Playing by the rules in Columbia
Posted 2/24/09
Columbia’s homeowner covenants are known by many residents — and even some outside the New Town — for being persnickety. The covenants’ architectural guidelines govern the appearance, use and upkeep of houses in Columbia’s 10 villages. They vary from village to village and are “designed to prevent excesses and abuses,” according to the guidelines in Long Reach, which are similar to those in other villages.
A few examples of Long Reach’s guidelines are:
• Window-unit air conditioners are generally not allowed.
• Metal, fiberglass and plastic awnings are not allowed.
• If a basketball hoop is installed, the backboard must be clear, white or painted to match the color of the area to which it is attached.
• Generally, man-made decorative objects such as sculptures, bird baths and sundials are allowed only in a lot’s backyard.
• No more than two decorative banners are allowed per property.
• Holiday decorations should be removed within 14 days after the holiday.
• If a homeowner wants to affix a new style of house number, the change must be approved.
• Changes in the color or shade of paint to be applied to a house or its shutters must be approved.
• Residents are discouraged from adding colors when two or more colors (such as door, trim or main house color) already exist.
• Woodpiles should be neatly stacked inconspicuously and never covered with a brightly colored tarp.
• Applications are required for all play equipment and play houses. Such structures should be hidden from view behind the house. Wooden play equipment is encouraged while plastic is discouraged. The play equipment must be natural wood color, brown, green or gray.
• Above-ground pools are not allowed and in-ground pools are discouraged.
• “Sold” and “Under Contract” signs or strips across “For Sale” signs are not permitted.
Source: Long Reach Architectural Guidelines
A few examples of Long Reach’s guidelines are:
• Window-unit air conditioners are generally not allowed.
• Metal, fiberglass and plastic awnings are not allowed.
• If a basketball hoop is installed, the backboard must be clear, white or painted to match the color of the area to which it is attached.
• Generally, man-made decorative objects such as sculptures, bird baths and sundials are allowed only in a lot’s backyard.
• No more than two decorative banners are allowed per property.
• Holiday decorations should be removed within 14 days after the holiday.
• If a homeowner wants to affix a new style of house number, the change must be approved.
• Changes in the color or shade of paint to be applied to a house or its shutters must be approved.
• Residents are discouraged from adding colors when two or more colors (such as door, trim or main house color) already exist.
• Woodpiles should be neatly stacked inconspicuously and never covered with a brightly colored tarp.
• Applications are required for all play equipment and play houses. Such structures should be hidden from view behind the house. Wooden play equipment is encouraged while plastic is discouraged. The play equipment must be natural wood color, brown, green or gray.
• Above-ground pools are not allowed and in-ground pools are discouraged.
• “Sold” and “Under Contract” signs or strips across “For Sale” signs are not permitted.
Source: Long Reach Architectural Guidelines
user comments (1)
user independent says...
Are windmills and clothes lines allowed? Carroll County passed an ordinance to allow every homeowner to have a windmill regardless of covenants.
Posted 11:53 AM, 02.25.09 | Permalink
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