Architectural Standards

Page Last Updated:  June 25, 2008


Gardens – Landscaping/Maintenance – Lawns – Pets

Gardens

All Gardens

 

·        All gardens must be neatly maintained through the growing season including removal of all unused stakes and dead growth.

 

·        An application is not required for foundation planting, trees or single plantings.  

 

·        An application is required for hedges more than two (2) feet in height or other features which, in effect become structures, fences or screens, and as part of other applications where required.  

 

·        Applications should include a description of the types and sizes of shrubs to be planted and a site plan showing the relationship of plantings to the townhouse and adjacent dwellings

 

·        An application is required for railroad ties or garden timbers that form a wall that exceeds twelve (12) inches in height and eight (8) feet in length.  Include a site plan with the location of ties or timbers drawn in and information on landscaping plans and any grading changes

 

Rock Gardens - An application is required for rock gardens in the event rocks or collection of rocks exceed twenty-four (24) inches in any direction.  All rocks shall be left in their natural color.

 

Vegetable Gardens - Do not require an application if they:

 

·        Are located between the mid-line of the townhouse and the rear property line; and do not exceed 1/4 of the area

 

·        Do not damage property near it through the flow of water onto lower property

 

·        Do not encroach on community open space

 

Landscaping/Property Maintenance

 

Property ownership includes the responsibility for maintenance of all structures and grounds that are a part of the property.  This includes, but is not limited to, items such as mowing grass, removal of trash and structural maintenance.  Maintenance affects the visual character and economic values of the property and neighborhood and in some cases, safety.

 

Exterior Appearance - Residents are responsible for maintaining the exterior of their dwellings and any other structures on their lots, such as decks, fences, sheds and playground type off equipment.

The following represents some conditions that the Architectural Committee considers a violation:

 

·        Oxidation or discoloration of exterior Copper roof surfaces

·        Peeling paint or bare wood on exterior trim.

·        Recreation equipment which is either broken or in need of repainting.

·        Gutters or down-spouting in need of painting or replacement.

·        Fences and gates with either broken or missing parts, or which are leaning or wobble.

·        Sheds with broken doors or in need of painting or repair.

·        Decks in need of repair or re-staining.

·        Concrete or masonry block foundations in need of repainting or repair.

 

Most home owners would not allow any of the above conditions to exist as they seek to preserve and protect their investment in their homes and to limit their personal liability.  

 

The COPPERMILL PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION expects that all residents will perform the following necessary maintenance to prevent any of the above cited conditions from occurring in our community.

 

Mowing - Turf areas need to be mowed at regular intervals, maintaining a maximum height of six (6) inches.

 

Landscaping  - All changes to existing landscaping should take into consideration the impact  it will have on drainage.  Under no circumstances should changes in landscaping cause the ponding or collection of rainwater.  Pictures are attached below showing acceptable and unacceptable lawn/garden plots. 

 

·        Location - Care should be exercised in the planting and maintenance of trees and shrubs to prevent obstruction of sight lines required for vehicular traffic.  The views of neighboring units and shade patterns of larger trees should always be considered.

 

·        Scale - Care must be exercised in selecting plant materials, which, upon maturity, will be an appropriate size in height and breadth for the intended location.  Mature size, in height and diameter, should always be considered especially when planting close to walkways and homes.  Consideration will be given to the effect plantings will have on views from neighboring homes and property.

 

Trash Removal - Each resident is responsible for picking up litter on his property.  Trash days are MONDAY and THURSDAY.  Recycling is collected on MONDAY

At no time is the community open space considered a dumping ground for waste or debris.  As stated earlier, Trash is to be placed at curbside in tightly closed containers on the morning of trash collection.  The empty containers are to be removed to an area not visible from the street the same day.

 

Snow Removal - Residents are required to clear snow and ice from the sidewalks in front or adjacent to their homes.  Sand or kitty litter may be used as an abrasive when necessary, but the use of any rock salt or any other deicing salts, which are known to cause concrete deterioration, is strictly prohibited.

 

Lawns

 

Below show pictures of acceptable and unacceptable lawn/garden plots. 

 

Unacceptable                                                                                                                           Acceptable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

The grass above is well above 6 inches high, weeds are present, and the                                This lawn shows maintained grass, no weeds, and properly

mulch is ineffective                                                                                                                  distributed mulch

 

Unacceptable                                                                                                                           Acceptable 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Again, the grass above is well above 6 inches high, weeds are present, and the                                This lawn shows an update of the lawn at the left – substantial work

garden is overgrown with items strewn about (basketball, tricycle)                                                  and landscaping has been performed to improve the quality of this yard. 

         

Unacceptable                                                                                    Acceptable 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This lawn is completely overgrown and a                                         This lawn shows proper maintenance – the grass is cut, there has been edging done, and the shrubs

breeding ground/habitat for insects, pests, and                                 are all evenly pruned.  The level of mulch is also appropriate

other wild animals. 

 

Pets

 

As per Fairfax County Code, Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times when off the owner's property.  Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pet on common areas and on their own lot.  There are three pet stations providing plastic gloves or bags for this purpose.  Owners are requested to keep their pets quiet so that they do not create a nuisance for nearby residents.  County code prohibits more than two adult dogs from inhabiting a single townhouse.

 

 

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