Architectural Standards
Page Last Updated: June 25, 2008
Design Standards
Disclaimer: These
Design Standards will be reviewed and may be amended from time to time.
It is anticipated that changes will involve clarification rather than substantive
modification of the existing Design Standards. They may also be amended
to reflect changed conditions or technology. Any amendments shall be adopted,
as were the original Design Standards, by the Board of Directors and shall
be updated on this website upon the approval of the Board of Directors.
COPPER ROOF SPECIFICS
Coppermill color for the copper roof(s) should be painted.
Manufacturer: Sheffield Bronze Paint Corporation
17814 S. Waterloo Road
PO Box 19206
Cleveland, OH 44119-0206
Phone: 216-481-8330
Fax: 216-481-6606
Email: sheffieldbronze@ameritech.net
The paint may purchased through
Sheffield’s distributor:
Sherwin Williams
SKU Number 9787565
Color Number 775, Bright Copper Enamel
House Parts are correctly labeled in this picture file: House Parts
Design Standards
ADDRESS
NUMBERS -- Street Address numbers not installed by the builder require an
application. Numbers should be legible, but should be of a size and
color that is appropriate for the structure. Decorative house numbers may
be acceptable dependent upon the location and style.
AIR
CONDITIONERS -- Air conditioning units extending from windows or protruding
from the existing structure are prohibited. Additional exterior air
conditioning units which are typically installed on a level pad on the ground,
or the relocation of existing units may be considered so long as they are
placed near existing units and do not have an adverse audible or visible impact
on adjoining lots or open spaces.
ANTENNAS -- To
comply with the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, prior approval of the
Architectural Committee is not required for the installation of a satellite
dish or antenna. Prior notice of such an installation or planned
installation is requested. Please, when considering installation, attempt
to select the least visible and least obtrusive location.
ATTIC
VENTILATORS -- Attic Ventilators and turbines shall be mounted on the least
visible side of the ridgepole so as to minimize their visibility from public
areas and adjoining lots.
CHIMNEYS -- Chimneys
Vents and Flues should be as unobtrusive as possible and should not be a
nuisance to the adjacent properties.
CLOTHESLINES -- Permanent clotheslines or similar
apparatus for exterior drying is not permitted.
COMPOST
BINS -- Compost Bins can become quite malodorous. Therefore, due
to the close proximity of all homes in the community, out of respect to the
others in the neighborhood, compost bins will not be permitted.
DECKS -- Decks
provide for an extension of a home's living space. They may be designed
to include bench seating areas, overhead timbers for shade and hanging plants,
planter areas, and hot tubs with appropriate scale privacy screening.
When deck design schemes include other exterior changes, such as fencing,
lights, plantings, etc., other appropriate sections of the design standards
should be consulted prior to application. All decks must meet
·
Location - Decks shall be located in rear yards and shall have a
minimum of one (1) foot setback from the property line.
·
Size and Scale - Deck size should be appropriate to the scale of
the town home as sited on the lot. Decks must meet
·
Decks on interior town homes must be set in at least one foot on
either side. End unit town homes must be set in one foot on the side that
abuts an interior unit.
·
Under Deck Storage - Raised decks include an under deck area which
has a visual impact on neighbors in the surrounding area. When using an
under deck area for informal storage, the impact on the neighbors should be
kept in mind. Storage must be maintained so as to present a neat
uncluttered appearance. Screening such as lattice work or landscaping may
be required to hide tall, spindly deck supports or objectionable views. Exits from the town house should not be
blocked, as this may constitute a fire hazard.
·
Material and Color - Materials should have natural weathering
qualities as do brick, wood and stone. Wood in decks may be painted to
match the trim or dominant color of the applicant's townhouse, be sealed with a
natural wood stain or be left to weather naturally.
·
Railing Details - Railings of decks may include decorative designs
but must meet minimum
·
Stairs - When the use of stairs is desired, the Architectural
Committee encourages the practice of interrupting the flight of stairs with a
landing for both safety and appearance. Stairs, as well as tread and
riser dimensions must meet
·
Drainage - If changes in grade or other conditions that will
affect drainage are anticipated, they must be indicated on the application,
with drainage areas shown on the site plan. Approval will be denied if
adjoining properties are adversely affected by changes in drainage.
Serious consideration should be given in making ground level surfaces of
porous material or providing mulched beds to offset additional impervious deck
or patio area.
DOG
HOUSES -- The use of doghouses is discouraged. However, the
Architectural Committee will consider applications on a case-by-case basis.
Doghouses must be located within a fenced area. (See: Fences)
Doghouses should not exceed sixteen (16) square feet or be higher than
four (4) feet. Doghouse areas are to be kept free of animal waste and
debris. Dog Runs are prohibited.
DOORS -- Any
changes or additions should include a picture from the manufacturer's brochure.
·
Front Doors - Front doors, should be of a style consistent with
the design of the neighborhood and elevation of the town home.
·
Garage Doors - Garage doors, should also be of a style consistent
with the design of the neighborhood and elevation of the town home. They
should be closed when not in use.
·
Storm Doors - Front storm doors should be full view without
significant decoration or edging. They should match the color of the
entrance door or the trim around the entrance door. Windowpane designs
and a kick panel at the bottom are permitted as long as it is consistent with
the elevation of the town home.
ELECTRONIC
INSECT TRAPS - Electronic insect traps will be regulated based on the same
criteria as for exterior lighting. In addition, no device shall be
installed or maintained in such a way as to cause discomfort to adjacent owners
from noise, and may only be operated during those times when the immediate area
protected by the trap is occupied by the owner or guests.
EXTERIOR
DECORATIVE OBJECTS - Approval will be required for all exterior decorative
objects, exceeding thirty (30) inches in height and eighteen (18) inches in
width or depth, including natural and man-made objects. Decorative objects will be considered based
on their size, color, scale, appropriateness with the surrounding area, and
their visual impact of adjoining lots and open space. Exterior decorative
objects include such items as sculptures, fountains, pools, stumps, driftwood,
freestanding poles of any type, and items attached to approved structures.
Approval is not required for "Welcome home",
"Birthday" or any other celebratory and temporary items.
EXTERIOR
LIGHTING - Exterior lighting (flood lighting, motion sensors, entrance
lighting, etc.) shall not be directed outside the applicant's property.
Replacement lighting fixtures should be compatible in style and scale
with the applicant's townhouse. Lighting
which is part of the original structure must not be altered without
Architectural Committee approval. Applications for exterior lighting
should include wattage, height of light fixture above ground, and a complete
description including descriptive material of the light fixture and location on
the property. Landscape Lighting located along a walkway or among shrubbery
will be considered so long as it does not detract from the overall lighting
appearance of the home and property.
FENCES - Any back
yards obscured by fences may be maintained landscaped in any way desirable to
the town home owners as long as this does not present a health hazard or
offensive environment to the immediate neighbors, and does not interfere
with natural drainage of the surrounding areas. Proper fencing can have a unifying effect
upon a neighborhood. Therefore, to continue with the existing styles, all
fences will be of the board-on-board type constructed of natural woods with the
finished side facing out. The height of the fence should be compatible
with any partial fencing installed by the builder and should be approximately
six (6) feet high. Fencing is restricted
to rear yards. On end unit townhouses, the fence may extend to the side
property line, and may extend forward to the midpoint of the townhouse.
Gates can be located as the homeowner desires and should complement the
design of the fence.
FIREWOOD -
Firewood should be stacked neatly in the back yard within the property
boundaries. Any cover used should be of a muted brown or tan.
FLAGPOLES - Flags
and banners celebrating the season or holiday or expressing team sprit are a
welcoming sight in a neighborhood. Flag poles that are attached to the
side of the home at an angle and do not exceed six (6) feet in length do not
require an application. Freestanding flagpoles would exceed the scale of
the yard and are therefore not permitted.
GARAGES -
Garages are meant for use by vehicles and not for storage to the exclusion of
the vehicle. Code requires the garage be usable by a vehicle., but not
necessarily used by a vehicle. Using a garage as an obvious pet
confinement area is not permitted.
GRILLS -
Permanent grills or barbecue areas will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Construction design, scale and materials of permanent grill areas must
complement the existing townhouse and lot.
GUTTERS - As
part of new construction by a homeowner, gutters must match or complement the
existing trim color or area of the home to which they are attached. Extensions
of downspouts at ground level are discouraged because of drainage
considerations on adjoining properties and open spaces. All downspout
extensions must be managed in such a manner to adequately control runoff,
according to correct engineering practices.
LANDSCAPING - An
application is required when plant materials will become hedges, fences,
barriers or screens which meet or exceed [either at installation or at
maturity] two (2) feet in height. Hedges and the like will generally only
be considered for rear and side yard (not extending forward of the front plane
of the home into the front yard) installations. An application is also
required for front yard use of railroad ties, landscape timbers or stone is
contemplated for a boarder and the height of such ties, timbers or stones will
exceed twelve (12) inches.
PAINTING - An
application is not required for re-painting or re-staining a specific object to
match its original color. An application is required to change the
color of the townhouse siding, doors, shutters, trim, roofing and other
appurtenant structures. Change of exterior color should relate to and
complement the colors of the townhouses in the immediate area. Any copper roofs must be painted using paint
specific for Copper surfaces in a shade consistent with the original. The following information is provided about
the original Copper Roof paint.
Sheffield
Bronze Paint Corp.
17814 S. Waterloo Road
P.O. Box 19206
Cleveland, OH 44119-0206
Phone: (216) 481-8330
Fax: (216) 481-6606
Email: sheffieldbronze@ameritech.net
The paint
may be purchased through
PATIOS - Patios
provide a means for ground level extension of indoor space with less visual
impact than elevated decks. Patios should be installed within county
setback required limits, and not across Building Restriction Lines (BRL).
Patios may be constructed of wood, concrete, brick, landscape slate,
flagstone, etc.
RECREATION
and PLAY EQUIPMENT - Creatively designed play equipment is encouraged. The
Design Standards listed below are provided in an effort to reconcile the
need for play equipment with the goal of minimizing its visual impact.
Careful thought should be given to location and kinds of equipment to be
installed since neighborhood facilities will be of a larger scale and have
greater usage. The use of wooden styles is recommended.
Location and Site - Play equipment must be placed in rear yards.
Consideration will be given to lot size, equipment size and design,
amount of visual screening, etc. Permanent
basketball backboards are prohibited. Portable basketball backboards are
permitted provided that they are stored out of sight when not in use.
ROCK/WATER
GARDENS - Rock gardens require an application if the rocks or collection
of rocks exceed twenty four (24) inches in any direction. All rocks are
to remain in their natural color. Water gardens require an application.
The applicant should seriously consider location of such a feature so
that the safety of household members and neighbors is considered.
ROOM
ADDITIONS - Room Additions to be considered must meet all local zoning and
construction codes.
·
Size and Scale - Room Additions should be appropriate to the scale
of the home as sited on the lot. They must meet
·
Material and Color - New construction should match the existing
townhouse in materials and color, except that they may also be constructed
of natural woods. In all cases, the roof must be shingled to match the
existing townhouse.
SIDEWALKS
and PATHWAYS - The installation of sidewalk or pathways on a lot will be
considered if it seems appropriate for the intended use and is appropriate to
the size and scale of the lot. Stone, concrete, slate, flagstone or brick
would be appropriate materials.
SIGNS - No
signs may be posted on any lots, other than one real estate sign listing a
property for sale, or a security sign posted within ten (10) feet to the
immediate left or right of, and/or two (2) feet out from the front and real
entrance of a home. Signs, either temporary or permanent, advertising
products or services, whether provided by the homeowner or others are prohibited.
SKYLIGHTS
- Skylights will be considered on a per request basis. Most
designs are acceptable and will be approved.
SOLAR
PANELS - Solar panels are prohibited unless camouflaged in some manner.
STORAGE SHEDS - Any storage shed has an
aesthetic impact on neighboring lots. Inconsiderately placed or poorly
designed sheds can visually and functionally negate an otherwise desirable
residential area. Therefore, it is
important to remember in choosing and locating a shed that there
are needs other than storage that must be considered.
Storage Shed Design Criteria:
·
The shed should be designed to appear as part of the townhouse,
the fence or may be a part of a gazebo, deck or other outdoor improvement.
The materials and color of the shed must match that of the improvement to
which it is attached.
·
No shed shall exceed sixty-four (64) square feet.
·
No pre-fabricated sheds will be permitted in unfenced yards.
STORM WINDOWS - Exterior storm windows may be considered
where the style of the windows and frames match the style and color of the
existing window.
SUN
CONTROL DEVICES - The manner in which sun control is implemented can have a
significant affect on the exterior appearance of a townhouse and the desirable benefits
of sun exposure in the winter, fall and spring.
Materials are available for application on inside of windows to reduce
thermal transmission and glare. These materials may provide effective and
economical alternatives to awnings and trellises.
·
Sun control devices should be compatible with the design and
character of the townhouse in terms of style, color and materials.
·
Awnings should be of simple designs and subtle colors.
·
Awnings and trellises should be consistent with the visual scale
of the townhouses to which they are attached.
·
Trelliswork should match the trim or dominant color of the
applicant’s home, or be constructed of natural woods. Pipe frames and
mechanical devices for awnings should be painted to match trim or dominant
color of the townhouse. If awnings are removed for winter storage, frames
should be secured or removed to the extent possible.
SUNROOMS/SCREENED
PORCHES - Sunrooms will be reviewed as room additions.
·
Size and Scale - Sunrooms and screened porches should be appropriate
to the scale of the home as sited on the lot. They must meet
·
Material and Color - Sunrooms shall be a glass enclosure.
The use of plastics would be discouraged. Screened porches
should match the existing townhouse in materials and color, except that
they may also be constructed of natural woods. In all cases, the roof
must be shingled to match the existing townhouse.
SWIMMING POOLS - Wading pools do not require an
application, but must be removed from view when not in use. These may not
exceed six (6) feet in diameter and/or one (1) foot in height.
TRASH/RECYCLING
CONTAINERS - Trash cans and recycling containers must be stored out of view
of the street or adjoining properties at all times, except on scheduled pickup
days. Containers should be put out on the morning of trash collection but
may be placed out at curbside as early as after dark on 4:00pm of the evening
before pickup day, and removed the day of pickupby
6:00am the morning after. Storage in front of or alongside the home is
inappropriate. Screened areas for trash and recycling container storage
may be incorporated into a deck design.