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ASSOCIATION, INC.
DESIGN STANDARDS
Table of Contents
PROTECTIVE COVENANTS........................................................................4
ROLE OF THE ASSOCIATION AND THE ACC................................................4
CHANGES THAT REQUIRE ACC APPROVAL.................................................5
REVIEW CRITERIA...................................................................................5
AMENDMENTS TO THE DESIGN STANDARDS.............................................7
APPLICATION REVIEW PROCEDURES........................................................8
ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES..................................................................9
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS...............................................................9
APPLICATION CONTENTS.......................................................................13
A. FENCING AND GATES........................................................................................ 14
Design Standard Criteria................................................................................... 14
Application Contents......................................................................................... 15
B. PATIOS AND DECKS.......................................................................................... 16
Design Standard Criteria................................................................................... 16
Application Contents......................................................................................... 17
C. SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTION DEVICES...............................................................18
Design Standard Criteria................................................................................... 18
Application Contents......................................................................................... 18
D. STORAGE SHEDS.............................................................................................. 19
Design Standard Criteria................................................................................... 19
Application Contents......................................................................................... 19
E. GREENHOUSES AND SCREENED ENCLOSURES.....................................................20
Application Contents......................................................................................... 20
F. SPAS AND HOT TUBS....................................................................................... 21
Design Standard Criteria................................................................................... 21
Application Contents......................................................................................... 21
G. RECREATION AND PLAY EQUIPMENT...................................................................22
Design Standard Criteria................................................................................... 22
Application Contents......................................................................................... 22
H. PORTABLE WINDOW AIR CONDITIONING UNITS AND EXTERIOR COMPRESSOR UNITS
23
Application Contents......................................................................................... 23
The purpose of this manual is to present general policy and review and
approval procedures of the Lake Vista Estates POA Design Standards for
homeowners intending to make any changes to, or perform maintenance on,
the exterior of their home or property. The Board of Directors is responsible
for policy formation, implementation and interpretation of these Standards.
The Board of Directors reserves the right, as a representative of the
homeowners, to make policy changes for the benefit of the Association at
any time. These changes will be made to reflect amended policies,
covenants, and procedures consistent with the needs of the Association. As
approved changes occur, documentation reflecting these changes will be
forwarded to all homeowners/residents. The Design Standards are also
intended to serve as a reference for members of the Architectural Control
Committee (the ACC) in the process of reviewing applications for exterior
projects submitted by homeowners. The Design Standards described in this
manual address the most common exterior home improvement tasks that
require the submission of an application for review and approval by the ACC.
This document is not intended to be all-inclusive or -exclusive, but
to serve as a guide for making improvements to, and maintaining
the aesthetic quality and integrity of, the Community. The Design
Standards have been developed as a guide for ensuring this criterion is met
with the following objectives:
Protective Covenants
The ACC performs its task of ensuring that the aesthetic exterior quality of
the homes and their environment is maintained by monitoring the Design
Standards review process. This involves a
Article 5.06 of the Declaration of CC&Rs explicitly states that all exterior
alterations require the approval of the ACC. It is important to understand that
approval is not only limited to performing major alterations such as building
a deck or installing fencing, but also for changes in paint color of house trim,
doors, shutters, light fixtures, landscaping, and the like. Similarly, prior
approval is also required when an existing exterior element of the home or
landscaping is to be removed. Each application is reviewed on an individual
basis with respect to the following criteria.
If you are not sure that an application for approval is needed for your project,
seek guidance first from the property manager. Do not proceed with your
project until approval has been obtained. Applying for preapproval will avoid
Review Criteria
4. Scale. The size specifications of all three (3) dimensions (height, width,
and depth) of the proposed alteration must be congruent with adjacent
structures and surroundings.
10. Site Plan. A site plan, or plat, is required to be included with most
applications. A site plan is a scaled drawing of your lot (site) which
shows exact dimensions of the property, adjacent properties, if
applicable, and all up-to-date improvements, including those proposed
in the application. Contour lines are required where drainage is a
consideration. The site plan should be developed from the plat
provided to the homeowner at the time of purchase of the home. More
complex applications may require larger scale blowups of the plat of
the Jackson County-approved development site plans in order to clearly
define the proposal.
If the ACC determines that the application is complete, the review process
begins at that time. The application will be reviewed by a quorum of the ACC
members. The ACC must act upon all applications within sixty (60) calendar
days of receipt. Failure by the ACC to take action within sixty (60) days after
receipt of plans and specifications initially submitted for approval shall be
deemed approval of such plans and specifications. Applicants with special
cases that require further review and interpretation will be notified by the
ACC to be present at the next scheduled ACC meeting to discuss their
application.
An appeals procedure exists for those affected by an ACC decision. The first
appeal is made to the ACC, while a second appeal can be made directly to
the Board of Directors.
2. Provide the applicant and any other affected residents with a fair
hearing.
3. Issue a rational decision, but made one that was arbitrary and
capricious.
The second and final appeal to the Board of Directors must be initiated within
ten (10) calendar days of the applicant receiving the ACC appeal notification.
Directors will issue its decision on the appeal within sixty (60) calendar days
of receipt of the appeal and will provide written notice of its decision to all
affected parties and to the ACC.
Enforcement Procedures
The Covenants require the ACC to ensure the Design Standards are being
adhered to by all homeowners, whether the residences are owner-or renter-
occupied. The following enforcement procedures have been adopted by the
Board of Directors:
2. Initial notification will be in the form of a letter sent via United States
mail or electronic mail. If the occupant is a renter, two (2) letters will
be mailed, one (1) to the residence and one (1) to the owner.
A homeowner who does not reside in the Community has the responsibility of
informing the Association of any change of address. If the owner fails to
provide a proper forwarding address or to update any changes to that
address, the mail sent to the residence shall constitute notice for purposes of
enforcing these Covenants.
Maintenance Requirements
a. Peeling and/or faded paint, dry rot and water damaged wood.
b. House trim, shutters, front door and/or garage door not painted
with authorized color and finish. Playground equipment which is
either broken or in need of repainting/refurbishing.
c. Fences with either broken or missing parts.
d. Fences and/or decks stained with non-approved stain or pigment
that is not authorized.
e. Concrete porches and steps sealed with noncompliant clear or
pigmented sealers.
f. Wooden patios/decks with missing or broken parts, or parts that
are stained with mold, or wood that is rotted, or is dry, cracked
and warped, or is otherwise in need of treatment or re-staining.
g. Sheds which are either in need of repair or painting.
h. Foundations in need of repair.
i. Dented, warped, scraped, broken, loose or missing siding,
window screens, shutters or garage doors.
The design of alterations of any type should not diverge from the original
construction Design Standards established by the developer in scale,
materials and color with the applicant's house and adjacent homes or other
units that may be impacted. The location and type and design of materials to
be used for such alterations should not impair the views or amount of
sunlight and natural ventilation on adjacent properties.
Installation of new windows and doors should not diverge from the original
construction Design Standards established by the developer concerning the
Application Contents
2. Detailed drawings and plans to include, but not limited to, exterior
elevations and dimensions. A full set of architectural drawings must be
included for major changes.
4. Landscape plans to include, but not limited to size and type of trees,
shrubbery and plantings, as well as number to be planted.
Application Required
Design elements must adhere to those established by the developer. For end
lots, fences will not be allowed to extend forward more than twelve (12) feet
from the back corners of the house.
1. The approved fencing style is a standard eight (8) foot high fence,
alternating 1X4 or 1X8 board-on-board size dictated by conformity with
other fences in your specific area of the neighborhood, with three (3)
2X4 horizontal rails, and 4X4 posts, spaced no more than eight (8) feet
on center, and 1X4 caps.
2. Side yard fences must extend to the rear property line when enclosing
the entire property.
5. Fencing will conform to the existing grade. All fence heights are
measured from the existing grade unless a change in grade is
proposed in the current application.
Application Contents
1. Site plan showing the relationship of the fence and gate to the house,
adjacent houses, and property lines.
8. A picture of adjoining fencing, while not required, would assist the ACC
in reaching a timely and accurate decision.
Application Required
Patios and decks will only be permitted in rear yards. When patio or deck
schemes include other exterior changes, such as fencing, lights, plantings,
sheds, etc., other appropriate sections of the Design Standards should be
considered during the completion of the Architectural Review Request. Each
design proposal requires a separate application. Decks must be maintained
by repairing missing or broken wood and/or hardware, cracked brickwork or
cement and/or by reapplying approved staining as needed, if not left to
weather naturally.
Decks and wood patios will either be cedar, pressure-treated (P/T) #2 pine,
or a better grade. All patio and decks will conform to existing grade and
slope. All deck heights are measured from the existing grade unless a
change in grade is proposed in the current application, Wood patios and
decking must be left to weather naturally or treated with an approved clear,
translucent/transparent or semitransparent/semisolid stain only. The wood
treatment stain must allow the wood grain to remain visible. Decks shall not
be painted. Opaque or solid finishes of any type are prohibited.
1. Ground Level Decks and Patios. Patios and ground-level decks will only
be permitted in rear yards, and may be constructed of poured
concrete, bricks, stone (flagstone/slate) or commercial paver tiles. Use
of gravel of any size or color is prohibited. Proper workmanship to
assure sound construction and attractive appearance is required.
2. Elevated Decks. All elevated decks higher than twenty-four (24) inches
at the highest point above grade require guardrails. Guardrail height
which is measured from the deck floor shall be between thirty-six (36)
inches and forty-two (42) inches, with vertical pickets in addition to the
top rail.
Application Contents
1. Site plan showing the relationship of the deck or patio to the house, lot,
and adjacent properties.
Application Required
No other mounting locations are permitted without the prior written approval
of the ACC and the Board of Directors. If an owner seeks to install any solar
energy collection devices in a manner that is not consistent with these
Design Standards, the Association reserves the right to require the owner
applicant to have their solar installation expert attend any hearings before
the Board or ACC for the purpose of discussing the proposed application and
to answer any questions that may be posed by the Committee or Board
regarding the application. The applicant owner shall be responsible for any
costs associated with having their solar installation expert attend any
hearings before the Committee or Board.
Application Contents
D. Storage Sheds
Application Required
Application Contents
1. Site plan must show the proposed location of the shed and indicate the
location of all utility easements for your lot before the application will
be considered by the ACC.
3. Dimensions of enclosure.
Application Required
Greenhouses and screened enclosures are only permitted in the rear ground-
level of a Residence. Architectural drawings are required for all greenhouses
and enclosures.
Application Contents
2. Architectural drawings.
Application Required
Spas and hot tubs will only be permitted in rear yards and must be no closer
than five (5) feet to the rear property line. Spas and hot tubs cannot occupy
more than fifty percent (50%) of the back yard.
Application Contents
1. A site plan showing location and dimensions of the spa and/or hot tub,
and other related equipment, and deck, patio, fences, etc., in relation
to the applicant's house, property lines, and adjacent dwellings.
2. Landscaping plan for the area adjacent to the spa and/or hot tub to
include deck area, lighting arrangements, walkways, fences, etc., and
pertinent information concerning the water supply system, drainage
and water disposal system.
Application Required
The Design Standards listed below are provided in an effort to reconcile the
desire for play equipment with the goal of minimizing its visual impact.
Recreational and play equipment must be placed in rear yards only and in
locations which are the least visible from the street and other houses.
Equipment such as badminton, volleyball nets, and trampolines shall be
stored when not in use. No permanently installed basketball backboards and
poles are permitted. Portable basketball hoops/goals must be stored in the
garage or rear yard when not in use and may not be visible from ground-
level view from any direction outside of the property. A playhouse must
conform to the same criteria as a shed. A playhouse is defined as a structure
with solid walls (with or without windows) and a solid roof. Recreation and
play equipment shall not be placed in the street or on community common
areas/open space.
Application Contents
Application Required
Application Contents
Application Required
For visually aesthetic purposes, the recommended location for antennas and
satellite dishes is on the rear roof of the house with its highest point below
the peak of the roofline. Note that installers are notorious for telling
homeowners that a certain location is essential for good reception which is
usually a location near the ground, thus making it easier/faster for the
All wiring for antennas and satellite dishes must be properly secured. Wiring
must not be readily visible from public areas outside the residence,
otherwise, it may be required to be concealed. It is the homeowners
responsibility to ensure the provider of cable television service takes
appropriate action to bury/conceal underground cables. This includes cables
that run from connection boxes in common areas/open space to inside the
homeowner's property line.
Application Required
Attic ventilators and turbines are permitted. However, they must be similar
to the color of the siding or trim on the house if mounted on a gable end, or
they must match the roof color if placed on a roof and should not extend
above the roofline. Roof location shall be on the least visible side of the roof
peak. Large metal flues and any vent through the roof must be similar to the
roof color if placed on the roof.
K. Chimneys
Application Required
Application Contents
1. Site plan showing the relation of chimney to the house, property line
and adjacent neighbors.
N. Pets
All pets must be kept under the control of their owner at all times, and when
outdoors are not allowed to wander onto other homeowners' property for any
reason, whether or not the dog is on a leash. Such disregard in respecting
other people's property will not be tolerated. Pet-related activity can destroy
grass, shrubbery and bedding.
P. Beekeeping
Application Required
The Design Standards for exterior decorative objects include those that are
both seasonal and non-seasonal. Objects will be judged based on, but not
limited to, type, size, color, location, and aesthetics in relation to the house
and surrounding properties. Approval is required for all exterior decorative
objects, including both natural and man-made. Exterior decorative objects
include, but are not limited to, plaques, bird baths, wagon wheels,
sculptures, window boxes, fountains, pools, stumps, driftwood piles,
boulders, free standing poles of all types, and items attached to approved
structures.
Reasonable holiday decorations and those used for other observances are
exempt from these requirements. The Association encourages the display of
such decorations that make the neighborhood appear friendly and festive.
These decorations do not require an application, but must be removed no
later than fifteen (15) calendar days after the holiday/observance.
Items located within an enclosed side and/or rear yard will be allowed and do
not generally require prior approval unless they may be viewed from any
ground level view outside the property.
An application is required for use of exterior carpets which are permitted only
on patios and decks. The only colors permitted are those of a natural earth or
medium to light brown, or shades of green. It should be noted that brightly
Application Contents
1. Site plan showing the relation of object to house, property line and
adjacent neighbors.
Application Required
Flood/spot lights are not allowed in front of homes. Rear and side installation
is allowed but must be placed so that light does not shine outside the
property in a manner which could disturb neighbors. By exception,
Application Contents
1. Site plan showing the relation of the insect trap or lighting to house,
property line, and adjacent neighbors.
S. House Numbers
Application Required
House numbers may only be replaced with the current style and size or
substantially similar to those installed by the builder. The only authorized
colors for house numbers are black or brass. Changes to the product type of
street numbers must be preapproved by the ACC. House numbers which are
displayed as written numbers as opposed to numerals are not permitted.
House numbers must be in full view from the street.
Application Required
Use of any other type and/or color of paint including attempts to match the
compliant color professionally or by "guess," could result in a poor match and
may result in the homeowner having to repaint the areas of non-compliant
color with the approved type and color of paint at the homeowner's expense.
An application is required for all changes in exterior colors from the original
color. In addition, applications for color changes also apply, but are not
limited to, vinyl siding, doors, shutters, trim, decks, and any other exterior
appurtenant structures. Change of exterior color must match the
environmental structure of the home in order to be approved by the ACC.
Doors, shutters, and trim may be repainted colors other than original as long
as the change is preapproved and the proposed color matches existing colors
already established by the ACC. Concrete front stoops and stairs, rear slabs,
sidewalks, and driveways may not be painted.
U. Firewood
Firewood shall be kept neatly stacked and located in the rear of the
residence, within the homeowners property lines. Under no circumstances
shall firewood be stored on common areas/open space. Piles longer than six
(6) feet should be a minimum of two (2) rows deep. Firewood piles must
contain only stacked firewood. Stacks of firewood can attract pests and must
be frequently inspected by the homeowner/resident. Firewood with clear
evidence of ants, termites, and/or other pests to include rodents must be
removed immediately. If the condition of the firewood is deemed safe, then
immediate corrective action must be taken by the homeowner/resident to
eliminate the possibility of the return of like pests in and around the
firewood. In all cases the location of stacked firewood should be in such a
manner as to minimize its visibility. In certain instances, (e.g., where the
V. Flagpoles
All homes must have gutters and downspouts installed that match the color
and design of those in existence within the Community and must not
adversely affect drainage on adjacent properties or common areas/open
space. Drainage must flow away from the house.
X. Shutters
All windows with adequate space on the front of a home shall have shutters
installed that are of a harmonious color with the homes exterior color and of
a design that matches those in existence within the Community.
Planting Beds must be well maintained and kept in a neat, orderly manner,
including removal of weeds, dead plantings, twigs, leaves, unused stakes,
trellises, and the like. Dead and damaged plantings should be replaced with
the same or similar plantings. If mulch is used, only earth-tone (excluding
white and orange tones) colors, to include red-tone cedar mulch, are
permitted. An application is not required for replacement of the same or
similar mulch.
Trees, Shrubs and Plants must be pruned to maintain a neat and orderly
appearance. Trees and shrubs are not to infringe on adjacent properties by
extending over property lines, or common areas/open space. In addition, tree
limbs must not interfere with sidewalk use in which branches hang too low to
impede normal passage of foot traffic. With respect to trees planted in front
yards, it is important to keep the limbs trimmed to ensure clear visibility of
house numbers that may otherwise be hidden from view from the street.
Emergency responders must be able to easily read house numbers when
responding to an emergency situation.
No healthy tree shall be removed from any lot without prior written approval
by the ACC. Dead trees, shrubs, and stumps must be removed and replaced
with the same or similar plantings. An application is not required for shrub
plantings that replace existing shrubs with similar types of plants. Planting of
all new trees must be approved by the ACC since the root systems of some
trees can damage foundations, sidewalks, sewage, and home drainage
systems, thereby impacting the Community as a whole. Consideration should
be exercised in determining the location of the planting and maintenance of
trees and shrubs to prevent obstruction of sight lines for vehicular traffic,
pedestrian use of sidewalks, and neighboring property. The views of
neighboring units and shade patterns of larger trees should always be taken
into account.
Vine Growth and Other "Runner" Ground Cover of any kind are not permitted
to grow on houses,
Application Required
3. The planting of more than three (3) "new' shrubs or plants. A "new'
shrub is defined as a shrub that has been added to a site that is not
replacing previously approved shrubs already on site as discussed
above.
Application Contents
Vegetable Gardens are prohibited in both front and side yards. Vegetable
gardens are permitted in the rear of the unit without prior approval provided
they meet the following criteria:
1. They are located inside the physical rear property line of the house.
3. Watering and the resulting drainage does not damage other properties
as a result of the direction of the flow of water.
4. The plants do not exceed the height of any adjacent fence or grow into
neighboring property or open space/common areas.
Application Required
Garden Hoses when not in use must either be kept in the garage, rolled up
around its containment device or must be rolled up and placed next to the
house foundation.
Unattended, Loose Objects including, but not limited to, toys, bikes, brooms,
rakes, shovels, barbeque equipment, patio equipment, patio furniture, lawn
chairs, garbage cans, and recycling bins must not be left or stored in front or
side yards when not in use. The use of interior furniture, particularly
overstuffed furniture, on patios, decks, stoops, and in yards is prohibited.
Propane fueled BBQ grills greater than 40,000 BTU and 1,300 BTU
side burners are prohibited.
Fire pits are only allowed in the rear yard and considerations will include, but
are not limited to material, design, size, and proximity to neighboring
properties. A minimum of ten (10) feet from any structure or combustion
source is required as is a minimum of five (5) feet from any property line.
Patio Heaters
AA. Signage
Application Required
Pavers other than natural color will not be approved by the ACC. Resurfacing
or realigning of existing walkways requires an application.
Application Contents
Recreational Vehicles
6. Any other vehicle not defined above which could not normally or
regularly be used for daily transportation, including, but not limited to,
dune buggies, non-operative automobile collections, or other
automotive equipment or parts not licensed for use on roadways in the
State of Georgia.
Commercial Vehicles
4. Any oversized vehicle, including, but not limited to, box trucks, tow
trucks, moving vans, semi-tractors and trailers, equipment trailers,
stake trucks, flatbed trucks, vehicles with ladder racks/equipment
racks on the top/sides, and construction vehicles.
Motor Vehicles
Application Required
Front and side storm doors must be full-view doors with clear, uncolored
glass. Doors must be without ornamentation such as, but not limited to,
stained or etched glass, scrolls, imitation gate hinges, ornamental grillwork
or scallops. Simple etched borders, metal inlays and trim are acceptable. The
color of front and side storm doors must match the color of the surrounding
exterior door trim, or be the same color as the entry door behind it. Rear
storm doors are not required to meet these criteria if the rear yard is
enclosed by a fence and the door is not visible at ground level. However, if
the rear yard is not enclosed, the rear storm door must either be a half-view
door or full-view door depending upon the specifics in construction of the
rear door for that particular residence. In this case, the color of the rear
storm door must match the color of the surrounding rear door trim. Simple
etched borders, metal inlays and trim are acceptable. Security doors,
incorporating bars or ornamentation such as scallops and scrolls, are
prohibited.
Application Contents
Application Required
1. The awning is located in the rear yard as part of a deck or patio design.
3. The awning's color is compatible with the color scheme of the house.
4. The awning must be consistent with the visual scale of the house to
which the awning is attached.
Application Contents
Only trash containers with lids or recycle bins are permitted. Trash and
recyclables shall not be placed at the curb for pickup prior to 6:00 p.m. or
dusk, whichever comes first, the evening before the day of collection.
Cardboard boxes, which are too large to be placed inside a trash can, must
be broken down to lay flat. Newspapers, magazines, flattened boxes and the
like need to be stacked. Contact your trash collection company for details
regarding pick-up of oversized and bulk items. Emptied trash cans and
recycle bins must be removed from the location of trash/recycle collection no
later than the evening of trash day. Storage of trash cans and recycle bins
are not permitted to be stored at any time in front or side yards.
Application Required
Approval is required from the ACC prior to removing any tree with a trunk
diameter of over two (2) inches. This rule applies unless the tree poses a risk
to others or any other residences home (e.g., a storm-damaged tree leaning
toward a sidewalk or home.)
Dead trees may only be replaced with the same or similar type of tree as the
original trees planted. A tree of reasonable size must be planted.
If in doubt, homeowners should seek the ACCs advice and approval before
replacing windows and screens. This action will avoid costly changes in
bringing non-conforming replacements into compliance.
PODS are not allowed to be used for storage on any part of a homeowners
property. However, temporary placement while loading or unloading of the
container is permissible with prior approval from the ACC. All such requests,
if approved, will be for a period of five (5) consecutive days.