Introduction to Architectural Modification Guidelines
The primary purpose of architectural review is to provide for harmonious development that is aesthetically pleasing, and to preserve property values. It is not intended to restrict individual rights but rather to provide for a consistent and uniform framework within which individuals can improve their surroundings, not only for their own enjoyment but also for the enjoyment of all. It is hoped that with the cooperation of all homeowners, the ARC can work for you to provide an environment of which we can all be proud.
Following are general guidelines which have been adopted and which must be observed:
- Permission must be obtained by the homeowner prior to making any exterior change, alteration, or addition.
- If permission is granted for any change, alteration, or addition, it is understood that the maintenance and upkeep of such item(s) will be the sole responsibility of the owner. Should any owner fail properly to maintain any approved change, alteration, or addition, the association reserves the right to rescind any permission and require the owner to return the property back to its original condition.
- Requests for change, alteration, or addition must be submitted on the form prescribed by the Board. Forms may be obtained from the managing agent. Copies of owner’s request forms and the association’s decision are made a permanent part of the association’s records.
- Conditions existing in violation of these guidelines must be corrected by the homeowner within fourteen days after notification by the Board of the violation.
Architectural modification approval is required for the following exterior improvements. It is necessary for the association to have on file a listing of any improvements that have been requested by a homeowner and approved by the Board of Directors. This listing includes routine requests and is offered as a guideline to assist you. Please remember that any exterior modification requires ARC approval.
- House Numbers: The numbers must be in block, and should be brass or black.
- TV antennas: Not allowed.
- Satellite dishes: ARC approval is not required, however, satellite dishes must be put in the back of the house or on the back portion of the roof, unless the homeowner can show that adequate reception is not obtainable. If adequate reception is not obtainable, then we request that this be put in writing from the dish company on company letterhead and provided to the management company. The size of the satellite dish must be one (1) meter or less. SATELLITE DISHES ARE NOT PERMITTED ON COMMON AREA PER FCC REGULATIONS.
- Cable: Must be buried underground or mounted/attached to the back of the unit. All cable must be concealed on the front and sides of the unit.
- Air conditioning units and fans: Window air conditioning units and window fans are not allowed.
- Exterior light fixtures: A combination of black and brass. They must be attached where the original light fixture was located. Floodlights are allowed in the back yards only. Exterior lights cannot be so bright as to be a nuisance to traffic or neighbors. Items will be reviewed for compatibility in keeping with the original colonial design of the community
- Storm doors: Wooden doors must be painted and the aluminum doors must have a baked-on finish. The color of the door must be white or match the front door of the home. The storm doors may be one of the following types (See Attachment):
- Full plain glass/screen door
- Glass pane wood door
- Full glass storm door with bar across the middle. (New addition as of 4/10/08 meeting).
- Front doors: Replacement doors must be solid core, metal, six-panel doors without glass. The door must have standard brass knobs and be primed/painted according to Association specifications.
- Rear/Patio doors: Unless otherwise approved by the ARC committee, replacement doors must be white vinyl finish. It can be a sliding or French style with plain glass or panes with the same grid pattern as the door being replaced.
- Door kick plates: Must be brass.
- Indoor/outdoor carpet: Is not permitted.
- Decks/patios: If decks or patios are raised, posts must be set in concrete and a permit will be required by Henrico County. All construction must adhere to the Henrico County Code.Specifications and drawings must accompany the ARC application. If the deck covers the patio, the homeowner should be aware that it might change the drainage pattern, which may cause moisture retention and damage the concrete.
- Landscaping changes: Modifications to landscaping includes the following:
- Any addition, removal, or replacement of shrubs, trees, or mulch.
- Changes to borders in front, side, or back yards.
- Any alteration to the terrain that affects the drainage pattern in the homeowner’s yard or a neighbor’s yard.Trees, shrubs, and flower borders should be mulched with enough room for easy grass cutting. Recommended: If adding a tree it must be mulched 18” diameter around the tree. The ARC application must specify the type of shrub/tree and its expected size when mature (height and width). Roses, azaleas, and other high maintenance shrubs must be pruned and sprayed as needed by the homeowner. Vegetables may be grown in the back yard only.
- Border edging: All border edging must be approved. The border edging must be either bricks or landscaping timbers. A drawing must accompany the ARC form.
- Ground decor: Ground decor is allowed in limited quantities, must be small in size, and shall be allowed at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors. Holiday decorations should not be put on the exterior of houses any earlier than one month (30 days) before the official holiday. They should be removed within fifteen (15) days after the end of the official holiday. Caution should be used in attaching items to exterior surfaces of house, trees or shrubs. Any damage or deterioration as a result of decorations will be the responsibility of the homeowner.
- Exterior house decor: The only exterior house decor permitted are:
- Door wreaths
- Flower pots on stoops (in reasonable number with live plants only)
- Hanging baskets: They must be hung securely and in a manner that will not endanger or harm by passers or groundsmen or cause danger to the building structures. The baskets must be maintained at all times. Baskets must not contain artificial flowers-only live flowers can be used. The hanging baskets must be removed during the painting/repair cycle.
- Other items at the sole discretion of the Board.
- Firewood: It must be stored in wood or metal holders, which elevate the wood off the ground. It is recommended that holders be a minimum distance of 10 feet from the dwelling and as far from the shed as practical due to potential termite infestation.
- Awnings and trellises: Awnings/trellises are permitted only on the backs of units. They must cover only the patio and have an aluminum frame with a canvas cover. The color of the cover should coordinate with the unit and can either be solid or striped or have either a straight or scalloped edge. If they interfere with regular maintenance, such as power washing, the owner is responsible for the removal and replacement of the awnings or trellises. Sun blocker portable shades are permitted over the patio (in back yards only) in approved colors.
- Florida rooms and enclosed patios: are prohibited, unless built by the homebuilder during home construction.
- Fences: The fence specifications are as follows:
- Height: 6′ high privacy fence comprised of 1” x 6”boards with a dog-ear top. The rear section of the fence may be 4′ high across the back.
- Posts: must be set in concrete.
- Lumber: salt treated or pressure treated. It must be natural (no staining or painting). The trash holder must be of the same materials as the fence.
- Gate: 36″ wide and the same material as the fence. If the fence is built to end of the lot which drops off across the back. Z gates are required to allow access through the yard for grounds maintenance and trash pick up.
- Location: All construction must be within the owner’s property line. The fence cannot be built if it creates a barrier to accessing a neighbors’ yard.
- Signs: Signs are not permitted in any windows at any time. Exceptions will be made for special occasions such as birthdays, graduations, etc. but for that one day only.Real Estate Signs –
- All real estate “For Sale” signs must be the standard 18 x 24”. One real estate sign is allowed per home. No wooden supports or frames will be allowed. No sign supporting structure can be greater than 30” in height. No portion of the sign or support that inserts into the ground may be greater than 1 square inch.
- The real estate “For Sale” sign must be off the lawn area and against the shrubbery or, if there is no shrubbery, against the front of the house in the mulch bed. No real estate “For Sale” sign maybe affixed to the home.
- “Contract Pending” or “Sold” signs may be used as long as they do not violate size and other standards established by the Association.
- No lead in signs are permitted at any entrance area except for the sole purpose of promoting an “Open House”. The “Open House” sign(s) are only allowed on the day of the open house. Signs must be removed immediately upon the completion of any open house showing.
- “For Rent” signs are permitted with the same restrictions as item (a).
Political Signs –
- Only one sign is permitted per candidate, but may be used with multiple names.
- The sign should not be larger than a standard “house for sale” sign.
- The sign may be displayed no more than 30 days prior to the date of the election. The sign must be removed within 5 days following the election.
- Signs shall not be posted in common areas or rights of way without written permission from the Board of Directors.
- Election signage (1) may be displayed in the front yard only, off the lawn area and against the shrubbery or, if there is no shrubbery, against the front of the house in the mulch bed. No
political sign may be affixed to the home.
- PODS: (new policy adopted on August 4, 2006)
- Portable, temporary storage units (such as PODS, Smart Box, etc.) or any similar unit, are permitted in the homeowner’s reserved/understood parking space for no more than seven (7) days, with prior written notice to the Board of Directors providing the dates of said time (specified period). Any storage unit in the parking space after seven (7) days, will be removed immediately at the direction of the Board.
- Homeowner is responsible for the cost and repair of any damage caused by the placement, storage and/or removal of such a unit to any common property and areas, which includes parking lots and/or homeowner property, including individual driveways and landscaping.
Please note that the architectural guidelines are subject to change or modification at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Homeowners will be notified of any such changes at that time.
To: Residents of the Townes at Hunton Park
From: Hunton Park Board of Directors
Date: August 4, 2011The Board of Directors recently reviewed the current Architectural Guidelines for the Townes at Hunton Park. Below is the guideline that has been updated this year. For a complete list of ARC guidelines, you may go to www.communitygroup.com and select the “Community Websites” tab to be directed to the Hunton Park website. If you do not have computer access, you may contact Community Group for a full set of the Guidelines.
Once again, please be reminded that ALL exterior modifications including, but not limited to, storm doors, decks, patios, landscaping, etc. are subject to approval by the Board of Directors.
If you have any questions about these revisions or any ARC Guidelines, please do not hesitate to contact Community Group.
Section 13: Decks/Patios of the ARC Guidelines have been revised to add the following language regarding staining of decks and patios:
***Amendment (4/20/11): Staining of decks and patios must be submitted for review and approval prior to staining. The color of the stain will be reviewed on a case by case basis regardless of any previous architectural approval for a deck and/or patio has been received. No painting of decks or patios will be permitted.