Architectural Committee
Architectural Committee
Role of Architectural Committee
The Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions that each home owner should have received
during settlement house has the purpose of protecting the value and desirability, and enhancing the
attractiveness of our community. In trying to fulfill its role, the architectural committee over the
years had generated guidelines for certain types of common projects that are not well defined in the
Declaration.
An additional role that the committee plays is in leveraging the experiences of Offutt Ridge Homeowners
to help other residents. For example, if you've used a builder for your deck who did an outstanding
job -- or a terrible job -- other people in the community may benefit from that knowledge. Please
inform the architectural committee so that we may provide that input to other people planning on
similar projects.
Guidelines for Storm Doors
Officially, architectural committee approval should be obtained before any modification is made that
will affect the exterior of your house. This includes installing storm doors. Our major concern with
these doors is to ensure that homeowners buy a good quality door that will not rust or otherwise
become an eyesore in a few years. We have done a little bit of research into storm doors and have
developed a few suggested guidelines. The following characteristics seem to be a good indication of a
high quality door that should hold up well:
- at least 11/2 inch thick
- vinyl clad aluminum or polypropylene frame
- a 15 year warranty
- dual closures
We request that if you're planning on installing a storm or screen door, that you please inform the
architectural committee for approval. Also, if you have any additional input regarding storm door
quality and selection, please contact one of the committee members.
Documentation Requirements for Decks
The following is a list of general guidelines and documentation requirements to be used by the
architectural committee in evaluating proposed decks:
- Drawings - The homeowner should submit drawings which shall include a top and side
view of the project as well as any other angle which may be appropriate under the circumstances.
Drawings should include a description of the railings and any overhead structure such as a
gazebo, location of steps and any enclosure to be used on the underside (i.e., lattice work).
- Location Survey - A drawing of the deck situated on the location survey should also be
provided showing the location of the deck relative to the house and the property boundaries.
- Dimensions - The homeowner shall provide accurate dimensions of the project including
width, depth and height for each level.
- Materials Listing - The homeowner shall provide a complete listing of building materials
to be used (i.e., pressure treated lumbar, composite decking) which shall include any finish to
be used. Deck should be natural wood (i.e., pressure treated with a water sealant), a natural
wood stain or color which matches the existing color scheme of the home.
- Start and Complete Date - The homeowner shall provide estimated starting and completion
dates for the project. Duration of the project shall not exceed six months.
- Building Permit - Although not needed prior to submission to the committee, the homeowner
shall forward a copy of the building permit to the committee for its files prior to the start of
the project.
Shed Guidelines
- Sheds may be no larger than 12' x 12' in floor area.
- Sheds may be located only within the building restriction lines and must be to the rear of the house. Every effort should be made to "hide" the shed from view of neighbors and from the road as much as possible.
- Landscaping in the form of trees, shrubs, flowers or a combination thereof is required, The more the shed is in public view, the more landscaping you must have.
- No items may be stored outside of or attached to the shed; they must all be inside, out of view.
- Exterior lighting on the shed may not exceed one 75 Watt bulb. No interior plumbing or heating systems that would render the shed habitable are allowed.
- No one may have more than one freestanding shed, playhouse, gazebo, or other such structure in their yard.
- Sheds must have asphalt shingle roofs and be mounted on poured concrete pads. Walls should be of wood, vinyl or aluminum siding over wood frame. No all-metal sheds are permitted. Siding, trim, and shingles must match the same colors of the homeowners house. Architectural style elements, such as trim, doors, and windows are desirable.
- All sheds must be properly maintained.
- In addition to Architectural Committee approval, homeowner may need to secure building permits.
To apply for permission to erect a shed, a homeowner should submit a picture of the shed, a listing of
the materials and colors, a plot plan showing the location of the shed relative to the property lines
and the house, and a landscaping plan for the shed.
