Architectural Guidelines
Disclaimer
The following guidelines are excerpted and/or paraphrased from association covenants and directions from association personnel. Please refer to original documents or consult with your ARC if there is a question.
Types of Work
(click to open and close guideline instructions)
Antenna / Satellite Dish
Any device used for the reception of video programming services, including direct broadcast satellite (DBS) television receivers which meet FCC video programming requirements may be installed without the prior written approval of the ARB providing the following provisions are met:
(a) The homeowner notifies the ARB in writing within two weeks after the installation that a device has been installed giving the exact location of the antenna.
(b) Installations meet FCC requirements and all applicable State, County and City requirements.
(c) The DBS antenna is one meter or less in diameter (39 inches). Only one (1) dish is approved for in5tallation without formal approval of the ARB. If an Owner desires to install multiple dishes on such Owner's Lot, the homeowner must submit an application so that the ARB can make a determination whether additional dishes are necessary to provide adequate reception.
(d). Antennas, masts and any visible wiring must be painted to match the surface on which they are mounted provided that painting will not interfere with reception - in which case the homeowner must provide supporting documentation.
While approval is not required for these exempted antennas, the ARB may impose screening, painting and location requirements to minimize visual impact to neighbors. Whenever possible, the antenna should not be mounted on the front of the house, on the roof surface which can be seen from the front of the house, or above the tip of the roof and preferably in the rear yard and screened from view from the street, provided that this does not result in the degradation of signal reception.
Basketball Hoop
Basketball Hoops/Sets. The basketball hoop must be standing upright. The front of the goal should be overlooking the driveway. The support of the basket should be in the narrow side of the front yard closest to the sidewalk.
Dock
Please provide detailed information about the size, type, and location of the proposed dock. Attach photos or illustrations to allow the committee to fully understand this project
Dog House/Pen/Run
Must be in a fenced yard and require ARB approval if visible from the street. Placement cannot cause disturbance to neighbors.
Exterior Painting
Please select from the pre-approved color schemes available.
ARB approval is required for painting the exterior of a dwelling unit or replacement of the siding if it differs from the original siding color, style, or material (e.g. cinder block vs. brick). ARB approval will based on, but not limited to, the color and sheen of the paint, the architectural style, existing roofing and wall colors and the color of neighboring properties.
This requirement may be waived for any areas or surfaces where the color, texture, appearance, and sheen of the paint to be applied are identical to the original colors and finish or if the color or finish was previously officially approved by the ARB.
Any change to the color of any part of your house, will need ARB approval. To preserve the community's original paint scheme, painting your house the same color(s) as either of your neighbors next door, or the house directly across the street from your house is not permitted. Any change in color to the house, trim, doors, etc. requires ARB written approval. Paint Swatches measuring 12 inches by 12 inches of each color to be used may be required to be. applied to the garage side of the house for visual color acuity when your application is made.
Fencing
Please indicate the type, size, and location of the proposed fence. Attach necessary drawings or surveys.
- All Requests for fencing must be submitted to the Preserve at Lake Monroe Homeowners Association, Inc. Architectural Review Board (ARB) for review and approval in accordance with the Master Documents. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ARB HAS UP TO 45 DAYS TO ACT ON AN APPLICATION. PLAN YOUR PROJECT ACCORDINGLY.
- All wood fencing to be board on board or shadow box style, pressure treated pine, cypress or cedar.
- Alternate fence styles and materials must be submitted for review.
- Please note height, size, type, material and color of fence on your ARB form.
- All fencing to be six feet in height all around, except:
a. On waterfront lots, fence shall be four feet high across the rear property line and shall transition from six feet high along side property lines to four feet in height along rear property line. Transition will begin in the last ten to sixteen feet of the side fences (as it approaches the rear property line). The style of the 4-foot fence shall be open picket. - Setback: (see sketch below)
* Minimum 10' from face ofhouse.
* If part of front face of house is set deeper, the minimum setback is 5' on that particular side.
* Please note that setbacks on comer lots vary. Refer to your governing documents for specifics and note setback's on the plot plan. - Posts for fence to face inside of applicants property and the "good side of fence" is to face out.
- All wood fences must be protected on both sides within 60 days of installation by the application of a clear preservative.
- Please attach two copies of your plot plan to your alteration application with desired location of fence sketched onto it and also denote setback in number of feet.
- Please note that the fence should be installed immediately inside your property line. Also remember that the fence is on your property and you are responsible to maintain the property up to the property line. This means that you are responsible for trimming the grass on the outside of the fence up to your property line.
- All fencing to be installed and constructed in a workman-like manner ... neat, clean, good lines and plumb.
- Fencing must be maintained in good condition.
- Once approved, the installation must be completed within 90 days.
Flag
Submit a photo of your house with this request.
Decorative flags such as seasonal, school or university sports team flags may be displayed temporarily for a period not to exceed 90 days provided they are displayed on a flagstaff or flagpole (not draped on a deck rail, hung as a banner from a gutter; roofline, or stuck in a window, etc.) and are in good condition (not faded, tom, soiled, or frayed). Portable (removable) flagpoles not over six feet (6') in length are permitted_ Temporary flagpoles that meet this standard do not require approval of the ARB. Permanent flagpoles require written approval of the ARB.
One portable, removable United States flag not exceeding 36" x 60" may be hung on a flagstaff or flagpole in a respectful manner on the exterior facade of a dwelling without written approval from the ARB.
Hose Reel/Storage
Submit a photo of your house with this request.
When not in actual use, hoses should be properly coiled and hidden by landscaping. Hoses should be of subdued green or black colors. No bright colored hoses may be stored in front or side of the unit. Devices used for hose storage in the front of units must be properly maintained and in harmony with the architectural integrity of the community. All hose storage devices stored in front of a unit requires the prior approval of the ARB. Even when approved, hose storage containers should be hidden by landscaping as much as possible.
Jungle Gym Addition
Swing Sets & Jungle Gyms. Swing set and jungle gym installations require prior written ARB approval and shall be permitted only within fenced backyards. The size and height of these structures shall be limited in proportion to the size of the lot and dwelling unit but shall not exceed 12 feet in overall height from the ground to roof peak. All sets must be located in the back yard and at a distance of at least 7 feet from any property line. Additionally, landscaping may be required to mask the view of swing sets and jungle gyms from the street and from your neighbor's yard. Landscaping that is to be used for masking purposes must be installed at a sufficient height to create the desired screen effect; landscape masking requires approval of the ARB. Please note that non-privacy fences do not count as screening for swing sets and jungle gyms.
Landscaping
Please indicate the types of landscaping plants and hardscape to be installed. Attach drawings to show the location of the work in relation to your house.
Any change that will result in the alteration to the original home landscaping will require approval from the ARB. This includes substantial changes to your lawn, bushes, and trees. When replacing dead or diseased plant material with like or similar kind, or re-sodding lawns (St. Augustine only) as part of normal maintenance, approval from the ARB is not necessary. If, by adding plant material to your landscaping, you significantly alter the look, ARB approval is required.
Landscaping that conforms to the following criteria does not require ARB approval:
(a) Easement grass/plantings. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining the grass strips between the street and the sidewalk consistent with the prevailing standards established in the community. Small areas, approximately 3 feet in diameter, around trees,
may be planted with flowers, provided such flower beds are well maintained at all times and not allowed to grow into the street gutter or become overrun by weeds. Flowers may not be allowed to grow higher than 12" - 18" from the ground.
(b) Edging. Only embedded edging is permitted in the front yard. Embedded edging simply divides the mulch from the lawn for the purpose of retaining the mulch. It should not be visible by more than 2 inches above the ground. It should not call attention to
itself, nor detract from the planting. The same edging standard applies to areas around trees and plant beds. White egg rock and/or marble chips may only be used with prior written approval from the ARB.
(c) Gardens. Flower and vegetable gardens shall be allowed within fenced backyards only, unless otherwise approved in writing by the ARB. Vegetable gardens may not cover an area in excess of two hundred (200) square feet without prior written ARB approval. Garden stakes and cages for garden plants shall not exceed four (4) feet in height. Chicken wire and hardware cloth will not be approved for use.
(d) Grass. Except for flower gardens, shrubs, and trees that shall be neatly maintained, all open lot areas shall be maintained as live grass lawns primarily made up of St. Augustiue grass, Lawns made up of weeds are unacceptable. Grass height should be maintained at about 2" to 4" in height. All other ground cover (plant, mulch, stone, rock, etc.) must be approved in writing by the ARB.
(e) Hedges. Hedges or a continual row of shrubs greater than eighteen (18) inches in height, shall be limited to the rear yard, side yard, and to the area within a landscaping bed not to extend further than six (6) feet from the front of the Dwelling Unit. Written ARB approval is required prior to the installation of any hedge. Hedges must be properly trimmed and maintained at a height no taller than 6 foot. Hedges on a slope or hill may be stepped at the top but cannot be more than 6 foot from the ground. Grass, flowerbeds, and bushes must also be properly mowed and/or maintained on a weekly basis. The street and sidewalk should be kept free of grass clippings.
(f) Landscape Materials List.
Approved Grass/Sod.
- Floritam
- St. Augustine - preferred
Approved Shade Trees.
- Quercus Virginiana - Live Oak
- Quercus Laurefolia - Laurel Oak
- Koelreuteria Formosana - Golden Raintree
- Ulxmus Parvifolia - Weeping Elm
- Cinnamonum Camphora - Camphor Tree
- Southern Magnolia
- Weeping Willow
Prohibited Trees and Shrubs.
- Casuarina Glaura - Australian Pine Grevillea
- Robusta - Silk Oak
- Melaleuca Quininquenervia - Punk Tree
- Eucalyptus Sap - Gum Tree
- Thuja Occidentalis - Arborvitae
- Sbinus Terebinthifolius - Brazilian Pepper Tree
Approved Screen Trees and Shrubs.
- Ligustrum Jaμonica - Japanese Privet
- Lagerstroemia Indica - Crepe Myrtle
- Myica Cerifera - Wax Myrtle
- Viburnum Suspensum - Sandankwa
- Photina Glabra - Red Leafed Photina
- Pittosporum Tobira - Green Pittosporum
- Nerium Oleander
- Holly Trees
(g) Landscaping walls. Landscaping walls may be approved for side yards, dependent on location, height, color, materials to be used, and other information supplied to the ARB in your application. Any wall that is approved must be properly installed pursuant to ARB guidelines, and must be maintained at a height no greater than 6 feet. Side yard walls may not begin within 15 feet of the front line of the house. Any material used should be natural in appearance and should complement the color of the house as well as the plant material. Should the fencing or shielding of the view of your back yard by your neighbors ever be removed, then the stricter side yard guidelines will be imposed and your back yard will have to come into compliance immediately.
(h) Mulch. Wood mulch or stone mulch is acceptable as mulching materials. Mulch must be applied as ground covering in an even blanketing at least two (2) inches thick in all landscaping beds.
(i) Trees. Trees must be maintained in a safe and presentable manner. Appearance of a tree may not be allowed to detract from the appeal of the surrounding properties (e.g., severe trimming that essentially leaves a 12 ft stump or a disfigured appearance to the tree). Tree safety inciudes assurance that no ropes are left hanging from a limb or branch that may constitute a hazard to children or an unsightly appearance from the street or common area, and that damaged or broken limbs and branches and/or diseased trees or limbs are properly removed or are being treated to return them to proper health within a 120-day period. When reaching maturity a tree must not exceed or reach beyond the property lines of the lot on which it is planted and may not obscure more than 60% of the front elevation of the unit when viewed from the street directly in front of the unit.
Trees may be replaced in kind or with any of the following: Dogwood or Bradford Pear, Flowering crabapple, Flowering cherry, Weeping cherry, or other ornamental tree approved by the ARB.
Fruit trees are allowable only on the rear of a Dwelling Unit. The homeowner is responsible for ensuring fruit does not accumulate under or around the tree, or on any other area of the Lot or any adjacent Lot or Common Area. All fruit tree plantings are subject to any rights the State may have, including the right to remove any infected trees, or as otherwise allowed by law.
(j) Walkways and Drivewavs. Walkways which are limited to no wider than two (2) feet in width are allowable along one side of the Dwelling Unit. Walkways which are limited to no wider than three (3) feet in width are allowed to extend from the front entranceway to the front sidewalk. Installing any walkway requires prior written ARB approval. Walkways and driveways may not be painted, stained or modified without prior written approval from the ARB. Any changes, if approved, may extend only from the Dwelling Unit/garage to the edge of the front sidewalk nearest the Dwelling Unit. The sidewalk and the remainder of the driveway extending from the sidewalk to the street must remain in its original color and condition. Upon ARB's prior written approval, walkways and driveways may be modified with, but not limited to brick, stepping stones (walkways only) and pre-cast patterned ar exposed aggregate concrete pavers.
Lawn Ornaments
(a). Lawn Fixtures. Lawn ornaments, birdhouses, birdfeedefs, birdbaths, statues, figures, fountains, garden ponds, pottery or large rocks used to decorate lawns, walkways, driveways, landscaped or other exterior areas are not allowed without the ARB's written consent.
Lawn fixtures may be permitted as long as the color and design conforms to the aesthetic standards of The Preserve as determined by the ARB. No more than four ( 4) lawn fixtures on a lot are permitted. Each lawn fixture is limited in size to three (3) cubic feet. Birdhouses or birdfeeders shall measure no more than one (1) foot in width, by one (1) foot in depth, by one (1) foot in height. Garden ponds may not exceed six ( 6) feet in length by four ( 4) feet in width. One lawn fixture may be placed, without ARB approval only in the backyard and provided the fixture is hidden from neighbors' view.
Additional fixtures may be permitted only after a thorough evaluation by the ARB of the already approved and installed fixtures for scale, color, appearance arrangement and placement.
(b). Lawn Furniture. A homeowner may have either one (1) bench or one (1) round table and two (2) chairs, placed or stored in front of the Dwelling Unit when not in active use so long as the color and design are complimentary to the aesthetic harmony of The Preserve as determined by the ARB. The bench, table or chairs may not exceed thirty (30) inches in height. The table may not exceed thirty (30) inches in diameter. The chairs may not exceed twenty two (22) inches in width. The bench must consist only of wood and/or metal construction. The table and chairs must consist of all metal construction. No lawn furniture may be placed or stored in the front of the Dwelling Unit without prior written ARB approval to include specific location of furniture placement.
Umbrellas, awnings, trellises, etc. are not permitted in front of the Dwelling Unit. Lawn furniture placed and stored within a fenced backyard does not require ARB approval but must be maintained in good state of repair, order and cleanliness.
Lighting - Exterior
Submit a photo of your house with this request.
Exterior lighting or lighting fixtures to be attached permanently to soffits, eaves, walls and other structures shall be complementary in design and color and must be consistent with the style of the unit. Fixtures should be as unobtrusive in size as reasonably practical. Light fixtures should be appropriately shielded and the lighting should always be directed downwards so as not to shine into adjacent properties, streets or common areas. All installations must meet County code and inspection requirements. Installation of the aforementioned lights does not require approval of the ARB if these standards are adhered to.
(a) Deck and Patio Lights. Patio (Malibu), low voltage.lights may be installed providing they are no more than 18" above the ground and do not shine into a neighbor's lot, the streets or a common area. Deck floodlights or accent lighting must be aimed so that the 1ight does not shine directly into a neighboring deck. If these criteria are met the lights do not reqwie approval of the ARB.
(b) Decorative lighting. Temporary lighting such as light ropes that are for decorative purposes only rather than providing essential illumination for deck use and safety, may be permitted for use as permanent or semi-permanent lighting only on enclosed decks or patios. Light ropes may only be used for temporary holiday decoration and, as such, are subject to the display restrictions specified under the "Temporary Holiday Decorations and Lights" section of these guidelines.
(c) Landscape Lighting. Low voltage (12 volts), low power (25 watts max), low level (less than 15 inches) landscape lighting should be directed downwards or towards the house for accent lighting, be tastefully arranged and un-obstructive to neighboring homeowners. Such landscape lights do not require ARB approval.
(d) Security Lights. Security lights and security floodlights must be set on a motion detector and equipped with a photo detector to automatically turn it off during daylight. The sensitivity of the lights must be such as that activity on a neighboring lot or deck does not cause the lights to go on. The lights must be aimed so that they do not shine directly into a neighboring lot or deck. The fixture must be painted to closely match the surface on which they are mounted.
(e) Temporary Holiday Decorations and Lights. At appropriate times of the year, homeowners may decorate their dwelling/lot with temporary decorations appropriate for the holiday being observed. ARB permission is not required provided such temporary decorations are not excessive in number, size or brightness; do not draw excessive attention or traffic; and/or do not otherwise unreasonably interfere with neighbors. A reasonable number of holiday and religious lights and decorations may be displayed from the interior of a dwelling for up to 30 days prior to a publicly observed holiday or religious observance and up to 30 days thereafter without prior ARB approval.
Decorations shall not constitute a hazard or danger of any kind and all lights, banners, etc. should be totally removed at the end of the customary holiday season. The above notwithstanding, all December holiday decorations must be taken down no later than January 21st. All other holiday decorations must be removed within 7 days after the holiday (e.g., seven days after Halloween, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, etc.). Holiday decorations do not require the approval of the ARB. "New baby" decorations should be taken down seven days after the birth of the baby. Birthday, graduation, prom, wedding, military homecoming, and similar decorations must be tastefolly arranged, reasonably sized for the property, and must be removed or taken down the day after the event, and in no case may such decorations be displayed for more than a total period of seven days (i.e., before and after the event). Messages displayed for any special events must be in good taste and inoffensive. If in doubt, contact the ARB for resolution before the holiday or event.
Other
Please provide enough detail and attach sufficient documentation to give the committee an understanding of your project so they can determine if it is acceptable or not.
Pavers
Paver stones are an attractive option that owners have inquired about recently. Since the appearance of Paver Stones is quite different than most standard driveways, the HOA has developed this Paver Stone policy as a means of ensuring that Paver driveways do not result in increased visual density (complexity) or result in a “polka dot” effect, Maintaining visual density in our properties’ appearances helps facilitate the illusion of freestanding homes. This is especially important from the standpoint of maintaining property values in the Preserve at Lake Monroe. The policy also provides a documented path for owners to follow in the event they wish to install a Paver Stone Driveway.
The Preserve at Lake Monroe and the Architectural Review Committee endorses the following specifications for the Paver Stone Driveway installations:
Paver specification – must be 2 3/8 thick for all driveways
- Types:
* Pillowtop (raised)
* Mega Smooth or Olde Town (smooth)
* Mega Slate or Stonehurst (texture)
* Mega Olde Town (smooth) - Color:
* McKenzie Blend or Sierra (browns, tans, grey and little black)
* Platinum or Glacier (greys, tans, black and little white)
* Riverbrook or Lions Bridge (taupe, rust and grey) - Paver Size:
* Olde Towne (6X4, 6X6, 6X9)
* Mega Olde Town (6X9, 9X9, 9X12)
* Stonehurst (6X9, 9X9, 9X12)
The following 10-Step Guide to Installing Pavers should be used:
- Planning and Layout
- Calculating Number of Pavers Needed
- Excavation
- Base Material (4-6 inches)
- Edge Restraints
- Sand Bedding
- Laying Pavers
- Sand Joints
- Sealing
- Maintenance
A licensed Contractor must be used to lay the pavers. Due to HOA restrictions you must use a licensed contractor
Pattern and Method of Installation
Pavers are installed in a pattern and there are hundreds of patterns. Patterns are 2 or 3 sizes of stones. The more sizes the more need for overage. Below are the three patterns approved for the HOA to use for paver types using 3 size of stones:
Pool Addition
Pools. All pool construction and accompanying screen and deck construction must be approved by the ARB. No above ground pools shall be permitted (except kiddy pools not exceeding eighteen inches in depth). Kiddy pools may be located only in fenced backyards.
Pool Equipment must be screened from public view by either using fencing or planting shrubs, either of which must be approved by ARB prior to instailation thereof. Storage tanks, chemical feeders, heating equipment, etc., water softeners/conditioners, and any other above-ground apparatus (except air-conditioning units) must be shielded by approved vegetation or ARB approved fencing so that such equipment or apparatus is not visible from the street or any adjacent lot.
Submit a photo of your house with this request.
Porch/Front Step Alteration
Submit a photo of your house with this request.
Changes to front porches and steps are highly visible to the community and must be carefully controlled. Any changes there to (such as painting a front porch or stepS' with concrete paint or stain or decorating with brick, pavers, or flagstone accents) must be submitted to the ARB for approval. Porch metal railings must be maintained in good repair (no rust, chipped paint, etc.) and the color must be consistent with the Dwelling Unit's trim color.
Recreational Equipment
Please provide detailed information about the size, type, location, and permanence of the proposed equipment. Attach photos or illustrations to allow the committee to fully understand this project
Roofing
The ONLY approved colors for new roofs are Weatherwood and Driftwood
Submit a photo of the tile/shingle material to be used for this work. A photo of the manufacturer's brochure showing the selected tile/shingle material is acceptable.
Submit a photo of your house with this request.
Screen Enclosure
Submit a photo of your house with this request.
Attached accessory enclosures, including screened enclosures, sunrooms, Florida Rooms, porch additions, and the like, if of the same color, material, and architectural style as the Dwelling Unit or of color, material, and style that is detennined to be complementary to that of the Dwelling Unit may be allowed with prior written ARB approval.
Entranceways may only be enclosed or screened with a suitable material and color that complements the design, color and quality of existing structures. All screened enclosures for lanais and pool areas must be approved by the ARB.
Garages may not be screened or converted to living spaces. Garages must be used for vehicle storage and parking only.
Shed
One shed, storage or utility building may be placed in the backyard of a lot, which shall not extend onto common areas or easements. Such storage buildings shall not exceed 7' x 7' x 8' (width x depth x height) in size. The paint, structure, foundation, and style must be compatible with the architectural nature of the corrmmnity and all such structures require written approval of the ARB prior to installation.
The following requirements apply for sheds or storage buildings:
(a) Must be constrncted with rust or rot proof materials.
(b) Located within a backyard that is enclosed with a 6 ft. high fence.
(c) Meet all county specifications for placement, construction and hurricane wind loading. A county permit for construction is required.
(d) Roof must be gabled and the same color and materials to match the existing dwelling unit.
(e) No air conditioning or heating units allowed. Limited electrical wiring may be allowed (primarily for lights and receptacles).
(f) Landscaping may be installed around the building to help shield it from neighbors and the street view and be placed in such a location to help shield it from the neighbors and street.
(g) Must be on a permanent concrete slab foundation.
Sign(s)
(a) Prohibited Signs.
- No signs of any type will be allowed in the public right of way between the street and the sidewalk.
- Hand made signs are not allowed.
- Comniercial advertising signs on yards, property, in windows or on vehicles. Rented or owners vehicles with permanent commercial signage must be garaged.
(b) Permitted Signs.
- One professionally or commercially prepared "For Sale" sign will be allowed on the front lawn.
- One "Open House" sign will be allowed at the entrance to the street & one in front of the home. Sign must be removed at the end of each day. These events may be held at a maximum of 3 days a week or 3 consecutive days.
- Individual yard sales, garage sales, moving sales, rummage sales, or similar activities are prohibited except that the Board may designate a specific date for such activities on a community wide basis.
- One security service signs designating private home security systems may be positioned no more than one foot (1') from the foundation of the home and shall not be more than two feet (2 ') high or one square foot in area. Small decals that are unobtrusive and do not conflict with the aesthetic appearance of the home may be placed on windows or rear sliding glass or French doors.
Solar Panels
Solar panels and other energy conservation devices need ARB approval prior to instailation. Soiar panels and related appurtenances and equipment shall be designed and constructed to appear as an integrated part of the building architecture as possible. This shall generally mean that the panels shali be roof mounted so that the top surface is as flush with the roof surFace whenever possible, with all appurtenances recessed into the structure's attic. Solar panels should be located on the rear or side roof of a home whenever possible in accordance with Florida Statutes 163.04 (2) and shall not be located on the front part of the house or lot unless homeowner can substantiate that this is the only location where the device(s) will work and the device(s) are screened so as not to be so obviously visible from the front of the house or blends well with the existing portion of the roof stmcture and color.
Spa/Hot Tub
Please provide detailed information about the size, type, location, and permanence of the proposed spa/hot tub. Attach photos or illustrations to allow the committee to fully understand this project
Storm/Screen Door
(a) Storm/Screen Doors. Storm doors and decorative screen doors may be installed in a dwelling unit however; all materials, styles and designs are subject to prior written ARB approval. No "burglar bars", steel or wrought iron bars, or similar fixtures shall be installed on the exterior of any windows nor on any doors of any Dwelling Unit, nor on the interior of same, if visible from outside the Dwelling Unit.
(b) Hurricane Shutters. No hurricane or storm shutters shall be installed unless approved in advance and in writing by the ARB. The base of the shutter is to be painted the same as the base color of the house. The closing of approved hurricane shutters shall be allowed only after a hurricane or tropical storm warning has been issued by the nearest branch of the U.S. Weather Service for the County. Hurricane shutters must be opened within 48 hours after such warning has been lifted by the nearest branch of the U.S. Weather Service. Storm/screen doors must be painted. Mill finished or galvanized doors are not permitted.
Swing Set
Swing Sets & Jungle Gyms. Swing set and jungle gym installations require prior written ARB approval and shall be permitted only within fenced backyards. The size and height of these structures shall be limited in proportion to the size of the lot and dwelling unit but shall not exceed 12 feet in overall height from the ground to roof peak. All sets must be located in the back yard and at a distance of at least 7 feet from any property line. Additionally, landscaping may be required to mask the view of swing sets and jungle gyms from the street and from your neighbor's yard. Landscaping that is to be used for masking purposes must be installed at a sufficient height to create the desired screen effect; landscape masking requires approval of the ARB. Please note that non-privacy fences do not count as screening for swing sets and jungle gyms.
General Guidelines
See all the Preserve at Lake Monroe ARB guidelines here
Upon Declarant's delegation or upon expiration or termination of Declarant's rights under this Article, the Association, acting through the ARB, shall assume jurisdiction over architectural matters. When appointed, the ARB shall consist of at least three, but not more than five, persons. Members of the ARB need not be Members of the Association or representatives of Members, and may, but need not, include architects, engineers, or similar professionals, who may be compensated in such manner and amount, if any, as the Board may establish. The ARB members shall serve and may be removed and replaced in the Board's discretion.
Amendments to the Architectural Guidelines shall be prospective only. They shall not require modifications to or removal of structures, improvements, and other things previously approved once the approved construction or modification has begun. However, any new work on such structures must comply with the Architectural Guidelines as amended. Subject to the Community-Wide Standard, there is no limit to the scope of amendments to the Architectural Guidelines, and such amendments may remove requirements previously imposed or otherwise make the Architectural Guidelines less restrictive.
Unless the Architectural Guidelines provide otherwise, no construction activities or other activities described in Section 4.1 may begin until a request is submitted to and approved in writing by the Reviewer. The request must be in writing and be accompanied by plans and specifications and other information the Reviewer and/or the Architectural Guidelines require. Plans and specifications shall show, as applicable, site layout, structural design, exterior elevations, exterior materials and colors, landscaping, drainage, exterior lighting, irrigation, and other features of proposed construction or other activity as the Reviewer deems relevant.
In reviewing each submission, the Reviewer may consider any factors it deems relevant, including, without limitation, harmony of the proposed design with surrounding structures and environment. Decisions may be based on purely aesthetic considerations. Each Owner acknowledges that aesthetic determinations are purely subjective and that opinions may vary as to the desirability and/or attractiveness of particular improvements. The Reviewer shall have the discretion to make final, conclusive, and binding determinations on matters of aesthetic judgment and such determinations are not subject to review so long as they are made in good faith and in accordance with the required procedures.
The Reviewer shall make a determination on each application within 45 days after receipt of a completed application and all other information the Reviewer requires. The Reviewer may permit or require that an application be submitted or considered in stages, in which case, a final decision shall not be required until 45 days after the final, required submission stage. The Reviewer may (i) approve the application, with or without conditions; (ii) approve a portion of the application, with or without conditions, and disapprove other portions; or (iii) disapprove the application. The Reviewer shall notify the applicant in writing of a final determination on any application. In the case of disapproval, the Reviewer may, but shall not be obligated to, specify the reasons for any objections and/or offer suggestions for curing any objections.
After the initial 45-day period has elapsed, if the Owner has not received notice of the Reviewer's determination, the Owner may make a second written request for approval of the plans previously submitted which shall be marked "Second Request." If the Reviewer fails to respond within 5 business days from receipt of the Second Request, approval shall be deemed given. However, no approval, whether expressly granted or deemed granted, shall be inconsistent with the Architectural Guidelines or other Governing Documents unless a written variance has been granted pursuant to Section 4.5.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Declaration or the By-Laws, Owners shall send any such "Second Request" via the U. S. Postal Service, certified mail, return receipt requested, or by commercial overnight carrier that obtains a signed receipt upon delivery. A Second Request shall be deemed made, and the 5 business day time period shall commence running, on the date of the Reviewer's actual receipt of the Second Request, as evidenced by its signature on the return receipt provided by the U .. S. Postal Service or in the records of the overnight carrier, as applicable.
As part of any approval, the Reviewer may require that construction and landscaping in accordance with approved plans commence and be completed within a specified time period. If construction does not commence within the required period, the approval shall expire and the Owner must reapply for approval before commencing any activities within the scope of this Article. Once commenced, such activities must be diligently pursued to completion. All elements of the approved plans shall be completed within one year of commencement unless a shorter or longer period is otherwise specified in the notice of approval or the Architectural Guidelines, or unless the Reviewer, in its discretion, grants an extension in writing. If approved work is not completed within the required time, it shall be in violation of this Article and shall be subject to enforcement action by the Association or Declarant.
Any approvals granted under this Article are conditioned upon completion of all elements of the approved work, unless written approval to modify any application has been obtained.
Declarant or the ARB, by resolution, may exempt certain activities from the application and approval requirements of this Article, provided such activities are undertaken in strict compliance with the requirements of such resolution.
Each Owner acknowledges that the people reviewing applications under this Article will change from time to time and that opinions on aesthetic matters, as well as interpretation and application of the Architectural Guidelines, may vary accordingly. In addition, each Owner acknowledges that it may not always be feasible to identify objectionable features until work is completed, at which time, it may or may not be unreasonable to require that such objectionable features be changed. However, the Reviewer may refuse to approve similar proposals in the future. Approval of applications or plans shall not constitute a waiver of the Reviewer's right to withhold approval of similar applications, plans, or other matters subsequently or additionally submitted for approval.
The Reviewer may authorize variances from compliance with the Architectural Guidelines and any procedures when circumstances such as topography, natural obstructions, hardship, or aesthetic or environmental considerations require. No variance shall (a) be effective unless in writing; (b) be contrary to this Declaration; or ( c) prevent the Reviewer from denying a variance in other circumstances. A variance requires Declarant's written consent during the Development and Sale Period and, thereafter, requires the Board's written consent.
This Article establishes standards and procedures as a mechanism for maintaining and enhancing the overall aesthetics of the Community. The standards and procedures do not create any duty to any Person. Review and approval of any application pursuant to this Article may be based on purely aesthetic considerations. The Reviewer is not responsible for the structural integrity or soundness of approved construction or modifications, for compliance with building codes and other governmental requirements, or for ensuring that every dwelling is of comparable quality, value, or size, of similar design, or aesthetically pleasing or otherwise acceptable to other Owners.
Declarant, Declarant's Affiliates, any predecessor Declarant, the Association, its officers, the Board, the ARB, the Association's management agent, any committee, or any member of any of the foregoing shall not be held liable for the approval of, disapproval of, or failure to approve or disapprove any plans; soil conditions, drainage, or other general site work related to approved work; any defects in plans revised or approved hereunder; any loss or damage arising out of the action, inaction, integrity, financial condition, or quality of work of any contractor or its subcontractors, employees, or agents, whether or not Declarant has approved or featured such contractor as a builder in the Community; or any injury, damages, or loss arising out of the manner or quality or other circumstances of approved construction on or modifications to any Lot. In all matters, the Association shall defend and indemnify and hold harmless the Board, the ARB, the members of each, and the Association officers as provided in the Articles.
Any construction, alteration, or other work done in violation of this Article or the Architectural Guidelines is subject to enforcement action pursuant to Section 7.4. Any act of any contractor, subcontractor, agent, employee, or invitee of an Owner shall be deemed to be an act done by or on behalf of such Owner.