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1 Providence Grove Homeowners Association ARC Guidelines– 5/16/2018 version 1.3

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES


Pursuant to its authority under the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Providence Grove community, the

Architectural Control Committee (ACC) of Providence Grove Homeowners Association (Association) hereby issues the following

Standards and Guidelines for interpretation of that declaration. These Standards and Guidelines are supplemental to the existing

Declarations and are not inclusive of all items upon which the Providence Grove ACC may act. Decisions are made on a case-by-case

basis. In addition, something that may have been approved once does not guarantee that it will be approved again.

The Board has grandfathered all ACC “approved” improvements prior to 3/x/2018. Any improvement that needs to be replaced due to

wear and tear and age, (i.e. Fences) must conform to the current requirements in these Guidelines. For example, a vinyl fence cannot

be replaced with a vinyl fence. Any improvement that does not have ACC approval, regardless of how long it has been in place, is

subject to review according to the current guidelines.

The following actions require specific prior approval by the ACC unless noted in the preapproved items section (pg. 8 and 9) and will

be approved or disapproved based upon compliance with the declarations, these Guidelines, and/or the aesthetic discretion of the

Committee.

Construction of any type of structure or improvement on any lot in Providence Grove (including, but not limited to outbuildings,

fences, pools, walls, exterior remodeling, landscaping or additions to an existing structure) requires the written approval of the ACC.

The following guidelines apply, in general, to all construction projects:

• Duration: Construction projects should be completed within 30 days of start date, unless not feasible due to the magnitude of

the project (i.e. a major addition to a house).

• Nuisance: The project must not unduly inconvenience your neighbors. Any disturbance to neighboring property must be

repaired.

• Working hours: Work on the project cannot begin before 7AM or extend beyond 9PM daily.

• Utilities: Any utility additions must be underground and adhere to all County Code requirements.

• Code Compliance: Owners making modifications are responsible for ensuring that the modification complies with all state

and local code, and the owner is responsible for obtaining any required permits or licenses.

• Landscaping Screening: Planting may not be done any closer than three feet (3’) from your deeded property line. No trees of

any kind may be removed without proper approval first being granted by the Association. This applies to Front Yard Only

and must be replaced with similar tree style.

• Lawns: Lawns shall be kept in good condition. Regular lawn maintenance, mowing and weeding et cetera. Front yards must

be Fescue and Rear can be Fescue or Zoysia. Mulch is permitted at any time without architectural approval. Pine needles or

mulch (red, brown or black) may be used. No landscaping rocks are allowed in the yard.

• Debris: All debris from a construction project must be collected and removed every 24 hours.

A detailed description of the planned project must be provided to the Architectural Control Committee on the appropriate

Architectural Review Request (“ARR”):

- Size of Structure - Height

- Roof Design - Roof Material

- Wall Material - Quantity

- Exterior Finish - Location

- Drawing or Diagram - Estimated Length of Construction

- Utilities (Electric, Water, Sewer) - Survey showing location


THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES APPLY, PARTICULAR TO:

Sheds and Outbuilding:

• Size – 144 Sq ft. Maximum with sides no more than 12’ in length, ACC can approve variances.

• Height – Overall Height No Greater than (10’ max.)/ Side Wall (7’ max.)

• Roof Design and Materials – Gabled Only and shingles must match the house. Single pitched shed roofs are not permitted.

Shingles is the only roofing material that is acceptable. Photo(s) or brochure of color chose must accompany request.

• Wall Material and Finish – Exterior walls must be Vinyl or Hardie Board horizontal siding to match the color of the house.

Metal, Particleboard, Plywood, or Cinderblock material is strictly prohibited.

• Utilities – Providing service to an outbuilding must be underground.

• Quantity – No more than one per lot.

• No items, such as ladders, may be stored on or outside the shed.

• Boundaries – If an outbuilding is to be placed in the Rear of a lot, the rear property line should be at least three (3x) larger

than outbuilding dimension. For example, a 10’ x 10’ outbuilding placed in the rear of a lot requires a minimum of 30’ rear

property line. Outbuildings should be placed at least 5’ from any property boundary, should maintain sufficient clearance

around all sides to permit appropriate maintenance and drainage. On corner lots outbuildings should be placed no less than

50’ from any street curb adjacent to the property.

Decks and Railings:

• Materials – Decks and Railings should be constructed of high quality pressure-treated wood, cedar which remains stable in

exterior applications, or composites (see color).

• Color – Natural wood, clear sealant or stain for wood and cedar; Natural colors for composite decking (Color chip or sample

MUST be submitted and approved by ACC). White Railings or Posts are not allowed.

• Landscaping - Around decks is strongly encouraged to soften corners and views from adjacent lots.

• Location – Must be attached to house or extension to an existing deck and shall not exceed beyond the side walls of the

house.

• Underdeck Screening - Elevated decks have an underdeck area which can have a negative visual impact on adjoining neighbors,

particularly when used as in informal storage space for items such as lawn equipment, firewood, and similar items. The use of

lattice screening the perimeter of this area is required if the underdeck area is to be used for such storage. Lattice or vertical

screening to be installed under an elevated deck will be reviewed on an individual basis.

Sunroom and Screen Porches:

• Location – Attached to existing home; permits need to be obtained by the homeowner.

• Materials - Should be constructed using pressure treated wood, cedar or vinyl (White Only). Roof shingles, fascia, rake trim,

downspouts and gutters must match the existing counterparts of the house. Screen must be panelized

• Color - Must be harmonious in color with the house siding or trim, providing the house is not in violation of these guidelines.

Patios:

• Size – No higher than 8 inches above ground

• Materials – Reinforced Concrete, Flagstone or brick pavers. Wood structures are considered decks and must follow the

guidelines for deck construction.

• Location – Should be located behind the house


Dog Houses:

• Size – 4’ (w) x 4’ (l) x 4’ (h)

• Materials – Same as Sheds and outbuilding

• Quantity – No more than two.

Driveway / Walkway Additions:

• Material – Should be made of concrete only for Driveways and Concrete (stamped is ok) or brick pavers for walkways to

match the house and must be approved by ACC on a case by case basis.

• Encroachment – A 2’ minimum set back should be maintained from the side property lines. A variance will be reviewed on a

case by case basis in some situations.

• Walkways leading to the backyard should be placed on the garage side. Driveways and parking pads shall not extend past the

front of the home.

• Driveway Sealant - Sealant color must be the color of natural concrete. A photo or brochure of color chose needs to

accompany all requests.

Recreational and Play Equipment:

• Materials - Play equipment must not detract from the aesthetic quality of the community or form the privacy of adjacent

homeowners. Bright or florescent colors and patterns are not permitted on the play sets.

• Size - The maximum height is ten feet (10’).

• Location – Play sets shall be located behind the house (inside the side of house wall lines extended into the backyard) and no

closer than five feet (5’) from the rear property line. Play sets shall be positioned in the rear yards to not be visible from the

street which the house is facing.

• Trampolines – Trampoline shall be no larger than fifteen feet (15’) in diameter, located behind the house and no closer than

five feet (5’) from the rear property line. Trampolines shall be positioned in the rear yards to not be visible from the street

which the house is facing.

• Basketball Goals - Permanent or Portable basketball goals shall be permitted on a Lot if placed a minimum of twelve (12)

feet behind the sidewalks and placed outside of the public right-of-way. No goals may be affixed to the home. All basketball

goals and surrounding areas are to be neatly maintained and kept in an orderly condition so to not to create a nuisance. Chain

nets are prohibited. All permanent and portable goals that will remain outside must have a clear backboard. Permanent

attached lighting and any other accessory will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Basketball goals shall not be used

between the hours of 9:00 pm and 8:00 am. The owner is responsible for any damage caused by falling goals.

Landscaping:

• Plants may not block or impede use of any sidewalk, driveway or mailbox.

• Landscaping around decks, patios, and screened porches is strongly encouraged to soften corners and views from adjacent lots.

Vegetable Gardens Planters: (See Exhibit “C”)

• Vegetable Garden Planters – 6’ (w) x 6’ (l) x 18” (h) / Vegetable gardening in rear of homes (Not visible from the street) are

permitted but must be kept in a neat manner (weed-free) and pests must be controlled. Vegetables should not grow above 4’

feet in height. (i.e. No Corn) Vegetable gardening is prohibited in the front and sides of all homes.

• The Garden should only be used to “Grow Vegetables” from April 1 until October 31. Outside this time, the plants must be

removed and the ground tilled.


Swimming Pools, Ponds and Hot Tubs:

• These items are only allowed in the backyard.

• Only In-ground swimming pools are allowed. No above ground swimming pool.

• Hot Tubs must be screened from view.

• Homeowner is responsible for building permits and inspections.

Trellises, Arbors and Privacy Screening:

• Trellises and Arbors are permitted in the backyard only and should be no higher than ten feet (10’).

• Must be constructed of framed lattice that is pressure treated wood and should be incorporated as part of the overall deck and

patio design and connected to it. Vinyl materials are prohibited.

• Privacy Screening is permitted in the backyard only and should be no higher than six feet (6’) that is either a combination of

four foot (4’) shadowbox and two foot (2’) lattice or just an six foot (6’) all lattice screening. Landscaping around screening

may be required to minimize any adverse visual impacts.

• Color – Natural wood or clear sealant.

• Lattice work may not be installed in place of deck railing.

Garbage Container Screening:

• Place the container in the backyard or inside the garage.

• Build a Screen with plantings or a 3-panel enclosure to be constructed with a framed pressure treated wood or vinyl lattice /

combination lattice one foot (1’) and shadowbox four feet (4’). Vinyl Color should match the décor of home. No more than

four feet (4’) in height x four feet (4’) in width x three feet (3’) in depth. The screening should be landscaped to soften the

look. (See Exhibit “D”)

Exterior Lighting:

• All exterior light fixture “changes” must be approved by the ACC.

• Landscape lighting must be no taller than 12”

• Must be installed so the light is facing down and outward.

• Lamppost must be black and no higher than Eight Feet (8’)

• Security Lights may be placed as to not intrude on the neighboring property.

Retractable Awnings:

• Retractable Awnings must be approved by the ACC.

• Only allowed in the backyard.

Solar panels / Collectors:

• Will be reviewed on a case by case basis

• Must be mounted to the roof, not free standing or ground mounted.


Air Conditioning Units:

• Relocation of exterior central air conditioning units will require approval. Need to ensure there is no visual or noise impact to

your neighbor.

• Replacement does not require approval.

Mailboxes:

• Only the original black mailbox will be used. (See EXHIBIT “A” for Carolina mailboxes Information)

Fences:

All fences and similar enclosures must be approved by the ACC as to style, location, size and materials. Fences on corner

lots abutting a local residential street must be installed parallel to the side street and the fence must be installed at a location

equaling 50% of side yard setback. Call NC ONE CALL at 1-800-632-4949 to locate buried utilities before digging any

fence post holes. Further fences cannot be installed within the sight triangle as indicated on any recorded plat of Providence

Grove. Fencing is not permitted in front yards.

Fences installed within an easement area are subject to removal for maintenance within the easement. Owners bear the risk

of re-installing any fencing that must be moved within an easement.

Fences should perform the functions of enclosing spaces and providing security with minimal visual impact, thus maintaining

the sense of natural openness throughout the community. Additional fence setbacks or limitations may be imposed upon lots

abutting common open space or other natural areas. Fences are to have the finished side out and both sides shall be

stained in a natural color approved by the ARC.

Fences may not extend outside the boundaries of the installing homeowner’s lot. In the event existing trees or other obstacles

require adjustment to the fence location, the fence shall always be shifted inside the boundary of the installing homeowner’s

lot.

Fences may not extend any closer to the street than the rear façade of a home, unless approved by the ACC.

Gates shall be designed to be compatible and complimentary to the fence design.

Below are the types of fences that are acceptable: (See EXHIBIT “B”)

• Shadow Box – Pressure Treated Wood Only (max. 72”)

• Picket - Pressure Treated Wood only with a maximum of 54” with a 30% gap. The space between pickets to be 30%

of size of width of picket.

• Aluminum - Black Only with a height of 4’, 5’ or 6’ (maximum 72”)

• Split Rail Fencing – Black wire mesh (2x4 in.) is the only wire that may be placed on or around the fence.

Front Storm Door – Moved from pre-approved because people are not installing the proper door. Thoughts?

• Must be full length glass doors w/ metal colored frame that matches the décor of the home and shutters.

• Wood screen, frosted and half screen glass storm doors are not permitted.


Satellite Dish:

• Size - 18” or less in diameter (round) or 36”x 22” or less (oval)

• Color - Dark Gray or Black in color

• Location – The preferred locations for satellite dishes are either ground mounted in the rear yard, directly behind and within

10 feet of the house or roof mounted behind and below the central peak on the backside of the roof. Exemptions will be

made only when adequate reception cannot be achieved in one of the previously described locations.

• Cables – All cables must be secured on the structure and secured in such a way that will not be visible from the street.

Walls (Landscaping and Retaining)

Walls and similar features require application and approval and will be considered on a case by case basis.

Landscaping Walls must meet the following criteria:

• Landscaping Walls must be made of stone or brick to match the décor of the home.

• Landscaping Walls intended as a landscape feature:

• Front Yard Only - Should not exceed two (2’) feet in height. A variance will be considered in situations where the grade

of the property changes.

• Side Yard Only – Should not exceed two feet (2’) in height and three feet (3’) in length. See Exhibit “C”

• Retaining Walls heights will be reviewed on a case by case basis and should be constructed using stone, brick and wood.

• Bricks Walls must match the brick on the house.

Permanent Fire Pits, Fireplaces Barbecue Grills and Stone Patios -Another one I felt needed to be updated to be

approved… Thoughts?

• If Permanent, must be located within the side walls of the house, not to be visible from the street. Stone color should be

complimentary to the color of the house.

• Photo(s) of stone chosen and design illustration including dimensions need to accompany all requests. Will be reviewed on a

case by case basis.

Gutters and Downspouts

• Replacement or additional gutters and downspouts must match the design of the original gutters and downspouts.

• Color must be white.

• Discharge from downspouts must not adversely affect drainage on adjacent properties.

• Missing, hanging, broken or otherwise unsightly gutters and downspouts should be repaired within 30 days.

Skylights

• Skylights will be permitted on a case by case basis.

• Skylights which are constructed flush with the roof are preferred.


PRE-APPROVED ITEMS – THE FOLLOWING LIST OF ITEMS DO NOT NEED ARC APPROVAL:

• Flags – No more than 5 feet long. Must be American / Military, Seasonal or Sports flag that is in season. Any other type of

flag needs to be ARC approved. Only one allowed!!

• Flag poles that hang on columns or brick are permitted. Any other type of flagpoles is prohibited.

• Exterior Signs: Any other type of sign not listed will need ACC Approval.

• Sale / For Rent Signs – may not exceed five (5) square feet advertising the property for sale or rent.

• Decorative Signs - may not exceed 2 square feet and should only include items such as Name or house number.

• Security Signs or Invisible Dog Fence.

• Hanging Plants are permitted on the porch and on hooks in the mulched area. No more than 4 on the porch and 2 in mulched

area.

• Potted Plants are permitted on the porch or in the mulched area. No more than four (4).

• Seasonal decorations are permitted as long as they are removed when the season/holiday is over.

• 45 days before season/holiday

• 30 days after the season/holiday

• Bird house – No more than one (1) and must be in the backyard.

• Plant Material – That has died or damaged by storm, must be replaced.

• Landscaping

• Planting of annuals or perennials in existing beds,

• Garden Rocks, Fountains, Flags, Birdbaths and Garden Statues and benches:

• Neutral color / material

• Shall not exceed four (4) in number total

• Birdbaths cannot exceed 36 inches in height

• Small benches shall not exceed 24 inches in height and 4 ft in length

• Window Boxes are allowed but are limited to 3 feet in length and must compliment the residence exterior and shall be well

maintained.

• Attic Ventilators – Should be small in size and placed on the back of the roof and not extend past the ridgeline.

• Lawn Furniture – Front Porch or Backyard only.

• Mulch is permitted at any time without approval – Red, Black, Brown mulch and Pine needles are allowed.

• Hose caddies/reels - Stand alone or affixed to the home. Hoses must be rolled up and the area kept neat.


THE ARC WILL NOT APPROVE AND SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITS THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

• Vinyl, Chain Link, Barbed or Chicken Wire fences

• Perimeter fencing around patios, decks or pools greater than 6’ in height

• The Storage of materials of any kind behind a fence or shed if they are visible from the street or neighboring yard. For

example no ladders can be hung on the side or rear of the shed.

• Location of fence that does not comply with the restrictions.

• Brick Mailboxes – All mailboxes needing to be replaced must be the exact same size and color we have now. (NC LAW)

• Above Ground Pools, except for “kiddie pools”.

• Molded Plastic Sheds or Outbuildings

• Permanent in the ground flagpoles are not permitted.

• Hazardous or toxic materials shall be stored on any lot.

• Clotheslines

• Compost Piles

• Greenhouses

• Livestock, Pigeon or Chicken Coops

• Window unit air conditioners and fans

• The construction, installation, erection, or maintenance of any television or radio pole, antenna, aerial, dish or tower on any

lot in Providence Grove which is not in compliance with the guidelines established by the ARC.

• Security Bars

• Awnings on the front of the home

• Artificial vegetation or plastic animal unless placed temporarily by a church or charity for fundraising.

• Mobile house trailers, on or off wheels, recreational vehicles (“RVs”), motor homes, vehicles, or enclosed bodies of the type

which may be placed on or attached to a vehicle, known generally as “campers”, commercial vehicles of any kind operated

by a member of the household occupying the dwelling on the Lot and any boats and boat trailers shall not be parked on the

street within the front or side street setback lines or anywhere on the Lot.

• Permanent wood-built Gazebos; Temporary gazebos are considered lawn furniture


In the best interest of the community, the ARRs that the following matters are handled as indicated. If any of these matters becomes a

problem, the ACC may act upon them under the general powers conferred by the Declaration.

1. Building materials and equipment should not be stored where visible from the street for more than thirty (30) days.

2. Firewood must be kept in the backyard behind the home and not viewable from the street. Firewood shall be stacked in

piles which do not exceed 8’ in length and 4’ in height.

3. Seasonal house decorations should be removed within 30 days of the end of the holiday period.

All requests must be submitted in writing to Providence Grove Architectural Control Committee,

c/o the current management company.

NOTE: Refer to your survey for your front, rear and side yard setbacks.

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW REQUEST (ARR) PROCEDURE

A. The following items must be submitted along with the architectural review request:

1. A copy of the plot plan/survey that you received at closing indicating where the proposed change will be located in relation

to your property line.

2. A brochure or picture of what the proposed change will look like.

3. A copy of the contractor’s insurance liability and workers compensation.

If all of these items are not submitted with the request the request cannot be processed until all the items listed above are submitted.

B. The ARR will be reviewed by the management company to ensure all items are received that is necessary for ACC/Board’s

decision.

C. The management company will send to ACC for their recommendations.

D. The ACC will either approve or deny the request with detailed explanations.

• If the ACC Approves, the Homeowner can start the project.

• If the ACC Denies, the ACC will make recommendations to work with the homeowner to get it approved.

• If the ACC and homeowner cannot work out an approval, then the homeowner has the right to appeal to the board.

• The board will have final decision after the appeal has been made and both sides have been heard.

E. Your request can take up to 30 days to process. Once received and all the requested information is submitted it will be given to the

ACC to review. Upon review and decision you will receive notification via mail as to the status of your request.

ADDRESS TO SUBMIT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW REQUESTS

Providence Grove HOA

108 Stone Village Drive

Fort Mill, SC 29708

Attn: Nickki Couick - ACC Requests

DOWNLOAD FORM FROM WEBSITE

http://providencegrovehoa.com/ARC.aspx

EMAIL

[email protected]

http://providencegrovehoa.com/ARC.aspx

mailto:[email protected]


EXHIBIT “A”

MAILBOXES

Replacement Mailboxes can be purchased at:

Carolina Mailboxes 3428 Vane Court, Ste C

Charlotte, NC 28206

Toll Free in the US: 877-845-0850

Locally: 704-334-3393

Fax number: 704-334-3363

Email us at: [email protected]

Visit the website: Carolinamailboxes.com

mailto:[email protected]


EXHIBIT “B”

WOOD PICKET SCALLOPED WOOD PICKET

SHADOWBOX SPLIT RAIL FENCE


AERO ALUMINUM BARCELONA ALUMINUM

Exhibit “C”

Side Landscape Wall

Vegetable Garden Planter


Retaining Wall

Exhibit “D”

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