Calvert's Glen HOA Revised ACC Amendment Proposals

2023-01-30
5 min read
HOA

This is a revision to the originally proposed amendments to the Calvert’s Glen HOA Architectural Control Committee guidelines.

You can read the previous iteration on my original post, here. After incorporating much feedback, this

#1: Solar Panels

Proposed Sept 7, 2021.

Virginia law changed effective October 1, 2021 on association restrictions for solar panels {0}.

{0} https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title55.1/chapter18/section55.1-1820.1/

I am proposing the following amendment to the ACC guidelines, page 16:

CURRENT TEXT

SOLAR ENERGY DEVICES
Solar Panels are allowed but the location must be reviewed and approved by the ACC. Location and placement will be allowed as required for the homeowner to install a system size that is up to and within the limitations of the current net metering code.

PROPOSED TEXT

SOLAR ENERGY DEVICES
Solar Panels are allowed but the location must be reviewed and approved by the ACC. The ACC will ensure solar panel location and placement are in accordance with Virginia regulations. An ACC Exterior Change Request Form is required.

#2: Sheds

Proposed Sept 7, 2021.

I am proposing the following amendment to the ACC guidelines, page 12.   This amendment permits sheds, and is inspired by the Countryside Proprietary {1} and Cascades HOA {2} rules on sheds. 

CURRENT TEXT

SHEDS A shed is defined as a roofed, four or more sided structure with or without a door which is primarily enclosed. No sheds of any kind may be constructed or placed unattached from the house. No prefabricated structures will be approved.

PROPOSED TEXT

SHEDS A shed is defined as a roofed, four or more sided structure with or without a door which is primarily enclosed. Sheds can be a very useful addition to a property but can often become a maintenance and upkeep concern, so an ACC exterior request form must be completed prior to installation and applications will face strict scrutiny by the ACC. All sheds will be subject to ACC review annually and must be maintained to the same standards as the primary residence, especially if the shed is not behind privacy fencing. In addition, the following restrictions will be enforced:

1.) One shed is allowed but must be positioned in the rear of the home and not be visible from the street.
2.) Sheds must be designed to complement the materials and aesthetic of the house.
3.) A shed may not exceed 8 feet in height, and 10’ by 12’ in size.
4.) Sheds must be located within 6-8 feet of the property line, must be leveled, and not affect drainage onto adjoining property. A shed may not be in the middle of the back yard.
5.) Sheds shall not be used as a doghouse or any other type of animal housing.
6.) No mature trees should be removed, especially on the immediate sides and back of the yard, as these trees act as a buffer between neighbors and most importantly against strong winds. If trees are located where your shed needs to be placed, sheds shall be placed in front of the trees, so the buffer is not disturbed.
7.) Shrubbery must be added on the back and sides of the shed to ensure the shed does not stand out in the back yard, on sides that are exposed and do not directly abut privacy fencing.
8.) Sheds are to be used only by the homeowner unless house is rented out and then it can be used by the Tenant of said property only. Under NO circumstances shall an Owner be permitted to rent a shed out to anyone other than a Tenant of the house.
9.) No road-worthy motorized vehicles or conveyances should be stored in any shed.
10.) Sheds should have a lockable door or one with accomodations for an attachable lock like a padlock.

#3: Fence Materials

Proposed Sept 8, 2021.

I am proposing the following amendment to the ACC guidelines, page 15. This amendment permits synthetic materials for fences.

CURRENT TEXT

Materials and Color

Fencing should be of natural wood materials. In all cases, fencing should be allowed to weather naturally.

PROPOSED TEXT

Materials and Color

Fencing should be of natural wood materials or synthetic materials that closely mimic the appearance of natural wood materials. Natural wood fencing should be allowed to weather naturally.  If artificial materials are used, they should be of uniform color, subject to ACC review and approval.

#4: Mailbox Materials

Proposed Sept 2, 2022.

I am proposing the following amendment to the ACC guidelines, page 17, offered after discussion with the CGHOA board. This amendment specifies the materials that are permissible for mailbox posts and explicitly expands the list to include metal and synthetic materials. It also separates the requirements for mailbox posts and for mailboxes, for clarity.

CURRENT TEXT

MAILBOXES Usual and customary - anything other than black on natural finish or painted dark brown 4" x 4" type post must be submitted for approval. Other types such as mailboxes with nature scenes may be allowed, however in no case shall any mailbox be allowed to become a dominate part of the landscape. No oversized mailboxes will be allowed.

PROPOSED TEXT

MAILBOX POSTS Mailbox posts must be 4" x 4" and may be made of wood, metal, or synthetic materials. Mailbox posts should either be black or dark brown in color. If wood is not used, mailbox posts should either mimic the appearance of natural wood materials or be smooth.

MAILBOXES Usual and customary. Other types such as mailboxes with nature scenes may be allowed, however in no case shall any mailbox be allowed to become a dominate part of the landscape. No oversized mailboxes will be allowed.

Next Fedora Silverblue part 1