1. Only dogs, cats, birds or other traditional domestic household pets are permitted. 2. No pets are permitted to run at large. 3. No animal shall be

Transcription

1 Note: The purpose of the Old Norcross Glen (ONG) Guidelines document is to further clarify the Covenants that all ONG homeowners were given upon closing on their homes. The numbers that appear before each guideline in the document below refer to existing Covenants. Many of the existing Covenants were clear and did not require further explanation. Those Covenants that needed to be clarified are found in the Guidelines document below. Exterior changes must be submitted for ARC approval unless the following guidelines specifically state that the particular change or item does not need ARC approval. Also, note that some guidelines may provide for a homeowner to have a specified number of items without the need for ARC approval. We ask that homeowners do not abuse this flexibility by filling their property with the maximum number of all of these items if a reasonable amount of room is not available. Also, please, when possible, use non or less bright colors, that blend more easily into landscapes. Please be reasonable when taking advantage of pre-approved items and work to maintain a well kept, organized, and low flash property. 7.2 Residential Use - Yard Sales - No homeowner shall hold more than 2 garage/yard sales in one year. Each garage sale shall last no more than 2 consecutive days and shall not begin before 8:00 a.m. or extend into non-daylight hours. 7.3 Signs - Permanent Signs- Approved permanent signage would include house numbers and family names. Signs must be attached to home, front porch, or placed in flower beds located by the front entrance to home. Signs should be no larger than 2 feet by 2 feet. No more than two signs are permitted without approval. The colors on signage should be neutral and/or match color family currently on exterior of home. Signs meeting criteria indicated here do not need ARC approval. Temporary Signs - Signs with holiday messages shall be displayed only during the appropriate holiday period of year. Holiday signs should be removed within one week after that designated holiday ends. Special occasion signage, such as those used for birthdays, birth announcements, etc, is permitted, but must be temporary and does not require ARC approval. All other signs must be submitted for approval to the ARC. 7.4 Parking - Approved Vehicle Parking - Resident or guest vehicles are to be parked in the garage or in the homeowner s driveway whenever possible. Street parking should be considered a special circumstance for temporary visits from guests when driveway space has been exceeded. Resident or guest vehicles are not to be parked at the end of another resident s driveway impeding the path to any residence. Commercial vehicles or vehicles with signage must be parked in the garage. Garage Doors - Garage doors must be kept closed except when entering and leaving. 7.6 Animals and Pets - ONGARCGuidelines7_08_ 922.doc /19/2008

2 1. Only dogs, cats, birds or other traditional domestic household pets are permitted. 2. No pets are permitted to run at large. 3. No animal shall be kept or bred for commercial purposes. All pets shall be registered and inoculated as required by local law. 4. Per Gwinnett County Animal Ordinance Dogs must be kept on-leash, restrained, or under control both on and off the owner's property. 5. All pets must be under the owner s physical control (by leash or otherwise) when in the common area. (This includes cats). 6. Pet damage is the responsibility of the owner. Damage to common area will be repaired by the HOA and repair costs will be billed to the resident (or the unit owner is if the pet owner is a renter). 7. Owners must pick up and dispose of all pet litter immediately. 8. Pet runs are not permitted. 9. Pets are not allowed to be left unattended and/or chained on a property. 10. Pet owners must abide to Gwinnett County Animal Control Ordinances. Complete regulations can be found at Pets should not create a disturbance to neighboring properties. See article 7.7 Nuisance and corresponding guidelines. 12. Doghouses must be approved by the ARC. Doghouses must maintain the look and feel of ONG architecture. 7.7 Nuisance - Nuisance Exterior personal property or things can be defined as unclean, untidy or obnoxious to the eye if they can be seen from neighboring properties or are visible from the street. Examples of inappropriate property or things being stored outside consist of but are not limited to the following: 1. Construction materials 2. Sports equipment 3. Landscape / planting supplies 4. Clothing 5. Landscape equipment 6. Tools 7. Ladders 8. Machinery 9. Boxes 10. Trash 11. Interior furniture 12. Toys (excludes play equipment; covered in 7.23) 13. Bikes, motorbikes or motorcycles 14. Appliances 15. Yard equipment 16. Seed gardening 17. Paint / hazardous materials ONGARCGuidelines7_08_ 922.doc /19/2008

3 18. Garbage cans 19. Recycle bins 20. Vehicle parts / equipment 21. Storage containers / devices HOA Covenant Guidelines Nuisance of an Animal Guideline defining an animal that diminishes or destroys the enjoyment by other owners and occupants: 1. Animal that is left unattended and continuously makes noise outside the home. 2. Animal that is tied to rope or run outside. 3. Animal left to roam. 4. Animal waste that is not picked up by owner. Nuisance of a Plant Guideline defining a plant (s) that diminishes or destroys the enjoyment by other owners and occupants: 1. Plant(s) that are inconsistent with neighborhood look and feel, planted in an inconsistent neighborhood manner, are dead, diseased, are out of proportion with surroundings, negatively affects property views or has unpleasant odor. 2. All lawns must be routinely maintained and kept mowed to a height of no more than 4. Weed growth must be kept under control. 3. All lawns should be routinely edged along sidewalks so that grass is not growing over the walkway. Nuisance of a Thing Guideline defining a thing that diminishes or destroys the enjoyment by other owners and occupants: Things that can be considered rusted, broken, bent, dented, deteriorated, unsightly in color, dirty, bleached/yellowed from sun, faded, paint peeled, paint faded, unpainted, not weatherproofed, oversized or contains graffiti. Nuisance of a Sound Device sound device may also be defined as excessively loud car stereos, vehicle engines, motor sounds from pools, ponds or water features. In general, sounds that can be heard from neighboring properties that creates a disturbance. Loud activities are prohibited from 10:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. 7.9 Antenna & Satellite Dishes- Satellite dishes, including antennas designed to receive direct broadcast satellite services, those designed to receive services via multipoint distribution and those designed to receive TV broadcasts are permissible if attached to either rear wall/roof of the home, back away from the front of the home as far as possible, but still allowing a proper satellite signal. 1. Homeowners may install up to two (2) antennae to the rear wall/roof of the home. 2. Satellite dishes or antennas over one meter in diameter are prohibited. ONGARCGuidelines7_08_ 922.doc /19/2008

4 3. It is not permissible to attach a satellite dish or antenna to any front (street facing) wall of the home or affixed to any other material (i.e. a pole) on the front (street facing) or portion of the home. 4. It is not permissible to mount a satellite dish to the deck/patio area of any home. 5. It is not permissible to affix a satellite dish to any other material (i.e. a pole) at the rear of the home. 6. Installation of satellite dish and antenna should be installed in a location that provides an acceptable received signal and minimum visibility from the street. Satellite dishes or antenna installations that do not meet the above criteria would require ARC approval. The ARC will consider the following when determining approvals: Suggested location, shape, size, color, design and height Tree Removal - Tree Removal There should be valid reasons for the removal of trees. Examples might include: 1. Irretrievable disease/infection or damage 2. Potential damage to people or property (houses, sidewalk, driveways, underground infrastructure water and sewer lines etc.) that cannot be corrected by trimming or pruning 3. Detrimental effect on other desirable plant material 4. Blockage of paths or vehicular sight lines that cannot be corrected by trimming or pruning 5. So overgrown that pruning will not solve the problem 6. Too large for space 7. Invasive roots which could affect adjacent structures 8. Blockage of lighting/windows that compromises security and cannot be remedied by pruning 9. Clearing for landscaping or improvements in order to increase usable space and ultimately property value Trees planted by the developer, however, should be replaced, somewhere on the lot and in a nearby location to continue to provide lot to lot screening where possible. Lots should not have fewer trees than what were originally planted by the developer; for instance, if the developer originally installed three trees and you subsequently planted two more, then up to two trees could be removed without replacement. It is up to the homeowner to obtain all necessary permits and to abide by all city, county, and state ordinances with respect to tree removal and replacement tree density. Tree Addition/Replacement When adding or replacing trees, the specimen must be common or native to the Atlanta area. Trees such as the banana or palm tree are not common or native ONGARCGuidelines7_08_ 922.doc /19/2008

5 to the Atlanta area and should not be used. All tree additions and/or replacements must be approved by the ONG ARC in advance to starting work. Trees used for tree replacement should grow to AT LEAST 15 feet tall at maturity and be at least 10 feet tall when planted (2 inch caliper being a good rule of thumb for minimum size). Check with your landscaping professional or nursery about pricing for larger trees; oftentimes slightly larger trees are less expensive than you think and offer a fuller look. Replacement trees shall include varieties of non-ornamental and larger ornamental style trees. Recommended non-ornamental trees include the following: - Maple varieties (Armstrong, October Glory, Autumn Blaze) - Zelkova (Village Green and Green Vase - planted around common area gazebo) - Willow Oak - Hornbeam (European and American) Recommended ornamental trees include the following: - Yoshino, Kwanzaan or Okame cherry - Flowering dogwood - Flowering crabapple - Purple leaf plum - Saucer and Little Gem Magnolia For trees not listed, please submit with your ARC change request application the following information: - Height and width specifications of proposed tree at maturity - Growth rate of tree (fast, medium, slow) - Picture of tree NOTE: Good sources of tree information are the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service s Trees for the Landscape: Selection and Culture publication ( and the Arbor Day website located at ( If you are planning to replace an existing maple tree with another maple tree, note that the maple cultivars "October Glory" and "Autumn Blaze" are said to grow slightly smaller than silver and red maples and are known for their outstanding fall color. However, these trees will still grow to large sizes (40 plus feet tall and 25 plus feet wide at maturity). Armstrong maples are said to be more columnar than and not as wide as other maples. Because of a variety of issues, such as odor and weak limb structure, pear trees are not recommended for use in ONG Garbage Can, Woodpiles, Etc. - ONGARCGuidelines7_08_ 922.doc /19/2008

6 Storage - All garbage cans, woodpiles, swimming pool pumps, filters and related equipment, and other similar items shall be located or screened so as to be concealed from view from neighboring streets and property. Please review Appendix B for more information on screening. Trash Disposal - All rubbish, trash and garbage shall be regularly removed and shall not be allowed to accumulate. Trash, garbage, debris or other waste matter of any kind may not be burned within the Community. Trash should only be placed on street for pickup on the evening prior to day of pickup and removed evening of pickup Fences must be approved by ARC. No chain link or barbed wire permitted in ONG. Fences must be approved by the ARC and must meet the following criteria: 1. Fence must match the perimeter fence size and height. 2. Fence height should be six (6) feet and the standard run width from post-to-post should be feet. 3. Fences must have a positive scallop and be installed as a privacy fence. 4. The wood used to build the fence must be cedar or pressure-treated wood. 5. The fence must return to the home or complete the enclosure. 6. Gothic, Dado or copper style fence post tops are required. 7. No fences are permitted in front yards. Fences will only be approved in rear yards from the rear garage corner back to rear lot line. 8. Picket fence style is not permitted. 9. Existing fences may be replaced without approval as long as they follow existing guidelines. Replacement of existing fences that do not fall within these guidelines must be resubmitted to the ARC for approval Exterior Lighting The ARC must approve landscape lighting prior to installation. Lighting installed without approval is subject to removal at owner s expense. Lighting which uses bulbs that are neutral in color such as white or amber lights will be considered for approval. There should be a minimum of 5 feet between each light. Style, size and color of exterior lighting must blend in with the overall look and feel of Old Norcross Glen. Detailed landscape plans must be submitted for approval. Holiday Lighting Should be removed within one week after the designated holiday ends Exterior Sculpture, Fountains, Flags, Artificial vegetation on any exterior and similar items Flags- A single Flag that is installed by the homeowner meeting the following criteria does not require ARC approval: 1. Only 1 flag per household allowed. 2. Flag must be no larger than 3 X 5 ft. ONGARCGuidelines7_08_ 922.doc /19/2008

7 3. Flag must be pole mounted and pole must be attached to front porch pillar or garage corner facing the street. 4. Flags that are not consistent with the look and feel of ONG may be subject to requested removal by ARC. Fountains Fountains must be approved by the ARC. Fountains must be in the rear of the yard (starting from the rear exterior to rear lot line) and should be placed to minimize visibility from the street in front of your house. Furthermore, attempts should be made to place fountains as far away as possible from adjacent streets. Fountains must abide by noise guideline 7.7 (Nuisance of a Sound Device) Swimming Pools - Swimming Pools Guideline defining Swimming pools includes in-ground pools, hot tubs & Jacuzzis. 1. County issued plats and site plan showing location and dimension of the pool, hot tub or Jacuzzi, other related equipment, fences, etc. in relation to applicant s house, property lines, and adjacent dwellings must be submitted to the ARC. 2. County permits and adherence to zoning setbacks are required. Signatures of all adjacent property owners to the proposed pool are also required. 3. Landscaping plan for outside (exterior) fencing must be submitted to the ARC. 4. All permanent pools, hot tubs and Jacuzzis must fit naturally into the topography of the lot and be positioned to provide minimal visual impact to surrounding properties and streets. This should be achieved by installing landscaping and screening. Please review Appendix B for more information on screening. 5. Estimated start and completion date is required on project construction. 6. Pools, hot tubs and Jacuzzis must be approved and must be screened to significantly minimize views from streets and adjacent properties. Pumps and filters must be screened from all street and adjacent lot views and located so as not to cause a nuisance to neighbors. Hot tubs and Jacuzzis should be incorporated into the rear elevation of your home to minimize views. Hot Tubs and Jacuzzis are not permitted on elevated decks and must be at ground level. 7. Pool, Hot tubs and Jacuzzis should be placed to minimize visibility from the street in front of your house. Furthermore, attempts should be made to place Pool, Hot tubs and Jacuzzis as far away as possible from adjacent streets Gardens, Play Equipment and Child Pools - Vegetable Garden The following criteria will be taken into consideration by the ARC when reviewing plans for Vegetable Gardens: 1. Must be located between the rear line of the house, the rear property line and sidelines of the house. 2. Should not consume more than ¼ of this rear area. ONGARCGuidelines7_08_ 922.doc /19/2008

8 3. Should not negatively affect drainage of property or adjoining properties. 4. Should not be considered a nuisance per article 7.7 corresponding guidelines. General Play Equipment Guidelines: Note: We ask that homeowners do not abuse play equipment flexibility. For instance, even though Little Tikes style equipment may be used as detailed below please be considerate and do not make all 4 items the same or the largest in size possible for all - like 4 mini playhouses or 4 sandboxes. Additionally, if you have a lot of other large items already in your yard, like a permanent style play set, hot tub, etc. having all 4 of the Little Tikes style items that are allowed may become crowded; so please use good judgment when taking advantage of this guideline. The idea is to be family friendly but at the same time the intent is not to have yards be filled with so much equipment it looks like a child care center. In summary, please be reasonable when taking advantage of pre-approved items and work to maintain a well kept, organized, and low flash property. 1. All play equipment must be approved by the ARC prior to placement in the yard. 2. Equipment must be placed in rear yards located between the rear line of the house, the rear property line and sidelines of the house. 3. It must not be located within 3 feet of the sidelines and rear property lines. 4. Consideration must be given to lot size and equipment design. 5. It may require screening from neighboring yards. Please review Appendix B for more information on screening. 6. Equipment should be placed to minimize visibility from the street in front of your house. Furthermore, attempts should be made to place equipment as far away as possible from adjacent streets. 7. ARC may need to solicit feedback from adjoining neighbors prior to approval, particularly items that are noisier and less common in nature such as trampolines and basketball goals. 8. Areas underneath and around the equipment should be maintained properly as well. Homeowner must be vigilant at re-sodding grass or using mulch or other ground cover underneath as needed. Ground cover may require border control. 9. All play equipment should be maintained to appear pleasing and in good working order. 10. It must not be considered a nuisance per article 7.7 corresponding guidelines; must observe community quiet hours. 11. Up to four Little Tikes style/all plastic small child play equipment may be utilized on a non-permanent basis in a lot without ARC approval. This includes plastic sandboxes, small scale free standing slides, mini playhouse, etc. This equipment must be removed when not in regular use (i.e. stored if not used on average once a week), should be placed in a neat and organized manner in the yard, and must comply with all other general play equipment guidelines. Placement under rear deck, on rear patio, or up closest to rear of home is highly preferred and recommended. Swing Sets: ONGARCGuidelines7_08_ 922.doc /19/2008

9 1. No metal style swing sets are permitted. Wood swing sets/play equipment is highly recommended. 2. Fort area/landings that are covered by a wood roof or tarp are permissible and the tarp or roof must meet color guidelines below. Fully enclosed sections of a swing set (i.e. has doors and windows) are considered a playhouse and must comply with playhouse guidelines below. 3. The swing set in general should be stained in natural earthen brown wood tone colors (similar to fence and deck stain of lot). If purchasing a pre-stained wood set with stain options, please select the stain that matches closest to your current fence or deck stain. One solid color (i.e. NOT stripes, patterns, or camouflage) should be used for all tarps covering fort area/landings. Use of bright colors (e.g. yellow) on any part of a swing set is not recommended. Use of greens and blues are preferred. If accessories for the set, such as slides, infant swings, etc., are only available in bright colors then the bright color may be used. The goal is to whenever possible to select the most inconspicuous colors on play equipment. 4. General Play Equipment Guidelines apply. Trampolines: 1. Trampolines must not be visible from neighboring properties without approval. 2. Trampolines may require screening from neighboring properties. Please review Appendix B for more information on screening. 3. Must not damage lawn/landscaping during use and after removal. 4. Trampolines must not be permanent. 5. General Play Equipment Guidelines apply. Adult Basketball Goals (Non Child Toy): 1. Goals must be temporary and portable and storage should not be visible from street and neighboring properties. Garage storage recommended. 2. No brightly colored basket goals are permitted. 3. Must be utilized on driveway and not on street. 4. May not be left outside overnight. 5. Missed shots must not pose threat to neighboring properties or landscaping. 6. Basketball goals should not be considered a nuisance per article 7.7 corresponding guidelines. 7. General Play Equipment Guidelines apply. Sandboxes: 1. Permanent sandboxes should be constructed of natural materials such as wood or stone. The wood or stone should complement the fence/deck stain color or house colors as applicable. 2. Sandboxes larger than 8X8 are not permitted. 3. Sandboxes must have covers that are utilized when not in use. 4. Sandboxes must not damage lawn after use and removal. ONGARCGuidelines7_08_ 922.doc /19/2008

10 5. General Play Equipment Guidelines apply. Playhouses: 1. Permanent playhouses must match construction materials, siding, roof and paint colors of existing home. 2. Permanent plastic playhouses are not permitted. Plastic playhouses may be utilized on a non-permanent basis but would need to be removed and not allowed outside overnight or when not being utilized. 3. General Play Equipment Guidelines apply. Nets & Goals: 1. Sport nets are only allowed on a non-permanent basis but would need to be removed and not allowed outside overnight or when not being utilized. 2. General Play Equipment Guidelines apply. Hammocks: 1. A maximum of two (2) hammocks per property is permitted. 2. The ARC recommends that hammocks are to be stored inside if in long period of non-use or if off-season. Child Toys & Pools: 1. Child toys,& pools must be placed in storage if not in regular use (i.e. pools stored if not used on average once a week and in off seasons, toys stored if not used on a daily basis). 2. Child toys & pools may not be stored on the exterior of the home. 3. Pools must not damage lawn after use and removal. 4. Care must be given not to affect landscaping or neighboring properties upon pool drainage. 5. General Play Equipment Guidelines apply Mailboxes - Mailboxes - No extra brickwork, ironwork, wood, or other materials shall be installed around the mailbox. Newspaper boxes will not be approved. The grass strip between the sidewalk and curb should remain Bermuda grass. However, landscaping in this grass strip area around the mailbox will be permitted but, is limited to 2 feet in all directions from post and must conform to other landscaping guidelines. No vines, flowers, or plantings shall be allowed to conceal the mailbox, although these plantings are permitted as long as you see more of the mailbox than you do the planting Clotheslines - Clotheslines Clotheslines or similar apparatus for exterior drying of clothes are prohibited Entry Feature: Street Signs - ONGARCGuidelines7_08_ 922.doc /19/2008

11 Entry Feature -- In order to maintain a consistent look in common areas in ONG, owners shall not alter, remove, or add improvements to any entry features or street signs of the Association. The Association provides landscaping maintenance at both entrances of ONG. Alteration of existing landscaping at both entrances is not permitted. Any additional planting by Homeowners would require a greater workload for the landscaping company that has been hired by the HOA and would result in possible increase in your Association dues. The Association shall provide landscaping/gardening services to maintain and replace as necessary all the plants and other landscaping at both entrances to the neighborhood and all common areas Stream Buffer - Stream Buffer "Land disturbing activity" means any person-made change of the land surface that may result in soil erosion and the movement of sediments into municipal waters or onto lands in the community, including removing vegetative cover (clearing), excavating, grading, filling, and the related transport of excavated materials. It is up to the homeowner to obtain all necessary permits and to abide by all city, county, and state ordinance with respect to land disturbing activities and stream buffers. The homeowner assumes responsibility for all land disturbing activities conducted on his/her property by his/herself or other people or entities on his/her behalf. A Note Regarding Location Based Guidelines Any guideline with specifications on location based on rear and side lot lines assumes a standard square/rectangular lot shape. For homes in the corners of the outside U shape of the community which have triangular shaped lots (specifically 6052, 6062, 6122, and 6132 Norcross Glen Trace), exceptions may be made to these location specific guidelines provided these exceptions do not conflict with any location requirements specified in the Declaration of Covenants. However, any exception requests must be approved by the ARC and the requesting neighbor should still consider sight from the street and other neighbors property. Approval of an exception is at the sole discretion of the ARC. If a homeowner of a non-standard lot has a question they may contact the ARC directly. ONGARCGuidelines7_08_ 922.doc /19/2008

12 (Appendix A) Additional ONG Guidelines as defined by the ARC Barbeque Pits, Fire Rings, and Outdoor Kitchens Barbeque pits, fire rings and outdoor kitchens must be approved by ARC. They must be at ground level and the homeowner must obtain ARC approval first and then all necessary city permits thereafter. City permits must be presented to the ARC prior to construction start for file. The pit, ring or kitchen must not be visible from street or neighboring properties and thus may require appropriate screening. Please review Appendix B for more information on screening. These items must not pose a fire threat or excessive smoke problem to the community. ARC must solicit adjoining neighbor feedback prior to approval. Birdhouses/Birdfeeders Must be placed in rear yards located between the rear line of the house and the rear property line. Birdhouses and birdfeeders should not be placed in front or side yards and should not be a nuisance to neighboring properties. Pole/post mounted houses and feeders must not exceed 8 ft. in height. Size, color and style must be consistent with the look and feel of property and ONG subdivision. Limit of two birdhouses and/or 2 birdfeeders per property without ARC approval. Additional birdfeeders and/or birdhouses require ARC approval. Drainage Activities, Drainage Easements, Walls, and Retaining Walls Changes made on a drainage easement on any lot, by definition, is open for alteration or removal if access to the drainage easement is ever necessary for repairs by the HOA or governmental agencies. This does not mean you may not make additions, changes, or improvements to this area only that you accept the risk of future removal or alteration based on needed access to this area. The ARC will not consider the easement as a reason to deny a request, but instead puts the risk and any monetary consequences of a homeowner choosing to work in this area with the homeowner. Please review the master plat for the community to determine if your property contains any drainage easements. Regardless if you property contains a drainage easement or not: As identified on the ONG Easement and Water Quality Swale Area diagram on any permanent structural addition installed on a lot, whether it is to be installed in an easement area or not, could require a city permit. Permanent structures are generally considered additions or items that will be connected to the house or has its own concrete style foundation or footings. Permanent structures would include improvements like a home addition, a deck expansion or extension, etc. Please see the document "What Needs Permitting" also available on for details regarding what is currently understood as needing a permit. Permanent structures would not include fencing, landscaping, wooden posts and supports (for things like birdhouse posts, swings, benches, etc.), landscape timbers, small walls less than 4 feet in height, etc. You will note drainage flow arrows on the community plot. Drainage should continue to generally flow along these paths in the community. Any changes made to your property should not alter the path or volume of water that currently flows from your property ONTO another ONGARCGuidelines7_08_ 922.doc /19/2008

13 property. You can alter the path of water across and on your property but the water should continue to enter neighboring property in the current location and at the current volume. If this is the case, then no additional steps or information is needed by the ARC in your change request. Change requests that will alter the water path or volume onto neighboring properties will need approval from the owners of the downstream properties that will be impacted by this drainage change. Piping of water must terminate either on your property or the property of a neighbor who grants you permission. Drainage alterations in common areas - No water can be piped from a property into a common area such as the the central drainage area, gazebo area, and/or the four entrance corners, of the community without approval of the ONG Board of Directors. Odwyer/Builder previously installed drains are exempt, but any changes to those configurations would need to be approved. Common area boundary detail can be found on the outlined ONG plat document ONG Easement and Water Quality Swell Area Please contact the ONG Board of directors directly at ongboard@hotmail.com in regards to any ONG HOA managed areas. Approval or discussion with the board for a change to the common area does not eliminate the need for the homeowner to submit a Home Improvement Application to the ARC for the changes to the homeowner s property. Grading Changes and Wall Construction The ARC can approve grading changes or wall additions that are 4 feet or less and meet with other guidelines such as the drainage guidelines. Changes greater than four feet tall should be submitted to the ARC and if approved may also require proper city permitting before construction can begin. Driveways & Sidewalks Decorative coatings, stain or paint is not permitted. Any alteration to existing driveway or sidewalk would require ARC approval. Exterior Paint Repainting using original exterior color palate does not require ARC approval. Body, trim and accents must retain original color palate. Any exterior paint change or alteration must be approved by the ARC. ONG s goal is to avoid color schemes that are potentially similar or conflicting with nearby homes and colors that may not be consistent with the current color palate of ONG, causing the home to no longer maintain the look and feel of ONG. Only color palates consistent with the look and feel of Old Norcross Glen (e.g. palate of colors used by O'Dwyer homes in any of its new home communities ) will be considered. The ARC will ask for feedback from all adjoining property holders regarding all proposed home color changes prior to approving a submitted home improvement request. If you are planning to submit for a home color change, you may want to speak with your neighbors and solicit their feedback first; however, this does not preclude the ARC from its duty to notify and seek feedback of all neighboring properties. ONGARCGuidelines7_08_ 922.doc /19/2008

14 Exterior Wiring All attempts should be made to conceal exterior wiring from view. All exposed wiring on the exterior of the home requires ARC approval. Wiring should not be visible from street. Fence and Deck Stain Must be approved by the ARC; ONLY semi-transparent wood stain colors (i.e. earthen, brown, wood tones for examples, see the list below) will be considered for approval. Re-staining of pre-approved color is allowed without ARC approval. Changing of stain color requires ARC approval. Use of the following SEMI-TRANSPARENT stain colors for fence and deck staining can be done without ARC approval: -Sherwin Williams Banyan Brown semi-transparent (Currently in use on deck of 6172) -Sherwin Williams Yankee Barn semi-transparent (Currently in use by 6101) -Sherwin Williams Spice Chest semi-transparent (Currently in use by 6141) Hoses and Hose Reels Decorative/box type hose reels, screened by the home, shrubbery and/or other landscaping plantings, need not be approved by the ARC. Hoses should be retracted into storage reel when not in use. Soaker type hoses concealed by landscaping material (i.e. mulch or pine straw) may be left in flower beds. Irrigation/Water Sprinkler Systems ARC approval is not needed for the installation of an irrigation system provided the system being used: is common to residential use, sprinkler heads and system are concealed when not in service, the controls are placed in the garage or screened/concealed from the street, landscaping is minimally affected (sod replaced where necessary) and the installation is completed within 1 week. Lawns Only Bermuda grass is allowed on front and side yards that are visible from street. Replacement of grass with grasses other than Bermuda in other areas of property must be approved by the ARC. Zoysia sod is highly recommended as a replacement for Bermuda especially in shaded areas that do not support Bermuda grass. Zoysia looks more like Bermuda than other grasses and offers a more consistent appearance in the community. Please see 7.7 nuisance of a plant for further guidelines. Planting Beds & Mulch Any alteration to the size or configuration of existing beds must be approved by the ARC. Reasonable lawn area should remain. The planting beds must contain mulch and remain in tidy order. Approved mulch includes pine straw, pine bark, or cypress mulch in one of the following approved colors: Brown, Red, or Black. Unnatural mulch and rock mulch (i.e. lava rock) is not permitted. Mulch must be replaced if faded or expended. A maximum of two (2) coordinating mulch is permitted at any time on a single property. Approved landscaping plans can be submitted to the ARC and implemented by the homeowner over a period of time. Adding seasonal flowers to existing beds does not require ARC approval. Also, shrubs and other landscaping plants that are common to the Atlanta area, are not a nuisance plant (see ONGARCGuidelines7_08_ 922.doc /19/2008

15 section 7.7 Nuisance), and will not exceed 8 feet in height may be planted in existing planting beds without ARC approval. However, plantings which may obstruct the view of vehicular traffic shall not be planted or shall be pruned in such a way as to not obstruct the view of vehicular traffic. Plantings organized or pruned to conspicuously form a symbol, animal or object shape, or letter(s) are not permitted. Planting Edging and Borders Plastic or synthetic borders are not permitted. Natural stone, brick and metal borders must be submitted for ARC approval. Colors of edging/borders should be neutral in nature and match or compliment existing home. Porches, Patios & Decks Appropriate rockers or benches are permitted on front porches/entries. No plastic furniture is permitted on front porches. Interior furniture is not permitted at any time on porches, patios or decks. Storage of non-patio items is not permitted. Attaching one traditional style wood swing to the front porch (i.e. a porch swing) does not require ARC approval. Porch swings should be stained or painted to complement the house. Attaching at maximum two (child or adult) swings underneath the rear deck (i.e. a deck swing) do not require ARC approval. Installation of more than the number of swings allowed above should be submitted to the ARC for approval. Roofing & Structural Additions Must match and meet current exterior materials. Retractable canvas awnings will not be considered. City permits are required prior to submitting application to ARC. Wreaths Wreaths consisting of plant materials such as leaves, flowers, branches, etc. and less than or equal to 36 inches in diameter do not need ARC approval. Only one wreath allowed per exterior door of a home. Wreaths can include artificial plant-like materials since they are not intended to make vegetative material appear planted, potted, or living. However, any artificial plant material in a wreath must closely appear in color and shape to real plant material (i.e. no neon flowers, etc.). Wreaths not meeting these requirements need to be submitted to the ARC for approval before being hung. Wreaths cannot be a nuisance such as having lights that shine beyond the porch area or noise makers. Wreaths must be tasteful and fit within the look and feel of Old Norcross Glen (e.g. no beer can wreaths or life preservers). Wreaths used to decorate homes during holiday periods may adorn windows and other locations on the home. These holiday wreaths must not be hung more than six weeks prior to the holiday and be removed within one week following holiday. ONGARCGuidelines7_08_ 922.doc /19/2008

16 (Appendix B) Screening Information Landscape Screening Screening may be required for some exterior changes or projects per the ONG Declaration of Covenants and/or the ONG Guidelines. Screening is the act of concealing the existence of something by obstructing the view of it. Landscape screening is the concealing or blending of an object with the surrounding environment. Screening is the process of trying to take away the view from a less desirable object by adding another more pleasing or less obtrusive structure or planting to conceal it. Screening may not completely block the view of an item, but instead is used to significantly reduce the view. Screening can come in many forms. It may be a man-made structure such as a fence or trellis. It also could be a living screen such as an evergreen planting. For pictures of screening options, please see the separate Screening Options document. (Appendix C) Guidelines Update Process Guidelines Update Process - The guidelines are a living document and from time to time the ARC may need to update them. The guidelines were written based on initial ideas of neighbors in the community but new information is always being discovered by the ARC resulting from change requests or issues in the community. In an effort of continuous improvement and to ensure the guidelines continue to meet the needs of the community, the ARC has a process for updating the guidelines document. First, the ARC will the neighbors in the ARC list (please keep the ARC updated if your address changes) with a "tracked changes" document that easily identifies the changes to the document. The community has ten days to respond with comments. If three or more homes respond with negative comments regarding the update then the ARC will schedule a community meeting to review and discuss the proposed changes. If less than three negative responses are received, the ARC will make any minor adjustments, like wording changes and clarifications, to the document based on the community comments and the updated version will be posted on If major changes are warranted based on comments received these changes will be ed out again with the ten day notice. ONGARCGuidelines7_08_ 922.doc /19/2008