Basic guidelines for architectural improvements may be found in the Architectural Guidelines which are at the end of this section.
Protective Covenants
The Hills at Piney Creek Declarations and Protective Covenants are the legal document that is accepted by every homeowner in The Hills at Piney Creek when title to the property is taken. This document is provided to every homeowner at the time of purchase.
The covenants establish the Architectural Control Committee and give the Committee the authority to establish the additional guidelines and procedures set forth in the preceding pages.
Where the covenants and guidelines differ in requirement or procedure, the more restrictive shall apply. Where the two are contradictory, the covenants shall prevail
Any exterior alteration to a home in the Hills at Piney Creek and/or landscaping requires the submission of an Architectural Improvement Form to the ACC. Forms may be obtained by contacting the Management Company at 720-489-5000 or a member of the ACC. Please send completed forms to the ACC for approval a minimum of two weeks prior to the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting (second Tuesday of each month except for december). The ACC will respond within fourteen to thirty days.
Remember, any changes to the exterior of your home (i.e., paint color, fence, deck, landscaping) must ALWAYS be pre-approved by the ACC.
FENCE STYLES AND MATERIALS FOR HOMEOWNER FENCES
Style: Piney Creek Style, with Exposed Posts
Accent Posts: 4x6x9’ Western Red Cedar, Standard and Better grade, with Dado and Chamfered Tops.
Placement – Accent posts are to be installed as Gate Posts, End Posts, Corner Posts, or alternated every other posts with the “Intermediate Posts”.
Post Spacing – maximum of 92 inches between Accent Posts and Intermediate Posts.
Post Set – minimum 24 inches deep, in 10” diameter hole, encased in 20 inches of concrete.
Post Exposure – approximately 80 inches above final grade.
Intermediate Posts: 4x4x8’ Western Red Cedar, Standard and Better grade, with Flat Top.
Placement – Intermediate posts are to be alternated with Accent Posts.
Post Spacing – maximum of 92 inches between Intermediate Posts and Accent Posts.
Post Set – minimum 24 inches deep, in 10” diameter hole, encased in 20 inches of concrete.
Posts Exposure – approximately 72 inches above final grade.
Top and Bottom
Fascia Rails: In the Piney Creek Style fence, the Top and Bottom rails are used as Fascia, with the Vertical Boards installed to the back side of the rails.
2x6x8’ Western Red Cedar Rails, Standard and Better grade.
(NEW CONSTRUCTION) rails are to be installed to back side of posts, and attached using 2 ea., 3 ½” zinc coated deck screws per rail end.
(REPAIRS to EXISTING) rails are to be installed and toe-nailed between posts or to match the existing fence.
Middle Rails: (REPAIRS to EXISTING) 2x4x8’ Western Red Cedar, Standard and Better …Center/Middle rail is optional unless existing fence has Center/Middle rail.
(NEW CONSTRUCTION) 2x4x8’ Western Red Cedar, Standard and Better …Center/Middle rails are REQUIRED!
Top Cap: (REPAIRS to EXISTING) 2x4x8’ (or 2x6x8’ - match existing) Western Red Cedar, Standard and Better grade.
Installation – Top Caps are to be installed (centered) over tops of boards and Top Fascia Rails, and attached using 3 ½” Deck Screws placed every 24 inches along the length of the cap, and into the top edge of the Top Fascia Rail.
(NEW CONTSTRUCTION) 2x6x8’ Western Red Cedar, Standard and Better grade.
Installation – Top Caps are to be installed so the back edge of the cap is even with the back rail, and covers the Top Fascia Rail, and Vertical Boards. The attachment is the same as for Repairs to Existing.
Vertical Boards: 1x4x6’ Western Red Cedar, Flat Top, graded as #1 Both Faces to have No Holes, No Rot or Bark on either face.
Installation – boards are to be installed to face of 2x6 Top and Bottom Fascia Rails, and attached using 2” zinc coated ring shank nails with at least (2) nails installed at every juncture with the boards and back rails.
Fence Stain
If you have a fence on your property and it has been stained in the past, it may be time to have it re-done. Fence stain must be Kelly Moore 04-352 and may be obtained at Kelly Moore stores or at Home Depot on Chambers and Parker. Home Depot does not carry Kelly Moore and uses a different product and will have the stain details under the name "Piney Creek Fence Stain".
SIGNS
The Hills HOA has determined that signs of contractors advertising or soliciting business may be posted on a homeowner's property for a period of 21 days if the contractor has a signed contract with the homeowner, and the homeowner gives the contractor permission to post the sign. Signs may not be posted on any common grounds, or in the yards of homeowners who do not have a signed contract for the contractor to perform work. The signs must be no larger than the size of a standard real estate "For Sale" sign.
ROOF REPLACEMENT
The Hills at Piney Creek’s Declarations and Covenants requires Homeowners to seek and obtain approval for any exterior modification. The Board of Directors has worked very hard to provide replacement options for the original cedar shake shingles. Regardless of your choice, The Association must still have an ACC Application and must approve the roof. In addition to cedar shake shingles, tile and stone coated steel, the following roofs have been approved for use by homeowners replacing roofs:
Presidential TL Ultimate by Certainteed (must be the “TL”) Colors – Autumn Blend, Bark Brown, Charcoal Black, Shadow Gray, Spanish Tile, Weathered Wood.
Grand Canyon by GAF Materials Corporation Colors – Black Oak, Mission Brown, Sedona Sunset, Stone Wood, Storm Cloud Gray.
Grand Sequoia by GAF Materials Corporation Colors – Autumn Brown, Cedar, Charcoal, Slate, Weathered Wood
OC Woodmoor by Owens Corning Colors – Chestnut, Sycamore, Carbon, Mesquite, Timber, Granite
Although Roofing Contractors may believe that there are other shingles that meet the specifications that the 4 options above have, there are not any other asphalt shingles that meet the minimum thickness, per shingle of 5/16th of an inch that these have. This minimum 5/16th inch requirement is not negotiable with the Architectural Control Committee and The Board of Director’s for The Hills.
Committee Chairperson Denny Hedlund 303-693-8319
DOWNLOAD THE ARCHITECTUAL IMPROVEMENT FORM
Architectural Control Guidelines Prepared for The Hills at Piney Creek
Home Owners Association
Aurora, Colorado
Revised – April, 1996Note: This document has been copied word for word from the version published in the 1997 Homeowner Directory, The Hills at Piney Creek Association. The original document contains page number references (such as …appear on pages 19-20). Publication in Web format does not preserve page number format of the original document. Where references to page numbers exist, a link has been inserted on keywords in the sentence to allow a "jump" to that section of text. This copy of the Architectural Control Guidelines is for reference only – contact an ACC member or the Management Company for the latest "official" revision.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION *
OVERVIEW *
USE OF GUIDELINES *
DESIGN REVIEW PROCEDURES *
DESIGN GUIDELINES – GENERAL PRINCIPLES *
RESOURCES *
ACCEPTABLE IMPROVEMENT PRACTICES *
DESIGN GUIDELINES *
I. EXEMPTIONS *
II. PROHIBITED USES *
III. DESIGN ARCHITECTURE *
IV. FENCING – Permitted Types *
V. SCREENING *
VI. LANDSCAPING *
VII. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS *
PROTECTIVE COVENANTS *
INTRODUCTION
Building and maintaining a new community is an exciting and rewarding activity. It is an undertaking requiring the contributions of people and organizations. These guidelines have been prepared to set forth the current architectural control guidelines being utilized by Richmond Homes, the primary builder of our community, to direct future development and to direct ongoing maintenance of this community so that original vision of The Hills at Piney Creek as a community is realized and maintained. These guidelines insure excellence by establishing standards for constructing new single family residences as well as the remodeling and maintenance of existing residences.
The guidelines are a guide, allowing for creativity and individuality to be expressed. We ask your assistance and cooperation in following the guidelines to make The Hills at Piney Creek a lastingly beautiful community.
OVERVIEW The Hills at Piney Creek Declaration of Covenants, create an Architectural Control Committee which must approve all new construction or modifications to existing construction on any house or lot.The Architectural Control Committee consists of two (2) current homeowners. All applications must be submitted to the Committee in writing, and will be reviewed within thirty-five (35) days of submittal. Applications may be submitted to the Committee by mailing the same to the Association’s management company. Contents of the application are on pages 4-6.The design guidelines are to promote qualities which will enhance the value of individual properties and promote attractiveness and functional utility. Designs must be compatible with design characteristics of adjoining properties and the neighborhood.Applicants must also comply with all County, State, and other agency regulations.Most design changes, additions or modifications must be approved by the Committee. Exceptions to such approval are on page 11. Prohibited Uses appear on pages 11-12 and Article VII of the Declarations.All exterior additions or alterations must be compatible with design and character of the original structure. Specific criteria for various items appear on pages 13-17. Design criteria for fencing and screening are available from the Committee. All fences must meet this design criteria.All portions of the home site not covered by driveways, patios, sidewalks, shall be landscaped within no more than six (6) months of occupancy or the first growing season. All front yards shall be sodded and have a minimum of two (2) trees and/or appropriate bushes. Details for materials and design appear on pages 17-18.Other miscellaneous design criteria for mailboxes, lighting, play equipment, basketball backboards, retaining walls, grading, etc. appear on pages 19-21.
USE OF GUIDELINES
The requirements, objectives, standards, and procedures contained in these guidelines are all intended to establish and maintain a harmonious community image for The Hills at Piney Creek. Through these guidelines and the design review process thus created, a consensus is achieved between individual aesthetic judgment and the broader interests of community standards.
The guidelines supplement the protective covenants, the legal document accepted by every homeowner when title to the property is taken. The covenants establish the architectural control committee and require the Committee’s written approval before any change to a site or building exterior of a residential property is mode.
As stated in the protective covenants, no improvements "…shall be erected, placed, or altered on any Building Site until the …plans and specifications have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Architectural Control Committee." Simply stated, no new construction or modification to existing construction (remodeling) is to occur on any lot of exterior of any home without the prior approval of the Committee. The Committee’s responsibility is to insure that the harmonious, high quality image of The Hills at Piney Creek is implemented and maintained. The Board of Directors, however, reserves the right to overrule any decision of the Committee, except those decisions directed solely to new construction by a homebuilder.
DESIGN REVIEW PROCEDURES
The protective covenants as set forth in the Declarations for the Hills at Piney Creek establishes an Architectural Control Committee. The Architectural Control Committee is comprised of two homeowners currently residing in The Hills at Piney Creek.
In order to obtain Architectural Control Committee ("Committee") review of the proposed site or building exterior construction, the homeowner or its representative ("Applicant") initiates the review process by submitting an application to the Committee, by delivering the application to the Association’s management company.
The Committee meets regularly on or near the 1st of the month and will render a decision on an application within thirty-five (35) days from the date of submittal. For a typical application, two (2) copies of the required information (see following paragraph) must be submitted. One copy will remain on file with the Committee and on copy, with comments, will be returned to the Applicant.
The Applicant starts the formal review process by submitting the following required information: Project DataName of Applicant (Homeowner of Builder, as applicable)Address and Phone Number of ApplicantDescription of proposed constructionConstruction schedule (start and completion)Names and phone numbers of all homeowners with properties within 500 feet of the subject property, when those homeowners are able to view the proposed improvements from their properties.A Site Plan drawn accurately to scale, showing the location and extent of:Lot linesLocation of houseLayout of proposed construction, including dimensions, as appropriateDetails describing the construction, including (as applicable): color, materials, size, etc. Color and material samples shall also be supplied.Building Elevations (as applicable)A landscape plan showing proposed plantings, including sizes, species, numbers, mulch materials, landscape features, description of irrigation system, etc.When the applicant is a homebuilder, the following additional material shall be submitted:Complete working drawings and specifications for all proposed constructionA sample of the proposed house siding not less than 2 square feet in size with the proposed stain or paint color appliedA sample of the proposed trim material not less than 12" long with the proposed stain or paint color appliedA sample of any proposed brick or other masonry to be used, including grout colorA colored perspective rendering or the proposed residenceA detailed site and grading plan showing finished contours, building elevations, spot elevations on pavements, retaining walls, drainage swales/structures, curb/gutter/sidewalk locations, etc.A landscape plan for all model sites.
The Committee will meet to consider the application, and will render a decision by voting. An affirmative vote of a majority of the Committee constitutes approval.
Within fifteen (15) days of completion of approved construction, the Applicant shall notify the Committee. The Committee then has up to 15 days to inspect the work. If the work is not done according to the approved application, the Committee has the authority to require the Applicant to remedy the defect within forty-five (45) days or be subject to action by the Committee to remove any unapproved construction.
Enforcement of these Architectural Control Guidelines is pursuant to the terms and provisions of the enforcement of Protective Covenants under the Declarations governing The Hills at Piney Creek.
DESIGN GUIDELINES – GENERAL PRINCIPLES
The purpose of the Architectural Control Committee is to insure consistent application of these guidelines. The guidelines are designed to promote those qualities in The Hills at Piney Creek which will bring value to individual properties and will promote the attractiveness and functional utility of the community. These qualities include a harmonious relationship between structures, vegetation, topography, and overall design of the community.
The guidelines set forth very specific criteria related to building, construction and site development. These criteria are directed toward insuring that the following general principles are adhered to.
General Principles
Validity of Concept
The basic idea of the proposed construction must be sound and appropriate to the surroundings.
Landscape and Environment
The proposed construction must not unnecessarily destroy or blight the natural of manmade environment of The Hills at Piney Creek.
Relationship of Structures and Site
Treatment of the site must relate harmoniously to adjacent sites and structures that have a visual relationship to the proposed construction.
Protection of Neighbors
Interests of neighboring properties must be protected by making reasonable provisions for such matters as access, surface water drainage, sound and sight buffers, preservation of use, light and air, and other aspects of design which may have a substantial effect on neighboring properties.
Design Compatibility
The proposed construction must be compatible with design characteristics of the property, adjoining properties, and the neighborhood setting. Compatibility is defined as harmony and style, scale, materials, color, and construction details.
Workmanship
The quality of workmanship evident in construction must be equal to or better than that of the surrounding properties. In addition to being visually objectionable and making an unflattering statement about you, as the homeowner, poor construction practices cause functional problems and even create safety hazards. The Committee and the Association assume no responsibility for the safety of new construction by virtue of design or workmanship.
Timing
Projects which remain uncompleted for long periods of time are visually objectionable and can be a nuisance and safety hazard for neighbors in the community. All applications must include a proposed maximum time period from start to completion of construction (see "Required Information, " page 4). If the proposed time period is considered unreasonable, the Committee may disapprove the application.
If projects are not completed within the approved time schedule, the Committee has the authority to require the applicant to complete the unfinished construction within 45 days or be subject to action by the Committee to remove the incomplete construction.
RESOURCES
Proposed construction may involve various agencies in addition to the Committee. The Applicant should check with the following agencies in order to determine if their review/input is needed:
Arapahoe County – building permits, zoning issues, streets, storm drainage, variances, etc.
Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IERA) – electrical service, street lighting and construction and utility easements
Public Service Comp0any (PSCo) – gas service, including construction and utility easements
East Cherry Creek Valley Water & Sanitation District – water and sewer service, including construction and utility easements
U.S. West – telephone lines, easements, etc.
TCI of Colorado – cable television lines
It is the Applicant’s responsibility to insure that any proposed construction is coordinated with, and where applicable, approved by these and other local, state, and federal government agencies. The Committee and Association assume no responsibility for obtaining these reviews and approvals.
ACCEPTABLE IMPROVEMENT PRACTICES
The balance of this document is devoted to outlining the design and construction practices required for changes and improvements to building exteriors and sites. Some of these practices are mandatory and are preceded by the word "shall". Others are recommendations, preceded by the work "should".
Applications conforming to the design and constructions practices and principles outlined in these guidelines are most likely to be approved by the Committee. Any applications proposing deviations from these guidelines will be considered on their individual merits.
DESIGN GUIDELINES EXEMPTIONSThe following types of changes, additions, of alterations do not require the approval of the Architectural Control Committee. Although exempted, all work must proceed in accordance with all state and local building codes and other construction requirements.Addition of plants to a property in accordance with a previously approved landscape plan;Modifications to the interior of a residence when those modifications do not materially affect the outside appearance or the structure;Repainting and/or restaining in original colors (where original colors were approved by Architectural Control Committee);Repairs to a structure in accordance with previously approved plans and specifications;Seasonal decorations if removed promptly (30 days following the holiday);Real estate "for sale" or other signs which are not larger than 5 square feet and where no more than one sign is placed in any given lot;PROHIBITED USES
Certain uses are prohibited within residential neighborhoods at The Hills at Piney Creek. Among those prohibited uses are the following (refer to Protective Covenants, Article VII, page 10, for more detail):
Noxious or offensive activity
Uses or activities that constitute an annoyance or nuisance to the neighborhood are prohibited at The Hills at Piney Creek, including those which would detract from residential value, and from overall enjoyment and quality of the neighborhood;
Uses or activities that are defined as noxious or offensive include, for example, parking vehicles on lawns, interior or exterior sound systems that create noise heard beyond the property lines, etc.
Outdoor Storage
Storage of trash, building materials, equipment, garden supplies, etc. in unscreened areas on a residential site is prohibited. (Refer to the section on screening for further detail.)
Vegetable Gardens
Vegetable gardens are prohibited except in screened, backyard areas, and only then when part of an approved landscape plan.
Livestock and Poultry
The size of lots at The Hills at Piney Creek make it an inappropriate setting for raising animals other that domesticated dogs, cats, and other common household pets. Raising livestock such as horses, goats, sheep, chickens, etc. is therefore prohibited at The Hills at Piney Creek.
Commercial Uses
Most business activities are prohibited within The Hills at Piney Creek. Prohibited activities include in-house businesses that attract clients or customers, such as beauty salons, accounting businesses, etc. Such in-home businesses as machine shops, car repair, or other similar commercial/industrial businesses are also prohibited.DESIGN ARCHITECTURE
Any exterior addition or alteration to an existing residence shall be compatible with the design and character of the original structure.
Roofing
Alternative roofing materials that are essentially wood-shake like in appearance and quality which feature fire and weather resistant properties may be substituted when specifically viewed and approved by the Committee.
Colors
All exterior painting or staining shall be of colors of harmony with other existing homes in the neighborhood or of colors similar to those originally employed in the neighborhood.
In general, only those areas that were painted originally shall be repainted; only those areas that were stained originally shall be restained; unpainted surfaces and unstained areas, such as brick or stone, shall not be printed or stained.
Windows
All windows shall have painted or stained wood or non-reflective metal frames and dividers. No reflective glass is permitted.
Window Coverings
All windows shall be covered with curtains, drapes, or other acceptable coverings within no more that six (6) months of occupancy. Window coverings visible from the exterior shall be compatible with the architectural character of the residence. Reflective shades or film-type window coverings are specifically prohibited.
Masonry
The use of masonry as an exterior building material is encouraged. New masonry construction should math original construction. The selection of masonry type, color, grout color, etc. must be approved by the Committee.
Solar Panels
Any solar panels and related appurtenances and equipment, whether included in the original construction or added at a later date, shall be designed and constructed so as to appear as an integrated part of the building architecture. This shall generally mean that the panels shall be roof-mounted so that the top surface is flush with the roof surface, with all appurtenances recessed into the structure’s attic. When solar orientation prohibits this approach, the roof shall be altered to that the panels appear to be "built in", i.e., sides and bottoms of the panels and any piping, etc., shall not be visible. If the panels are ground or wall-mounted, they shall be integrated into a structure using compatible materials so that the panels appear as a natural extension of the house.
Exterior Antenna
No antenna, satellite dishes or other device for the transmission or reception of radio or television signals or any other form of electromagnetic radiation shall be erected, used or maintained outdoors and above ground, whether attached to a building or otherwise, at any residential lot within the community without the written consent of the Architectural Control Committee, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Provided, however, that a satellite dish antenna may not be installed and maintained on any residential lot without the necessity of written consent and; (a) the dish as installed is not visible from neighboring logs, streets or common area; or (b) the lot owner prior to installation has received the written consent of the owners of all residential lots who would have views of the installation from their lots; or (c) the dish antenna is disguised to resemble and is in fact visually indistinguishable from structures, devices, or improvements otherwise allowed in the community and/or by these guidelines.
Garages
All single family detached residences within The Hills at Piney Creek shall have garages with the capacity for at least two cars. No garages shall have the capacity for more than three cars.
FENCING – Permitted Types
All perimeter and (lot line) fencing constructed in The Hills at Piney Creek shall be of the approved fencing types only. Construction plans for the approved fencing types are available from the ACC or Association.
All other fences, such as interior fencing to enclose patios, screen trash receptacles, support arbors, etc., shall be of a type, finish, color, etc., compatible with the approved perimeter fencing type and the building architecture.
Locations
No fences shall be constructed in front yards, except ones no higher than 36" used to enclose or define gardens and in compliance with the approved setbacks for the Hills at Piney Creek.
No fencing shall be installed in such a way that it blocks established drainage ways.SCREENING
Approved fencing or other approved means (such as plant material) shall be used to screen the following unsightly objects. The purpose of the screening requirements is to insure that residential neighborhoods have a neat and orderly appearance, free from the visual clutter that detracts from property values and community character.
Garbage and Refuse
All trash, refuse, rubbish, garbage, and other wastes shall be kept in closed containers, such as garbage cans, waterproof boxes, etc. These containers shall be kept within the garage or if placed outside, shall be screened from the view of any public or private property using approved means. The enclosure shall be kept neat, clean, and weed free.
Vehicles
Only automobiles with four wheels shall be parked in the street or in visible areas on private property within The Hills at Piney Creek. All other vehicles, such as recreational vehicles, such as recreational vehicles (RV’s), motorcycles, boats, campers, hauling trucks, trailers, etc., shall be kept in the garage or shall be parked in the side or rear yard in places designated on an approved site plan. These off-street parking places shall be screened with approved means, so that no part of the vehicle is visible from adjacent streets, properties, or other public or private properties.
No vehicles of any kind shall be repaired, rebuilt, etc., except in the garage or on the driveway. If conducted on the driveway, this kind of activity shall continue no longer that a 24-hour period.
Firewood
Firewood shall be neatly stacked an shall be located within the confines of a screened enclosure such as a fence or wall.
Swimming Pools / Hot Tubs
Any swimming pool, spa, hot tub, jacuzzi, etc., shall be screened from view with approved means.
Mechanical Equipment / Utilities
All utilities shall be installed below the ground. On grade utility appurtenances, such as electrical transformers, utility meters, etc., shall be screened using approved means.
Mechanical equipment such as air conditioners, heating equipment, etc., shall be installed as an integral part of the architecture whenever possible. Under no circumstances shall these items be roof-mounted or located in such a way that they are visible from neighboring properties of public streets.
Dog Houses / Runs
Dog houses, shelters and runs shall be completely screened from the view of adjacent public or private properties and the streets, and shall be built from materials compatible with the house.
LANDSCAPING
All portions of a private home site not covered by house, driveway, patios, sidewalks, etc., shall be landscaped within no more than six (6) months of occupancy, or within the first growing season, whichever is earlier. All front yards shall be sodded and a minimum of two (2) trees and/or appropriate bushes shall be planted in the front yard as approved by the Committee, within 6 months of occupancy or during the first growing season, whichever is earlier. This landscaping shall be done in accordance with the landscape plan approved by the Committee. The plan shall show all proposed landscape improvements including trees, shrubs, turf, mulches (bark, gravel, etc.), patios, fences, arbors, swimming pools, rock work, retaining walls, vegetable gardens, vehicle parking areas, etc.
Landscaping additions, including planting, irrigation systems, wells, patios, etc., that were not part of the initial approved plan, must receive separate Committee approval.
Plant Materials
Plants utilized in landscaping shall consist primarily of permanent, "long-lived" materials, avoiding the extension of "short-lived" materials such as annual flowers. Certain materials considered to be nuisance plants are prohibited, including Siberian elm and cotton-producing Cottonwood trees.
Gravel
The use of gravel as a mulch material is permitted but shall not be used to cover large areas. No more than 10% of the total area of any lot shall be covered by non-living ground cover such as gravel, lava rock, bark, etc.
Ornamentation
The utilization of non-living objects as ornaments in the landscape is generally discouraged, particularly in front or side yards visible from adjacent properties and roads. Such ornamentation includes driftwood, wagons, animal skulls, wagon wheels, sculpture (flamingos, deer, cherubs, etc.). The goal of any landscape improvement is to promote a pleasing and harmonious neighborhood character. Individual expression is permissible so long as it does not detract from this goal.
Maintenance
All landscaping shall be maintained in a neat and attractive condition. Minimum maintenance requirements include watering, mowing, edging, pruning, removal and replacement of dead or dying plants, removal and/or killing of weeds and noxious grasses, and removal of trash.
Water Conservation
In the landscaping of home sites, occupants are urged to utilize plant material, irrigation systems, and maintenance practices that conserve water. Although water conserving landscapes are often associated with a rather bleak, "dry land" appearance, it should be noted that a more traditional "green" appearance can be achieved while still using much less water that typical suburban residential landscapes.
The Denver Water Board office property at 1600 West 12th Avenue, Denver, Colorado, contains an xeriscape garden open to public viewing. This garden utilizes water-conserving plant material and irrigation systems, such as "drip" irrigation. Utilization of a landscape architect or designer experienced in designing water-conserving landscapes, is encouraged.MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Signage
No signs of any type shall be displayed on the home site after initial occupancy, except for a single sign advertising a home for sale. This single sign shall not exceed 5 square feet in size.
No signs shall be posted in the window of a home except those specifically approved by the Committee.
Mailboxes
Mailboxes of the standard Hills at Piney Creek design shall be provided and installed by the original developer. The mailboxes and posts shall not be stained or painted in a color different from the original color. Other boxes, newspaper tubes, etc. shall not be installed or affixed to the original mailbox or post.
Exterior Lighting
Exterior lighting shall not be directed in such a manner as to create an annoyance to adjoining properties. High wattage area lighting ("yard lights") are prohibited. Illumination of roofs or features on roofs is prohibited.
Holiday (Christmas) lights are allowed from Thanksgiving weekend through the last day of January. Other holidays to be honored with exterior lighting must have written approval from the property manager prior to lights being erected.
Holiday light hooks are allowed to be permanently installed with written approval from the board of directors / architectural control committee. Hooks must be painted to match the back drop paint color and cannot hang below the eve line.
Street Lighting
Street lighting is approved by IREA. The standard street lighting fixture used in The Hills at Piney Creek by IREA shall be used to illuminate all public streets, and is encouraged for use on private streets, drives, to maintain design continuity.
Play Equipment
Play equipment may be erected within a fenced or screened area, but shall have the approval of the Committee. Play equipment shall be an appropriate scale and of approved materials and color. Equipment utilizing natural materials (wood vs. metal) is preferred.
Basketball Backboards
Basketball backboards / supporting members shall be approved by the Committee prior to installation. Basketball backboards shall be of a conservative color (i.e., translucent or white) and supporting members shall be block, gray, or white in color. Bumper guards shall also be black, gray, or white.
Ancillary Structures
All ancillary structures, such as greenhouses, storage sheds, patio covers, arbors, cabanas, etc., shall be approved by the Committee. Any such structure shall be cited and designed to be compatible with the house and all adjacent houses, fences, etc. In no case shall ancillary buildings be located within the setbacks required by the Final Development Plan for the Hills at Piney Creek.
Driveways
Any modification to a driveway shall be approved by the Committee In no case shall the width of the driveway at the curb be widened. Any widening inbound of the curb shall be smoothly transitioned back to the curb.
Retaining Walls
Any retaining walls shall be approved by the Committee. The Applicant is encouraged to use materials that are compatible with the building construction (wood painted or stained to match the house, brick or stone to match the house, etc.).
Retaining walls which divert water onto other properties or otherwise substantially alter existing drainage patterns are prohibited.
Site Grading
Any change to site grading shall be approved by the Committee. No new grading shall divert water onto other properties or otherwise substantially alter existing drainage patterns. Care shall be taken to keep water away from foundations. Down spouts shall discharge onto splash blocks or other devices to prevent saturation of soils at foundations. Irrigation of plant material shall be kept well away from the foundation. Patios, lawn areas, shrub beds, etc., shall be sloped positively away from foundations to prevent puddling of water.
PROTECTIVE COVENANTS
The Hills at Piney Creek Declarations and Protective Covenants are the legal document that is accepted by every homeowner in The Hills at Piney Creek when title to the property is taken. This document is provided to every homeowner at the time of purchase. If you do not have a copy, the Committee can provide you with a copy.
The covenants establish the Architectural Control Committee and give the Committee the authority to establish the additional guidelines and procedures set forth in the preceding pages.
Where the covenants and guidelines differ in requirement or procedure, the more restrictive shall apply. Where the two are contradictory, the covenants shall prevail.
|
