ASHLAND RANCH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION ARCHITECTURAL / LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES

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Joel Dixon
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1 ASHLAND RANCH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION ARCHITECTURAL / LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES These Architectural/Landscape Guidelines are in addition to the Declaration and are binding on all Owners and Builders. These Architectural/Landscape Guidelines will be administered and enforced by the Ashland Ranch Board of Directors of the Architectural Committee as outlined in the Declaration and may be amended from time to time by the Committee, as it deems appropriate. It is the responsibility of each Owner and/or Builder to obtain and adhere to the requirements in the most current Architectural/Landscape Guidelines. A. SUBMITTALS/NOTICES: All submittals, notices, or other communications to the Architectural Committee shall be sent to Premier Community Management, Inc. (the Property Manager ) employed by the Association, at the following address: 3930 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 10, Chandler, AZ B. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS/PROCESS: 1. When to Submit: All improvements and landscape designs must be submitted and approved by the Committee prior to beginning of construction or installation. 2. What is Subject to Review: The Architectural Committee will only review landscape plans for the front yard and the side yards of all corner Lots. Rear yard landscaping will not be reviewed by the Committee; however, rear yard structures, such as swing sets, gazebos, basketball courts, tennis courts, and all other structures that are taller than the fence line ( Backyard Improvements ) must be reviewed and approved by the Committee prior to construction or installation. Section of the Declaration requires prior approval of the Architectural Committee for installation of above ground swimming pools: however, approval of the Architectural Committee is not required for the installation of an in-ground swimming pool on non-view lots so long as any accompanying Backyard Improvements or equipment are not taller than the fence line. View lots will need to submit pool plans to the Architectural Committee prior to installation. 3. What to Submit: The Owner must submit 3 copies of the architectural review request form, along with 3 copies of the plans and specifications for the Backyard Improvement or landscaping. A blank architectural review request form can be obtained from the Property Manager. The plans and specifications must comply with the following: Scale: All drawings to be drawn to a scale of 1inch = 8 feet. Quality of Plans: All plans must be completely legible. Blue line prints or Xerox copies are acceptable. Faxed copies will not be accepted. Dimensions: All lot dimensions and total landscapable square footage to be identified. Dimensions and total square footage of all additional hardscape to be identified. Plans must Show: * All plants specifically shown with species and size labeled. * All trees specifically shown with species and size labeled. * All turf areas and type of turf. * All granite areas with granite size and color. * All header and borders with the material labeled. * Additional hardscape areas including concrete, flagstone, pavers, etc. Amended April 2005

2 * Wall locations, as well as wall elevations and construction details. * A calculation showing the total landscapable area in square feet. * Details on all sprinkler or drip irrigation systems. 4. What is the Time Period to Complete Landscaping: Section 7.7 of the Declaration requires each Owner to install all landscaping improvements (together with any sprinkler system or drip irrigation system sufficient to adequately water the landscaping improvements) in the front yard and the side yards of all corner Lots within 90 days after buying their home. 5. Committee Review: The Committee will review submittals during their regular meetings or other times they deem appropriate. As provided in Section of the Declaration, the Committee will respond in writing no later than 30 days after submittal of the complete Backyard Improvement or landscape design. Any Owner or Builder requesting the approval of the Architectural Committee shall also submit to the Architectural Committee any additional information, plans, and specifications which the Architectural Committee may request. C. LANDSCAPE DESIGN REQUIREMENTS: 1. Themes: Either desert (Xeriscape) or lush (turf) landscape themes are acceptable. 2. Trees: A minimum of one 24 inch box tree must be included for each 500 square feet of landscapable area. All trees must be selected from the approved tree and plant list attached as Exhibit A. In desert theme landscapes requiring 3 trees, the requirement for 1 tree may be satisfied by either a saguaro cactus of at least 4 in height, or an ocotillo of at least 8 in height. In landscapes requiring 4 trees or more, the requirement for 2 trees may be satisfied by either a saguaro or ocotillo as described above. For yards requiring over 4 trees, the first 4 must be 24 box size. At least half of the total number of trees must be at least 24 box size. The other half shall be not smaller than 15-gallon size. 3. Plants: A minimum of one plant must be included for each 100 square feet of landscapable area. At least 50% of all plants to be 5-gallon size or larger. All plants to be selected from the approved tree and plant list attached as Exhibit A. 4. Turf: The use of turf is encouraged. If turf is selected, all designated as turf are to be sodded. Front yard turf areas are required to be contained by continuous walkways, curbing, driveways, headers, boulders, or approved decorative walls. Artificial turf is permitted upon approval of the grade of the turf by the Architectural Committee. 5. Granite: Approved sizes range from ¼ inch to 1 inch. See the attached granite color list attached as Exhibit B for approved colors. White stones, artificially colored stones, and any other rock that is not covered in Exhibit B will not be considered. River rock can be used sparingly in accent locations only. Any homeowner requesting to use a granite color that is not on the approved list shall submit a sample of the granite with their submittal form. 6. Boulders: The use of accent boulders in encouraged. The boulders should match the granite colors from the approved color list. 2

3 7. Border Materials: Border material is to be installed on all property lines where dissimilar materials meet and where turf meets granite. Approved border materials are brick, concrete (grey or colored), or flagstone. Metal or plastic edging will not be approved. 8. Hard Surface Area: Hard surface areas include additional concrete, sidewalks, flagstone paths, and decorative paving. A maximum on 15% of the total landscapable area can be dedicated to hardscape. 9. Planters and Decorative Walls: Low masonry planter walls and decorative walls are acceptable. These walls must be no taller than 36 inches. Walls should be painted and stuccoed to match the residence. 10. Irrigation System: All landscaping is to be irrigated by means of an automatic irrigation system. Valves are to be installed underground in a vault style valve box. 11. Water Features: All water features visible from neighboring property will need prior approval of the Architectural Committee. Details are to include pond depth, materials, and heights of fountains, widths, and plumbing specifications, along with lighting if applicable. All water features must be kept operational at all times. 12. Landscape Lighting: Landscape accent lighting is encouraged. Care is to be taken to prevent light from shining into streets or neighboring property. Both 110 volt and 12 volt lights are acceptable for installation. All landscape lighting is subject to City ordinances. 13. Mounding/Berms: If berms are to be used in the landscape design, they should be gently sloping and have natural looking shapes. The maximum height of a berm should be 24 inches. Berms cannot divert drainage flows onto any adjacent Lot or open space. 14. Ornamentation/Yard Art: The utilization of the non-living objects, such as ornaments in the landscape, is not permitted without prior written approval. Such ornaments include driftwood, wagons, animal skulls, wagon wheels, and sculptures of any kind. The goal of any landscape improvement is to promote a pleasing and harmonious neighborhood character. Individual expression is permissible so long as it does not detract from this goal. D. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES 1. Play Structures/Trampolines: Play structures may be erected in rear yards only. Play structures are subject to the following guidelines: * Set back a minimum of 10 feet from any wall. * Maximum height allowed to highest point of structure is 12 feet. * The distance from wall must be submitted to the committee with your plans. * The committee will take the appearance, height, and proximity to the neighboring property into consideration. * Any shade canopy must be a solid primary or earth tone color, and must be maintained in good condition. 3

4 2. Basketball Goals: Permanent Basketball goals will not be approved for the front yard, and must be approved in writing for the rear yard. Portable basketball goals along with any other sport/athletic equipment must be stored so as not to be visible from the street or neighboring property when not in use. 3. Ramada s and Gazebos: Are subject to the following guidelines: * Maximum square footage allowed is 120 sq feet, under roof. * Must be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the walls. * Materials, colors and design must match in character and quality to the house. * Maximum height allowed is 12 feet at the highest point of the structure. * Any lighting must also be included with submittal for approval. Temporary Gazebos are NOT PERMITTED 4. Security Doors: A picture or brochure is required at time of submittal. Doors must be of high quality material in a color that matches the color of the house. 5. Gutters and Downspouts: All rain gutters/are to be site fabricated, seamless, and the finish must match the adjacent surface. High quality materials that offer long life and warranty are encouraged. 6. Window Coverings: Windows at no time are to be covered with reflective materials such as foil, paper, bed sheets, towels or other temporary coverings. All window coverings visible from neighboring property must show earth tones, unless otherwise approved in writing by the committee. Sunscreen material may be installed, frames must match those of existing window frames. 7. Pool/Pool Slides: Pool and pool slides have a 10 foot set back requirement and slides should not be visible from neighboring property. 8. Painting: The color selection must be compatible with, and not depart from the existing color theme of the subdivision. An eight-inch by 11-inch sample of paint color is required with the submittal (include manufacturer, color code, and color name). The Architectural Committee may, at its discretion, require a larger sample be painted on the house trim, garage door, etc. before rendering a decision. If you are painting your home the existing house color it is required that a sample is submitted for verification and to update the Lot file. 9. Signs: All signs shall be installed in the front of the yard only, no signs shall hang or be seen from neighboring property, including on the wall. No signs may be erected or maintained on any Property and/or Lot except: * Signs required by legal proceedings. * Identification signs for individual residences each with a face area of 72 square inches or less. * One (1) For Sale and For Lease signs. * Garage/Yard sale signs provided that it is up for no more than one day prior to sale and removed by dusk the day of the sale. The same provision stands when the sign is placed on common areas. 4

5 E. OWNER S DEPOSIT:To guarantee that these Landscape Guidelines are adhered to, before beginning installation of Backyard Improvement or landscaping on any Lot, each Owner or Builder will pay to the Association a deposit of $150 per Lot (the Owner s Deposit ). $100 made payable to Association; $50 made payable to Premier Community Management, Inc. If it becomes necessary for the Association to remedy any violation of these Landscape Guidelines, the costs of such remedy will be charged against the Owner s Deposit. The Owner s Deposit shall not accrue interest while held by the Association. After the final inspection referred to in Section E of these Landscape Guidelines, $100 of the Owner s Deposit paid for each Lot will be returned to the Owner or Builder making such deposit, less any deductions for violations. F. FINAL INSPECTION/REFUND OF OWNER S DEPOSIT: To obtain a refund of a portion of the Owner s Deposit referred to in Section D, the Owner must give written notice to the Committee within 30 days after completion of the Backyard Improvement or landscaping installation. The Committee will perform a final inspection of the Backyard Improvement or landscaping after receipt of the Owner s notice to confirm it is in conformance with the approved plans. The Committee will refund the applicable portion of the Owner s Deposit within 30 days after the final inspection by the Committee. If it is found that the Backyard Improvement or landscaping was not installed according to the approved plans, the Committee will notify the Owner in writing within 30 days of its receipt of the Owner s notice of completion. If the Committee gives notice of noncompliance, the Owner will be responsible for correcting all noncompliant work within 30 days of the Owner s receipt of the notice of noncompliance. If the Committee does not give a notice of noncompliance, it will be presumed that the Backyard Improvement or landscaping is in compliance with the approved plans. G. ENFORCEMENT: If any Builder or Owner installs any Backyard Improvement or landscaping without first complying with these Landscape Guidelines, the Committee shall have all rights and remedies at law or in equity and as provided in the Declaration and the Project Documents against the Builder or Owner to bring such landscaping into compliance with these Landscape Guidelines. H. MAINTENANCE: All Landscaping and improvements shall be maintained in a neat, operational and attractive condition. The minimum maintenance requirements for landscaping include watering, mowing, edging, pruning, removal and replacement of dead or dying plants or trees, removal of weeds and noxious grasses, and removal of trash. I. NON-UNIFORMITY: Different Lots may have different landscape design criteria. The Committee shall not be required to approve any landscaping design simply because another similar of exact design has previously been approved. The Committee may, at its option and in extenuating circumstances, grant variances from the restrictions set fourth in these Landscape Guidelines. If the Committee determines, in its reasonable judgment, that a restriction would create an unreasonable hardship or burden on an Owner when the modified restriction permitted under a variance would not have a substantial adverse effect on the other Owners or the Project and is consistent with the high quality of life intended within the Project. J. VEHICLES: Landscaping contractors and crews shall not park on other Lots or any open space. All Vehicles shall be parked so as not to inhibit traffic. K. RESTORATION OR REPAIR OF OTHER PROPERTY: Damage to other property resulting from construction of Backyard Improvements or landscaping installation, including but no limited to, open space, other Lots, roads, driveways, or concrete curbs and gutters, will not be permitted. If any damage occurs, it must be repaired and/or restored promptly at the expense of the Owner or Builder that hired the contractor causing such damage. 5

6 L. CITY ORDINANCES: All landscaping and outdoor lighting must comply with all applicable Town of Gilbert planning and zoning ordinances; provided, however, that if the City amends or repeals all or a portion of any ordinance to be less restrictive, the Architectural Committee may enforce the former more restrictive requirements of the City. M. MAINTAINING VIEWS: The Architectural Committee makes no assurances to any Owner that the views from a particular Lot will not change over a period of time as Residences are constructed and added on to and as landscaping grows and matures within the Lots and the Common Areas. Attachments: Exhibit A Approved tree/plant list Exhibit B Approved granite color list Architectural Review Submittal Form 6

XERISCAPE ARCHITECTURAL LANDSCAPING DESIGN GUIDELINES September 2009

XERISCAPE ARCHITECTURAL LANDSCAPING DESIGN GUIDELINES September 2009 The purpose of this document is to structure guidelines for other than standard lawn front yard landscape, including xeriscape. 1. XERISCAPE LANDSCAPING Based on current and near term projections of our