Condensed Guidelines

INTRODUCTION

This is a condensed list and description of items to consider when planning a building, remodeling, or landscaping project in the Meadow Lake Community. A  complete set of guidelines and descriptions of the requirements are found in the Building Standards document available at the HOA office or on this website.  

REVIEW PROCESS:

1. Preliminary Review. A preliminary scheduled review of new construction or major remodel is strongly encouraged. This review would include a general site plan with grading, and landscaping ideas (1 set and 1 electronic copy in PDF form) with rough elevations and building material suggestions, and any other documented information that helps the ARB to formulate any recommendations. No formal action will be taken at the preliminary review. A formal ARB review will then be scheduled at a later time.
2. Submission of Plans. Plans and specifications for any new construction or change to building exterior and or landscaping must be submitted to the ARB. Owners undertaking projects without ARB approval are subject to fines and penalties
3. New Construction. The construction of any structure on vacant property is considered new construction. New construction projects require plan submission to the ARB of the association.  There are fees and compliance/completion deposits applicable to new construction and major remodels.
4. Major Remodel. A change or addition to the building structure, substantial changes to landscape aesthetics, change to grade, or changes to size or structure of decks, walkways, or patios are considered Major Remodels.
5. Minor Remodel. An exterior change, improvement or major repair that does not require construction or changes to structure or its size, or minor changes or improvements to landscaping is considered to be a Minor Remodel.
6. Review Schedule. To schedule a review, submittal of an application must be received by 4:00 PM on the Thursday preceding the meeting.
7. ARB Plan Review Meeting. The MLCCEHOA, Inc. general manager will notify all applicants of the date and time that the ARB will review their proposals.  It is advisable to have the project manager at the meeting to present a proposal and answer questions.
8. ARB On-Site Review Meeting. The purpose of the on-site construction meeting is to compare the plans with the site. An on-site review may be scheduled to immediately follow the plan review meeting, if the applicant requests.
9. Approval of Application for Construction. Once the ARB approves a submitted application and plan, the MLCCEHOA, Inc. general manager will provide the applicant a written notice of approval stating any agreed upon conditions. All standards and requirements identified in the Building Standards document, even if not specifically noted on the approval notice, are understood incorporated as part of the approval, and are the responsibility of the owner and builder to follow. Approvals are valid for 12 months.
10. Rejection, Cancellation, and Resubmission. In the event of rejection by the ARB, a resubmission of the application and plans will follow the same procedure as an original submission. If construction has not started within 12 months of the approval date, the ARB will consider the project cancelled.
11. ARB Review of Work in Progress. The ARB may review any work in progress. Not reviewing work during the construction period does not constitute approval by the ARB or compliance with these building standards.
12. Changes During Construction. After application and plan approval, changes to the construction plan must be submitted to the ARB in writing and with diagrams completed and signed (Appendix A). ARB approval is necessary before work covered by the changes may begin.
13. Regulating Construction Activity. During construction, the home owner and builder are to minimize the disturbance to neighbors and community, Owners shall advise building contractors and subcontractors of these regulations and post them on site. 
14. Completion of Construction. Occupation of the property prior to ARB final approval is prohibited. Upon completion of the project, it is the responsibility of the property owner to notify the ARB and schedule a final inspection meeting.
15. Fines and Penalties. Failing to follow the approved project without submitting for changes may result in fines or penalties.

PLANNING STANDARDS:

1. Site Development Standards.

1.1 Site Coverage. Single family lots, multi-family lots:  maximum building footprint: .45 (45%) of total lot square footage. Minimum footprint size of any residential structure shall be 1800 square feet in CR-3 Zoning, and 1,400 square feet in CR-4 Zoning, with no more than 600 square feet allocated to garage space.

1.2. Building Setbacks. All setback measurements are to be made from the line of the lot foundation

1.3. Driveways and Off-Street Parking.  Driveways, walkways and other     approaches to buildings must appear aesthetically acceptable to the ARB.  All residents shall have a minimum of two off-street parking spaces.

1.4. Grading and Drainage. Building a home on a site will cause changes to grade and drainage.  Structures, driveways, and other elements should be incorporated to minimize disturbance to natural terrain. Temporary erosion control devices must be used to protect neighboring properties from erosion and runoff during the construction period. A grading and drainage plan is required with the construction plan.  It should include natural drainage, storm water drainage, road swale drainage, and any other water drainage issue that may exist for the lot or neighboring properties.

1.5. Outbuildings and Accessory Structures.  Only one building may be constructed on a residential lot.  Not permitted are the following structures: Detached garages (except in Mountain Watch/Tamarack Heights Phase I), Separate apartments, Tree houses and permanent structure children’s playhouses, Garden or storage structures.

 2. Architectural Standards.

2.1. Architectural Design Theme.  The architectural theme for the Meadow Lake Community reflects the thoughtful integration of structures with the forest and mountain environments.

2.2. Roofs.  Roofs are an important design element that can contribute to the overall appearance of the structure.  The elements of roof design include: type of materials, color, slope, style, and overhangs.

2.3. Exterior Materials. Exterior material must conform to the overall structure as well as that of the adjoining neighborhood design.

2.4. Colors. Exterior colors should consist of the following ranges (for example:  brown to include rusts, sepias, sands, tans and buffs, and certain olive and gray tones).

2.5. Building Heights. The recommended maximum height for single family structures is thirty-five (35) feet.  Deviation from this standard may be considered by the ARB.

2.6. Foundations. Exposed sonotube and concrete must be minimized on all elevations.

2.7. Lighting. Landscape lighting and exterior home lighting must only serve the functional requirements of safety, security, identification, and illumination of architectural features.  Colored lights will not be allowed for exterior lighting.

2.8. Satellite Dishes and Antennas. Cable service is preferred over a technology requiring satellite dishes.  Antennas are not authorized.  Review and approval by the ARB or general manager is required before installation.

2.9. Mechanical Equipment and Utilities Boxes. The visibility from curbside of exterior mechanical equipment and utility meters must be minimized

2.10. Solar Applications. The use of passive and active solar designs should not create any adverse visual impact upon any portion of the community.  All designs require review by the ARB before plan approval.

2.11. Fences. Fences must be minimized. It is preferred that fences complement the house design, that fences not enclose the perimeter of the lot, and that fences not run along the golf course boundary.  Driveway gates are not permitted.

2.12. Dog Runs. Applicants with canine pets should consider incorporating a dog run in the design plan for their home.  The dog run should be concealed from curbside, neighbor structures, and golf course view.

2.13. Signage and Street Numbers. For townhouse/condominium identification signs should be located at primary entrances consistent with the general character of the project. For houses, the location of street number designations and associated lighting are required and should be identified in the architectural or landscape design.

2.14. Storage Tanks. All private fuel tanks, water tanks, or similar storage facilities shall be shielded from view from adjacent lots, streets or common areas by walls, structures, landscape or shall be located underground with all visible projections screened from view by adjacent lots, streets and common areas.

2.15. Mountain Watch Phase I Garages, Decks, Foundations, Etc. See Building Standards Appendix H.

2.16. Awnings. Awnings require ARB approval. They may be retractable or fixed, and colors must complement the Residence exterior.

3. Landscape Standards.

3.1. Introduction. The formal landscape treatment on all lots should provide a suitable setting for the home and neighboring properties. Low maintenance landscaping is acceptable, but not to be considered “no” maintenance.  Normal maintenance requirements should be considered when designing a landscape plan. Irrigation is recommended in all areas. Scroll up to see the review process. 

3.2. Roadway View. The landscape design should attend to the roadway view of the site.

3.3. Formal Landscape Treatment. Formal landscape treatments may include: Areas of turf-grass lawn, well-designed beds of deciduous and evergreen shrubs, perennial ground covers and/or annual flowers, landscape edging and mulch, deciduous shade and ornamental trees, evergreen trees, and underground automatic sprinkler systems serving formal landscape areas.

3.4. Native Area Landscape Alternative. A native area is a portion of the lot protected from disturbance during construction and left to remain in a natural condition. Wildflower areas should be minimized in front yard or street side yard locations. Wildflower areas should receive sufficient irrigation to promote plant growth and flowering and to compete with weed species. Wildflower areas should be mowed once each fall to aid in seed dispersal, control weeds, and improve winter appearance. Weeds should be controlled by spot application of herbicides or hand removal to limit the infestation and control spread. Native areas should receive regular maintenance to control weed infestations through proper application of herbicides or by hand removal.

3.5. Landscape Grading and Drainage. Landscape grading will blend to natural terrain, neighbor properties and structures.

3.6. Retaining Walls. Use retaining walls when ground slope is inappropriate or to improve the appearance of the home and landscaping.

3.7. Man Made Elements. Man-made elements, including bird baths, sculptures, play equipment, flag poles, flags, water features, and similar apparatus are subject to review by the ARB.  Generally, man-made elements should blend with and compliment the   natural landscape or be of a material that is compatible with the materials of the structure. Indicate location of features in the landscape plan.