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.