Guidelines for Changes or Repairs to Decks, Porches, Patios and Stairs:
Please use these guidelines for replacing or repairing one of these items on your property. Any time you alter or change the existing condition in any way, it requires a design review application. Provided that you make these changes for repair or maintenance, then a DRA is not required.
Deck, Porch and Exterior Stair Repairs and Replacements:
If you are repairing or replacing and select materials from the following pre-approved lists, a design review application is not required.
Porches, Rear Yard Decks, and Patios:
Forms and Types:
Outdoor patios (with exception of Multi-Family Residence) are permitted in rear and side yards only and must be screened to a height of 5’-6” when visible from a street.
Materials:
- Permitted patio finish materials include: natural stone, brick, stone pavers, concrete pavers and natural concrete.
- Patio materials are to be neutral in color or natural earth tones, brown, or grey.
- Brick paver colors are to match or complement the masonry found at the house.
Yard Coverage:
- Townhouse:
A minimum of 10% pervious yard/lot area shall be maintained with the installation of patio. - Detached Yard:
No specific practice for coverage. The Committee encourages homeowners to maintain a significant portion of the yard as green or vegetated area.
Setting Beds:
- Patios/pavers are recommended to be set on a bed appropriate for finish surface overlayment.
Drainage:
- Stormwater flow:
Patios shall be properly installed and graded such that they do not change the existing flow of stormwater to, through, and from the yard. - All private driveways, walkways, patios and off-street parking areas shall be drained as to prevent damage in abutting properties or public rights of way and shall be constructed of materials which have a surface resistant to erosion and shall be maintained in good repair.
- Moisture Control – Water Managed Foundations:
Patio slabs, walks, and driveways shall be sloped ¼” per foot away from the house.
Deck and Patio Installation:
The Community Architect has developed documents to assist Homeowners in the design and placement of decks in rear yards. The documents are intended to offer guidance; final location and design approval shall be obtained from the Community Architect.
Deck Location:
Decks shall be located in rear yards only.
Deck Size:
The footprint in square feet of decks (in single-family detached houses) not permitted to exceed 1/5 the footprint in sq. ft. of the house.
Deck Materials:
Decks shall be built of wood materials.
Deck Height:
Decks shall be no higher than 10′ – 0″ above grade.
Painting of Surfaces Visible From Streets and Alleys:
Rails, rail caps, guard rails and deck bands shall be painted “King Farm White”.
Screen Undercroft:
Undercroft of decks visible from streets shall be screen by lattice or other screening (subject to review).
Decks on Corner Lots:
Decks located on houses on corner lots (where deck is visible from the street) shall have a lattice screen or other screening (subject to review) to a height 5′ – 6″ above the deck on the street side of the deck.