INLET COVE
HOMEOWNERS
ASSOCIATION
HANDBOOK
FOR
ARCHITECTURAL

GUIDELINES,

POLICIES,

AND

COVENANTS

February 2011

Inlet Cove Website:

Community Management:

Service First Management & Consulting, Inc.

703-392-6006

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Modification Page

Air Conditioners ………………………………………3

Antennas………………………………………………3

Architectural Modifications…………………………..3

Barbecue Grills……………………………………….3

Commercial businesses in the common area………….3

Decks…………………………………………………3

Downspout Extensions………………………………. 4

Emergency Generators ………………………………. 4

Exterior Decorative Objects………………………….4

Fences………………………………………………...4

Flags………………………………………………….5

Holiday Decorations………………………………….5

Hot Tubs………………………………………………5

Landscaping and Planting…………………………….5

Lighting……………………………………………….6

Maintenance of Residential Property…………………7

Portable Storage Units (PODS)………………………7

Recreational Equipment……………………………… 7

Review of Guidelines, Covenants……………………. 7

Screen Doors………………………………………….7

Screening/Fencing of HVAC Units .…………………. 8

Sheds………………………………………………….8

Signs…………………………………………………..8

Storage of Firewood…………………………………..9

Storm Doors…………………………………………..9

Trim Painting………………………………………….9

Vegetable Gardens……………………………………10

CovenantsPage

Animals…………………………………………….….9

Trash Removal………………….…………………….10

Leases...……………………………………………….11

Garages.……………………………………………....11

ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES

AIR CONDITIONERS

Air conditioning units extending from windows are prohibited. Exterior units may be added or relocated only when they do not interfere visually with adjacent properties.Architectural modification applications must be submitted for any change in the position of a builder-installed air conditioner or addition of an air conditioner.

ANTENNAS AND SATELLITE DISHES

In order to maintain HOA records of modifications, homeowners are required to submit a Notification of Intent for antennas and satellite dishes. Satellite dishes must not exceed one meter in diameter. The HOA’s preferred location for satellite dishes is on the rear roof or in the rear of the home. Residents are requested to either remove or relocate satellite dishes installed in an open site to the preferred location prior to the resale of the home.

ARCHITECTURAL MODIFICATIONS

All applications must be complete prior to consideration by the Covenants Committee. The applicant must provide an estimate of the start and completion dates of the proposed modifications. Actual work on the project must not commence until the Covenants Committee approves the modification. Residents who begin work on a project prior to receipt of the written approval from the Covenants Committee assume sole responsibility for the cost of changing or restoring items which are not approved. The alteration authority granted by the application will be revoked automatically if the alteration requested has not been completed within six months of the approval date of the application.

BARBECUE GRILLS

Barbecue and similar grills (whether permanent or portable) must be stored behind the house, in the garage, or concealed behind the fence. Applications are required for permanent grills.

COMMERCIAL BUSINESSES IN THE COMMON AREA

Commercial businesses are prohibited from advertising or establishing a work space, whether temporary or permanent, in the common areas of Inlet Cove unless authorized by the Board of Directors.

DECKS

An architectural modification must be submitted for decks and must include a copy of the official plat. FairfaxCounty must approve construction and inspect footings and ledgers during and after the installation. No decks will be constructed on Courtland Homes. Decks must be constructed in wood, vinyl covered wood, or composite material. Deck railings and deck floor facings in Ryan and NV Homes must be finished in one of the following:

  • white or trim color
  • clear wood preservative
  • semitransparent or transparent stain in either natural or cedar tones which allows the grain and texture to show through. Solid or semi-solid stains are not permitted. Examples of acceptable stains include Behr Premium Weatherproofing Wood Finish (Natural or Cedar Naturaltone); Cabot Australian Timber Oil or Wood Toned Deck and Siding Stain (Natural or Cedar); Flood CWF-UV5 Wood Finish (Natural Tone or Cedar); Wolman F & P Oil-Based Semi-Transparent Wood Stain (Natural or Cedar); or Sikkens CETOL SRD Semi-Transparent Stain (Natural Tone or Cedar).

Any deviation from the finishes above requires submission of an application with color documentation and written approval by the Covenants Committee prior to deck treatment.

DOWNSPOUT EXTENSIONS

Downspout extensions (i.e., flexible drainage tubing, solid pipes, etc.) in excess of three feet (3’) in length must be buried.

EMERGENCY POWER GENERATORS

Homeowners must submit an architectural modification application for an emergency power generator prior to its installation. Pictures and dimensions of the proposed unit must be included with the application. Generators must be installed within a fenced backyard and be properly maintained. All wiring must comply with the current National Electric Code and have a UL listing.

EXTERIOR DECORATIVE OBJECTS

An architectural modification application must be submitted for all exterior decorative objects over 18” in height, natural or man-made, which were not already part of the property at the time the house was built. However, these guidelines shall not apply to temporary seasonal or holiday decorations.

FENCES

In addition to repairing damaged, missing, and warped fencing material, fences (both full yard and privacy) must be regularly maintained to remove dirt and mold. Installation of fences in the community must adhere to the following standards:

Courtland Homes

  • 72” white vinyl
  • Lattice upper portion
  • Solid bottom portion
  • Flat leveled top (no concave or convex)
  • Beveled post caps
  • One or two gates

NV Homes (full yard and privacy fences)

  • 72” pressured treated wood
  • Alternating 4” wood slats with 4x4 posts
  • Flat top (no concave or convex)
  • Beveled post caps like those existing on dividing fences
  • Follow contours of landscape (no level tops)
  • One gate
  • Finished in clear wood preservative, semitransparent stain, or transparent stain in either clear or cedar tint (see deck guideline for explanation)

RyanHomes

  • 72” white vinyl
  • Lattice upper portion
  • Solid bottom portion
  • Beveled capped posts
  • Flat leveled top (no concave or convex)
  • One or two gates (homeowner’s choice of location and number)
  • Fence cannot extend forward beyond half the distance of the side of the house
  • Must be constructed on the back and side lot lines

FLAGS

Flags shall be less than 3 feet by 5 feet and be compatible with the home and the community as a whole. Flags shall be displayed from a flagstaff not exceeding 6 feet in length. The flag staff shall be affixed to the house by a flagstaff holder that is of a size less than 6 inches on a side. There shall be no more than one flagstaff on the front of a house and no more than one flagstaff on the back of the house. Flags shall not be displayed if they are obviously worn, dirty, soiled, torn, or discolored; flagstaffs that are visibly damaged or discolored shall not be used. No freestanding flagpoles are permitted. Applications are not required for flags and flagstaffs that meet the above standards.

HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

All holiday decorations other than lights (i.e., wreaths, garlands, grapevine or wire figures, flags, etc.) may be displayed no earlier than one month prior to a holiday and must be removed within thirty (30) days after the holiday for which they were displayed. No application for temporary or seasonal decorations is required. (For information on string lights, refer to the guidelines for lighting.)

HOT TUBS

Hot tubs shall be part of an attached structure such as a patio or deck in the back of the home. They must complement existing house colors, not be visible from the street, and be securely covered when not occupied. An application for hot tubs must be submitted showing the location and relationship to the house and other structures on the property. All wiring must comply with the current National Electric Code and have a UL listing.

LANDSCAPING - PRIVATE PROPERTY

Applications are not required for:

  • Planting flower beds or shrubs
  • Replenishing shredded hard wood, pine bark, or cocoa mulch
  • Planting vegetable gardens meeting the standards stipulated in this handbook

Applications are required for the following and must include a copy of the plat showing the location and relationship of the plantings and/or borders to the house, other structures on the property, and adjacent homes:

  • Any tree with a projected growth exceeding six feet in height
  • Shrubs planted to create a hedge effect two feet in height or greater
  • Borders (railroad ties, garden timbers, stone, masonry, etc.) designed to separate different areas and constructed to follow the natural contour of the land without changing the slope of the area that are 6 inches or greater in height.
  • Walls (railroad ties, garden timbers, stone, masonry, etc.) that change the original grade or slope of the land into a tiered, terraced, or multi-level area
  • Any modification that changes the original grade or slope of the land or affects drainage of adjacent properties

All landscaping must be neatly maintained including removal of dead growth. Residents with yards totally enclosed within a fence are responsible for maintenance of grass and landscaping. Grass must be properly maintained; bushes and trees must be trimmed so as not to encroach on adjacent properties.

LANDSCAPING – COMMON AREAS

Applications are required for the all modifications of the common areas. Applications must include a copy of the applicant’s plat showing the location and relationship of the plantings, structures, and/or borders to the applicant’s house, other structures on the property, and adjacent homes. All modifications of the common area must be approved by the Covenants Committee prior to commencement.

LIGHTING

All lighting and wiring must comply with the current National Electric Code and have a UL listing. Applications are required for all exterior lighting modifications, except the following:

  • Low voltage landscape lights that are no higher than 18”, properly maintained, are evenly spaced, and have concealed wiring.
  • Incandescent spot lights on the rear of the house that must be directed to shine inside the property line. These may operate on a motion detector.
  • Lights illuminating features, such as front doors, flags, or plants, that are not directed outside the resident’s property
  • Replacement of existing light fixtures in the same style, color, and material
  • String lights on exterior features installed from October 15 until January 15. All other events or occasions are limited to 72 hours.

MAINTENANCE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

Property ownership and residence includes the responsibility for maintenance of all structures and grounds, which are a part of the property. This includes, but is not limited to, items such as removal of trash and structural maintenance. Poor or improper maintenance of structures and grounds adversely affects the visual character and economic values of the property and the neighborhood, and in some cases safety. Failure to comply with maintenance standards is a violation of the Covenants.

A maintenance violations occurs when the below listed conditions are pervasive and obvious from an adjacent property, from the street, or when a general state of maintenance neglect is apparent.

  • Peeling, fading, or cracking paint on exterior trim; broken or missing shutters or railings; cracks, holes, or dents in the siding.
  • Play equipment which is either broken or in need of repainting
  • Fences with either broken, rotted, or missing parts; gates which are not properly mounted or are coming loose at the hinges
  • Decks with missing or broken railings or parts, or parts in need of retreating or painting
  • Concrete, masonry block foundations, or brick work in need of repair or replacement
  • Landscaping that is eroded, overgrown with grass or weeds, etc.

Failure to remedy the item in violation of the covenants will result in action by the HOA Board of Directors as outlined in Policy Resolution No. 05-01.

PORTABLE STORAGE UNITS (PODS)

Residents must submit a written notification of intent to the Covenants Committee before arranging for delivery of a temporary storage container (PODS or similar container). Residents must send the notification to the management company at least seven days prior to delivery and specify the delivery and removal dates. The committee will authorize the request for a period not to exceed 72 hours. Extensions may be requested but require approval by the Board of Directors. Temporary storage units must be positioned entirely within the confines of a driveway or legitimate parking space; not restrict or impede traffic flow; be secured when not in use; and not endanger another resident’s vehicle or property. Failure to remove the storage container within the 72-hour period will result in due process action and potential fines.

RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT

Use of portable recreational equipment, including basketball hoops, is prohibited between the hours of 8:00 P.M. and 9 A.M. Recreational equipment may not be stored in common areas at any time. On private property it must be stored neatly and not be visible from the street or adjacent properties.

REVIEW OF GUIDELINES, POLICIES, OR COVENANTS

Guidelines, policies, or covenants shall not be subject for review by the Covenants Committee for a period of two years after the Board of Directors approves it for inclusion in the “Inlet Cove HOA Handbook.”

SCREEN DOORS IN THE REAR OF NV TOWNHOMES

Sliding screen doors may be added to the patio and upper level doorsin the rear of NV townhouses with an entrance on the second floor. Metal, vinyl, or fiberglass screen door systems must match the existing entry door or house trim. Architectural modification applications are required for rear screen doors in the NV townhouses. An example of the requirement is the 3/0 x 6/8 Therma-tru screen door.

SCREENING/FENCING OF HVAC UNITS

Heating and air conditioning (HVAC) units may only be concealed with natural screening, such as shrubbery, ornamental grasses, or small trees. Homeowners may want to consider consulting a landscaping specialist for advice on the best natural materials to use.

SHEDS

Sheds and other outside storage units are not permitted in the community.

SIGNS

The only signs that may be displayed on residential and common property within Inlet Cove are (1) community entrance signs, (2) real estate signs, (3) those concerning Homeowner Association activities, (4) those required by county regulations for traffic control, parking, watershed markers, etc., or (5) those complying with the conditions below.

  • Temporary signs advertising properties for sale or rent shall not exceed four square feet in area and shall be removed within three days from the date of execution of any agreement of sale or rental. This standard applies to sales and rentals by both realtors and owners.
  • Real estate directional signs may be placed on the common area between 9:00 P.M. Friday and 9:00 P.M. on Sunday and federal holidays. Any directional signs placed on the common area in violation of the above stated time period will be removed and disposed of by the Association.
  • Open house signs must be kept to a minimum, only be displayed on the day of and the day before the event, and be removed within an hour of closing. Balloons and flags may be used if they do not obstruct vehicular sight lines, are securely fastened, and removed with signs.
  • Only one sign indicating protection of the home by an alarm or security system may be displayed at each of the front and rear entrances. These signs may be single or double-sided on a vertical post in the yard or affixed to the house or fence and cannot exceed 100 square inches in size.
  • Additional address number signs (i.e., those erected in the yard; painted on the curb; affixed to the house, porch, or exterior stair railing; etc.) are prohibited with one exception. Owners of homes with numbers embedded in the brickwork may purchase four-inch (4”) brass numbers to mount on the more visible side of the front door. These numbers must be evenly spaced and mounted vertically on the wood doorframe. In the event that the builder-installed address sign becomes unsightly or damaged, it may be replaced with a sign of the same size, shape, color, and numeral style without submitting an architectural modification application. Any sign differing from the original design, however, requires the approval of an architectural modification application. The application must include a picture or rendering of the desired replacement.
  • Yard/garage sale signs may only be posted on the day of the sale; may not be nailed, glued, or stapled to any street sign, traffic sign, or mailbox in the community; and must be removed within an hour of closing the sale. No directional yard/garage sale sign may be placed on private property without the consent of the owner.
  • Special occasion signs such as “Happy Birthday” or “Welcome Home” may be displayed for no more than two days.
  • Political campaign signs are not permitted in common areas. Political campaign signs on private property may not exceed four square feet in area and must be removed the day after the election.
  • No signs or other advertising devices of any nature, except for real estate or security systems, are permitted on any lot, structure, common area, or regularly parked vehicle within the community.
  • Notices by residents are not permitted on mailboxes or mailbox kiosks.
  • The Homeowners Association is not responsible for vandalism to or the upkeep of any approved sign. If a sign falls into disrepair, the Association has the authority to ask for its removal or, if located on common property, remove the sign.

STORAGE OF FIREWOOD

Firewood shall be kept neatly stacked and located to the rear of the residence, within the resident’s property line, and no closer than six feet from a common property line. Piles should not be visible from the street. Applications are not required for storage of firewood that meets the above standards.

STORM DOORS

All doors must be full-view doors with heavy-duty frame and plain glass (no etching) with the manufacturer’s finish in the same color as the door or the doorframe. Examples of the requirement are the Pella Ashford Model 4601 or the Larson Secure Elegance.

TRIM PAINTING

The color of the doors and shutters may be changed, but the homeowners must use one of the colors and the same manufacturer that were originally used by each builder. The Covenants Committee has the original paint lists from Courtland, Ryan, and NV Homes.