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Rules and Regulations: Architectural Rules
Contents: ARCHITECTURAL RULES B1. Exterior Alterations B2. Fences B3. Decks – Requirements Coatings & Stains B4. Patios and Walkways B5. Playground Equipment B6. Sporting Equipment B7. Applications for Door Colors B8. Doors-Storm & Light Fixtures B9. House Numbers B10. Storage Sheds B11. Awnings Enforcement Procedures Architectural Change Request Form Satellite Dish Indemnification Agreement Form These Rules, adopted October, 2008 supersede any and all prior Rules and Regulations!Lindenfield Townhome Rules and Regulations
SECTION B. ARCHITECTURAL RULES
It is the intent of this Section of the Rules and Regulations to control architectural harmony within the community and ensure that all-similar items are constructed in the same manner and location. Even though your plans may completely adhere to the requirements, you are required to submit the plans to our Management Office for Architectural Committee review and Board approval prior to construction. All proper building permits must be obtained from Chalfont Borough prior to construction as well.
B1. Exterior Alterations
No alteration shall be made to any aspect of the exterior of an individual Dwelling Unit . . . by changing the color, fascia materials, making structural changes, etc., unless approved . . . following a written request for same. No such alterations shall be made unless approved by the Architectural Review Board of the Association in accordance with the rules and regulations established by said Board.
- Permanent free standing structures, (including storage sheds, gazebos, blocked grills, doghouses, playhouses, and sports equipment) are not permitted. Garden pools and ponds are restricted for safety reasons. Above ground pools and/or wading pools higher than 18" or six (6) feet in diameter are not permitted. Retaining walls of 6" or more, which are above ground level (natural or manmade), will need architectural approval.
- Propane Tanks for heating and cooking purposes are permitted. These tanks/containers over twenty (20) pounds are to be buried. An Architectural Form must be submitted to install such a tank and the appropriate Chalfont Borough or Environmental Agency approvals and permits prior to construction must accompany it. Drawings of the location must be submitted with the Architectural Change Form.
B2. Fences
- Prior to erecting a fence, a written request, including plans and other specifications must be submitted to the Management Office for Committee review and approval. Construction of the fence cannot begin until approval is received.
- All required building permits must also be obtained from the Borough of Chalfont prior to construction.
- In conformity with the Declaration Use Restrictions Amendment, Article VII, fence must not be more than five (5) feet in height at the sides of the property and not more than four (4) feet in height at the rear of the property. Such fence shall be consistent with those fences installed by the Developer.
- All fences must be located behind the Townhouse. They cannot extend onto the side of the property of an end unit or be erected in front of a Townhouse.
- When common property lines exist between property owners, the fence must be installed within the property owner's lot. End units must install the fence two (2) feet in from the farthest point of the sidewall of the building.
- All fences must be constructed of pressure-treated material, cedar lumber or composite fencing material. Wood fences may be stained in a natural wood tone approved by the Board. If wood fences are not stained, clear water sealing products are suggested. Composite fencing material must be in a natural wood tone or white, and must be approved by the Board.
- Fences are recommended to be of the shadowbox style, consisting of 4" slats. Other fence styles will be considered for approval upon submission to the Board.
- Due to the unique locations of the following lots: Kaylin 6, 8; Zachary 32, 43; Sherri 74, 76, 82, 84; Megan 120, 122 and Jennifer 7, 9, 17, 19, the Association will consider a variance in regard to the location of fences in their respective side yards.
- Any decorative "fencing" material used as a barrier or border for flowerbeds and vegetable gardens that is more than four (4) inches in height is not permitted.
B3. Decks
- Prior to deck construction, a written request, including plans and other specifications must be submitted to the Management Office for Committee review and approval. The plans must indicate the location of the deck in relationship to the Townhouse, the appropriate dimensions, and the materials to be used. Construction cannot start until approval is received.
- All proper building permits must be obtained from Chalfont Borough prior to construction.
- The deck shall not be higher than the first floor level. It is recommended that it be six (6) inches below the first floor doorsill. If the surface of the deck is higher than twelve (12) inches above ground level, a railing is required.
- Decks and stairs must not extend into the common ground and must be a minimum of six (6) feet from the rear property line. The maximum length of the deck, including stairs, must not be more than sixteen (16) feet from the rear of the Townhouse.
- All decks may be constructed of either pressure-treated material, cedar lumber or composite decking material (e.g. Trex, TimberTech, etc). Wood decks may be stained in a natural wood tone approved by the Board. If wood decks are not stained, clear water sealing products are suggested. Composite decking material must be in a natural wood tone approved by the Board.
- Railings shall be constructed no less than thirty-six (36) inches in height and in conformity to the BOCA and Borough Regulations. Railings must be in a natural wood tone or white, and the color must be approved by the Board.
- The side yard setback, including stairs, must have a minimum of two (2) feet from the property line of the adjoining Townhouse. The side yard setback for end units must be a minimum of two (2) feet from the farthest point of the exterior side of the building.
- Footings are required on all decks. Cement or concrete footings (in ground) should be at least two (2) feet in depth and conform to Borough regulations.
- Due to the unique location of the following lots: Kaylin 6, 8; Zachary 32, 43; Sherri 74, 76, 82, 84; Megan 120, 122 and Jennifer 7, 9, 17, 19, the Association will consider a variance to the above specifications in regard to the size and shape of the proposed decks.
B4. Patios and Walkways
- Prior to construction, a written request, including plans and other specifications must be submitted to the Management Office for Board review and approval. The plans must indicate the location of the patio or walkway in relationship to the Townhouse, the appropriate dimensions, and the materials to be used. Construction cannot start until approval is received.
- Patios may not extend into the common ground and must be a minimum of seven (7) feet from the rear property line. The maximum length of the patio must not extend more than sixteen (16) feet from the rear of the Townhouse.
- Patios and walkways shall be constructed with brick, slate, patio blocks or concrete.
- Patios may not be higher than eight (8) inches above ground level.
- End unit patios require a two (2) foot setback from the farthest point of the exterior side of the building.
- Walkways may only be installed in the rear yard (or side yard of end unit). Additional walkways cannot be constructed in front of townhouse. The maximum width of walkways is 4 feet.
B5. Playground Equipment
Prior to construction, a written request, including plans and other specifications must be submitted to the Management Office for Board review and approval. Permanent playground equipment may only be installed on the homeowner’s property behind the townhouse. The equipment shall be constructed of pressure-treated material, cedar lumber or composite material only, and is limited to "swing sets" (such as swings, slide and rings, etc.). Placement of all equipment must be two (2) feet from all property lines and maintained in good appearance and working order at all times. Playground equipment (that is portable) is considered "play equipment" or toy and is subject to and governed by Rule A6. Maintenance.
B6. Sporting Equipment
Sporting Equipment is included in Rule A6 Maintenence, except for basketball hoops, which are prohibited. Top
B7. Applications for Doors and Windows
- Front and rear entry doors must be painted the same color using one of the approved door colors (Contact the Management Office for up to date preapproved door colors).
- Storage closet doors may be painted the same color as the siding or entry doors.
- Garage doors must match the siding or the trim color.
- The Association will paint all exterior wood-trim (white) on a scheduled basis. Repair or replacement of any wood is the homeowner’s responsibility.
- All windows and window mullions must be white and are the homeowner’s responsibility.
- Door and Window replacements must be the same style or pre-approved by the Board.
B8. Storm/Screen Doors, Exterior Doors Light Fixtures
Prior to installation, a written request, including specifications and manufacturer must be submitted to the Management Office for board review and approval. All storm or screen doors must be white with a kick plate no higher than twelve (12) inches from the bottom of door edge. The style may be full view or may have a center bar no more than two and a half (2.5) inches wide.
B9. House Numbers
Numbers (or lettering) may be black or brass and must be three (3) to five (5) inches high. Placement should be visible from the street and either adjacent to the front door or garage doorframe. Painting of house numbers on curbs is not permitted. House numbering is a Borough ordinance.
B10. Storage Sheds
Townhouses without garages or attached storage may use pre-fabricated storage boxes/sheds.
Prior to purchase and installation, a written request, including plans and other specifications must be submitted to the Management Office for Board review and approval. The plans must indicate the location of the shed in relationship to the Townhouse, picture of the shed, size and composition. Installation cannot start until approval is received.
- Sheds may not be placed in the front of the townhouse. Preferred location is against the read of the house or deck.
- Sheds must be constructed of a neutral colored maintenance free material that will not rust or rot. (e.g. Rubbermaid, Suncast, Duraworx)
- Shed dimensions cannot exceed 7Hx6Wx6D’ (84Hx72Wx72D")
Examples of acceptable storage sheds (available at Target, Lowes, etc)B11 Awnings
- Rubbermaid Split Lid Shed (36Hx55Wx28D")
- Rubbermaid Horizontal Shed (36Hx55Wx28D")
- Rubbermaid Horizontal Storage Shed (36Hx55Wx28D")
- Rubbermaid Vertical Storage Shed (77Hx56Wx32D")
- Suncast Horizontal Utility Shed (46Hx55Wx39D")
- Suncast Horizontal Shed (34Hx54Wx26D")
- YardSaver 5x3’ Shed (74Hx60Wx36D")
- YardSaver 5x5’ Shed (74Hx60Wx60D")
- Duraworx Apex Shed(82Hx72ftWx36D")
Only retractable awnings may be installed on the back of the Townhome.
- Prior to purchase and installation, a written request, including plans and other specifications must be submitted to the Management Office for Board review and approval. The plans must indicate the location of the awning in relationship to the Townhouse, picture of the awning material, size and composition. Installation cannot start until approval is received.
- Awnings will only be permitted on the rear of the home. Sides of awning must be within 2 feet of property line. Awnings must not extend out more than 16 feet from the rear of the home when fully extended.
- Window awnings are not permitted.
- Awning material must be in a color and pattern that matches or complements the color of the Townhouse siding.
- Awnings must be well maintained with no tears, frays or mold.
- Awning must be kept in retracted position when not in use.
Enforcement Procedures
Unfortunately violations do occur. Before submitting a complaint, please attempt to remedy the situation or infraction, with a "neighborly" reminder!
1. Reporting Violations
Complaints concerning violations of the Rules and Regulations or any provision of the Association's documents,
by an owner or tenant, must be submitted in writing to the Property Manager or Executive Board and signed by the unit
owner (or tenant). The complaint or documented violation must be in sufficient detail to determine whether a
violation has occurred.
2. Investigation
When possible, a representative of a committee, a member of the Executive Board, or the Management
Company, shall investigate the complaint to determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe that a violation
has occurred.
3. Violation Notice
If a violation exists, the Association will send a written notice describing the
violation to the owner (and tenant) and instruct them to correct it within 10 days or other
specific time frame. If the violation is not corrected within the time frame provided or if a
second complaint is received, a second written notice will be sent. This notice will provide a
provision for a hearing, if requested by the owner, and will indicate that the association has
the right to impose penalties and/or assess fines.
4. Hearing
Owners (and their tenants) have the right to a hearing, which could either be conducted by a Committee,
appointed by the Executive Board, or by the Board. If a hearing is requested, the Association shall provide notice of
date, time, and place of hearing. The purpose of the hearing is to allow the owner (or tenant accompanied by the
owner) to explain their action and attempt to resolve the problem. If a Committee conducts a hearing, the owner may
appeal the Committee's decision to the Executive Board. Any decision made by the Executive Board is final. The
owner will be notified of the Board or Committee's decision, in writing and within ten (10) days of the hearing.
5. Penalty Assessments
If an owner or tenant does not comply with the ten (10) day notice, the Executive Board may,
commencing on the eleventh (11th) day, impose a penalty assessment as follows:
- $ 50.00 maximum first violation
- $150.00 maximum second violation
- $300.00 each violation thereafter
In the event of a repeated, recurring or continuing violation, the owner may be assessed said penalty assessment every thirty (30) days until corrected.
6. Non Compliance
In the event that an owner or tenant does not comply with the violation notice and/or does not pay the
amount assessed by the Association, the Executive Board may take legal action against the owner for collection of the
fines and compliance with the Association's documents.
Any expense associated with legal action and the collection of fines assessed, including court costs, attorney fees, etc., which have been incurred by the Association, shall be added to the complaint and becomes the responsibility of the owner to pay. If a judgment awarded by the court remains unpaid, the Association may place a lien for the amount of the judgment plus costs, against the owner's property.
Any expense associated with legal action and the collection of fines assessed, including court costs, attorney fees, etc., which have been incurred by the Association, shall be added to the complaint and becomes the responsibility of the owner to pay. If a judgment awarded by the court remains unpaid, the Association may place a lien for the amount of the judgment plus costs, against the owner's property.
NOTE: The Association's documents include, but are not limited to, the Declaration, By-Laws, Code of
Regulations, Architectural Guidelines, Rules and Regulations, and any Resolution or Amendment adopted by the
Board or Membership.
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| LINDENFIELD TOWNHOME ASSOCIATION Architectural Change Form | |||||||||
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Name: _____________________________ Address: ________________________ (Lindenfield)
Address: ________________________ (Non-Lindenfield address)
Phone: ____________________ |
Date: _________________
Change requested for:
Patio / Deck _____ Dwelling Exterior _____ Other _____ Drawing attached _____ (Check) |
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In order for the Committee to properly review and approve your architectural change, ou must include the following:
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED CHANGE: (Attach scaled drawing or sketch) Anticipated Start/Finish Dates: Start __________ Finish __________ Submission of this form and its approval (or disapproval) by the Committee does not replace the owner’s
(and tenant’s) obligation to abide by all Borough ordinances and permit requirements. [If the approved
changes are not completed within 120 days of approval, a new request must be submitted.]
Owner’s Signature: _______________________________ Name (Print) ___________________________________________ Mail to: Lindenfield Townhome Association 975 Easton Rd. Suite 202 Warrington, PA 18976 (215) 343-1550 Note: Please allow 45 to 60 days for approval!
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