Architectural Guidelines Edit page

ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES

The Abbottsford Homeowners Association (the “Association”) is dedicated to upholding high standards of architectural design, construction, and maintenance to protect property values and preserve the distinctive aesthetic character of the community. These restrictions shall apply to all Lots within Abbottsford and shall be administered and enforced in a consistent and equitable manner.

The Association, or its duly authorized delegate, shall be responsible for enforcement of these restrictions during both the construction phase and thereafter. Upon completion of all residences, the Board of Directors shall retain full enforcement authority and may delegate certain responsibilities to the Architectural Committee (the “AC”).

Section I: Architectural Committee and Plan Approvals

Architectural Review:

• No construction, addition, alteration, or remodeling of any structure, wall, fence, driveway, or other improvement shall commence without the prior written approval of the AC.
• Complete building plans, specifications, and related materials shall be submitted through the Association’s designated management portal or its agent for review.
• The AC shall possess full discretion to approve or deny submissions based on architectural design, materials, and overall harmony with the community.
• Approved work shall commence within ninety (90) days of approval and must proceed in accordance with the approved plans. Any deviation shall render such approval null and void.
• A copy of the approved plans shall be retained on-site for the duration of construction.

Permits:

• Each property owner shall obtain all necessary permits and approvals required by applicable governmental authorities prior to commencement of construction.

Materials and Colors:

• For substantial exterior improvements, samples of exterior finishes, such as paint, shingles, and roofing materials, shall be displayed on-site during construction.
• Contact information for the contractor or project representative shall be posted conspicuously for the duration of the project.

Section II: Building and Property Guidelines

Architectural Style & Landscaping

• All residences shall reflect traditional architectural styles appropriate to the community, including but not limited to Georgian, Colonial, Tudor, Williamsburg, French, or Italian Renaissance.
• No residence shall be occupied until fully completed.
• Landscaping shall be installed within six (6) months of occupancy and maintained in a neat and attractive condition thereafter.
• A landscaping plan shall be submitted for AC approval prior to installation, and removal of any tree exceeding three (3) inches in caliper shall likewise require AC approval.

Setbacks & Placement

• Setbacks shall conform to the recorded Site Plan; however, the AC may authorize reasonable adjustments to preserve trees or scenic views.
• Eaves, steps, and stoops shall not be included in setback calculations.

Home Size

• The minimum required living area shall be 2,800 square feet, exclusive of porches, garages, and carports.
• All structures shall conform to the maximum and minimum lot coverage ratios reflected on the recorded Site Plan.

Walls and Fences

• Walls and fences shall be constructed of brick, stone, stucco, or other materials approved by the AC.
• Front-yard fencing is prohibited unless expressly approved in writing by the AC.
• Retaining walls in excess of three (3) feet and boundary walls exceeding eight (8) feet in height shall require prior written consent of adjacent property owners or AC approval.

Pools & Mailboxes

• Swimming pools shall be located behind the primary residence and no closer than five (5) feet from any property line.
• Mailboxes shall be uniform in appearance and maintained by the Association for consistency throughout the community.

Section III: Construction Site Rules

General Conduct and Cleanliness

• Construction sites shall be maintained in an orderly and sanitary condition at all times.
• Alcohol, loud music, and animals are prohibited on-site.
• All debris, nails, and refuse shall be removed daily, including materials deposited on neighboring Lots or streets.
• The burning or burying of debris is strictly prohibited.
• Paints, solvents, and similar substances shall not be discharged into drains or common areas.
• Interior-only work and emergency repairs necessary to address conditions such as roof leaks or HVAC failure are exempt from noise restrictions.

Construction Hours

• Construction activity shall be limited to the following hours:
  • Monday through Friday: 7:00 a.m. until dusk
  • Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • No construction activity shall occur on Sundays or federal holidays.

Parking and Deliveries

• Construction vehicles shall park only in designated areas.
• Parking in front of homes, mailboxes, fire hydrants, or upon unpaved common areas is prohibited.
• Overnight parking of construction vehicles or trailers requires prior written approval from management.
• A parking map designating approved areas shall be provided to all contractors.
• Deliveries anticipated to impede traffic flow must be reported to the AC Chair not less than twenty-four (24) hours in advance.

Section IV: Equipment, Storage, and Site Maintenance

Utility Equipment

• All utility meters, compressors, and mechanical equipment shall be screened from public view.
• Satellite dishes exceeding twenty (20) inches in diameter are prohibited. Smaller receivers must be pre-approved by the AC and concealed from street view.

Material Storage

• Storage of construction materials on Association property is prohibited unless expressly approved in writing.
• Any authorized storage on common property shall require protective measures and full restoration upon completion.
• Materials visible from public areas shall be maintained in a clean and orderly fashion.

Portable Toilets

• Portable toilets shall be placed behind or beside the dwelling and not in front unless specifically authorized.
• Placement on Association property requires prior approval and a refundable deposit.
• All units shall be serviced weekly and removed immediately upon completion of the project.

Section V: Dumpsters

General Requirements

• Dumpsters shall be permitted only for temporary use during active construction, renovation, roofing, moving, or cleanup.
• Permanent dumpsters for household or routine disposal are strictly prohibited.
• All dumpsters shall be in good repair, free of rust or structural damage, and shall not exceed fifteen (15) yards in capacity.
• All dumpsters shall be registered in accordance with applicable Davidson County requirements.

Request and Approval

• A written request for dumpster use shall be submitted to Management no less than one (1) week prior to delivery.
• Each request shall include:
  • Lot address and project description;
  • Duration of intended use;
  • Dumpster dimensions and vendor contact information;
  • Proof of County registration; and
  • Diagram or written description of proposed placement location.
• The Board of Directors or the AC must issue written approval prior to placement.
• No dumpster shall be placed within Abbottsford without such prior written authorization.

Placement

• Dumpsters shall be placed on the homeowner’s private driveway whenever feasible.
• Placement on service drives or Association-owned property shall be permitted only when driveway placement is impractical and subject to:
  • Board approval;
  • A refundable deposit of one thousand dollars ($1,000); and
  • A protective barrier positioned beneath the dumpster.
• Placement on public streets, sidewalks, or Association common areas is prohibited unless expressly authorized.
• Dumpsters shall maintain a minimum setback of ten (10) feet from the curb and shall not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian access, driveways, or utilities.
• Property owners shall be responsible for any damage to streets, curbs, or landscaping resulting from dumpster placement or use.

Duration

• The standard period for dumpster use shall not exceed thirty (30) consecutive days.
• Extensions of up to an additional thirty (30) days may be granted upon written request.
• Projects exceeding sixty (60) days may require a construction schedule and periodic review by the Association.

Maintenance and Appearance

• Dumpsters shall remain covered when not in active use and shall be emptied promptly when full.
• Contents shall not overflow or extend above the top of the container.
• The surrounding area shall be kept broom clean at all times.
• Rusted, leaking, or unsightly dumpsters are prohibited.
• Dumpsters shall not contain hazardous materials, solvents, or substances prohibited by law.

Fees and Enforcement

• A refundable deposit of one thousand dollars ($1,000) shall be required only when dumpsters are placed on Association-owned property.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance:
  • First Infraction: Written warning and fourteen (14) days to comply.
  • Second Infraction: Fine of five hundred dollars ($500) and fourteen (14) days to comply.
  • Third Infraction: Fine of seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) and fourteen (14) days to comply.
  • Fourth Infraction: Fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per month and recovery of legal costs until corrected.
  • Final Infraction: The Association may remove the dumpster at the Owner’s expense following written notice.
• The Association may issue a forty-eight (48) hour correction notice for violations posing immediate safety or nuisance concerns.
• Repeated or egregious violations may result in suspension of Association privileges or legal action.

Section VI: Special Provisions

• Windows shall not be removed unless replacement windows are installed within seven (7) days.
• Plastic barriers or tarps shall be employed to protect neighboring properties during exterior work.
• All contractors and subcontractors must comply with these standards and applicable Association requirements.
• Contractors engaged in major renovations shall complete the Association’s contractor onboarding process prior to commencement.

Section VII: Variances and Enforcement

• The Board of Directors may grant exceptions to these restrictions for good cause shown. Such decisions shall be final and non-appealable.
• If a homeowner fails to comply with approved plans or maintenance obligations within ten (10) days following written notice, the Association may:
  • Enter the property;
  • Perform the necessary corrective work; and
  • Assess all related costs to the Owner, which shall constitute a personal obligation and a lienable assessment against the Lot.