Nacoochee Hills Property Owners Association, Inc. PO Box 356 Sautee-Nacoochee, GA 30571

Transcription

1 Nacoochee Hills Property Owners Association, Inc. PO Box 356 Sautee-Nacoochee, GA Architectural and Landscape Control Committee Procedures 2017 Version 1 of 11

2 To Nacoochee Hills Building Site Owners: Enclosed is the following information pertaining to Nacoochee Hills architectural control procedure: 1. A pamphlet giving Architectural and Landscape Control Committee s basic philosophies and criteria along with required submittal items. 2. A sample of our Architectural Approval form. 3. All property is subject to White County Government Ordinances and Codes. We hope this information will serve to clarify the requirements and to guide you and your architect in pursuing your design. The Architectural and Landscape Control Committee 2

3 THE ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPE CONTROL COMMITTEE The Architectural and Landscape Committee derives its legal existence and authority by virtue of Article IV of the Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions for Nacoochee Hills. The Committee consists of three members; all members are appointed by NHPOA. Two members are required for a quorum to act on any approval. Building site owners and their architects are encouraged to discuss proposed projects with members of the Committee prior to the actual design process. It should be pointed out, however, that a positive affirmative reaction from a member of the Committee during the course of such preliminary discussion does not constitute architectural approval. Such approval is granted by the Committee as a whole only after proper submittal has been made. A simple majority vote of the members present will be required to approve plans submitted. Individual members of the Committee may from time to time give unilateral approval on details, minor changes, etc. In such cases, approval will be specifically given. 3 of 11

4 ARCHITECTURAL APPROVALS The only justification for the development of an area like Nacoochee Hills is that it provides the opportunity for owners to enjoy beautiful natural surroundings. Beyond this, there can be no improvement on nature; we can only compromise the environment. It is with a full appreciation of our responsibility to all the owners that the Architectural and Landscape Committee intends to administer controls uncompromisingly. Every home must contribute positively to the overall manmade environment. It is not the intent of the Architectural and Landscape Control Committee to inhibit excellence of design, nor to limit the owner to any preconceived type of house or to preclude the very imagination we would like to promote, but to protect the owners who have purchased building sites at Nacoochee Hills because of its natural beauty, from construction which might tend to destroy the natural surroundings. Architecture is an art, a science, and a profession; it is a wedding of function, the planning and relationship of spaces which meet human needs; structure, the methods of enclosing the space; and beauty, that quality of art without which no building can qualify as architecture. To meet these demands and set them into a given site on a fixed budget is a formidable task, one which requires the services of a talented architect. Fitting the house unobtrusively into the natural environment and disturbing nature as little as possible are the primary basis for the specific design criteria that the Committee will apply, such as to site grading, landscaping, colors, materials, and siting of the structures. 4

5 HOW TO OBTAIN ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPE APPROVAL 1. Read this paper through, and have your architect do the same. 2. Read the Covenants and Restrictions carefully. 3. Your architect should discuss your objectives, standards, and ideas with a member of the Architectural and Landscape Committee before doing virtually any drawing. It is strongly recommended the the architect visit and investigate the site prior to initial design work. ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPE APPROVAL The following are the required documents to be submitted for review. Omission of any item on this list will result in a substantial delay in review. Two sets of all submittals are required. If schematic non-dimensional sketches of the dwelling are presented in the form of a preliminary submittal for the purposes of conveying the concept, it may avoid a large investment in final working drawings that are leading in the wrong direction, and will allow the Committee to make basic comments before the plan has become rigid. Such preliminary submission also helps insure that the intent of the Committee has been understood by the architect. Both preliminary and final submissions shall comprise of the following: 1. Site Plan (existing and future elevation contours, roof plan, walks, driveways, fences, trees, swimming pool, setbacks, easements, property lines and trees) 2. Floor Plan (trash locations, utility meters, exterior lighting, HVAC units, underground propane tanks, and fencing) 3. Exterior Elevations 4 sides 4. Landscape Planting Plans 5. Color Samples (exterior and roof colors, roof type) Each drawing should have its scale clearly stated. Each drawing should also state building site number. Also stated should be the owner s name, current address and telephone number; the architect s name, address and telephone numbers. Indicate to which address architectural approval should be sent. The Committee will review the plans within 30 days of receipt and one approved set of plans marked with recommended changes will be returned to the owner. All changes in plans during construction regarding exterior elements or material shall be approved by the Architectural and Landscape Control Committee. 5 of 11

6 The following list will serve to clarify the requirements of the Architectural and Landscape Committee and to guide the home builder and his architect in pursuing their design, with regard to the criteria by which plans are judged: 1. Plot Plan a. Grading : Both existing and future contours shall be shown on Plot Plan of all lots. Grading not related to the building, access or drainage will be discouraged. The home should be designed to fit its site rather than adjusting the site to fit the home. All grading shall be accomplished in such a manner as to give the appearance of the natural contours. b. Driveways : The Committee cautions both building site owners and architects relative to careful consideration of driveways. If a side entrance garage is used, adequate room should be allowed for turning. Garages shall not have entrances facing the road. Culvert pipes are to be used for proper drainage at driveway junction with road and right of way easement. c. Trees : Indicate on plot Plan all trees over 20 in diameter and all trees to be removed. Unwarranted tree removal will not be allowed. No trees over 8 or more in diameter at ground level may be removed without approval of the Committee. d. Fences : Indicate on the Plot Plan all fences to be built and their heights. Any fence which is not programmed with the house shall be submitted in the future as a separate item which shows the layout and design of the fence. Fences should be designed as an integral part of the house and enclose a minimum area. Pools shall be enclosed by a 4 fence or screen enclosure. The color of the fences should be kept subdued and integrated with the house colors. Such fences should be left natural or stained in earthtones. No chain link fences are allowed. e. Paved Area : The Plot Plan shall show driveways, walkways, swimming pools, patios, and porches and other architectural elements. Driveway materials must be approved by the ARC. 2. Floor Plan a. Living Area : Note on the Floor Plan the square footage of interior living space. There shall be no dwelling constructed with less than 1,800 square feet of living space. b. Equipment : The basic interest of the Architectural and Landscape Control Committee in regard to the Floor Plan is its effect on the exterior of the house and thus, upon the neighborhood. Equipment such as water heaters, storage areas, garbage areas, and meter locations, propane tanks, HVAC units etc., must be shown on the Floor Plan and must be screened from view. Propane tanks must be buried. 6

7 c. Trash Containers : All trash container areas and yards will be screened visually and in a manner which will dampen associated noise. This should be done either with dense vegetation such as hedges or with wood fences or landscaped masonry walls. Location of trash containers or trash container enclosure to be shown on plans. d. Meters : Utility meters shall be boxed, enclosed, screened of placed as inconspicuous a location as possible, location of meters to be shown on plans. None shall be placed on the front of any structure. e. Exterior Lighting : All exterior lighting must be shown on plans. No flashing or brilliant lights shall be located as to infringe on a sight pattern from an adjacent property. No telephone pole security lighting is allowed. Lighting cannot exceed height of home. Lighting should be shielded to eliminate scattered light. Lighting should point down. White County ordinance Section Exterior Elevations a. General : All elevations must be shown. Height above the average grade must be shown. All exterior materials must be noted. Exterior materials should be kept to a maximum of three. Good design usually requires that few materials be used as well. Any duplication of elevations of existing houses in Nacoochee Hills is discouraged, regardless of location. If a floor plan is to be duplicated, there must be substantial change shown in elevation including textures, materials, colors, roof line and particularly, window and door arrangements. The Committee will not accept modifications of existing plans. b. Decorations : Fake facades and imitations will be discouraged Gingerbread ornament on houses is discouraged inasmuch as it tends to date the house as well as make it appear inexpensive unless handled with unusual finesse. Design and character should be compatible with the surroundings and harmonious with the intent of the neighborhood. Decorations on the garage door will not be approved. The garage door shall be kept subdued. Emphasis should be placed on the house, and entrance, not the door of the garage. c. Split Levels or Two-story Homes : Both these styles, because of their height, take on more importance in the neighborhood and, thus, it becomes even more essential that they be designed well. Because of the inherent complexities of these styles, it is strongly suggested that a talented architect be retained. d. T.V. Antennas/Dish : TV antennas are not allowed. TV satellite dishes shall be placed in rear of home. 7 of 11

8 e. Rooflines : Roofs shall be approved materials. It is desirable that house roofs blend with their surroundings. Roof design is considered important and is expected to be well done. Garage and out-building roofs must have continuity of design with the house roof. 4. Colors All color chips must be submitted for the exact colors intended to be used on the house. For any future repainting, if not the same color, color chips must again be submitted to this office for approval prior to repainting. This is required in order to maintain continuity in the community. Colors are acceptable to the Committee if they are earth tone hues of any desired color. Overly bright colors, unless used extremely carefully, tend to cheapen a house and make it stand out rather than becoming part of the environment. If permission to begin construction is given prior to approval of exterior colors, do not fail to submit said colors for approval prior to painting. 5. Detached Buildings All detached building such as workrooms, garages, shall have the same architectural and color treatment as the main house. Design plans and location must be submitted for Architectural and Landscape Committee approval on all additions. Location must be on rear of home. Actual barns are accepted. 6. Signs The Architectural and Landscape Control Committee has full jurisdiction over all signs located on this property. Realtors may use standard size signs to advertise property for sale. Contractors and builders may advertise their work in such a manner as not to detract from the beauty of the neighborhood. Only one sign per lot is permitted. The signs shall be located ten feet from the front property line and shall stand no more than four feet high. Sign in windows are prohibited. All signs must conform to the standard regulation or they will be removed without notice. No permanent signs other than community directional signs are allowed. 7. Landscaping This section of the criteria deals with the elements of landscaping and exterior elements related to the residential community. Residential landscaping should enhance the privacy of the dwelling units. However, it is the intent of the community to maintain the greenbelt and common property areas without strict definition of property lines, and it is hoped that the resident owners will adhere to these requests. It is also hoped that the natural ground cover of the land can weave throughout the residential development without its impedance by lots totally planted in grass without recognition of the natural elements of the land. 8

9 Landscape plans shall be at the scale of 1/8 = 1 0 and will indicate existing and new plant materials (sod, mulch areas, walk paths, and driveway materials). No tree 8 at ground level or greater in size will be removed without approval of the Committee. Waterfront building site owners shall give consideration to the maintenance of their respective water front areas in accordance with the River Protection Corridor. White County code Article 2 Section Prefabricated Homes The Committee is willing to review plans based on various prefabricated or precut systems which are on the market, provided plans are submitted with the same documentation as set forth in this paper. This does not include mobile homes, campers, etc. which are strictly prohibited. There is, however, absolutely no carte blanche approval granted to any make or model of any prefabricated or precut home whatsoever. 9. Design and Construction Problems are less likely to occur if an architect from this area is retained or used in association with an architect from any other part of the country, due to the peculiarities of the climatic conditions. The Architectural and Landscape Control Committee will attempt to advise the owner of any design problems in their submission owing to these unusual conditions, but assumes no responsibility for failure to do so. 10. Beginning Construction Do NOT begin construction prior to final approval, unless specific permission to do so is granted by the Committee. 11. Changes after Construction Has Begun Any changes to dwelling or site not shown on approval plans after construction has begun, or approval has been granted, must be submitted to the Committee for approval. Property owners should insure themselves of obtaining good planning by employing a competent and talented architect to prepare their house plans. Under proper guidance, one can have better designs and more economical solutions. The area you have chosen in which to live has many unique aspects, above all a pleasing natural surrounding upon which an architect can capitalize. Your deed restrictions and the Architectural and Landscape Control Committee help to insure that this area will retain its original qualities and high standards. It 9 of 11

10 is strongly suggested that the individual property owner read his deed restrictions carefully in order to eliminate any possible misunderstandings. Attached is an established Construction Impact Fee schedule that describes the construction fees that must be paid prior to start of any construction projects. 12. Height Limits No residence structure and no other structures or above ground improvement on a lot shall rise more than two stories or forty (40) feet, measured in either case, from the highest grade level adjoining the structure. 13. The following are specific design requirements relating to the above items: a. Materials (1) Exterior Walls Vertical or horizontal wood siding- stained in natural earth tones or bleached, stone brick, stucco in natural earth tones. The same materials should be used on all elevations. No false or imitation rock, stone or brick siding will be allowed. (2) Roofs Wood shakes, natural earth colored asphalt shingles, etc.; slate. Asphalt shingles to be 290 lbs/sq/ or over. (3) Paths and Walkways Gravel, bark, asphalt, pine needles, mulch, wood, exposed aggregate concrete, brick, are acceptable walkway, and deck and path materials. (4) Driveways Gravel, asphalt, exposed aggregate concrete, concrete and brick are acceptable driveway materials. b. No air conditioning units or mechanical components will be located on the front of the house or in the front yard. c. Building site owners will be encouraged to use landscaping to shield fencing from public view. No chain link fences will be allowed. Where fence designs provide for fence posts being only on one side of the fence, the post will be on the inside of the fence. d. Landscaping to the edge of the surfaced portion of the road is the responsibility of the building site owner and should be included in his landscape plans and have ARC approval. e. Openings of garages or carports should not be visible from the street. Carports may be allowed with sufficient screening or sides. No open carport or garage is to face into neighboring yard without screening of some kind. 10

11 f. All trim colors will be submitted for approval. Aluminum colored windows, doors, and screening will not be accepted. g. All utilities including all wiring will be installed underground at the owner s expense, on his building site. h. Dust abatement and erosion control measures shall be provided by the owner in all stages of his house construction. TO PROPERTY OWNERS WHO HAVE COMPLETED THEIR HOMES With completion of their residence and the passage of time, most Homeowners are desirous of future improvement of their property through the addition of landscaping, fencing, or construction of various out-building such as storage areas, etc. The Committee would like to remind all Homeowners that all such improvements must be submitted to the Committee for review and approval prior to execution of construction; no fee is required. 11 of 11