*** Note from the Architecture Commitee *******************************************
A: With regard to fence ownership, unless you can determine exactly where the fence is in relation to the survey lines, the ACC suggests each neighbor split the cost of the mutual fence (a good practice in these situations). If a neighbor is unwilling, you have the option of making individual repairs regardless and /or facing the pickets on the opposite side if needed at your complete expense. If you do the work yourself and split the cost it is very low cost to each owner. No stone or brick fences are currently allowed per CCR's and ACC Rules. All fence replacements must be formally authorized by the ACC Committee and submitted on the Request for Architectural Improvement form. Repairs with like materials do not require permission.
A: If your house was built by Scott Felder, you may replace your fence with a six foot dog-eared cedar picket only. Otherwise if your home was built by K&B, you may replace the fence with a six foot dog-eared picket of cedar, pine, or treated pine without further approval. All other variations require approval by the Architectural Committee. If you are interested in having a Stone/ Brick option available in the future, please express your interest by filling out this form.
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EVALUATION GUIDELINES FOR:
FENCES, WALLS, RETAINING WALLS, YARDS, LANDSCAPING, AND DECORATIONS
Rule Adopted: April 21, 1997
Rule Revised: February, 2003
ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE PHILOSOPHY:
Yards, fences, and landscaping must be constructed and maintained to compliment the neighborhood and residence. Poorly designed and maintained areas reflect poorly on the neighborhood and the residence.
The owner should have the latitude to develop a yard that reflects individuality without allowing it to clash with or detract from the overall appearance of the neighborhood. Designs or landscape items that may be offensive to others must be avoided.
SPECIFIC COMMITTEE RULES:
LOCATION AND DRAINAGE:
• No improvement may interfere with the established drainage pattern over the owner’s or any other property. Improvements shall be located to prevent runoff from impacting adjacent properties
• Trees, plants and shrubs shall be located so as not to interfere with neighboring property.
• Trees, plants, shrubs, walls and fences shall not be allowed to interfere with sight distances of traffic as outlined in 3.16/3.16.
COLORS:
• Landscape materials and decorations shall be of their natural earthtone color. Other non-earthtone colors shall require specific approval of the Architectural Committee.
• See “Exterior Finishes” guideline for rules.
MAINTENANCE
• Walls and retaining walls shall be properly maintained.
• Lawns, including backyards, shall be mowed and cleared of weeds.
• Trees, shrubs and plants shall be trimmed and maintained so as to not interfere with sidewalk traffic and sight distances at intersections.
• Dead plants, trees, flowers and other unsightly landscaping materials shall be removed promptly.
• Diseased lawns, plants, trees, and flowers are to be promptly treated or removed so as not to threaten neighboring property.
• All Fences are to be properly maintained.
• Posts, crossmembers, and pickets are to be unbroken, not grossly warped and in good condition. Damaged fences are to be immediately repaired with materials as outlined in 4.12/4.15.
MATERIALS:
• Front and side yards are to be completed and maintained with sod as outlined in 4.13B/3.22, unless Architectural Committee approval is granted for other types of materials in a portion of these areas.
• Trees are to be planted and maintained as outlined in 4.13A/3.22.
• Landscape Projects shall be completed within 90 days of start.
• Dead trees are to be removed immediately and replaced in the next season appropriate for tree planting. The number and size of trees shall be maintained in accordance with the CC&R’s for the subject property.
• Landscape materials shall normally be stored behind the fence line except as needed during landscaping activities.
• Used railroad ties, in good condition, may be used in landscaping activities and are exempted from “used materials” provisions of 4.21 in Springbrook Section 1.
• Decorative groundcover rock in the front or side yard of the lot may not exceed 10% of that yard as outlined in 4.20/4.21. Driveway area is not included in the 10% calculation.
FENCES:
A 6’ wood privacy fence is required to be constructed and maintained with materials and in the manner outlined in 4.12/4.15.
• Properly constructed fences as outlined in 4.12/ 4.15 may be constructed as outlined without additional Architectural Committee approval.
• Fence Pickets in Springbrook Section 1 (Scott Felder area) shall be made of Cedar. Fences may be sealed with a clear stain. Other materials are not permitted. Colored stains are not permitted.
• Fence Pickets in Springbrook Section 2 (K&B area) shall be made of Cedar, Pine, or pressure treated wood. Fences may be stained with a clear stain. Colored stains are not permitted. Other materials are not permitted.
• No fence is to be constructed of any other material or in any other color without prior Architectural Committee approval.
• Fences may not extend closer than 10’ behind the front wall of the principal building without Architectural Committee approval.
• No fence gate that provides direct access to common areas such as greenbelts, roadways, and parks is to be constructed without approval of the Architectural Committee.
• Fences are to be maintained as noted above.
WALLS AND RETAINING WALLS:
All walls and retaining walls shall be constructed of materials that are compatible in structure and color with the primary residence.
• All walls and retaining walls greater than 3 feet in height shall be engineered and require prior Architectural Committee approval.
• Walls around flowerbeds that ARE adjacent to the primary residence, that are compatible with the primary residence in material and color, and that are less than 2 feet tall at their tallest point, do not require prior Architectural Committee approval.
• Walls around trees and flowerbeds that ARE NOT adjacent to the primary residence, that are compatible with the primary residence in material and color, and that are less than 1 foot tall at their tallest point, do not require prior Architectural Committee approval.
• If there is any question about compatibility, the resident should contact the Architectural Committee for guidance, prior to beginning the project.
• All other walls and retaining walls require prior Architectural Committee approval.
LANDSCAPING AND YARDS:
• All landscaping shall be compatible with the neighborhood.
• No prior approval is required for the planting of trees or the establishment of flowerbeds or other minor landscaping that is compatible with the neighborhood and does not require the use of heavy equipment for installation.
• All landscaping shall be maintained as outlined above.
• Front and side lawns are to be soded. The use of decorative rock is limited as noted above.
DECORATIONS, SUCH AS YARD ART, FOUNTAINS, AND STATUES
• All such outdoor decorations shall be designed to compliment the neighborhood and the residence.
• All such decorations shall be in good taste.
• Decorations, other than temporary holiday decorations, that are located in front of the residence fence must have an overall height of 3 feet or less.
• Decorations, in front of the residence fence, shall not reflect a design that may be offensive to other residents. Determination of this suitability is at the sole discretion of the Architectural Committee.
• Decorations shall be well-maintained.
• Decorations that meet the above criteria and have an overall of height less than 3 feet do not require prior Architectural Committee Approval. Residents may seek guidance from the Architectural Committee if they so desire.
• The installation of decorations that have an overall height of 3 feet or greater require prior Architectural Committee approval and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
HOME AND YARD LIGHTING:
• Home and yard low voltage architectural lighting is permitted without prior Architectural Committee approval if:
• Clear light bulbs are utilized. Colored bulbs may be used only during holiday periods.
• Lighting is directed away from adjacent properties.
• All lighting cables are buried below the yard surface.
• Control systems are neatly installed.
• Light fixtures must compliment the neighborhood and the residence. Industrial “security light” fixtures are not permitted.
• All other yard lighting systems require prior Architectural Committee approval.
SPRINKLER SYSTEMS:
Underground sprinkler systems are permitted without prior Architectural Committee approval. However:
• Sprinkler systems must be constructed with all underground materials.
• Systems must be designed and maintained to water the intended yard area without excessive runoff.
• Systems must be permitted by the City of Pflugerville.
SEASONAL HOLIDAY LIGHTING AND DECORATIONS:
• Temporary Holiday lights and decorations may be erected no more than 45 days before the holiday and must be removed within 30 days after the holiday.
• Holiday lights must be removed at times other than the above. Small mounting clips for lights that are not easily visible from the street or adjacent properties, may be left in-place year-round.
FLAGS AND FLAGPOLES:
• The proper display of United States and Texas Flags is encouraged.
• The temporary display of other small flags, such as University flags or pennants is permitted; so long as the flag or pennant is in good-taste.
• The installation of flag brackets on homes may be done without prior Architectural Committee Approval.
• The in-ground installation of Flag Poles requires prior Architectural Committee Approval.
• All flags and pennants must be properly maintained.
REQUIRED SUBMISSIONS:
Except as outlined above, all improvements require Architectural Committee approval PRIOR to construction or modification!
In all cases, if in doubt about compatibility, the resident should request approval from the Architectural Committee prior to beginning construction.
The following must be submitted:
• A Site plan showing location on the lot, including the building footprint and distances from the edge of the lot.
• A plan, brochure, or specific description, including dimensions. This description shall also show specific height of the improvement.
• Specific information showing type of material and color shall be provided.
• Samples of materials must be submitted upon request.
KNOWN REGULATIONS BY OTHER AGENCIES:
• Buildings may be subject to: Setbacks, Easements, Drainage, and Impervious Cover. Owners contemplating improvements affecting a large portion of their property should review Impervious Cover restrictions on their property.
• Some improvements may require a City of Pflugerville Building Permit.
This Rule revised and adopted February xx, 2003 by the Springbrook Owners Association, Architectural Committee.