EASTON CLUB EAST ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES. (Revisions made )

Transcription

1 EASTON CLUB EAST ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES (Revisions made ) Easton Club East Homeowners Association, Inc Lyons Drive Easton, Maryland, 21601

2 Table of Contents Page Introduction 2 Guideline 001 Landscaping 3 Guideline Sheds, Dog Houses and Similar Structures 5 Guideline Fences 5 Guideline 004 Outside Lighting and Decorations 5 Guideline 005 Play & Recreational Equipment 6 Guideline 006 Decks, Patios and Walls 6 Guideline 007 Storm Doors 7 Guideline 008 Pools 8 Guideline 009 Hot Tubs 8 Guideline 010 Satellite Dishes 9 Guideline 011 Arbors, Arches Trellises and Pergolas 10 Guideline 012 Flagpoles and Clotheslines 11 Guideline 013 Sunrooms and Porches 11 Guideline 014 Statues, Birdbaths and Lawn Ornaments 11 Guideline 015 Concrete Sealer 13 Guideline 016 Mailboxes and Newspaper holders 13 Guideline 017 Signs and Plaques 14 Guideline 018 Exterior Colors 15 Guideline 019 Composters 15 1

3 The Covenants The community known as Easton Club East is subject to certain Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, commonly referred to as just Covenants. These Covenants are promises (legal and binding) made by each lot owner to every other lot owner and to the Association of lot owners, upon purchase of a lot. These promises arise out of documents that are recorded among the land records of Talbot County, Maryland. The applicable declaration(s) of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions were furnished to each resident at the time of the original or a subsequent purchase of a lot. The Covenants assure owners of certain minimum standards for land use, architectural design and property maintenance throughout the community. They also mandate each owner s membership in the Easton Club East Community Association (ECECA). The Covenants provide that no Structure shall be erected or modified until the plans and specifications have been submitted to and have been approved by the Architectural Committee. The term Structure is essentially defined (by way of illustration) as anything placed upon the property including (but not limited to) any building, patio, pool, fence, hedge, doghouse, equipment, sign, etc., or any other temporary or permanent improvement or alteration. The Guidelines Because the Covenants are written mostly in general language, Guidelines have been established to provide consistent guidance to owners regarding the application and approval process. These Guidelines will inform owners of pre-approved alterations, acceptable practices, and will assist in preparing applications. The Guidelines will also assist the Architectural Committee in ruling on applications. An owner who submits an application that does not conform to the Guidelines will have a heavy burden to show that the application should be approved. Similarly, the Architectural Committee will have a heavy burden to show a basis for disapproval if the application conforms to the Guidelines. However, it is important to mention that the Guidelines is a living document. Additions, deletions, corrections and clarifications may be made at any time. 2

4 The Application and Review Process Unless specifically exempted by the Covenants or these Guidelines, every proposed exterior addition or modification to residential units or lots require approval by the Architectural Committee. All applications shall be submitted in duplicate to the Architectural Committee by placing them in the designated box in the meeting room of the Easton Club East Clubhouse. Each application must include the plans and specifications, in duplicate, showing the nature, kind, shape, height, materials, color, locations and approximate cost of the structure, addition or alteration. The applications will be examined by the Architectural Committee composed of members of the community. The applications with the decisions will be forwarded to the property management company for further processing. It is the owners responsibility to apply for and obtain all necessary building permits and other government approval that may be required. Miss Utility must be contacted at least two days prior to beginning work on any significant below- ground-level modifications. You may call or visit their website at Pre-approved Alterations To expedite and facilitate the approval process, certain structures and alterations of structures are pre-approved and do not require further approval by the Architectural Committee, provided they meet the pre-approval conditions set forth in the Guidelines. GUIDELINE 001 LANDSCAPING 1. The following landscape modifications do not require prior committee approval, but are subject to the other requirements of these Guidelines: a. Vegetable gardens in beds next to the house in rear yard only. Gardens may not exceed 200 square feet in size. b. Planters on or within six (6) feet of walkways, porches, patios, decks or the house. c. Foundation plantings within six (6) feet of the house, driveway, mailbox, sidewalk, deck or patio. d. Freestanding trees in rear of house. (The following trees do well in this area: Crape-Myrtle, Kwanzan Cherry, Krusa Dogwood, Japanese Red 3

5 Maple and trees native to the Eastern Shore. Please note websites for native trees and shrubs at the end of this section.) 2. Replacement of dead shrubs and trees. Dead plant material should be removed as soon as possible, but must be removed within 45 days. a. It is the responsibility of the homeowner planting the trees, shrubs, flowers, etc. to maintain the plantings, removing/replacing dead or dying plants, remove unsightly overgrowth and pruning tree and shrub growth extending beyond their property line. b. The homeowner owns and is responsible for the street trees and landscaping provided by the builder. Replacement of dead or damaged trees is a homeowner responsibility. The replacement tree should be neither an ornamental nor an evergreen but should be a deciduous shade tree of at least 4 to 6 feet in height. 3. All plantings must be a minimum of two (2) feet from the property line and must be far enough from the property line so that, at maturity, plants will not encroach upon or extend past the property line. 4. Regular maintenance must include weeding and watering to provide a healthy and attractive landscape. 5. Plantings are most appealing if they are part of a landscape design, plan, or theme. 6. The following landscaping is not permitted: a. Plants that block or impede use of any sidewalk or mailbox. b. Weeping Willow trees, due to the invasive nature of their root system. 7. The following plant materials are not recommended: a. Trees, shrubs, and other plants included on Maryland s invasive list such as Bradford Pear, Japanese Barberry, Multiflora Rose, and Burning Bush Euonymus. Leyland Cypress trees are not recommended due to the inability of the root system to adapt to our clay soil. In addition, several diseases are expected to cause the death of over 60 % of these trees in the next few years. Go to for more information. 8. Other landscaping additions or alterations must be approved in advance by the Architectural Committee. These include, but are not limited to, walls, 4

6 stairs, sidewalks, walkways, driveways, patios, decks, arbors and ground covers. 9. The following websites are excellent sources of information and provide recommendations of native trees and shrubs which grow well in our region: GUIDELINE 002 SHEDS, DOG HOUSES AND SIMILAR STRUCTURES 1. Sheds, dog houses and similar structures are not permitted. GUIDELINE 003 FENCES 1. All fences require written application and approval prior to construction. 2. Fences shall be picket type, constructed of virgin vinyl. Recycled vinyl material is not acceptable. 3. Height shall be no more than thirty-six inches (36) except fences inclosing swimming pools, hot tubs, etc. 4. Posts shall be approximately 4 ½ square with New England post cap. 5. A pool enclosure fence shall be 4 (48 ) in height. Flat pointed picket with square New England post cap is recommended. 6. Homeowners are responsible for mowing and maintaining the lawn within a fence-enclosed area. 7. Invisible fences do not require committee approval, but may not extend under the front or side yard sidewalks. GUIDELINE 004 OUTSIDE LIGHTING AND DECORATIONS 5

7 1. Temporary holiday lighting and decorations are pre-approved provided they meet the following requirements: a. Lighting and decorations for holidays falling between January 15th and Thanksgiving are permitted for two weeks prior to the holiday and must be removed within two days after the holiday. b. Holiday lighting and decorations are permitted from Thanksgiving through January 15. c. The outdoor playing of recorded holiday music within any lot is prohibited. 2. All other exterior lighting requires written application and approval prior to installation. 3. Lampposts must be black. The light fixture on top of the lamppost must be black and similar in style to those provided by the builder throughout the community. 4. Solar and low voltage (12 volt) landscape lighting is preapproved. GUIDELINE 005 PLAY & RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT 1. No permanent play or recreational equipment shall be placed on any lot. 2. Portable play equipment or recreational equipment (e.g., baby pools, toys, basketball hoops, lawn games, etc.) shall be stored out of sight when not in use. GUIDELINE 006 DECKS, PATIOS AND WALLS 1. Approval of a deck or patio will be guided by conformity to the Covenants and applicable supplemental declaration. The harmony of design and appearance is crucial. Items that will be specifically considered are workmanship, nature and durability of materials, colors, grade elevations, and effect on neighboring homeowners. 2. Decks and patios should not extend beyond the side walls of the house. It is recommended that they be located in the rear of the home only and not occupy more than 25% of the rear yard. 6

8 3. Patios: 5. Decks: a. Patios should be planned to complement the overall design of the owner s house and landscaping. b. Patios must be constructed of a permanent, substantial, and nonporous material including, but not limited to, concrete, concrete pavers, bricks, slate and marble. c. The height of any walls associated with a patio shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches, including any caps. d. The height of any pillar associated with patio walls shall not exceed thirty-three (33) inches measured on the inside (patio side) of the pillar a. The height of any deck is limited to the finished first floor height. b. Decks should be constructed to minimize the space between the finished flooring and the lawn area. c. A fascia board is required to conceal the area between the decking i. End joist and the lawn area. It should be painted white or the ii. Same color as the decking. d. Decking materials may be pressure treated wood or composite (e.g., Trek) painted white or left natural.. GUIDELINE 007 STORM DOORS 1. Front storm doors are pre-approved provided they meet the following requirements: a. The storm door must match the color of the front door or trim around the front door. b. The storm door should contain a single piece of glass and it shall be full-view only. 7

9 c. Rolscreen storm doors such as the Pella Montgomery are preapproved. Applications must be submitted for all other types of screen or storm doors. 2. All side and rear storm doors require the approval of the Architectural Committee. GUIDELINE 008 POOLS 1. All pool applications will be examined on a case-by-case basis and require Architectural Committee approval prior to installation. 2. Pools must be in-ground type only; above-ground pools are not permitted. 3. Decking around pool must not extend into any easements. 4. Pools (exclusive of decking) must be situated in the rear yard and must be kept between the sidewalls of the house. 5. Pool fencing must conform to all applicable laws and/or county codes. Fencing is required (see Fences ). Details regarding the fence should be submitted with the pool application. 6. Pool should have sufficient landscaping to provide a year-round visual barrier between the pool/decking and all streets and adjacent homes. A complete and detailed landscape plan, designed to soften and complement the pool appearance should be submitted with the pool application. Landscaping should be installed at the same time as pool and decking. 7. Pools must be maintained in an appropriate and usable condition. 8. Small, portable kiddie pools are not subject to these Guidelines. GUIDELINE 009 HOT TUBS 1. All hot tubs require written application and approval prior to installation. Hot tub applications must be accompanied by a full landscape plan. 2. Hot tubs must be located in the rear of the residence screened from view of the street and neighboring properties with live landscaping plantings. 8

10 3. Owners shall install safety features such as locks or covers and comply with all applicable state and local codes. GUIDELINE 010 SATELLITE DISHES 1. Except as provided in paragraph 2 below, antennas and other reception devices shall be subject to the provisions of the covenants. 2. To implement the provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the Communications Act of 1934, restrictions on certain reception devices are prohibited by the FCC s Over-the-Air Reception Devices Rule, 47 C.F.R. Sec For additional information see In the case of conflict between this guideline and the FCC Rule, the FCC Rule shall prevail. a. With some exception for clearly articulated safety and historic preservation purposes, the FCC Rule applies to (1) antennas that are one meter or less in diameter and are designed to receive or transmit direct broadcast satellite services; (2) antennas that are one meter or less in diagonal measurement and are designed to receive or transmit video programming services through multipoint distribution services, including multichannel multipoint distribution services, instructional television fixed services, and local multipoint distribution services; and (3) antennas designed to receive television broadcast signals. b. Prior to the installation of the reception device, the owner or tenant of the property who intends to effect the installation, shall furnish to the property management company, in lieu of an application, a notice of intent to install a reception device described in paragraph 2a above. The notice shall be a certified mail notice setting forth the contemplated installation date. It shall be mailed to the property management company at least fifteen days prior to the contemplated installation date. Approval by the property management company for the installation is not required. c. The antenna shall be installed at a preferred location as set forth below, unless in the opinion of a qualified installer an acceptable quality signal cannot be received at a preferred location. d. Preferred locations are to be considered in the order in which they are listed below. The antenna shall be installed at the first listed location that yields an acceptable quality signal. 9

11 e. List of preferred locations in order of preference: i. Mounted on the rear of the house. ii. iii. Mounted on a side of the housethat does not abut a street. Any location other than on the front of the house or in the front yard. f. To the extent not inconsistent with obtaining an acceptable signal, the homeowner/tenant is encouraged to: i. Avoid the use of a free standing antenna mast. ii. iii. Minimize the visibility of the antenna from the street on which the house fronts. Make use of landscaping to minimize the visual impact of the reception device. GUIDELINE 011 ARBORS, ARCHES, TRELLISES AND PERGOLAS An arbor or arch is a simple structure made of water resistant wood or weatherproof polyvinyl used to provide shade and support vines or climbing plants. A trellis is a light frame made of bars of wood or metal crossed over each other (latticework), fixed to a wall for vines and other creeping plants to grow. Trellises are often used as support structures for vines. A pergola is in the nature of a series of arbors/arches linked together to form a simple framework constructed of wooden posts and beams to support vines and climbing plants. 1. All arbors, arches, trellises and pergolas must be approved in advance by the Architectural Committee. 2. The above structures are usually made of wood (oak, Western Red Cedar or softwood), and weatherproof polyvinyl. Piers (pillars) are usually made from brick, stone or concrete. Beams can be made from oak or other hardwoods. 3. The color or finish of the above structures should complement the existing house. 10

12 4. The size of the structure, the foundation posts and canopies must be appropriate for its surroundings. These structures should be located in the rear yard, except for trellises that may be attached to the house on the side yard. 5. Approval of any of these structures will be based on design, size, material, color and compatibility with the immediate surroundings. GUIDELINE 012 FLAGPOLES AND CLOTHESLINES 1. Freestanding flagpoles are prohibited. One (1) appropriately sized flagpole may be mounted on the front of the house and one (1) may be mounted on the rear of the house. 2. No temporary or permanent exterior clothes dryer, clothes pole or similar equipment shall be maintained on any lot whether or not it forms a part of any structure or is detachable therefrom, and no drying or airing of any clothing shall be permitted outdoors. GUIDELINE 013 SUNROOMS AND PORCHES Sunrooms and porches must be approved by the Architectural Committee. The shingles and trim must be consistent with the existing house color and type. The roof must be sloped and consistent with the pitch of the existing roof line. Flat roofs are discouraged. No tinted windows are permitted. These structures should be planned to complement the overall design of the house. GUIDELINE 014 STATUES, BIRDBATHS, AND LAWN ORNAMENTS 1. Statues: a. In the small garden, care must be taken not to overdo the use of statuary. A statue is usually placed at the end of a vista or a niche formed of evergreens. It needs a background of green plant material to fit the garden picture. Avoid use of pottery figures of gnomes, ducks, etc., and other novelties that are too conspicuous and artificial. b. Statues are pre-approved provided they meet the following requirements: 11

13 i. The size of the statue must be no higher than two (2) feet and no wider than two (2) feet. ii. The number of statues on any property must not exceed four (4). c. All other statues must be approved in advance by the Architectural Committee. d. It is recommended that statues be made of concrete, metal or granite. e. Statues must not be offensive. A statue is offensive if the Architectural Committee, unanimously, in its sole discretion, reasonably deems it to be offensive to a large segment of the community. Homeowners may apply for an advisory opinion of the Architectural Committee prior to the installation of a statue. The Architectural Committee reserves the right to direct the removal of a statue that is deemed offensive and for which a favorable advisory opinion has not been issued. 2. Birdbaths: a. Birdbaths are pre-approved provided they meet the following guidelines: i. Birdbaths should be placed in a landscaped area of the yard. ii. iii. The number of birdbaths on any property should not exceed one (1). The birdbath should not exceed three (3) feet in height. b. All other birdbaths must be approved in advance by the Architectural Committee. c. It is recommended that birdbaths be made out of concrete, marble, clay, metal, wood, or stone as long as they are well designed and unobtrusive. Homemade cement and fieldstone birdbaths are not generally desirable. d. Birdbaths which are set on the ground without a pedestal are very effective if well designed. They are usually placed in a sheltered spot surrounded by plantings to give the birds protection. 12

14 e. Birdbaths are to be well maintained and kept clean. 3. Lawn and garden ornaments: a. Garden ornaments are pre-approved provided they meet the following requirements: i. The ornament is located in a landscaped area of the yard. ii. The ornament is not higher than two (2) feet nor wider than two (2) feet. iii. The number of ornaments should not exceed four (4). b. Lawn ornaments are not permitted in the front yard. c. All other ornaments must be pre-approved in advance by the Architectural Committee. d. A sundial is very effective in the right setting as the center of interest in a garden. It must not be offensive and should not be higher than three (3) feet nor wider than eighteen (18) inches. GUIDELINE 015 CONCRETE SEALER 1. Colored sealing of driveways and sidewalks require application to and approval by the Architectural Committee. 2. Clear sealers are pre-approved and do not require application or approval. 3. Homeowners may choose from two (2) pallets of colors, a gray base or a beige base. The color chosen should best match the color of the exterior of the house. The Architectural Committee has sample color charts available. GUIDELINE 016 MAILBOXES 1. Mailboxes that comply with the following guidelines do not require prior committee approval: a. Every mailbox must be of a type approved by the United States Postal Service (USPS). 13

15 b. Mailboxes may not be smaller than 6 x 8 x 18 and not larger than 10 x 13 x 22. c. The standard is the black mailbox and post provided by the builder. Any deviation from this (other than magnetic covers) must be approved by the Architectural Committee. However, decorative magnetic covers are permitted, if the design is not offensive. A design is offensive if the Architectural Committee, unanimously, in its sole discretion, reasonably deems it to be offensive. Homeowners may apply for an advisory opinion of the Architectural Committee prior to installation of a cover. The Architectural Committee reserves the right to direct the removal of a mailbox cover that is deemed offensive and for which a favorable advisory opinion has not been issued. 2. The requirements and policies of the USPS shall be observed. They may be found in the USPS Domestic Mail Manual, in the section entitled Deposit, Collection and Delivery, D041 Customer Mail Receptacle. Subject to changes after January, 2005, the Manual provides that: a. Every curbside mailbox must bear the house number and may bear the owner s name. Advertising on the mailbox or its support is prohibited. b. The post or other support for a curbside mailbox must be neat and of adequate strength and size. The post may not represent effigies or caricatures that tend to disparage or ridicule any person. c. A curbside mailbox must be placed to allow safe and convenient delivery by carriers without leaving their vehicles. 3. Standalone newspaper holders are not permitted. Black newspaper holders attached to the bottom of the mailbox are permitted and do not need approval. GUIDELINE 017 SIGNS AND PLAQUES 1. For Sale or For Rent signs are pre-approved provided they meet the following requirements: a. Only one (1) sign may be erected. b. The sign must be located in the front foundation bed, parallel to the house and not more than six feet from the house or front porch. 14

16 c. The sign may not be wider than two (2) feet. d. The top of the installed sign may not be higher than three (3) feet from the ground. e. The sign must be removed within five days when a contract without contingencies is executed or when the contingencies on a contingent contract have been removed. f.. Open House signs are for a single day event and are to be removed by the end of the day. They can be no larger than a For Sale sign. Directional signs are permitted with thin frames and metal stakes. No flags, balloons, banners, or other type of decoration are allowed. The ECECA is not responsible for the signs in any way. 2. Any sign not meeting the above criteria must be approved by the Architectural Committee. 3. Plaques with addresses or names require approval and should be made of aluminum or other rust- proof material. Plaques should not be larger than 18 x 18. GUIDELINE 018 EXTERIOR COLORS 1. Homeowners are required to select from the pre-approved colors which can be obtained from the builder (Pulte) or from the Property Management Company. 2. No prior approval will be necessary for the painting of the house with the exact colors already on the house, provided these are the colors that were applied by the builder as the original paint colors. Painting using the original builder s colors in the same locations will not require the approval of the Architectural Committee. 3. The painting of shutters to match the front door or the painting of the front door to match the shutters will not require the approval of the Architectural Committee provided that the colors applied match the original builder s colors. 4. All other changes in exterior colors must be approved in advance by the Architectural Committee. 15

17 GUIDELINE 19 COMPOSTERS Guideline 19 - Composters, Trash and Recycling Cans 1. All Composters require an application. 2. TOE Trash and Recycling Cans are to be kept from public view, preferably stored in the garage. When garage storage is not feasible, the following options for concealing the cans may be considered: (a.) Screening by plant material landscaping, or placed on patio. (b.) Screening by a sturdy (inside posts or ground spikes) framed white vinyl lattice-type material. The dimension of the enclosure is not to exceed 48"H X 66"L, and not more than 36" away from the building's exterior wall. The screening shall to be located parallel to the side of the garage as far back from the front street as possible. Screening shall not face a street side, nor the main entry door of an adjacent house which has a side entrance. It is not to be a full enclosure having two ends or a top, although a single end panel may be considered for screening cans from the street. The screening is for trash and recycling cans only, and shall not be used for any other storage or screening purpose. This screening proposal (b.) will require an application. Approval or disapproval from neighbors immediately adjacent to the proposed installation will be a significant consideration in the Architectural Committee approval process. GUIDELINE 20 - CORNER FENCES AND REAR YARD LAMPPOSTS 1. All builder constructed corner fences are to be maintained by the homeowner and cannot be removed. 2. All builder constructed rear yard poles and lights are to be maintained by the homeowner and cannot be removed. The light pole and light fixture must remain black in color (See Guideline #3. 16