Introduction |
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The purpose of the following standards are to clarify the intent of various Articles; as listed in the Declaration of Covenants, Restrictions and Easements for Serenade which are recorded at Deed Book 4498, Page 230 Cherokee County, Georgia, recorded 01 April 16. The Serenade HOA Board of Directors has elected to empower the Architectural Review Committee the task of administering these covenants contained herein. As an administrative arm of the Board of Directors, the Architectural Review Committee’s (ARC) role is to preserve, protect and enhance the value of the properties in Serenade by enforcing the Declaration. The ARC is chartered to ensure uniform and equitable compliance with these Design Standards. REQUEST APPROVAL BEFORE BEGINNING ANY IMPROVEMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS! The vast majority of problems occur when a homeowner begins a project without written approval from the ARC It should be noted that the approval process is designed to protect the homeowner by documenting that projects were in compliance at the time |
they were undertaken. By obtaining written approval, the homeowner will minimize any possible scrutiny by subsequent HOA boards due to possible design standard changes over time. The primary goal of the ARC is to protect and maintain the property values in the neighborhood by insuring uniformity of construction, maintenance and general appearance of the neighborhood. Each request for project approval is unique to the Lot to which it pertains. Consequently, each request will be evaluated on the individual and unique elements of the project. Unauthorized actions by a homeowner and/or prior ARC action on requests of similar nature will not serve as a precedent for any subsequent request for project approval. ARC approvals are valid for a 180-day period only. If construction or work for an approved project does not begin within 180 days, a new Application for Modification request form must be resubmitted for approval. An Application for Modification, hereinafter call “Form”, is provided for use in requesting review/approval of an exterior modification. |
Approval is required for all painting.
The ARC has developed a color pallete to assist the homeowner in finding compatible color that complement the paint scheme found within the Serenade development. This pallete can be found in this document under "Addendum A: Serenade Building Exterior Color Palette".
An ARC Modification Request Form must be submitted at least 30 days prior to approval for all painting and must include the following required information:
An ARC Modification Request Form must be submitted for all detached buildings. Detached buildings are considered under the following standards.
An ARC Modification Request Form must be submitted for all structural modifications. Colors or finish must be compatible with the home’s primary and trim colors. Materials used must be consistent with the original home and with the community. The following information is required with the Form.
Exposed elevations using siding materials will be required to use similar materials as to the original structure. Exposed foundation face on the front of the houses will have brick or stone up to the water table. Houses in the Overlook will have brick or stone on all four sides up to the water table. The ARC reserves the right to require approved materials on the front elevation to be carried on the side or rear elevations on selective locations. No exposed raw foundations will be permitted. Under certain conditions, painted or parged exposed concrete foundations will be approved.
Roof shingles must be approved by submitting an ARC Modification Request Form.. Roof pitches for the main body of the roof shall not be altered from the original roof pitch. A list of suggested colors, styles and manufacturers can be found in this document under Addendum B, ARC Recommended Shingle Style and Color. Shingles may be a 3-tab style or architectural. Architectural is recommended.
An ARC Modification RequestForm must be submitted for all new decks and retaining walls and modifications to existing decks and retaining walls. The following information is required:
An ARC Modification Request Form must be submitted for the color of the stain or tinted sealant to be used on new or existing decks and retaining walls.
A form must be submitted for the construction of all decks. The following are general guidelines for decks:
An ARC Modification Request Form must be submitted for the construction of all retaining walls. The following standards have been adopted for retaining walls in the community.
An ARC Modification Request Form must be submitted for all patios, walkways, patio covers, trellises, permanent seating, railing, bridges and other similar items. The following information is required:
An ARC Modification Request Form must be submitted for all changes to existing driveways. The following information is required:
Front doors and entry area decorations must compliment the style and colors of the house. Decorations should be limited on the front and sides of the house in order to be kept in a manner whereas not deemed disorderly, unsightly or unkempt.
A Form is not required for neatly maintained front porch flowerpots that coordinate with exterior home colors and contain living healthy plants. Empty planters and flowerpots or planters and flowerpots with sick or dead plants are not permitted. The only exception is large planters that are too heavy to move during the winter season.
A Form is not required for statues or yard art that meet the following criteria:
They are not deemed disorderly, unsightly or unkempt.
An ARC Modification Request Form must be submitted for all statuaries and yard art that do not meet the above criteria. The Form must include the item’s placement, dimensions, and materials. Materials used must match or be harmonious with existing materials of the home and landscaping. Statuaries or yard art placed in the backyard should not be visible from the street without approval.
All objects must be maintained in the condition as originally installed.
Furniture is allowed on the front porch as long as it is kept in a manner whereas not deemed disorderly, unsightly or unkempt. Furniture or other large objects should not be placed in the front yard.
No freestanding flagpoles are permitted.
A Form is not required for a single flagpole staff attached to the front portion of a house and not exceeding five (5) feet in length. Flags must be in good condition free from rips, tears, or significant fading.
An ARC Modification Request Form must be submitted for all permanent exterior lights or lighting fixtures not included as a part of the original structures, except as provided below. A Form is not required for the addition of permanent lights that were not part of the original structure that meet the following criteria:
A Form is not required for seasonal decorative lighting displayed from November 1st to January 15th.
Only (one) approved Water Feature per lawn is allowed.
Existing Water Features (Approved and Grandfather Water Fountains Standard Measurements are height 56 inches by width 39 inches.) This is the existing standard of measure.
An ARC Modification Request Form must be submitted to the ARC and the HOA Board prior to installation of a Water Feature. The form should include a picture and description of the feature, location plan, design and a sample of the material to be used in the construction of the feature. Height and width will be based on current water features in the neighborhood. Examples of water features include but are not limited to waterfalls, fountains, birdbaths or koi ponds. All features will be approved on a case by case basis.
All features must be maintained in the condition as originally installed.
An ARC Modification Request Form must be submitted for all landscaping projects when the activity will result in major changes to existing landscaping or when grading or contour modifications are required. Landscaping should relate to the existing terrain and natural features of the Lot.
Forms for major changes must include a description of the types and sizes of trees and shrubs to be planted and a site plan showing the relationship of plantings to the house and adjacent dwellings. Additionally, Forms must specify an estimated date.
A Form is not required for planting ornamental trees and shrubbery that do not otherwise conflict with other Design Standards and presents a well kept and orderly appearance. Ornamental means non-row/non-clustered plantings not intended or designed for screening purposes. Ornamental trees and shrubs are generally planted for shade and/or seasonal color.
An ARC Modification Request Form must be submitted for screen plantings in front and side yards or along a backyard where it meets another home’s side yard. Screen plantings are shrubs or trees planted in a row(s) or cluster(s) designed to create a privacy screen between properties or from the street. Forms must include a description of sizes and types of trees or shrubs to be planted and a site plan showing the relationship of plantings to the house and adjacent dwellings. No approval is needed for screen plantings in the back yard as long as the other standards above are met.
An ARC Modification Request Form must be submitted for the removal of living trees in the front yard that exceed 20 feet in height. Approval is not required in the event of an immediate hazard (i.e., storm damage) or to remove diseased or dead trees. Homeowners must still notify the ARC in the event any trees or shrubs are removed because they are diseased or dead. Trees located in the (parkway) the area between the sidewalk and the street, may not be removed unless they are diseased or dead. These trees must be replaced by the same variety as the original Pin Oak Tree.
When removing trees in front, parkway, side or back yards, consideration should be given to the impact on adjacent properties (i.e., loss of shade or privacy). Parkway Tree Care is the responsibility of the homeowner. This includes: weeding, mulching, and pruning of branches obstructing sidewalks and street passage.
If trees are removed, visible stumps must be removed or mulched below ground level and the area left barren by the removal of the tree must be landscaped. Note: Review the Arbor Law before removing any trees from your property.
All Lots at street intersections shall be landscaped to permit safe sight across the street corners. No fence, wall, hedge, or shrub planting shall be placed or permitted to remain at the corner or edge of a Lot where this would create a traffic or sight problem.
Please note that the use of all irrigation systems must comply with all applicable water bans, ordinances and restrictions.
A Form is not required for permanent underground irrigation systems, but it is the Homeowner’s responsibility to make sure the system does not encroach upon any neighboring Lot.
Visible temporary sprinklers must not be left in the same position for more than 48 hours. Visible hoses for watering must not be unwound or laying on the Lot for more than 48 hours each week.
A Form is not required for garden plots if all the following Standards are met:
The garden must be maintained during the growing season, including weeding and removal of spoiled vegetables and dead plantings.
All garden plots must be cleared at the completion of the growing season.
The following Standards apply to the storage of firewood:
Outdoor storage of garden tools, hoses, etc. must be screened from view of adjacent properties and streets. They must be kept in the rear yard or screened so as to conceal from view of the street. Any tools or items stored under a back deck or on a porch must also be screened from view.
Each homeowner is responsible to prevent the development of any unclean, unhealthy, unsightly, or unkempt conditions upon any portion of their property. Debris of any type shall be regularly removed and not allowed to accumulate.
The general appearance of each Lot and the residence thereon, including landscaping, must conform to the level of upkeep that is accepted as community standard. This standard includes, but is not limited to:
The following Standards apply:
Portable play equipment may be left in the front or side yards for a period not to exceed 48 hours or on a regular basis.
Skateboard ramps, soccer goals, hockey goals, basketball goals and/or other similar play equipment, may not be permanently affixed to the ground and must be stored where not visible from the street or adjacent properties when not in use.
An ARC Modification Request Form must be submitted for all houses and tree houses. The Form must include play house/tree house placement, dimensions, materials, a drawing or picture and samples of any stain or paint to be used. The following Standards apply:
Playhouses and tree houses must be located in the back yard.
NOTE: Playhouses, tree houses, and play equipment must be maintained.
A Form is not required for children’s portable wading pools (those that can be emptied at night) as long as they do not exceed 18 inches in depth and the surface area does not exceed 36 square feet. Portable wading pools must be stored in the rear of the overnight when not in use. The water must be emptied out each night.
Above ground pools are prohibited.
An ARC Modification Request Form must be submitted for all in-ground pools. Prior written approval of plans and specifications and, to the extent required by local laws and ordinances, inspections are required for all swimming pool, hot tub and spa installations. The Homeowner must certify to the ARC that he or she obtained all required permits from the county or city before final approval will be given. In addition to this certification, the following information is required:
Private tennis courts are prohibited.
An ARC Modification Request Form must be submitted to the ARC for approval of any fencing. A request for fencing must include the following information:
The following minimum Standards have been adopted for fences in the community:
A drawing of the accepted fence types is available upon request.
All fences shall be sealed with clear sealant, natural wood, or approved color stain. An ARC Modification Request Form must be submitted to the ARC for approval of all staining, or sealing of fences (except clear sealant), including restaining and resealing.
It is preferred that fences are enclosed. Screening privacy fences should be completed on both sides or landscaped.
On corner Lots, the Form will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis due to Lot configurations and house placement. Fence approval for corner Lots will require more landscaping and set back distance of six (6) feet or more from the adjacent sidewalk to avoid a “stockade” appearance. Other items to be considered for fences on corner Lots include: Lot size, house placement, safety issues, view from street, air conditioning units, and window placement.
Other items to be considered for all fences include:
This Standard applies to installation, attachment and maintenance of direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) dishes or antennas, multi-channel multi-point distribution services (“MMDS”) dishes or antennas and similar equipment that comes to the market in the future (herein collectively called “Satellite Dishes”) less than one meter in diameter. For purposes of this section, Satellite Dishes include the supporting mast, cabling and all other components or accessories thereof.
Satellite dishes may be installed at the subdivision for reception, but not transmission, in accordance with these Standards. No other antennas or similar devices may be installed at the subdivision without approval of the ARC.
Whenever possible, the Satellite Dish should be in a location that is not visible from the street.
Satellite Dishes shall be no larger than one meter in diameter. Satellite Dishes or antennas mounted on masts are prohibited except where necessary for reception of an acceptable quality signal.
Whenever an acceptable signal is possible, the following are the ARC’s first choices for placement of Satellite Dishes:
If it is determined that the Satellite Dish cannot receive an acceptable quality signal in any of the pre-approved locations designated above, then the Homeowner must describe the reason an alternative placement of the Satellite Dish was required in writing to the ARC.
Satellite Dishes are not allowed to be attached to the front of the house or located in the front yard. Satellite Dishes should be screened from view from the street.
The Homeowner or occupant shall be responsible for the maintenance and repair of the Satellite Dish including, but not limited to:
No external television or radio antennas, whether for reception or broadcasting, may be visible on any Lot. If a homeowner desires a television or radio antenna, it must be located within the structure (such as in the attic or crawl space).
A Form is not required for “For Sale” signs, whether erected by the Owner, Occupant, or Sales Agent acting on behalf of the Property Owner. Any real estate sign must follow the General guideline above and the requirements set forth below:
These standards do not prevent an owner from leasing or renting his/her property. Any such arrangement shall be in writing and any tenant shall abide by and be subject to all provisions of the restrictive Covenants; any lease or rental agreement must specify that failure to abide by such provisions shall be a default under the lease or rental agreement. A copy of the rental lease for the house must be provided to the management company. Occupancy in the rented house shall be limited to one family or no more than two unrelated adults.
Written permission must be obtained for the HOA Board prior to any owner leasing or renting his or her property. See covenants for specific criteria that must be demonstrated in order to lease or rent.
All mailboxes must be maintained as originally designed for the community. In the event that a mailbox must be replaced, the Homeowner must replace the mailbox with one that is the same design and color as the original mailbox. Mailboxes will only be changed when a neighborhood-wide change is required for the entire community (due to age, etc). Mailbox and posts must be maintained. This includes cleaning of mold and mildew, painting of weathered posts, replace broken or damaged boxes and numbers, removal of plant, weed and flower growth the obstructs the house number. House numbers must be clearly visible for the identification by emergency personnel.
Clotheslines are prohibited.
All garbage cans must be kept in the garage or in the rear or side of the house and screened with shrubs or other approved screens. Garbage cans may not be located on the front area of the Lot.
Window air conditioners are prohibited.
Grills and propane tanks must be stored within the backyard but may be moved to the side yard or driveway for temporary use (i.e., for use with a party). In no event may grills or propane tanks be permitted on the side yard or driveway for more than twenty-four (24) hours.
Window treatments visible from the street may not be non-standard. Non-standard window treatments include, but are not limited to, blankets, sheets, paper, flags and aluminum foil.
For the safety of the community, residents should not park on the street. Parking should be in compliance with the City of Woodstock parking ordinances. During special occasions, parties, and holidays exceptions are allowed. First and foremost all neighbors should adhere to Good Neighbor Policy and courtesy of others.
Blocking of a neighbors driveway is prohibited.
Changes to homes approved and installed prior to the implementation of this Design Standards document that do not conform to these Design Standards are grandfathered until replacement is needed. When replacement is needed, the new change must conform to current standards. Proof of approval will be required if requested by the ARC or Board of Directors.
Commercial Vans, Cars or Trucks (Standard Size and Light Utility Trucks) are permitted with written permission from the HOA Board. Resident must submit a form in writing and provide proof that the said vehicle is used for work purpose and needs the vehicle for gainful employment. Permits to park said vehicles at the residence will be decided on a case by case basis. Such vehicles cannot obstruct the view to safe street access.
Recreation Vehicles: An ARC Modification Request Form must be submitted to the HOA Board for approval for permission to have Recreation Vehicles parked at a residence for SHORT periods of time.
The following RULES apply:
The following RULES apply for visiting RV’s and Motor Homes:
Mobile Homes are prohibited.