Guideline No. 01 – Additions

An Exterior Alteration Application must be submitted for all additions. Additions include, but are not limited to, garages, greenhouses, porches, rooms, outdoor rooms, deck enclosures, and any enclosed, partially enclosed, or “bump out” extension of the house.

Exterior Alteration Application Requirements

The application must include:

  • Diagrammed plot plan labels with the new addition.
    Note: Applications without a diagrammed plot plan will not be accepted.
  • Drawings to scale of new construction with:
    (1) floor plan
    (2) roof plan
  • SDP (Site Development Plan) or similar item that will show relationship to other homes.
  • Elevation views to include:
    (1) Bird’s eye/Top View
    (2) Side views
    (3) Front view
    (4) Rear view
  • All pertinent dimensions/measurements and locations of such features as floors, windows, doors, rooflines, trim, and new exterior fixtures in relationship to the existing structure.
  • Description of materials, including type, style and color of siding material, color and type of roof, color and type of trim material, lighting fixtures, and windows.
  • Samples, brochures, and/or manufacturer’s pictures of the proposed materials, colors, etc.
  • Grading/drainage plans.
  • Pitch of new roof (if applicable).
  • Lighting plans with description, bulb type, and wattage.
  • Skylight plans with description and dimensions,
  • Deck Plan (for screened-in porches).
  • Steps, walkway, landing, patio with dimensions (include on plot plan).
  • Landscaping and/or screening plans as applicable.
    See GUIDELINE No. 47—SCREENING.
    See GUIDELINE No.28a—LANDSCAPING,
    See GUIDELINE No.28b—LOW IMPACT LANDSCAPING,
    See GUIDELINE No.28c—GROUND COVER.
  • Designation on the plot plan of relocation or removal of existing items/structures (i.e., trees, landscaping).
  • Any other information requested by the Architectural Committee representatives in relation to review of the application.
Approval

Your application will most likely be approved if it meets the following criteria:

  1. The color, style, and texture of the new materials are the same as or compatible with the existing materials of the primary dwelling.
  2. The style, size, and color of new windows and doors are compatible in style and proportion with those of the existing dwelling.
  3. New windows and doors are located vertically on walls at the same approximate height as those of the existing dwelling and are trimmed in the same or a similar manner.
  4. Eaves and fascia are the same depth, style, and approximate height of existing eaves and fascia.
  5. New roofs should have the same approximate slope, material, and color as the roof of the existing dwelling.
  6. The Additions/Alteration will not impair the view, amount of sunlight, or ventilation of adjacent residences, and will not have negative visual impact on the neighborhood, or the public’s use or enjoyment of open space.
  7. Additions do not create situations in which adjacent neighbors will have difficulty adding to, modifying, or maintaining existing dwellings.
  8. New windows, doors, lighting or viewing areas from the addition will not impinge upon existing internal or external private areas of adjacent residences. 
  9. Additions do not adversely affect drainage conditions on adjacent properties.
  10. If an existing deck, screened porch, etc., is to be further modified for year-round use, all materials must match the house exactly as to siding, roof, etc.

For building permit information call Howard County at (410) 313-2455. Before digging, call “Miss Utility” toll free at 1-800-257-7777 for existing utility and cable locations.

Guideline No. 03 – Antennas and Satellite Dishes

An Exterior Alteration Application must be submitted for:

  • Satellite dishes that are one meter (39 inches) or more in diameter.
  • All satellite dish antennas (regardless of size) that are mounted on a pole exceeding 12 feet in height.
  • All broadcast service antennas exceeding 12 feet in height.

Exterior Alteration Application Requirements

The application must include:

  • Diagrammed plot plan labeled with the new location of the alteration. Note: Applications without a diagrammed plot plan will not be accepted.
  • Description of the satellite dish or antenna size and material.
  • Landscaping plan for screening.
    See GUIDELINE No. 47—SCREENING.
Approval

Your Exterior Alteration Application will most likely be approved if you meet the following conditions:

 

  1. The antenna is installed in the least visible location on the lot that will not substantially degrade reception.
  2. The antenna is placed to blend in with the surroundings. Possible locations include rear deck floor, rear section of the roof, adjacent to chimneys, and rear yards.
  3. Cables and wires associated with the installation of a dish are secure and in the least visible location.
  4. The type and dimensions of screening plants, shrubs etc. at maturity are provided.

NOTE: Applications for antennas and satellite dishes will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as screening and painting of antenna poles may be required. The following factors will also be taken into consideration: 1) size and visibility from adjoining properties and from the street, 2) screening for satellite dishes installed on the ground. Screening should shield the dish from the view of other properties. Screening with landscaping /or fencing increases the likelihood of application approval. An application is required for screening. 

. See GUIDELINE No.47—SCREENING for relevant criteria.

Guideline No. 05 – Attic Fans – Fast Track Available

An Exterior Alteration Application must be submitted for all attic fans.

Exterior Alteration Application Requirements

The application must include:

  • Diagrammed plot plan, showing the location of the attic fan.
    Note: Applications without a diagrammed plot plan will not be accepted.
  • Dimensions, color, style of fan.
  • Description of the material and/or manufacturer’s drawing.
Approval

Your application will most likely be approved if you meet the following conditions:

  1. The style, color, materials, size, and proportion complement the architectural character and existing color scheme of the house.
  2. The attic fan is low profile.
  3. The fan is mounted on the least visible slope of the roof.
  4. The exhaust fan trim blends in with or matches the roof color.

Guideline No. 06 – Awnings and Sun Trellises

An Exterior Alteration Application must be submitted for all Awnings and Sun Trellises.

Exterior Alteration Application Requirements

The application must include:

  • Diagrammed and labeled plot plan with the placement of the alteration in relation to the house.
    Note: Applications without a diagrammed plot plan will not be accepted.
  • All pertinent dimensions/measurements.
  • Method of attachment (where) applicable.
  • Description of materials, including type and color of siding material, roof material, trim material, lighting fixtures, and windows.
  • Samples, brochures, and/or manufacturer’s pictures of the proposed materials, colors, etc.
  • Pitch of new roof (if applicable).
  • Lighting plans (if applicable) with description, bulb type, and wattage.
  • Description of any planned relocation or removal of existing items/structures (i.e. trees, landscaping).
Approval

Your application will most likely be approved if you meet the following conditions:

  1. The style, color, materials, size, and proportion complements the architectural character and existing color scheme of the house.
  2. Proposed awnings are wood or cloth.
  3. Awnings are not metal (including aluminum) or fiberglass. These awnings are NOT ALLOWED.
  4. Awnings are of a straightforward design, of a solid, natural color, and without embellishments such as fringes, contrast trim, etc. Awnings with very little or no visual impact may have stripes that are natural in color or that complement the house and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  5. Awnings do not significantly impair the view, amount of sunlight, or ventilation of adjacent residences or the public’s use or enjoyment of open space.

NOTE: If awnings are to be removed after installation, the pipe frames must be removed, and any necessary repairs must be made.