Click here to go back to the Standards Main PageUpper Level Deck Standard Application Information
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 automatically be 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 decks must include the attached Deck Application Detail/Check sheet, demonstrating intent to comply with the following standard deck design criteria:
Location
Decks shall be restricted to the area immediately behind the house, and no portion may extend past either the side plane of the house nor within one foot (1') or less from any adjacent property line.
Style
Decks shall be one of the six styles depicted in the enclosed drawings, with any stairs located parallel to, rather than at right angles from, either side or the end of the deck.
Length and height
Deck length, including any stairs, shall not exceed fifteen feet (15') from the back of the house to its rear yard lot line, nor be any closer than 5 feet (5') to said property line. No portion of the deck's walking surface shall be located at a height exceeding that of the bottom of the door frame from which access is gained, which must not be to the highest floor of any house having three levels.
Color and Materials
All decks including their rails, landings and supporting posts, must be constructed only of cedar, redwood, pressure treated lumber or Trex. Wooden portions may not be wholly or partly painted, and may be stained or otherwise treated only with a transparent stain or preservative which allows the original wood grain to remain visible, and which does not change its color to other than that of the types of wood cited.
Privacy Screening (Optional)
Screening must be constructed of the same materials as the deck either of framed alternating board-on-board construction identical to that of ground level townhome fences, or consisting of heavy duty three quarter inch (3/4") lattice framed with two inch (2") by four inch (4") lumber.
Screening must extend upwards from the walking surface of the deck, except for lattice framed screening which may be affixed to the top of deck railings.
Screening must be a uniform six feet (6') above the enclosed walking surface of the deck, except that a 45 degree bevel is permitted at the ends of side screens furthest from the house, and lesser heights are permissible for lattice framed screening affixed to deck rails.
Screening may not be installed on the rear of decks, nor can side screening extend more than eight feet (8') from the rear of the house.
Plant Hangers
Hangers from which plants may be suspended may be substituted for screening if their height, length and location do not differ from that allowed for screening.
Adopted June 6, 1995
Revised January 7, 1997
Click Here for the Check sheet
(It must be included with your completed application)
Click Here for the List of Deck Styles
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