Architectural Guidelines

PIONEER HEIGHTS SECTION ONE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
(PHS1POA)

ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION

The following architectural guidelines have been established by the Association’s Board of Directors for use by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) when considering an application for approval of exterior changes, additions, or improvements to properties within this subdivision. As such, these architectural guidelines, along with the PHS1POA Restrictions and Covenants and Rules and Regulations, will be used by the ARC when reviewing such applications. So long as the application does not violate any of the architectural guidelines provided herein, the ARC has the authority to approve the application, and will provide a copy of their approval to the Board of Directors. If the application contains information that, in the judgment of the ARC, does not conform to these architectural guidelines, the ARC must forward the application to the Board of Directors with their recommendation for action.*

Approval for all modifications to your property and miscellaneous structures placed thereto must be granted by the ARC prior to commencing any work. Therefore, a “Request for Approval” must be submitted in writing to the ARC for such approval for items including, but not limited to fences, in-ground swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, decorative waterfalls and ponds, storage sheds, additions, gazebos, decks, deck covers/shades, or other permanent buildings/structures.

* If there are not enough volunteers to create an ARC, then the Board of Directors will act in the absence of an ARC to review and make decisions.

Application Form for Request to Make Exterior Changes, Additions, or Improvements
The application form is available on the PHS1POA website, or may be requested from the Management Firm. The following information must be provided on the application form:

  • 1. Name of requester, along with contact information (phone numbers and email address).
  • 2. Lot number and address of the location, along with a “Plat” of the lot. (Your lot Plat is on record with the county. If no Plat is available, an accurate drawing with dimensions may be used.)
  • 3. Drawing on the Plat showing what is being built with exact measurements to boundaries and to house shown.
  • 4. Drawings or photos of item(s) included in the request.
  • 5. Project plans when available and/or required for permitting.
  • 6. Signature of property owner(s).
  • 7. Verification by owners of full compliance with all applicable building and zoning codes; the ARC has the right to request copies of all compliance approval documentation.

Once the application has been received by the ARC, a timely reply will be issued. Any approved application will be valid for six-months, and all approved work must be completed within that time or the approval will expire. Should the applicant not receive a reply within 10 days an inquiry may be made to the Management Firm.

ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES

The following architectural guidelines may be amended by the Board of Directors for a specific property at any time.

SECTION 1 – GENERAL GUIDELINES WITH ADDENDUM #1

(Revised September 8, 2015, Effective January 1, 2016)

The ARC shall consider the following factors upon the review of each application for an exterior change, addition or improvement:

  • 1. Size and dimension
  • 2. Color and harmony with existing structures and improvements
  • 3. Quality of construction materials
  • 4. Location
  • 5. Existing structures on both the applicant’s property as well as surrounding properties
  • 6. Consequences on property value and appearance to surrounding properties and the subdivision at large
  • 7. Consequences of a physical change upon a property if applied universally throughout the subdivision
  • 8. Long term benefit, consequence, or harm to the subdivision at large

SECTION 2 – CRITERIA FOR CHANGES, ADDITIONS OR IMPROVEMENTS

FENCES

  • 1. Any lot owner installing a fence is encouraged to have the lot’s boundaries marked by a licensed land surveyor prior to installation.
  • 2. No fence shall exceed 72” in height and shall be constructed of wood, composite material, vinyl, metal or other maintenance free material approved in advance and in writing by the Board of Directors and ARC. Wire chain link or wire fencing of any kind shall not be permitted.
  • 3. Fence must be constructed so as to not protrude farther forward than the rear side corners of the dwelling. The front of the dwelling shall be that which bears the street address or 911 address as recognized by local government regardless of the entry point of the lot or home.
  • 4. Fences shall be kept and maintained in a state of good repair to include paint, stain or other suitable coverings.

IN-GROUND SWIMMING POOLS, HOT TUBS, SAUNAS, and DECORATIVE WATER FALLS AND PONDS

  • 1. In-ground swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, decorative waterfalls and ponds shall be located in the rear yard; exceptions may be made on a case by case basis.
  • 2. Such projects must be properly maintained once approved and constructed. They must not create unpleasant odors or unsightly algae growth.
  • 3. Above-ground pools are not permitted at any time on any lot. An “Above-ground” pool is defined by Frederick County as any structure or pool that has a maximum allowable depth of 24 inches or greater – whether or not the pool has that much water in it or not. Small, portable “kiddie type” pools are permissible provided they meet the above requirements, do not exceed 10’ in diameter, are not visible from the street and are drained on a weekly basis.

STORAGE SHEDS, POOL PAVILIONS and OTHER OUT BUILDINGS

  • 1. Siding and trim materials shall be comparable to existing home (i.e., same color).
  • 2. Roof covering shall also be consistent with that used on the home.
  • 3. Maximum allowable square footage for the building footprint is 200 square feet.
  • 4. Maximum allowable roof peak shall not exceed 14 feet above the lowest point on the exterior of the building.
  • 5. Entrance to the building must be through a single opening and the maximum door(s) width shall not exceed 6 feet.
  • 6. All buildings shall be constructed over a concrete slab foundation, placed on buried concrete pillars, on masonry block or installed on a well maintained gravel pad. Masonry block units shall be an acceptable foundation for sheds provided they are aesthetically pleasing in appearance.

GAZEBOS, DECKS and DECK COVERS/SHADES

  • 1. These structures should be constructed of cedar, pressure treated lumber, or composite materials and should be finished to match the trim of the house and shall be detailed to be compatible with the design of the house.
  • 2. Retractable awnings and canvas coverings may be permitted on a case-by-case basis and held to certain maintenance specifications.

PLAY EQUIPMENT

  • 1. Play equipment, when possible, shall be located directly behind the house. If this is not possible, the equipment must be at least 10 feet off all property lines and screened from view from the street.
  • 2. Equipment shall be made of natural wood, composite, or dark colored metal or plastic.
  • 3. Playground equipment shall be defined as permanently or rigidly installed equipment such as swing sets, play houses, jungle gyms, etc. This shall not apply to portable equipment to include, but not be limited to: basketball goals, trampolines, pitching nets, etc.
  • 4. All athletic and play equipment must be kept in a state of good repair.

FREESTANDING FLAG POLES

  • 1. Flagpoles installed in the ground must be approved by the ARC.
  • 2. Flagpoles mounted to the house are allowed.
  • 3. It is highly recommended that all American flags flown at night be properly lighted.
  • 4. Seasonal flags are allowed during appropriate seasons.
  • 5. All flags must be maintained in good condition at all times.

SIGNAGE

  • 1. Signage required by legal proceedings is permitted.
  • 2. Not more than one professional security sign and/or real estate sign of reasonable size may be permitted. The ARC may define what is considered a reasonable size.
  • 3. Political voting signs are permitted. All political signs must be removed within 15 days after the election event.
  • 4. All other signage must be approved by the ARC.

YARD ART

  • 1. “Yard Art” is any item displayed in a yard that does not have a functional use other than as a display of otherwise non-utilitarian use.
  • 2. The ARC has the right to restrict the use of such Yard Art which in its judgment may cause long term harm to surrounding properties or the subdivision at large.