6/11/08 1:20 PM The Board reserves the right to inspect a project in progress or after completion to ensure that the work conforms to the approved plan. 10. Obtain any necessary Baltimore City permits Approval by the Homeland Association Board is not a release from the obligation to secure necessary permits from the zoning, construction, and building inspection divisions of the Housing Authority of Baltimore City. Page 5 of 5