Architectural Guidelines
LITTLE RIVER MEWS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS
REVISED JULY 2020 (adopted by vote of LRMHA Board on August 26, 2020)
The following standards are not absolute; they are designed to serve as guidelines for homeowners seeking to maintain and improve their properties and to provide uniform guidelines to the Board of Directors of the Little River Mews Homeowners Association (LRMHA) (and/or the Architectural Review Board) in performing their inspections of homes in the MEWS and in reviewing applications for home modifications.
PROTECTIVE COVENANTS
The basic authority for these guidelines is found in the Articles of Incorporation, the Association’s By-Laws, and the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions of Little River Mews (the covenants). The purpose of covenant enforcement is to assure residents that the standards of design quality will be maintained, which will serve to protect and enhance property values. Specifically, the covenants provide that the Board shall “regulate the external design, appearance and locations of the properties and improvements thereon in such a manner so as to preserve and enhance values and to maintain a harmonious relationship among structures and the natural vegetation and topography.”
Every property owner receives a copy of these covenants at settlement, and since these covenants “run with the land,” they are binding on all residents whether or not they have been read. The covenants establish the Board of Directors and the Architectural Review Board (the ARB). The ARB is comprised of either the Board of Directors or a committee of 3 or more persons appointed by them. Historically the Board of Directors of the LRMHA has assumed the responsibilities of the ARB, but per the covenants, they have the authority to appoint other persons to carry out the duties/responsibilities required by the covenants. In order to be eligible to serve on the ARB, homeowners must be in compliance with all ARB guidelines and not in arrears on assessments.
ABSOLUTE REQUIREMENTS
Article VII of the covenants requires that every owner shall maintain their lot and premises and every part thereof in good repair and condition. The requirements contained in Articles VIII and Article XII of the covenants are absolute and may not be modified by the Board. Violations of any of these enumerated requirements also cannot be waived by the Board or the ARB, regardless of when the violation transpired and regardless of when it is brought to a homeowner’s attention. Although the Board has the authority to establish additional standards as are necessary to fulfill their obligations to enforce the covenants, such additional standards cannot conflict with any requirements laid out in the covenants.
MODIFICATIONS WHICH REQUIRE BOARD APPROVAL
Article XII Section 3 of the covenants describes the types of home modifications and improvements which require Board approval. As stated, pursuant to this section, the Board has the authority to establish such additional standards as are necessary to carry out the intended purposes of the covenants. Should the Board decide to exercise its authority and establish additional standards, they should be clearly laid out in future revisions of the attached Architectural Standards in order to put homeowners on notice of changed standards.
It should be noted that ARB approval is not required solely for major alterations.
Obtaining ARB approval does not obviate the need to obtain appropriate county building permits prior to initiating a project and the ARB and the Board assume no liability for the failure of a resident to obtain any approvals required by the county.
ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES:
As stated, the covenants require all homeowners to maintain their homes and properties in good repair and set forth certain requirements for homes in the community. Pursuant to these covenants, the Board is empowered and required to enforce these standards and such other standards as it may adopt in order to preserve and enhance property values and to maintain a harmonious relationship among structures and the topography.
Toward this end, the ARB shall conduct regular inspections of all homes in the community and shall send written notice to all homeowners of any violations and of any items which need repair. Each notice shall include a written diagram detailing the problems and shall direct homeowners to contact the management company for the LRMHA with any questions or concerns. Such notices shall provide a reasonable time within which to perform the repairs and modifications as determined by the ARB. Upon expiration of the stated time period, the ARB shall re-inspect each property. Upon re-inspection, if the ARB determines that some or all of the repairs have not been done, the ARB is empowered to either:
The timing and procedures to be followed in conducting such inspections shall be left to the discretion of the ARB. In all circumstances the ARB should endeavor to be flexible if homeowners simply need additional time to complete the required repairs.
The fact that violations were not noticed previously shall not be an excuse for failing to maintain one’s property or for failing to follow the requirements of the covenants or other standards established by the Board for the good of the community.
EXTERIOR MODIFICATION APPLICATIONS
Under each of the following sections in this document, an explanation of when an application is required is set forth as well as additional information about the current standards which the ARB enforces when inspecting properties. Although all exterior modifications must conform to community standards and are subject to review by the ARB, these guidelines also describe certain designated modifications which do not require submission of a formal application.
APPLICATION FORMAT
Applications for exterior modifications must contain the following where applicable:
a. A completed application (see attached sample)
b. Description of materials
c. Color
d. Dimensions
e. Site plan (a scaled drawing of the lot involved which shows the dimensions of the property and adjacent properties and the proposed improvements or alteration)
f. Estimated duration of project
g. Required signatures
h. Detailed drawing, picture or photograph of the proposed modification
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
All applications shall be filed with the management company of the LRMHA who shall promptly notify the ARB. As soon as practical, the homeowner shall be notified of any missing information, and upon receipt of a complete application, the ARB should endeavor to notify the homeowner of the approval or denial of the application within 30 days of the receipt of a complete application. In the case of an approval, the homeowner shall be notified promptly by mail or email. In the case of a denial, the ARB shall provide written notice to the homeowner of the reasons for the denial of the exterior modification application and of the right of the homeowner to appeal the denial within 10 days and to request an in person review with the ARB.
HOUSE EXTERIORS
PAINT COLORS
According to Article XII Section 3 of the covenants, no person shall paint the exterior of any building a color different from the original color without Board approval.
Only certain colors from the McCormick Paint Colonial Colors chart are acceptable. Per the updated color chart available on the LRMHA website, trim can only be painted using colors on the top half of the color chart and doors and shutters can only be painted using colors on the bottom half of the color chart.
Doors (and where applicable matching shutters) MAY NOT be painted the same color as the doors/shutters of adjoining houses.
No home shall have exterior items (doors, shutters, trim etc.) painted in more than 2 different colors and repainting of doors/shutters and trim even in the same color shall necessitate the repainting of the other item(s) if the paint has faded and no longer matches the newly painted color.
For houses with shutters, the door and shutters must be painted in the same color.
Trim around doors must be painted the same color as the trim around windows and/or bay windows and may not be the same color as the door. All window trim on all sides of the house must be painted the same color.
Downspouts must match trim or siding and gutters must match the trim of the home.
ALL PAINTING PROJECTS MUST OBTAIN PRIOR ARB APPROVAL; SIGNATURES OF NEIGHBORS ARE NOT REQUIRED
SIDING
Siding should match the previous siding in color and material and MUST NOT BE PAINTED. Siding must be in approved colors and must be different from the siding on neighboring homes.
Corner caps on siding must match siding or trim.
Decorations and other items shall not be affixed to siding, however end units whose house numbers are not visible from the road shall attach a plaque with their house number.
All other house numbers must be affixed to the door trim and must be brass and four inches high.
ALL SIDING PROJECTS MUST OBTAIN PRIOR ARB APPROVAL AND ALL END UNIT HOUSE NUMBER PLAQUES MUST BE APPROVED BY THE ARB
ROOFS
Replacement of roofs and shingles on roofs must be done using materials as similar as possible (in color and in material) as those being replaced. Solar panels may only be installed on the rear of the roof and may not abut a neighbor’s roof.
Attachments to roofs are restricted to the rear of the home and may not touch or overhang neighboring properties
APPLICATION REQUIRED FOR ANY CHANGES IN COLOR OR MATERIAL AND FOR ALL SOLAR PANELS. NO APPLICATION REQUIRED WHEN REPAIRING OR REPLACING ROOF WITH THE SHINGLES OF THE SAME OR SIMILAR COLOR AND MATERIAL
DOORS
Doors must be of the 6-panel variety and should be metal. All door hardware must be polished brass or pewter and door knobs/handles and deadbolts must be exterior grade and must conform to the colonial style in the community. Number pad styles are allowed. All door hardware including kick plate must be of the same color. Kick plates, door knockers and peepholes are allowed but not required.
See separate sections on paint colors and windows regarding colors of doors and regarding windows on doors.
Storm doors must match either the door or the window trim.
Hoods above doors should be copper or weathered verdigris finish but may be painted in the same color as the front door.
Flags in the front of the home are allowed only from a single flag pole attached to the house
APPLICATION REQUIRED FOR ANY CHANGES IN COLOR OR STYLE AND FOR INSTALLATION OF STORM DOORS.
WINDOWS
The replacement of windows and sliding glass doors with the same style and color of window/glass door does not require an application. Any changes to style, design or color require Board approval. All windows in the front and back of houses must have grills/grids, including arched windows above front doors. Window casings can be white or beige, but all casings on any home (front and back) must be of the same color. Sliding glass doors do not have to have (but may) contain grills/grids.
Attachments to windows which are visible from the outside, such as heating or air conditioning units, planters, window boxes or any other additions /modifications are not allowed.
Door windows must be limited to the top third of the door and must be in a colonial style. Windows around doors must be rectangular paned clear glass; colored/frosted windows and windows with designs are not allowed.
Sliding glass doors should match original doors in style and design. Sliding glass door casing color must match window casing color.
Doors on the lower back level of homes may be any style.
Screens are optional but must be maintained in good repair.
APPLICATION REQUIRED FOR REPLACEMENT OF ALL WINDOWS AND UPPER SLIDING GLASS DOORS
LANDSCAPING/MAINTENANCE OF FRONT YARDS
Homeowners are expected to keep their yards well maintained; free of garbage or overgrowth. Garbage cans and recycling bins shall not be stored so as to be visible from the sidewalk.
Landscaping which consists of planting grass, small plants, flowers, shrubs, or small trees or putting down mulch is acceptable without a formal application. Installation of any other borders such as rocks, timbers, blocks, bricks, etc. requires Board approval.
All front lawns shall be maintained in conformity with the community
No signs more than one foot square shall be displayed in any yard except for temporary signs relating to the sale or rent of the property or relating to construction projects. Signs may not be located within 5 feet of the property line.
No front yard shall have more than one sign and one security sign.
APPLICATION REQUIRED EXCEPT AS LISTED ABOVE
LANDSCAPING IN BACK YARDS
No backyard structures may extend above the fence line unless screened by shrubbery or fencing. Backyards must be maintained in harmony with the community.
No personal property, including garbage cans, shall be stored outside back fences.
Backyard trees shall be maintained so as not to threaten neighboring properties
APPLICATION REQUIRED EXCEPT AS LISTED ABOVE
STORAGE SHEDS
No sheds may extend above the fence line unless screened by shrubbery or fencing. No sheds may be attached to the house. Sheds designed as an integral part of the fence shall have the same finish material and color as the fence and the roof of the shed shall not exceed the height of the fence.
APPLICATION REQUIRED FOR ALL SHEDS
DECKS AND FENCES
Decks and fences must be constructed with pressure treated lumber or stained a light wood/natural color. Only the following Deck/Fence stain colors are allowed (Behr brands): Transparent Stains - Bare Wood, Clear 500/400, Golden Honey T-170, Antique Oak T-171 and Chocolate T-129; Transparent Oil - Bare Wood, Clear 4900 and Chocolate 4929.
Fence colors must be uniform inside and out and must match upper deck color. Lower decks do not have to match upper decks in color or style.
Horizontal deck surfaces may be of a durable composite material and can be in any color.
The top of fence gates must be rounded. Door hardware can be in any color or style.
Elevated decks may extend a maximum of 12 feet from the rearmost portion of the house provided that they are not less than 5 feet from the rear property line. Decks should be square or rectangular. All new decks and modifications and additions to existing decks must be constructed with materials compatible in color and style with other decks in the community. Decks and fences must be replaced and/or repaired if they become damaged or structurally unsound.
Deck railings must have vertical wooden slats.
APPLICATION REQUIRED FOR ALL MODIFICATIONS TO DECKS
REAR DECK LIGHTS AND DECORATIONS
Any rear deck lights attached to the rear of the house are acceptable without submitting a formal application, but lighting on top of fence posts is not allowed and lights should not shine into neighboring homes. Any non-permanent decoration attached to an elevated rear deck is acceptable without a formal application. All exterior awnings which are not attached to lawn furniture require Board approval.
NO APPLICATION REQUIRED EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED
CONCRETE STEPS AND WALKWAYS
Concrete steps and walkways must be maintained in good condition, free from holes or cracks. Replacement and repair of steps and walkways with the same or similar material does not require an application. Changes to the existing structures or changes in material requires an application. Steps and walkways must be replaced and repaired with concrete, not cement.
NO APPLICATION REQUIRED EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED
COMMON PROPERTY
Under no circumstances are homeowners to make any changes or improvements to common property, including removing or planting any trees, bushes, flowers etc. or installing or modifying any existing structures.
Homeowners are encouraged to bring problems on common property to the attention of the Board which will promptly consult with experts in deciding how to address issues which arise. Similarly, any suggestions for improvements or modifications to common property should be directed to the Board.
--------------------------------------------------------------END OF DOCUMENT--------------------------------------------------------------
AMENDMENTS TO LITTLE RIVER MEWS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS
REVISED JUNE 4, 2023 (implemented by ARB, Board approval pending)
1. Exterior modification applications
Signatures of neighbors are no longer required for every modification application filed with the ARB. The ARB may nonetheless require applicants to obtain signatures from neighbors in cases where, in the opinion of the ARB, the proposed project will have a significant impact on neighboring homes.
2. Siding
When replacing siding, homeowners may utilize aluminum, vinyl, or other comparable materials, but such siding must match the general appearance and color of siding currently in use in the community. Gutters and down spouts must continue to be replaced only with aluminum.
3. Roofs
Solar panel installations shall be permitted both on front and rear roofs, subject to reasonable restrictions, provided the solar panels do not extend beyond the roof line or over the gutters, and do not contact or extend over neighbors' homes. No part of the installation may be in contact with or extend over the neighbors' property.
______________________________________________________END OF AMENDMENT __________________________________________________
REVISED JULY 2020 (adopted by vote of LRMHA Board on August 26, 2020)
The following standards are not absolute; they are designed to serve as guidelines for homeowners seeking to maintain and improve their properties and to provide uniform guidelines to the Board of Directors of the Little River Mews Homeowners Association (LRMHA) (and/or the Architectural Review Board) in performing their inspections of homes in the MEWS and in reviewing applications for home modifications.
PROTECTIVE COVENANTS
The basic authority for these guidelines is found in the Articles of Incorporation, the Association’s By-Laws, and the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions of Little River Mews (the covenants). The purpose of covenant enforcement is to assure residents that the standards of design quality will be maintained, which will serve to protect and enhance property values. Specifically, the covenants provide that the Board shall “regulate the external design, appearance and locations of the properties and improvements thereon in such a manner so as to preserve and enhance values and to maintain a harmonious relationship among structures and the natural vegetation and topography.”
Every property owner receives a copy of these covenants at settlement, and since these covenants “run with the land,” they are binding on all residents whether or not they have been read. The covenants establish the Board of Directors and the Architectural Review Board (the ARB). The ARB is comprised of either the Board of Directors or a committee of 3 or more persons appointed by them. Historically the Board of Directors of the LRMHA has assumed the responsibilities of the ARB, but per the covenants, they have the authority to appoint other persons to carry out the duties/responsibilities required by the covenants. In order to be eligible to serve on the ARB, homeowners must be in compliance with all ARB guidelines and not in arrears on assessments.
ABSOLUTE REQUIREMENTS
Article VII of the covenants requires that every owner shall maintain their lot and premises and every part thereof in good repair and condition. The requirements contained in Articles VIII and Article XII of the covenants are absolute and may not be modified by the Board. Violations of any of these enumerated requirements also cannot be waived by the Board or the ARB, regardless of when the violation transpired and regardless of when it is brought to a homeowner’s attention. Although the Board has the authority to establish additional standards as are necessary to fulfill their obligations to enforce the covenants, such additional standards cannot conflict with any requirements laid out in the covenants.
MODIFICATIONS WHICH REQUIRE BOARD APPROVAL
Article XII Section 3 of the covenants describes the types of home modifications and improvements which require Board approval. As stated, pursuant to this section, the Board has the authority to establish such additional standards as are necessary to carry out the intended purposes of the covenants. Should the Board decide to exercise its authority and establish additional standards, they should be clearly laid out in future revisions of the attached Architectural Standards in order to put homeowners on notice of changed standards.
It should be noted that ARB approval is not required solely for major alterations.
Obtaining ARB approval does not obviate the need to obtain appropriate county building permits prior to initiating a project and the ARB and the Board assume no liability for the failure of a resident to obtain any approvals required by the county.
ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES:
As stated, the covenants require all homeowners to maintain their homes and properties in good repair and set forth certain requirements for homes in the community. Pursuant to these covenants, the Board is empowered and required to enforce these standards and such other standards as it may adopt in order to preserve and enhance property values and to maintain a harmonious relationship among structures and the topography.
Toward this end, the ARB shall conduct regular inspections of all homes in the community and shall send written notice to all homeowners of any violations and of any items which need repair. Each notice shall include a written diagram detailing the problems and shall direct homeowners to contact the management company for the LRMHA with any questions or concerns. Such notices shall provide a reasonable time within which to perform the repairs and modifications as determined by the ARB. Upon expiration of the stated time period, the ARB shall re-inspect each property. Upon re-inspection, if the ARB determines that some or all of the repairs have not been done, the ARB is empowered to either:
- Send the homeowner a letter advising them of the repairs that were not performed but indicating that no further action would be taken due to the minor nature of the continuing violations. Such letters shall notify the homeowners that further action could be taken if the repairs are not completed by the time of the following inspection.
- Send the homeowner a letter advising them of the ongoing violation and advising them of the scheduling of a hearing before the Board to contest the violations. Such letters shall further advise the homeowner of the consequences of failing to contest the violation notice by appearing at the hearing scheduled for no less than 30 days later. Specifically, per the LRMHA parking regulations, homeowners who fail to complete required repairs or to attend their hearing will forfeit all but one parking permit. In addition, homeowners may be assessed $10 per day for up to 90 days for ongoing violations.
The timing and procedures to be followed in conducting such inspections shall be left to the discretion of the ARB. In all circumstances the ARB should endeavor to be flexible if homeowners simply need additional time to complete the required repairs.
The fact that violations were not noticed previously shall not be an excuse for failing to maintain one’s property or for failing to follow the requirements of the covenants or other standards established by the Board for the good of the community.
EXTERIOR MODIFICATION APPLICATIONS
Under each of the following sections in this document, an explanation of when an application is required is set forth as well as additional information about the current standards which the ARB enforces when inspecting properties. Although all exterior modifications must conform to community standards and are subject to review by the ARB, these guidelines also describe certain designated modifications which do not require submission of a formal application.
APPLICATION FORMAT
Applications for exterior modifications must contain the following where applicable:
a. A completed application (see attached sample)
b. Description of materials
c. Color
d. Dimensions
e. Site plan (a scaled drawing of the lot involved which shows the dimensions of the property and adjacent properties and the proposed improvements or alteration)
f. Estimated duration of project
g. Required signatures
h. Detailed drawing, picture or photograph of the proposed modification
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
All applications shall be filed with the management company of the LRMHA who shall promptly notify the ARB. As soon as practical, the homeowner shall be notified of any missing information, and upon receipt of a complete application, the ARB should endeavor to notify the homeowner of the approval or denial of the application within 30 days of the receipt of a complete application. In the case of an approval, the homeowner shall be notified promptly by mail or email. In the case of a denial, the ARB shall provide written notice to the homeowner of the reasons for the denial of the exterior modification application and of the right of the homeowner to appeal the denial within 10 days and to request an in person review with the ARB.
HOUSE EXTERIORS
PAINT COLORS
According to Article XII Section 3 of the covenants, no person shall paint the exterior of any building a color different from the original color without Board approval.
Only certain colors from the McCormick Paint Colonial Colors chart are acceptable. Per the updated color chart available on the LRMHA website, trim can only be painted using colors on the top half of the color chart and doors and shutters can only be painted using colors on the bottom half of the color chart.
Doors (and where applicable matching shutters) MAY NOT be painted the same color as the doors/shutters of adjoining houses.
No home shall have exterior items (doors, shutters, trim etc.) painted in more than 2 different colors and repainting of doors/shutters and trim even in the same color shall necessitate the repainting of the other item(s) if the paint has faded and no longer matches the newly painted color.
For houses with shutters, the door and shutters must be painted in the same color.
Trim around doors must be painted the same color as the trim around windows and/or bay windows and may not be the same color as the door. All window trim on all sides of the house must be painted the same color.
Downspouts must match trim or siding and gutters must match the trim of the home.
ALL PAINTING PROJECTS MUST OBTAIN PRIOR ARB APPROVAL; SIGNATURES OF NEIGHBORS ARE NOT REQUIRED
SIDING
Siding should match the previous siding in color and material and MUST NOT BE PAINTED. Siding must be in approved colors and must be different from the siding on neighboring homes.
Corner caps on siding must match siding or trim.
Decorations and other items shall not be affixed to siding, however end units whose house numbers are not visible from the road shall attach a plaque with their house number.
All other house numbers must be affixed to the door trim and must be brass and four inches high.
ALL SIDING PROJECTS MUST OBTAIN PRIOR ARB APPROVAL AND ALL END UNIT HOUSE NUMBER PLAQUES MUST BE APPROVED BY THE ARB
ROOFS
Replacement of roofs and shingles on roofs must be done using materials as similar as possible (in color and in material) as those being replaced. Solar panels may only be installed on the rear of the roof and may not abut a neighbor’s roof.
Attachments to roofs are restricted to the rear of the home and may not touch or overhang neighboring properties
APPLICATION REQUIRED FOR ANY CHANGES IN COLOR OR MATERIAL AND FOR ALL SOLAR PANELS. NO APPLICATION REQUIRED WHEN REPAIRING OR REPLACING ROOF WITH THE SHINGLES OF THE SAME OR SIMILAR COLOR AND MATERIAL
DOORS
Doors must be of the 6-panel variety and should be metal. All door hardware must be polished brass or pewter and door knobs/handles and deadbolts must be exterior grade and must conform to the colonial style in the community. Number pad styles are allowed. All door hardware including kick plate must be of the same color. Kick plates, door knockers and peepholes are allowed but not required.
See separate sections on paint colors and windows regarding colors of doors and regarding windows on doors.
Storm doors must match either the door or the window trim.
Hoods above doors should be copper or weathered verdigris finish but may be painted in the same color as the front door.
Flags in the front of the home are allowed only from a single flag pole attached to the house
APPLICATION REQUIRED FOR ANY CHANGES IN COLOR OR STYLE AND FOR INSTALLATION OF STORM DOORS.
WINDOWS
The replacement of windows and sliding glass doors with the same style and color of window/glass door does not require an application. Any changes to style, design or color require Board approval. All windows in the front and back of houses must have grills/grids, including arched windows above front doors. Window casings can be white or beige, but all casings on any home (front and back) must be of the same color. Sliding glass doors do not have to have (but may) contain grills/grids.
Attachments to windows which are visible from the outside, such as heating or air conditioning units, planters, window boxes or any other additions /modifications are not allowed.
Door windows must be limited to the top third of the door and must be in a colonial style. Windows around doors must be rectangular paned clear glass; colored/frosted windows and windows with designs are not allowed.
Sliding glass doors should match original doors in style and design. Sliding glass door casing color must match window casing color.
Doors on the lower back level of homes may be any style.
Screens are optional but must be maintained in good repair.
APPLICATION REQUIRED FOR REPLACEMENT OF ALL WINDOWS AND UPPER SLIDING GLASS DOORS
LANDSCAPING/MAINTENANCE OF FRONT YARDS
Homeowners are expected to keep their yards well maintained; free of garbage or overgrowth. Garbage cans and recycling bins shall not be stored so as to be visible from the sidewalk.
Landscaping which consists of planting grass, small plants, flowers, shrubs, or small trees or putting down mulch is acceptable without a formal application. Installation of any other borders such as rocks, timbers, blocks, bricks, etc. requires Board approval.
All front lawns shall be maintained in conformity with the community
No signs more than one foot square shall be displayed in any yard except for temporary signs relating to the sale or rent of the property or relating to construction projects. Signs may not be located within 5 feet of the property line.
No front yard shall have more than one sign and one security sign.
APPLICATION REQUIRED EXCEPT AS LISTED ABOVE
LANDSCAPING IN BACK YARDS
No backyard structures may extend above the fence line unless screened by shrubbery or fencing. Backyards must be maintained in harmony with the community.
No personal property, including garbage cans, shall be stored outside back fences.
Backyard trees shall be maintained so as not to threaten neighboring properties
APPLICATION REQUIRED EXCEPT AS LISTED ABOVE
STORAGE SHEDS
No sheds may extend above the fence line unless screened by shrubbery or fencing. No sheds may be attached to the house. Sheds designed as an integral part of the fence shall have the same finish material and color as the fence and the roof of the shed shall not exceed the height of the fence.
APPLICATION REQUIRED FOR ALL SHEDS
DECKS AND FENCES
Decks and fences must be constructed with pressure treated lumber or stained a light wood/natural color. Only the following Deck/Fence stain colors are allowed (Behr brands): Transparent Stains - Bare Wood, Clear 500/400, Golden Honey T-170, Antique Oak T-171 and Chocolate T-129; Transparent Oil - Bare Wood, Clear 4900 and Chocolate 4929.
Fence colors must be uniform inside and out and must match upper deck color. Lower decks do not have to match upper decks in color or style.
Horizontal deck surfaces may be of a durable composite material and can be in any color.
The top of fence gates must be rounded. Door hardware can be in any color or style.
Elevated decks may extend a maximum of 12 feet from the rearmost portion of the house provided that they are not less than 5 feet from the rear property line. Decks should be square or rectangular. All new decks and modifications and additions to existing decks must be constructed with materials compatible in color and style with other decks in the community. Decks and fences must be replaced and/or repaired if they become damaged or structurally unsound.
Deck railings must have vertical wooden slats.
APPLICATION REQUIRED FOR ALL MODIFICATIONS TO DECKS
REAR DECK LIGHTS AND DECORATIONS
Any rear deck lights attached to the rear of the house are acceptable without submitting a formal application, but lighting on top of fence posts is not allowed and lights should not shine into neighboring homes. Any non-permanent decoration attached to an elevated rear deck is acceptable without a formal application. All exterior awnings which are not attached to lawn furniture require Board approval.
NO APPLICATION REQUIRED EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED
CONCRETE STEPS AND WALKWAYS
Concrete steps and walkways must be maintained in good condition, free from holes or cracks. Replacement and repair of steps and walkways with the same or similar material does not require an application. Changes to the existing structures or changes in material requires an application. Steps and walkways must be replaced and repaired with concrete, not cement.
NO APPLICATION REQUIRED EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED
COMMON PROPERTY
Under no circumstances are homeowners to make any changes or improvements to common property, including removing or planting any trees, bushes, flowers etc. or installing or modifying any existing structures.
Homeowners are encouraged to bring problems on common property to the attention of the Board which will promptly consult with experts in deciding how to address issues which arise. Similarly, any suggestions for improvements or modifications to common property should be directed to the Board.
--------------------------------------------------------------END OF DOCUMENT--------------------------------------------------------------
AMENDMENTS TO LITTLE RIVER MEWS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS
REVISED JUNE 4, 2023 (implemented by ARB, Board approval pending)
1. Exterior modification applications
Signatures of neighbors are no longer required for every modification application filed with the ARB. The ARB may nonetheless require applicants to obtain signatures from neighbors in cases where, in the opinion of the ARB, the proposed project will have a significant impact on neighboring homes.
2. Siding
When replacing siding, homeowners may utilize aluminum, vinyl, or other comparable materials, but such siding must match the general appearance and color of siding currently in use in the community. Gutters and down spouts must continue to be replaced only with aluminum.
3. Roofs
Solar panel installations shall be permitted both on front and rear roofs, subject to reasonable restrictions, provided the solar panels do not extend beyond the roof line or over the gutters, and do not contact or extend over neighbors' homes. No part of the installation may be in contact with or extend over the neighbors' property.
______________________________________________________END OF AMENDMENT __________________________________________________