Click here to go back to the Standards Main PageSTANDARD LOWER LEVEL DECK AND PATIO APPLICATIONS
As stated in Kingstowne's governing documents, all changes to residential unit exteriors require approval prior to construction. Such approvals are normally granted by the ARC at its regular monthly meetings. However, to provide improved service to homeowners, the ARC has granted the Kingstowne Business Office staff the authority to approve applications which comply with standardized criteria describing architectural improvements established by precedent as acceptable for Kingstowne. The staff has been authorized to approve decks, patios and fences on townhouses. Those improvements on single family homes must be reviewed and approved by the Architectural Review Committee. Applications not clearly meeting these criteria will not be denied by the staff, but will be automatically referred to the ARC for its consideration as part of normal approval procedures. However, by submitting applications which comply with these standard criteria, applicants may obtain expedited approval without awaiting the normal monthly approval cycle.
To be considered for the standard approval process described above, applications for lower level decks and patios must include the attached Standard Lower Level Deck or Patio Detail/Check sheet, certifying intent to comply with the following standard design and construction requirements:
Location and Dimensions:
Lower level decks and patios shall be located entirely behind the main body of the house, with the exception of units whose rear yard fences extend beyond the width of the house, wherein such patios and lower level decks can extend to the fence line. No portion of the walking surface may be located above the bottom of the frame of the lowest door to the rear of the property. No other portion of such structures, such as seating or plant hangers may be located above the height of the surrounding fencing.
At least one foot of pervious ground surface must remain between the sides and rear of the lower deck or patio and any adjacent properties or common area. No portion of existing drainage systems shall be removed nor their functioning impeded. Any slope of the walking surface must be downwards away from the rear of the house.
Colors and Materials:
Visible portions of lower level decks, including fixed seating, planters or other similar accessories, will be constructed of the same materials allowed for upper level decks, i.e. cedar, redwood, pressure treated lumber, or Trex neither wholly nor partly painted, and may be stained or treated only with a transparent stain or preservative which allows the wood grain to remain visible, and which does not change its color to other than the types of wood cited.
Visible portions of patios will consist of brick, slate or stone, in the colors of red, gray or brown, with any gaps between such materials entirely filled with sand, gravel or mortar whose height does not exceed that of the walking surface. Wooden borders or trim, as well as seating, planters, plant hangers or other similar fixed accessories, may be added if their material and finish matches that allowed for deck construction.
Foundations for both decks and patios must be constructed so as to prevent uneven or otherwise visible settling, as well as penetration by weeds, grass or other growth.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees, June 7, 1994
Revised June 4, 1996
Click Here for the Check sheet
that must be included with your completed application.
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