Architectural Guidelines
(S-Z)
These guidelines refer to townhouses and
single-family homes.
For condos, please refer to the condominium's management company for its
architectural guidelines.
 |
SATELLITE DISHES. Homeowners have two options: An application may be submitted to the Architectural Review Committee for approval of the proposed antenna/satellite dish or notification may be submitted of the installation of antenna/satellite dish. |
The following criteria will govern the installation of satellite dishes within Kingstowne:
|
|
|
The Architectural Review Committee reserves the
right to recommend locations for satellite dishes installed in other locations
(if needed to receive sufficient signal strength for adequate reception) than
those set forth in the paragraphs above.
In such an instance, the homeowner shall inform the committee in the
application/notification of (a) the problem with signal strength and (b) the
desired alternate location. Under such circumstances, the committee shall review the
alternative location proposed by the resident to ensure that it is necessary to
afford sufficient signal strength for reception and causes the least amount of
visual intrusion in the neighborhood. The
committee may require the homeowner to install visual barriers, such as lattice
or landscaping, around the device in order to diminish any adverse visual effect
which may be caused by the installation of the device or may require the
resident to locate the dish in another setting so long as the dish is still
capable of receiving sufficient signal strength for adequate reception.
 |
SCREENED PORCHES AND SUN ROOMS. A Screened Porch is an approvable structure for detached or attached homes in Kingstowne under the conditions identified below. The term “Screened Porch” is defined as a fully enclosed exterior addition to the rear of a home, constructed of wood (or high quality, durable, man-made framing such as coated metal or composite material) and screening. |
The addition, including any exterior door to the structure, must be composed predominantly of screening material. For purposes of this guideline, freestanding structures, or external additions essentially building out existing rooms to enlarge living space, shall not constitute screened porches (also see Substantive Review Standards set forth below).
Approval Process: Construction of a Screened Porch as contemplated by this Guideline constitutes a major alteration of the original construction and design of the home. The application-for-approval process is therefore more extensive than is required for a lesser alteration.
Substantive Review Standards: In order to satisfy the criteria for approval, the application for the proposed structure must demonstrate compliance with the following characteristics:
|
|
|
|
|
All construction must comply with applicable Fairfax County Building Code requirements, and permits shall be obtained and displayed or proffered upon request.
Note: In general, if a Screened Porch is proposed to be located on an elevated deck, and the applicant needs or desires additional elevated deck space to construct the proposed structure, the portion of the deck not containing the proposed structure may be extended if the deck, as extended, otherwise complies with the DECKS Guideline (e.g., size, scale, compatibility with neighborhood). Covering of screened porches with panels or plastic sheeting (e.g., in the winter) shall be prohibited.
Procedural Review Standards: Applications for screened porches rooms must contain the following exhibits or information in order for the Staff to deem them complete and appropriate for review by the ARC:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| * The term “affected neighbors” means homeowners who are in sight of the proposed improvement, and who may experience a visual or sight-line impact, or may be affected in other ways, such as changed drainage, effective use of property, etc. For attached homes, the term “affected neighbors” shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, all of the neighbors in the row. If the applicant has any questions about who constitutes an “affected neighbor” in their specific circumstance, they should contact the KROC Staff for assistance. If an applicant cannot obtain the signature of an affected neighbor for whatever reason, then the applicant must document their good faith effort to notify the party and provide this information with the application. |
Review Process: The ARC will review each application on a case-by-case basis and will take all facts it deems relevant into consideration. As with all such applications, the ARC reserves the right to visit the home site and to consider, in making its decision, the unique characteristics of the applicant’s home and neighborhood, and the setting of the home within the community. Any prior decision by the ARC to approve (or deny) an application for a particular type of Screened Porch does not necessarily mean that the ARC will approve (or deny) an application for a similar type of Screened Porch on another home. Certain factors, including, but not limited to, the location, type, or configuration of the home, or neighbor reaction, may convince the ARC to render a different ruling from a prior case. For example, the ARC reserves the right to exercise a more permissive standard of review for single family home applicants and a more restrictive standard for attached-home applicants in connection with the same type of Screened Porch.
Time Limits: If an applicant receives approval from the ARC for construction of a Screened Porch, the applicant must complete construction of the proposed structure within 180 days of the date of receipt of the written approval. If an applicant encounters delays due to the following reasons, the applicant may file, with the KROC Staff, a request for an extension of time to complete the construction. For good cause shown, Staff will extend the required completion date:
|
 |
SECURITY BARS. The use of security bars or grates on windows and doors is prohibited. Homeowners concerned about the security of their homes are advised to consider alternatives, including alarms and sophisticated lock systems. |
 |
SIDEWALKS AND PATHWAYS. Sidewalks and pathways must be set back at least four feet from the property line and installed flush to the ground. Only stone, brick, concrete, or similar durable construction material should be used. The scale, locations and design should be compatible with the lot, home and surroundings. |
 |
SIDING. Homeowners may replace or overlay existing wood shingles, wood trim, wood siding or aluminum siding, which comprises the exterior surface material of their home with siding (vinyl, aluminum, vinyl-faced steel, or wood) only. |
Overlay means that siding and trim may be installed directly over an existing exterior surface material. The ARC will consider the following in its evaluation:
|
|
|
|
 |
SOLAR PANELS. Solar panels are prohibited. |
 |
STORAGE SHEDS. Storage sheds are defined as exterior enclosures capable of hiding or storing equipment, materials or supplies for protection from theft, visibility or weather. |
Because sheds not specifically designed or located for consistency with each neighborhood's architectural style can detract from an otherwise visually harmonious residential environment, the installation of prefabricated or freestanding sheds is prohibited, except as permitted by paragraph below.
Town homes: A shed on a town home lot must be located so that one side of the structure abuts, or is formed by, either the rear wall of the house or the interior of approved privacy fencing. At no point may shed height exceed that of adjacent fencing.
Detached Units: A shed on a detached unit lot (the visibility of which shed is increased by the absence of privacy fencing), must be located so as to abut the rear wall of the house. The height of the shed may not exceed six feet, and the remaining dimensions shall be proportional, but not exceeding dimensions deemed by the Modification and Change Panel as visually appropriate for the lot and the surrounding neighborhood.
Materials and Finish: The exterior walls and doors of sheds attached to privacy fencing must be constructed of either wood whose color and finish is similar to that of the fence or of siding whose color, style and finish match that of the exterior materials of the house. Metal sheds are prohibited. Shed roofs must be similar in color and materials to that of the house.
Removable Storage Sheds: Heavy duty rubber or unbreakable plastic or composite storage sheds that are portable and temporary in nature, (i.e., not permanently attached to the house or a fence) may be approved providing that they are; (1) not visible from Kingstowne’s common areas; (2) minimally visible by neighbors, (3) secured under decks with screening; and (4) aesthetically harmonious with the home in terms of color and texture/finish (e.g., pebbled/muted/dull). Applicants must include signatures of affected neighbors with their application.
Signatures by “affected neighbors” merely signify that they have received notice of the application. The mere signature of an affected neighbor shall not signify consent, nor shall any affected neighbor’s refusal to sign the form constitute automatic grounds for a denial of the application.
Click Here for Storage Shed Standard Application Information
 |
STORAGE OF BOATS TRAILERS, CAMPERS, MOBILE HOMES, AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES. Comprehensive regulations concerning prohibited vehicle types and the areas in which permissible vehicles may be parked or stored, are contained in Kingstowne Policy Resolution No. 12, Vehicle Policies. |
 |
STORM/SCREEN DOORS. Homeowner installed storm or screen doors must be individually approved prior to installation, regardless of location on the house, (front, rear or side entrances or exiting to elevated decks). This guideline does not apply to sliding glass/screen doors. The objective of this guideline is to describe doors that will have minimal and complementary visual and aesthetic impact on the appearance of the home. |
Doors must be full view, with kick plates no greater than 12 inches in height and no panels other than glass or transparent screening intended to impede insects. “Full view” is defined as allowing an uninterrupted view of the underlying door, but may include so called “split full view” doors with two separate removable panels, provided that the cross bar securing the panels is no greater than two inches in width. The latter does not include “self-storing” doors which have screening permanently installed behind the glass (like a storm window), because that would diminish the “full view” of the underlying door. Discreet decorative etching on the (glass) border of single panel glass doors will generally not disqualify the door as “full view.”
|
|
Residents have the option of a six-panel storm door which is comprised of metal/wood and glass having the appearance of a standard six-panel entry door. Six-panel storm doors installed over the front door must exactly match the color of the underlying door and the panel layout of the underlying door. The storm door may have a kick plate no greater than 12 inches in height. |
Storm or screen doors installed over the front door (the front door is the principal entrance to the home whether facing the street or on the side), must exactly match the color of the underlying door or that of the immediately surrounding trim. Storm or screen doors at the side or rear of the house should also match the underlying door or the surrounding trim. Unit homeowners who must paint storm doors to match (the door or the trim) are advised against the purchase of vinyl doors, to which paint may not adhere adequately.
Click Here for Storm/Screen Door Standard Application Information
 |
SUNROOM. A Sun Room may be an approvable structure for detached or attached homes in Kingstowne under the conditions identified below. |
The term “Sun Room” is defined as a fully enclosed exterior addition to the rear of a home, constructed of wood (or high quality, durable, man-made framing such as coated metal or composite material) and glass windows. The addition, including any exterior door to the structure, must be composed primarily of glass. Other terms for Sun Room include solarium, conservatory, garden room, or greenhouse. For purposes of this guideline, freestanding structures, or external additions essentially building out existing rooms to enlarge living space, shall not constitute sun rooms (also see Substantive Review Standards set forth below).
Approval Process: Construction of a Sun Room as contemplated by this Guideline constitutes a major alteration of the original construction and design of the home. The application-for-approval process is therefore more extensive than is required for a lesser alteration.
Substantive Review Standards: In order to satisfy the criteria for approval, the application for the proposed structure must demonstrate compliance with the following characteristics:
|
|
|
|
|
All construction must comply with applicable Fairfax County Building Code requirements, and permits shall be obtained and displayed or proffered upon request.
Note: In general, if a Sun Room is proposed to be located on an elevated deck, and the applicant needs or desires additional elevated deck space to construct the proposed structure, the portion of the deck not containing the proposed structure may be extended if the deck, as extended, otherwise complies with the DECKS Guideline (e.g., size, scale, compatibility with neighborhood).
Procedural Review Standards: Applications for Sun Rooms must contain the following exhibits or information in order for the Staff to deem them complete and appropriate for review by the ARC:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| * The term “affected neighbors” means homeowners who are in sight of the proposed improvement, and who may experience a visual or sight-line impact, or may be affected in other ways, such as changed drainage, effective use of property, etc. For attached homes, the term “affected neighbors” shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, all of the neighbors in the row. If the applicant has any questions about who constitutes an “affected neighbor” in their specific circumstance, they should contact the KROC Staff for assistance. If an applicant cannot obtain the signature of an affected neighbor for whatever reason, then the applicant must document their good faith effort to notify the party and provide this information with the application. |
Review Process: The ARC will review each application on a case-by-case basis and will take all facts it deems relevant into consideration. As with all such applications, the ARC reserves the right to visit the home site and to consider, in making its decision, the unique characteristics of the applicant’s home and neighborhood, and the setting of the home within the community. Any prior decision by the ARC to approve (or deny) an application for a particular type of sunroom does not necessarily mean that the ARC will approve (or deny) an application for a similar type of sunroom on another home. Certain factors, including, but not limited to, the location, type, or configuration of the home, or neighbor reaction, may convince the ARC to render a different ruling from a prior case. For example, the ARC reserves the right to exercise a more permissive standard of review for single family home applicants and a more restrictive standard for attached-home applicants in connection with the same type of sunroom.
Time Limits: If an applicant receives approval from the ARC for construction of a Sun Room, the applicant must complete construction of the proposed structure within 180 days of the date of receipt of the written approval. If an applicant encounters delays due to the following reasons, the applicant may file, with the KROC Staff, a request for an extension of time to complete the construction. For good cause shown, Staff will extend the required completion date:
|
SUN ROOMS. See Screened Porches and Sun Rooms, above
 |
SWIMMING POOLS. Only in-ground swimming pools are approvable, excluding portable pools, which are play equipment for children. A pool must be located in the rear of the property. Applications for in-ground pools must include details concerning safety, fencing and screening, among other things. |
 |
TRASH CONTAINERS. Trash located outside residences will be kept only within covered, rigid metal or plastic containers manufactured specifically for trash purposes, or in tightly closed heavy-duty trash bags manufactured specifically for exterior use. Newspapers only may be left for pick-up in grocery type paper bags or bound in twine. Containers must be kept out of view at all times, except when placed at curbside no earlier than sunset before the day of regularly scheduled trash or newspaper pick-up. |
 |
TREES. There is a suggested list of trees for the Kingstowne community. Please click here to view the list and contact the Kingstowne Business Office at 703-922-9477 for questions relating this selection. |
 |
TREE MAINTENANCE.
Homeowners are responsible for continued
maintenance of the grounds, which are part of a homeowner’s lot, which
includes trees and plantings. Trees
in urban settings depend on our help.
The most likely cause of tree damage is human negligence, other
than natural calamities. |
Inadequate care at the proper time makes trees susceptible to disease and lacking in strength to survive severe weather conditions. By giving a little care and following correct tree care practices; homeowners can make sure that their trees are protected and ready to face nature’s fury.
|
|
|
|
|
Some maintenance practices:
|
Trees in the urban/suburban landscape have traditionally been valued for their aesthetic qualities and shade they produce. Trees have many other important benefits. Trees enhance property values. Research shows that the value of your property could increase, depending on the size, type, location and health of its trees. Mature trees are particularly valuable. Therefore, it makes sense to protect your tree investment with proper maintenance.
Have a professional arborist evaluate the trees you own. Doing this will help you determine potential weaknesses and dangers. Ask the arborist to look for signs of potential hazards, such as stress cracks, weak branches and other subtle indicators of potential hazards. Check the tree for dead or partially attached limbs hung up in higher branches that could fall and cause damage or injury during a storm.
To locate a professional arborist in your area, or to get information on the care and maintenance of trees, contact the National Arborist Association, 1-800-733-2622 or by a zip code search on the NAA’s web site WWW.NATLARB.COM. The NAA is a 60-year-old public and professional resource on trees and arboriculture. Its more than 2,000 members all recognize stringent safety and performance standards, and are required to carry liability insurance.
 |
TREE REMOVAL. ARC approval is required to remove any live tree regardless of species with a trunk in excess of four inches in diameter when measured twelve inches above grade. Any tree over four inches in diameter removed without prior approval may be required to be replaced with a replanting at the owner’s expense. |
There should be valid reasons for the removal of trees. Examples might include:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The ARC may require a statement from a certified arborist to substantiate the application. The ARC may require the installation of an appropriate replacement tree, from the above suggested tree list, as a condition of approval to remove a tree.
Dead trees must be removed within 45 days, or sooner, if deemed high risk. If replacing with a tree on the above suggested tree list, approval is not required.
REMOVAL OF
BRADFORD PEAR TREES:
The removal of any or all Bradford pear trees in cases where the
homeowner agrees to replace the tree or trees with a more suitable species from
the
KROC’s list of approved trees can be approved as
standard applications. This specifically applies to Bradford pear trees only and
will not be construed to apply to any other tree species or any trees located on
common areas.
The approval to remove Bradford pear trees will be based on one or more of the
following circumstances:
1. Any Bradford pear tree that has suffered
actual limb loss.
2. Any Bradford pear tree the homeowner believes to be a safety hazard because of a significant probability of limb loss in the near future.
3. Any Bradford pear tree that has
become overgrown and no longer complements the homeowner’s house or yard.
Requests to remove a Bradford Pear tree without its replacement by another tree
must be submitted to the ARC for full review and consideration.
|
|
WIRES AND CABLES.
Wires and cables, including those installed to
convey radio or television signals, shall be hidden, buried or secured
flush with the side of each house so as to minimize their visibility.
|
If you have any questions regarding any of the above guidelines or other
exterior modifications,
contact the ARC Administrator at 703-922-9477.