Design Guidelines As of 7/10/08

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Olivia Manning
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1 Design Guidelines As of 7/10/08 These guidelines have been established in order to preserve the neighborhood aesthetics and beauty in Willow Creek and keep property values as high as possible for all of our residents. These guidelines provide a convenient overview of the processes associated with the routine review and approval of home and yard improvements within Willow Creek. These guidelines apply to exterior home and yard improvements completed after the initial construction of the home. This will include initial landscaping as well. These guidelines are intended to reflect the standards that were established in the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CCR) for Willow Creek in order to promote and maintain the long-term quality and value of this subdivision. Should any conflict exist between these design guidelines and the recorded CCR, the CCR shall always prevail. 1

2 Section 1.1 The Design Review Committee The Design Review Committee (DRC) is composed of up to 3 members appointed by the Developer. These members may consist of Willow Creek homeowners, the developer and/or his agents, the builder and/or his agents, or any other interested party approved by the Developer. It is DRC s responsibility to review all of the requests for landscaping, additions, or alterations of any home or yard within the Willow Creek subdivision. The expressed goal of the DRC is to provide the homeowner with as much flexibility as possible in establishing and personalizing his or her home, while maintaining the standards and aesthetic integrity of the Willow Creek subdivision. All improvements or modifications to a lot or residence require review and approval by the DRC. This includes, but is not limited to, exterior paint and shingle colors, landscaping, external buildings, etc. These guidelines are subject to interpretation by the DRC and may be amended from time to time. Homeowners will be advised of any changes or amendments to the Design Guidelines. Section 1.2 Design Review Process This review process is intended to promote and maintain a continuity of landscape, character, appearance and aesthetics that improves the longterm value of Willow Creek. Ensuring that improvements are compatible with the original design and construction of the home, and that blend in with the overall look and feel of the neighborhood is a critical part of this process. Applicants must use the Application Form provided along with their submittal information. Any incomplete or illegible applications will be returned unreviewed. Applicant will also need to submit detailed scaled drawings, color chips, photographs, or any other pertinent backup materials, with the application. Remember that the easier it is for the DRC to visualize the modifications requested, the sooner they will be able to make a determination on the application. As stated above, the DRC will do everything in its power to make sure that every homeowner is able to enjoy his property without compromising the beauty and harmony of the neighborhood. 2

3 There is a $25 processing fee for each submittal. More than one proposed alteration may be submitted at the same time and for the same $25 fee; however, a separate application form and supporting documents must be submitted for each proposed alteration. Make all fee checks payable to Willow Creek Homeowners Association. The application form and backup materials should be mailed to or dropped off at the HOA management company: Willow Creek Design Review Committee %Westerra Development 455 E. Pikes Peak Ave. Suite 100 Colorado Springs, CO The DRC will make a determination within 30 business days from date of receipt of the application. The DRC has the right to approve a request unconditionally, approve with conditions, disapprove a request, or declare a request unreviewable (due to illegibility, insufficient supporting documents, etc.) Any homeowner wishing to make an appeal of the DRC s ruling may do so in writing within 10 days after receipt of the DRC s decision. Refusal to abide by the DRC s decision could result in mediation or litigation at the homeowner s expense. All plans must be reviewed and approved prior to installation. 3

4 2.1 Landscape Design Requirements All front yard landscaping and side yard landscaping visible from the street must be installed within 6 months from the date of closing, weather permitting. All rear yard landscaping must be complete within one year after purchase. During the time prior to all landscape completion, the home owner will ensure that there is no erosion control problem created by his/her unfinished front, side or back yards. The homeowner must maintain his/her yard weed-free at all times. Because of persistent drought and water conservation issues inherent in living in a semi-arid region like Colorado Springs, Willow Creek strives to be a water-conscious community. The DRC will favor water-wise landscape plans. It is recommended that a small percentage of the front yard include turf to maintain a unified neighborhood look. Colorado Springs Utilities has water-wise information on its website ( offers informational and instructional classes on xeriscaping, and also maintains two Xeriscape demonstration gardens. Each homeowner is strongly encouraged to visit these facilities for ideas and information about xeric (drought-tolerant) landscaping. Xeriscape is NOT zeroscape, and you can have grassy areas in a xeriscaped landscape plan. If you have children or dogs, you will be able to design a landscape that is both family-friendly and water conscious. What Xeriscape is not: Yards entirely full of rocks or mulch and no plant material Yards full of unrestrained, unmanaged wildflowers or weeds Dead or dying grass, shrubs, trees Concrete yards Artificial turf The following information on xeriscape is provided by the Colorado Water-Wise Council: 4

Xeriscape-the smart way to landscape Xeriscape promotes creative approaches to water conserving landscapes by helping people improve their landscapes and to reduce the need for water, maintenance and

5 Xeriscape-the smart way to landscape Xeriscape promotes creative approaches to water conserving landscapes by helping people improve their landscapes and to reduce the need for water, maintenance and other resources. Why Xeriscape? For most of the western United States over fifty percent of residential water used is applied to landscape and lawns. Xeriscape can reduce landscape water use by 60% or more. Efficient water use doesn't mean changing our lifestyle. It means reducing water waste, such as improper irrigation, and finding ways to achieve attractive, comfortable landscapes without excess water use. Xeriscape helps extend water supplies. When water use is restricted, inefficient water-thirsty landscapes suffer first. Protect your landscape investment by drought-proofing it. (This information and photograph provided by the Colorado Water-Wise Council. 5

6 Xeriscape means less water, less maintenance, and more beauty. The ability of xeric yards to survive our frequent drought periods is well known. By investing the time and resources in making your yard suited to our arid environment, you can ensure the beauty of your outdoor environment for years to come. Currently, there are xeriscaped lawns in every state in the United States. If you are interested in additional information, please contact your builder, the Developer, or the Homeowner Association management company. Any of them would be glad to assist you in learning more about water conscious landscaping. 2.1a General Landscape Guidelines The lot should be covered in appropriate water-conscious plantings and materials. No unplanted mulch beds (either rock or wood mulch) will be permitted. The use of plastic is discouraged in planting beds due to its rootgrowth inhibiting properties. To promote hearty root growth, soils where sod is being installed should be amended to a depth of 6 inches with an approved soil amendment, such as manure or compost (peat is discouraged due to its negative environmental impact.) Artificial turf is prohibited in Willow Creek. Drought-tolerant plantings, including trees, shrubs, and perennials, are encouraged. Shrub and perennial beds must be mulched with either wood mulch (preferred) or rock. A minimum of one (1) 1.5 -caliper tree must be planted in the front yard. Cottonwoods, willows, and Russian olive trees are not permitted due to their invasive root structure. The tree should not be planted within 10 feet of the foundation of the house or within five feet of the driveway. Trees may not be planted in the narrow strip next to a neighbor s lot, but must be planted in the main area of the front yard. 6

7 A minimum of seven (7) 5-gallon shrubs must be planted in the front yard. Larger shrubs may be used, if desired, but no shrub will be allowed to grow over into a neighbor s property, so be aware of full-grown shrub sizes when selecting your plants. Shrubs should be planted 4-6 apart on center to allow for adequate growth patterns. Large rocks and boulders can be used in landscaping designs, provided that they are left their natural color and integrated into a landscape design with plantings. Acceptable rock colors include neutral natural and earth-toned. White or black rocks, dyed or painted rocks are prohibited. Converting large rocks into fountains is permitted, providing the fountain design allows for the recirculation of any water used, and the rock is left its natural color. No bare ground may be left unlandscaped due to erosion control and weed growth issues. An 18-inch clearance must be maintained between any landscaping and the stucco fence maintained by the HOA. Occasional maintenance of these fences is required, and the HOA will not be responsible for any damage to plantings or landscaping which violate this guideline. Evergreen trees, tall shrubs, or ornamental grasses, should not be planted within site visibility triangles at intersections. If your lot is on a corner, your builder will be able to show you sight triangle lines. Any landscaping deemed by the DRC to violate sight triangles will be removed at the homeowner s expense. Planting and hardscape areas shall not impede or significantly alter drainage patterns. Any homeowner altering the drainage pattern of his lot resulting in any damage to either commonly-owned or other private property in Willow Creek will be liable for damages and repair costs. All sprinkler and irrigation systems must be installed and maintained so that a minimum of water is sprayed or drains on sidewalks, driveways, and streets. All irrigation systems must utilize a rain shut-off valve. Use of drip lines in mulch planting beds is strongly encouraged. All contractors and homeowners should refer to all current City standards for landscaping within a site triangle, drainage and utility easement, or around fire hydrants, utility poles, vaults and meters. 7

8 3.1 Architectural Design Requirements All house plans, designs, layouts, etc. must first be approved by the DRC before being built in Willow Creek. The DRC will review these plans to ensure that the exterior elevation, roof pitch, and materials used will complement the overall design theme of Willow Creek. All houses built in Willow Creek shall have a minimum finished square footage of 1,600 square feet. To preserve the stunning views in Willow Creek, no home shall be higher than 22 feet (average 2-story dwelling.) All home exteriors will be either 8 lap siding, stucco, or brick. No siding smaller than 8 will be allowed. Only earth tone colors will be permitted on the exterior of any building within Willow Creek. Any addition or modification to the exterior appearance of a residence must match or complement the original structure in style, material and color. 4 exterior lap siding is prohibited. Approved exterior surfaces include 8 lap siding or stucco in earth-tone colors. No individually-mounted mailboxes will be permitted on any residence in Willow Creek, per the regulations of the United States Postal Service. All mail will be exchanged through the centralized mail block. No garage space may be converted to living area without the prior written consent of the DRC. In no case may the conversion create a potential conflict with parking or nuisance regulations as described in the CCR. Extended driveways are not permitted. No driveway will be allowed to extend beyond the garage face. All driveways will be made of poured concrete. No asphalt driveways will be permitted in Willow Creek. The design of elevated decks and balconies, including their material and color, must be consistent and complementary to the style and color of the residence. Decks must be constructed of treated wood, or similar-looking material (i.e. Trex Deck ) and stained or painted a neutral tone and approved prior to stain application. Decks shall not be painted in bold or wild colors. Decks shall be consistent and complementary to the main structure, and not appear tacked-on. Roof materials for covered decks or patios may utilize either the same roof material as the main roof, large-dimension wood lattice 8

9 (2 x 2 minimum) or awnings. Refer to the City Zoning Code for deck, balcony, and patio setback requirements. Awnings are permitted, as long as such awning does not impede any other Willow Creek resident from enjoying the view from his home. All awnings must be in neutral colors in either solid or stripes, and must complement the exterior color the home. All awnings must be maintained in good repair at all times. Homeowners are required to receive approval from the DRC prior to commencing any repainting, repairing or replacement of exterior materials, in order to ensure that the proposed colors and/or materials are approved. All mechanical and electrical equipment, including but not limited to, air conditioning, water tanks, cable television boxes, security apparatus, transformers, telephone boxes, etc. must be located to minimize their visual impact to the neighborhood. Evaporative cooling units should be located to minimize their visual impact to the neighborhood without impacting either their efficiency or their expense, as per Colorado HB AC units may not be located on the roof, in windows, or mounted on the side of the home. They must be located on the ground, adjacent to the home they serve and screened from public view. In accordance with the Telecommunications Act of 1996, satellite dishes measuring one (1) meter in diameter or less must be installed such that acceptable signal reception will not be impaired. Dishes shall be located at the lowest possible level, screened from public view and placed in the rear or side yard of the residence. Locations for satellite dishes must be preapproved by the DRC prior to installation. Homeowners will be required to relocate any improperly installed satellite dishes. All interior fencing will be constructed of 6 cedar pickets. All streetfacing fencing must have the pickets on the outside. The fence will be stained on all sides in natural, neutral tones. White or black paint is not allowed on any fencing. Dog run enclosures, design and location, must be approved by the DRC prior to installation. Accessory structures, such as garden or utility sheds, playhouses, greenhouses, gazebos, etc. are not permitted in the front or side yards. All accessory structures must match the style and color of the residence on that lot. They must be constructed of new materials and be maintained in like-new 9

10 condition. The maximum size of any accessory structure is 120 square feet and eight feet in height. Dog houses are not considered accessory structures unless they are larger than 36 square feet and taller than 4 feet. Hot tubs are permitted in rear yards only and must be screened from public view. The maximum height of any play or sports equipment is 13 feet. Play and sports equipment is not permitted in the front yard. Portable basketball hoops are not permitted in the front yard. Retractable clotheslines are permitted, as per Colorado HB 1270, but may only be used from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The clothesline will not be permitted to remain extended all night, and no clothes will be permitted to remain on it after 7:30 p.m. Welcome Home! 10

11 Developer: HT Services, LLC 455 E. Pikes Peak Ave. Ste. 100 Colorado Springs, CO (719) Builder: MasterBilt Homes PO Box Colorado Springs, CO (719)

For DRC use only Date/Time Received: Received By (initials) Payment Rec d Application for Design Review Committee Applicant s Name Applicant s Phone Number and Email Address: Property Address (or Lot

12 For DRC use only Date/Time Received: Received By (initials) Payment Rec d Application for Design Review Committee Applicant s Name Applicant s Phone Number and Address: Property Address (or Lot & Filing Number): Please indicate any of the following items included in submittal: Accessory Structures and Gazebos Hot tubs/spas and Pools Play and Sports Equipment Deck, Balcony and Patio Extensions Lawn Decorations Landscape Plan Lot Fences and Walls Other Please provide a brief overview of the changes requested: Please list the supporting documentation provided for this request: (Please do not provide original drawings, irreplaceable photographs, etc. as documentation materials are not returned but become part of the submission file.) Approved unconditionally Approved with modifications Denied Reason: 12

Landscape and fencing requirements of this Chapter shall apply to all new landscaped areas.

Landscape and fencing requirements of this Chapter shall apply to all new landscaped areas. Chapter 19.06. Landscaping and Fencing. Sections: 19.06.01. Purpose. 19.06.02. Required Landscaping Improvements. 19.06.03. General Provisions. 19.06.04. Landscaping Plan. 19.06.05. Completion of Landscape