Architectural Standards/Design Guidelines and Construction Regulations of Sunset Ridge at Evergreen Adopted May 15, 2013 Document history: Revision May 15, 2013: Incorporated existing Playground Equipment policy only, no other changes Adopted April 30, 2009 Revisions September 30, 2012: Added Radon policy & current Fence policy, Re-staining, Reroofing, Residing & Playground Equipment policies. All were existing policies; no changes or additions were made. Contents 100 Purpose 200 Satellite Dishes 300 Major Construction 400 Exterior Refrigeration Units Permanent Emergency Generators Hot Tubs 500 Display of the American Flag 600 Windows 700 Doors 800 Radon Mitigation 900 Fences 1000 Re-Staining, Re-Roofing, Re-Siding 1100 Pre-Approved Landscaping 1200 Playground Equipment 100 Purpose The HOA Board of Directors and the Design Review Committee (DRC) are made up of volunteer property owners within the Sunset Ridge community. We simply implement and oversee the covenants and restrictions that each resident in Sunset Ridge receives prior to purchasing property within the community. We respect the rights and concerns of every property owner and strive to make Sunset Ridge a pleasant place in which to live. Given this, the following guideline clarifications are provided: 200 Satellite Dishes In compliance with FCC regulations, satellite dishes installed within Sunset Ridge are limited to 39.37 or less. Since most homes are in close proximity to one another and the common elements, placement of these devices should be accomplished in such a manner as to be the least visible and the most aesthetically pleasing to all. 300 Major Construction **Article VI, Architectural Approval/Design Review, Section 6.7, states In passing upon the Improvement to Property, the Committee shall have the right to take into consideration if it is in accordance with all of the provisions of this Declaration, building restrictions of record, and the regulations, requirements, ordinances, and conditions imposed by Jefferson County. All major exterior construction (i.e. decks, additions, etc.) will require approval by the Design Review Committee. Such construction will require all appropriate permits to be submitted before final DRC approval will be granted.
If in doubt whether your landscaping project requires DRC approval, contact the DRC for guidance and requirements before commencing the work. 400 Exterior Refrigeration Units Permanent Emergency Generators Hot Tubs Article VII, Land Use and Other Restrictions, Section 7.1.h. states No elevated tanks or appurtenances of any kind shall be erected, placed or permitted upon any part of a Parcel. Any tank used in connection with any dwelling (e.g., for storage of gas, oil, and water) and any type of refrigeration or heating apparatus must be located underground, within the Unit, or concealed by appropriate fencing or screening. The restrictions contained in the Section may be varied or waived only with the prior approval of the Design Review Committee. Following are acceptable forms of screening as required above: A solid stockade type fence stained the same color to match the house with or without landscaping. Such fencing must enclose the unit on three sides and must be installed one foot away and one foot higher than the unit. Non-deciduous shrubs (shrubs that do not drop their leaves). Such plantings must enclose the unit on three sides and must be installed one foot away and must rise one foot higher than the unit. Hot tubs shall be placed on decks or on property, in general, in such a manner to be concealed from adjacent neighbors or the common elements. Installation of screening, such as fencing or non-deciduous shrubs may be required around these units. NOTE: DRC approval is required for installation of all exterior elevated tanks, appurtenance or hot tubs. The DRC may waive installation of fencing or screening based on the location of the unit. 500 Display of the American Flag American Flags must be maintained in good condition and displayed in a respectful manner in accordance with the Federal Flag Code, http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html, as amended and subject to the following Sunset Ridge regulations: House Mounted American Flag and Pole: American Flag must be no greater than 3 X5 Pole must be no greater than 6 long Stationary Flagstaffs: American Flag must be no greater than 4 X6 Pole must be no greater than 20 tall or less than 12 and no greater than 2 in diameter Placement of stationary flag poles is subject to DRC approval and requires the submission of a Design Review Form. 600 Windows Homeowners can replace windows in their homes without submitting a DRC request if the following guidelines are met:
Windows trim is the same color as the existing windows Frame material is stained the same color to match the house. No awnings are installed over the windows. DRC approval will be required for installation of windows not meeting the above guidelines. 700 Doors Homeowners can change the color of their outside doors without submitting a DRC request if the following guidelines are met: Door color can be earth tones as defined in the Sunset Ridge palette, white, black, gray or red. Any other door color must be submitted to the DRC for their review. Please submit original color chip of the paint to be used, along with the manufacturer and product number. No photocopies or electronically transmitted samples will be accepted. 800 Radon Mitigation Installation of a radon mitigation system does not require a Design Review Committee (DRC) prior approval subject to the following: The system is installed by a professional radon mitigation company Any exterior piping, ductwork, etc. painted to match or blend in with the color of the house exterior. Installation of the system does not require excavation of the foundation, otherwise, a DRC request should be submitted with details. 900 Fences It is important to note the current Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions and Easements regarding fencing within this community: Article VII Land Use and Other Restrictions Section 7.1.e In order to preserve the natural quality and aesthetic appearance of the existing geographic areas within the Property, all property lines shall be kept free and open one to another and no fences or plantings simulating fencing shall be permitted on any Parcel or Parcel lines except where, in the opinion of the Design Review Committee, a fence or other enclosure as a structure or aesthetic feature of a design concept will contribute to and be in keeping with the character of the area. All fences require approval of the DRC prior to ANY installation. Only the following fencing will be considered for approval: A section of split rail type fence consisting of no more than two horizontal rails with the top rail not to exceed 34, used to enhance a driveway, garden or landscaping feature. As required in Article VII, Land Use and Other Restrictions, Section 7.1.h. Permitted Uses includes: Fencing used in conjunction with plantings to enclose, conceal and screen any type of refrigeration unit, standby/backup generator, hot tub or other approved exterior appurtenance (accessory or appliance). In this case, a solid, wood fence the same height or slightly higher than the appurtenance, shall be used. The style, height and quality of the
fencing used must be in harmony or in keeping with the character of the area and is subject to prior approval of the DRC. Underground Electronic Dog Fencing. Please include a copy of your plot plan with a diagram of where you intend to install your underground wiring. Be sure to discuss your installation plans with your neighbors and confirm any system they currently have installed or future plans they might have for installation of underground fencing and obtain their acknowledgement of your proposed installation. Because the electronic frequencies differ between companies, one system may override or interfere with the effectiveness of another. Placement of your underground wiring will depend on what system, if any, your neighbor has installed. You must confirm your manufacturer specifications prior to installation of your underground fence. The following fences will not be approved: Fences or plantings creating enclosures either within the Parcel or on Parcel lines, with the exception of those required under Article VII, Section 7.1.h. as clarified in Architectural Standards/Design Guidelines for Exterior Refrigeration Units, Emergency Generators and Hot Tubs. Previous Fence Decisions Prior to the Board s and DRC s existence, the developer of the neighborhood made all fence decisions. The majority of fences in our neighborhood were approved prior to the HOA Board and DRC, and at a time when there were fewer residents of Sunset Ridge. Because these fences received prior approval, we cannot reverse these decisions. In reference to home sale agreements between seller and buyer, the covenants are controlling and binding. Guarantees between seller and buyer do not supersede the covenants (i.e., a conditional clause in a home sale contract that guarantees the buyer the right to install a fence would be invalid.) Any buyer with such a contract who chooses to seek remedy would have to do so against the seller and not the HOA. 1000 Re-Staining, Re-Roofing, Re-Siding Article VI, Architectural Approval/Design Review, Section 6.2, Improvement to Property Defined states: Improvement to Property shall mean and include without limitation: (e) any change, alteration, modification, expansion, or addition to any previously approved Improvement to Property, including any change of exterior appearance, finish material, color or texture. The following guideline clarifications are provided regarding requests for re-staining, roof reshingling or re-siding of the exterior of homes: DRC approval is not required when re-staining with the existing/previously approved color or the color is within the Sunset Ridge palette unless the homeowner is otherwise advised by the Property Management Company. It is recognized that slight variations in tone may occur when trying to match the existing color. Since most homes within Sunset Ridge are constructed of cedar, a stain or transparent stain/paint is desired to enhance the natural wood grain to maintain the rustic mountain aesthetics of the neighborhood. DRC approval is not required when re-shingling with the existing/previously approved roof shingles or the color of roof shingles is within the Sunset Ridge palette unless the homeowner is otherwise advised by the Property Management Company. It is recognized that slight variations in tone may occur when trying to match the existing color.
In order to blend with the color scheme and to preserve the existing harmony within the Sunset Ridge community, only earth tones which fall within the SSR color palette will be approved for house re-staining or re-shingling. Likewise, replacement roof shingle colors or siding materials will be scrutinized for aesthetic appeal and harmony with the existing community. The DRC reserves the right to deny any homeowner any color or texture of the stain or roof shingles used that it feels is not in harmony with the existing community. Deviations from the original stain or roof shingles color or from the Sunset Ridge palette may result in the homeowner having to re-accomplish the project. It is the homeowner s responsibility to ensure that any product used by a professional contractor complies with the aesthetic appeal and harmony of the community. If a homeowner is unsure of whether the stain or roof shingle color fits within the aesthetic appeal and harmony of the community, the homeowner is asked to submit a DRC request. Please refer to the DRC page of our website for instructions on how to submit a request. 1100 Pre-Approved Landscaping The purpose of these guidelines is to assist both the Design Review Committee (DRC) and homeowners in determining which type of landscape projects can be done without filing a DRC Request. Any landscape project not specifically identified in these guidelines or any project requiring a Jefferson County Permit must still submit a DRC Request and go through the current review and approval process. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to contact the utility company to mark all utility lines and review property lines and county guidelines prior to commencing a pre-approved landscape project. If you are unsure after reading these guidelines as to whether or not you still need to submit a DRC request form for your landscaping improvement, we encourage you to submit a request to the DRC for their review. Please note, if you do not submit a DRC request and the DRC finds that you are in violation of the covenants and the guidelines posted below, you will be asked to go through the DRC review and approval process or address the violation within a given time period. New Landscaping (provided no heavy equipment or machinery is required to dig, change elevation or drainage by excavating or building up sloped areas) Trees (homeowners must ensure that they will not affect the Mt. Evans views of other homeowners or impact neighbors existing sun/shade; no more than 10/cal. yr.) Evergreen - Less than 3 caliper Deciduous (grows to 25 or less, 3 or less caliper) Shade Ornamental Shrubs (any) Perennials, Annual Flowers (incl. beds, hanging baskets and planter boxes) and Ground Covers (any, except those considered noxious by the State of Colorado or Jefferson County) (http://jeffco.us/weed/weed_t71_r0.htm) Grass/Sod Lighting (fixtures to be less than 18 above ground; no more than 1 fixture/7-10 linear feet; light fixtures may not shine or point directly onto an adjacent property or home) Low-Voltage, 12 watts maximum Solar Patios/Walkways (provided no heavy equipment or machinery is required to dig, change elevation or drainage by excavating or building up sloped areas; materials must be in standard earth-toned colors)
Decorative stone, brick, rock or mulch Deer Barriers (Deer barriers are barriers made of appropriate materials that are intended to protect trees and plants from wildlife only) Deer Barriers can be installed provided that they are not erected on property lines and simulate fencing. Deer Barriers can be installed provided they do not create large enclosed spaces within the property itself and simulate fencing. Deer Barriers should be used to protect plants and trees with a maximum of 2 ft circumference and a maximum of 6 ft height. Deer Barriers should be woven wire fencing of 18 gauge or heavier. Chicken wire is not allowed. Deer Barriers should be used to protect live plants and trees. If trees and plants die, the deer barriers should be removed. Deer Barriers should be maintained at all times by the Homeowner in good condition and repair. Maintenance/Modification of Existing Landscape (provided no heavy equipment or machinery is required to dig, change elevation or drainage by excavating or building up sloped areas) Plantings Replacement of previously existing plantings with like size and type plantings Mulch, decorative rock, soil Replacement of previously existing soil, mulch or decorative rock Replace with same or one for another 1200 Playground Equipment Current Covenant Language Regarding Children s Equipment: ARTICLE VII LAND USE AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS Section 7.1 Permitted Uses No clothes line or equipment intended for children s recreational use such as swing sets and slides shall be placed within the Parcel in such a way as to be exposed to view from roads or other parcels unless said clothes line or equipment is surrounded by fencing or other screening approved by the Design Review Committee. This restriction is intended to shield from view in a practical and attractive way such installations shall not be constructed as to exclude installations tastefully hidden among trees or rock formations. Please note that although the above paragraph references fencing, the declaration of covenants, conditions, restrictions and easements (along with the majority of homeowners) have been very clear as to its direction on the use of fencing for any purpose. The HOA board and Architectural Review Committee does not recommend the use of a fence to shield any such play areas from public view as it would require a separate fence request. With the exception of a few fences in the neighborhood that were approved by the developer prior to the HOA s existence, fences are rarely approved. Additional Clarity of Permitted Uses: The HOA board and Design Review Committee have developed the following guidelines in an effort to provide additional clarity to Section 7.1. The board and its committees recognize that Sunset Ridge is made up of a diverse community composed of many families with children. We urge neighbors to simply use common sense and neighbor courtesy when deciding to erect children s equipment which will be in view to the rest of the neighborhood. We kindly request that neighbors communicate with one another whenever possible and take into serious consideration
immediate neighbors concerns and wishes prior to making any changes to your property or erecting any such equipment. The board and DRC believe that the following items do not require approval from the HOA as long as the items are placed on a property in a reasonable way, and are made of materials and colors that are aesthetically pleasing and in keeping with the character of Sunset Ridge: Basketball Hoops Children s Toys (tricycles, bicycles individual toys etc.) Temporary plastic play homes within a reasonable size and colors (see size note below) Small slides Small sandboxes Please be advised that the HOA board and the DRC require a formal request (instructions can be downloaded from the website) to erect any of the following: Permanent structures of any kind Equipment that requires significant construction (play gyms, large swing sets, tree houses etc.) Large play equipment such as bounce houses, trampolines, etc. Equipment larger than 10 feet by 10 feet that will remain on a property on a daily basis The preceding list is not meant to be exhaustive but rather to give you a general idea of what is considered reasonable and in character with Sunset Ridge. Please do not hesitate to send the HOA an e-mail (board@sunsetridgehoa.com) with any questions. How to Submit an Official Request To submit an official request to the DRC, please submit a Design Review Form, found on the Design Review Committee website page here: http://www.sunsetridgehoa.com/currentwebpages/drc/2006architecturalcommittee.html