Archit & Landscape - Savannah Way

These Standards and Guidelines are supplemental to the existing Declarations and are not inclusive of all items upon which the Savannah Way Architectural Review Committee may act. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, and although something may have been approved once does not guarantee that it will be approved again. All improvements installed prior to the initial adoption of this document will be considered “grandfathered” and will not be subject to further review.

Contact Information

To send an E-mail to all members of the committee use:

arc@savannahway.com

To send via the US Postal Service address note to:

Savannah Way HOA

ATTN. Architectural Review

P.O. Box 2988

Matthews, NC 28106

Procedures

Conditions covered by guidelines-

Guidelines presented in this document specify areas of Architectural and Landscape improvements which will not specifically require a request form for implementation. It is expected that these improvements will be implemented in a manner similar to surroundings and consistent with the neighborhood.

Conditions requiring approval-

Guidelines presented in this document specify areas of Architectural and Landscape improvements which WILL require formal approval before implementation.

Conditions specifically rejected in Covenants-

Guidelines presented in the Covenants and this document specify areas of Architectural and Landscape changes which WILL NOT be considered acceptable for the community.

The Approal Procedure:

Request Form Location:

Copies of the Request Form are included in Appendix A of this document.

A printable copy is available on the Architectural & Landscape page of the savannahway.com website.

Forms are also available from members of the Architectural Review Committee.

Request Form required information:

See the Request Form in Appendix A for required general information. Due to variations of projects, some information not specifically requested may be required. Please include all relevant information with the Request Form.

In addition to the Request Form, a copy of a surveyor’s type map of the property is required. This map must be clearly marked showing the location of the proposed improvement.

Request Form submission and timing:

Submit a separate request for each “improvement” to the Architectural Review Committee via US mail at the address listed above.

Request Forms will be acted upon within 30 days.

The Architectural Review Committee may elect to meet and review special or time sensitive requests at any time.

The Committee Chairperson will review the committee’s actions with the Board of Directors at the monthly Board meeting or as requested by the Board.

Request Form Status

The Architectural Review Committee will maintain a copy of both approved and rejected application packages for their records. A review of these records may be scheduled with the committee chairperson upon request. The applicant will receive a copy of their complete package with a stamp of approval or a written statement denying the request. If the request is not approved, the Architectural Review Committee will review any additional documents and explanations of design and intent that are submitted. Final resolution of a disputed request lies with the Savannah Way Board of Directors.

Definition of Improvements

For the purpose of these guidelines the term “improvement are specifically defined in the Savannah Way Covenants & Restrictions Article VI, Section 4 as follows:

The term ”Improvement” or “Improvements” shall mean and include any and all man-made changes or additions to a Lot or Tract, including but not limited to the location, materials, size, and design of all buildings (including any exterior devices attached to or separate from buildings, such as heating and air conditioning equipment, solar heating devices, antennae, etc.), storage sheds or areas, roofed structures, parking areas, fences, “invisible” pet fencing, pet “runs”, lines and similar tethers or enclosures, walls, landscaping (including cutting of trees), hedges, mass plantings, poles, driveways, ponds, lakes, changes in grade or slope, site preparation, swimming pools, hot tubs, jacuzzis, tennis courts, tree houses, basketball goals, skateboard ramps, and other sports or play apparatus, signs, exterior illumination, and changes in any exterior color or shape. The definition of Improvements includes both original Improvements and all later changes to Improvements. The definition of Improvements, however, does not include the replacement or repair of Improvements previously approved by the Architectural Control Committee, provided that such replacement or repair does not change exterior colors, materials, designs or appearances from that which were previously approved by the Architectural Control Committee.

Within these guidelines “Builder” Improvements shall mean those Improvements made by a Declarant approved builder which are part of the purchase contract or agreement between the builder and the initial purchaser of the property. Declarant is used here as it is defined in Article I Section 6 of the Savannah Way Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions. ”Homeowner” Improvements shall mean those improvements made by or at the direction of the homeowner or homeowner’s agent apart from the purchase contract or agreement with the initial builder. In short, if it is a part of the legal transfer of the property to the first homeowner it is a “Builder” Improvement; if not, it is a “Homeowner” Improvement.

Responsibility for Approval of Improvements

Original Construction

The “Declarant” is responsible for approving the architectural plans for constructing a new house, the location of driveways and pedestrian walkways and the initial landscaping for “Builder” Improvements. The Declarant may approve other ancillaries that are specifically described within the Savannah Way Architectural and Landscape Guidelines. The Declarant may not grant approval to any builder for variances from the Savannah Way Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions or the Savannah Way Architectural and Landscape Guidelines without written approval of the Architectural Review Committee.

Homeowner Improvements

All “Homeowner” Improvements require prior approval by the Savannah Way Architectural Review Committee unless specifically listed under the heading: “Improvements not requiring review and approval” on page 7 of this document.

Homeowner Improvements

The following “Homeowner” Improvements require specific prior approval by the Savannah Way Architectural Review Committee:

A. Placement or construction of any type of structure or improvement on any lot in Savannah Way, including but not limited to, outbuildings (including animal

shelters), garages, fences, pools, walls, and exterior changes to existing

structures requires approval of the Savannah Way Architectural Review

Committee. A description of the planned project must be submitted along

with the Request Form for Architectural Review Committee Approval and

must include the following information, as applicable:

Size of structure

Height

Roof design and material

Exterior finish / color

Wall material

Quantity

Utilities (power/water)

Estimated completion date of project

Drawing or diagram

Location shown on a surveyor’s map

B. MAILBOXES: For consistency and uniformity within Savannah Way, the two approved mailboxes are the Barcelona and the Churchill. Photographs of these mailboxes can be found on the Savannah Way website (www.savannahway.com). All other mailboxes must be approved by the Savannah Way Architectural Committee. Any mailbox that is damaged or destroyed must be repaired or replaced. Brick mailboxes are not permitted.

C. FENCING:

Any fence erected in Savannah Way must be approved by the Savannah Way Architectural Review Committee and must meet the following guidelines:
Shall not exceed 6 (six) feet in height.
Shall not extend beyond any front corners of the house as measured from the street.
Shall be of one continuous and consistent style throughout its entire perimeter.
Shall be in a shape without awkward bends or curves.

The following types are of fencing are allowed:
1. Black aluminum or iron post with balusters.
2. Stone or brick.
3. Wood privacy or shadow box.

The more finished side of the fence shall face the Street or the adjoining Lots as the case may be. Support columns and/or posts shall be located on the less finished side of the fence and shall not face the Street or the adjoining Lots unless said columns and /or posts are an integral part of the decorative design of the fence.
The gate(s) shall be consistent with the design, appearance, and construction of the accompanying fence.
All fences shall be maintained in a structurally sound and attractive manner.
If a wood fence is painted or stained, said paint or stain must generally harmonize with the natural landscape.
Homeowners must treat and maintain their wooden fences with CWF or comparable solution annually.
Other types of fences may be submitted for consideration and approval by the Architectural Review Committee.

D. OUTBUILDINGS:

Design and construction of any unattached structure must be consistent with the neighborhood, development, and lot requirements regarding location on the lot; exterior fit, finish, trim, and materials; and roof pitch, finish, and materials. All proposed unattached structures must be reviewed by the Architectural Review Committee and approved or disapproved on its own merits. The following guidelines apply:

1. The size of the building should be limited to no more than 130 square square feet with the smallest side being a minimum of 8 feet in length.

2. The overall height should not exceed 10 feet and the sidewall height should not exceed 6 feet.

3. The building floor should be no more than 1 foot above the highest point of ground on which it is erected.

4. “A” frame buildings and single pitch roofs are not permitted.

5. No more than 1 outbuilding is permitted on a lot.

6. The substructure must be concealed in such a manner as to obliterate supports and items stored beneath the structure.

7. Roof material must be constructed of shingles which match the style and color of the house.

8. Exterior wall material must be in keeping with the house appearance and may be of:

a. Brick

b. Wood:

Board on Batten or Board on Board ; rough sawn and stained or finished in its entirety to complement the immediate surroundings.

c. Vinyl siding

Buildings with exterior walls constructed of particleboard, standard plywood, cinder or concrete blocks, or metal are not allowed.

9. Outbuilding must be trimmed and painted, in its entirety, in the same quality of materials as used on the house.

10. Any utilities (power, water, etc.) must be installed underground.

11. Outbuilding must be placed at the rear of the lot and is subject to the following restrictions:

a. Outbuilding must be placed a minimum of 10 feet from any property boundary and should have sufficient clearance on all sides to allow proper maintenance.

b. Outbuildings shall be placed no closer than 50 feet from the property line which is adjacent to the street side of a corner lot.

E. DRIVEWAYS:

Driveway additions must be constructed of concrete. A minimum setback of 2 feet should be maintained from all property lines. Situations not permitting this setback will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

F. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:

All exterior lighting, including landscape and decorative lighting require approval prior to installation. All landscape/foundation light fixtures must be spaced a minimum of 8 feet between fixtures unless closer spacing has been approved by the Architectural Review Committee.

Homeowner Architectural Improvements That Do Not Require Approval

HOUSE MAINTENANCE: Maintenance of the exterior of houses and other structures that do not change the structure or its color does not require approval. Staining and sealing of wood decks does not require approval as long as the color used is a natural wood tone that blends with the house trim colors.

Homeowner Landscape Improvements

A. Improvements not requiring review and approval:

1. Invisible fencing for pet containment.

2. Below ground lawn irrigation.

3. Normal lawn, tree, shrub, and bed maintenance such as replacement or removal of dead plants or trees, rotation of annuals, or minimal additions to flower beds.

4. Border walls made of Windsor blocks or Blue stone that do not exceed a height of 18 inches. Walls exceeding 18 inches in height require approval.

5. The official flag of the United States does not require approval, however only 1 flagpole is allowed per yard and must have a height no greater than 20 feet. Specific placement of the flagpole does require review by the Architectural Review Committee.

6. Vegetable gardens do not require approval if the following guidelines are adhered to: Garden must be located at the rear of the property and must be placed no less than 10 feet from any property line. If the garden is on a corner lot, it must be located at the rear of the property, placed no less than 10 feet from any property line, and placed no less than 50 feet from any sidewalk or street.

7. Display of exterior holiday decorations are allowed from 30 days prior to the holiday through 20 days after the holiday.

8. All common areas including light poles and fixtures shall be decorated, maintained and kept free from litter under the direction of the Garden Committee.

B. Lawn ornamentation/statues-REQUIRES APPROVAL

1. Permanent lawn ornamentation and statues require the approval of the Architectural Review Committee.

2. Seasonal lawn flags/banners in excess of the standard 28 inches by 40 inches require approval of the Architectural Review Committee.

C. Landscape Improvements- REQUIRES APPROVAL

1. Any landscaping that changes the topography of the lot requires approval.

2. Live trees of any kind having a diameter of 4 inches or more; measured at a point 2 feet above ground level; shall not be removed from any lot without prior approval of the Architectural Review Committee.

3. Any planting of trees, shrubs, or bushes within 20 feet of a street, sidewalk, or property line within the sub-division requires approval.

4. Landscaping and bedding material must be spread in its final location and manner within 30 days of delivery.

D. Permanent play and recreational equipment-REQUIRES APPROVAL

ALL PERMANENTLY INSTALLED PLAY EQUIPMENT WILL BE CONSIDERED AN UNATTACHED STRUCTURE FOR THE PURPOSE OF LOCATION AND/OR APPROVAL.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Basketball goals:

Material: Professional metal pole with fiberglass or Plexiglass backboard.

Location: Must be at least 15 feet from any public street or sidewalk. Backboard may not be attached to the house.

2. All play and recreational equipment, whether portable or permanent, must be kept in good repair and appearance

3. The preferred construction material for play sets is natural or stained wood.

4. All play and recreational equipment must be in a defined area out of sight from the front of the house (i.e., backyard).

5. All portable/temporary play and recreational equipment, when not in use, should be out of direct view from the street.

6. Tree houses require prior approval.