GHENT SQUARE ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES

INTRODUCTION

The Architectural Review Board (ARB) was created by the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for the Ghent Square Community Association and is composed of Ghent Square Homeowners who volunteer their time to serve. The ARB is charged with carrying out certain rules and regulations, known as the “Ghent Square Architectural Guidelines.”

The mission of the ARB is to preserve the design integrity and property values of Ghent Square. It is recognized that changes within the neighborhood will occur; however, the architectural character of Ghent Square can be maintained and enhanced if a careful and sensitive set of design criteria is followed. Within guidelines, the ARB will strive to allow the Homeowner as many options as possible.

In Ghent Square, most of the buildings are similar in form, scale, proportion, color and texture. It is important to emphasize that each specific living unit is a part of a larger building group. This applies to attached houses and to individual houses as well. Sensitivity to the overall design of the building group is essential to the character and architectural quality of the community.

The ARB has two primary functions, its Annual Inspection and its Review and Approval Process.

ANNUAL INSPECTION

ARB members conduct an Annual Inspection of each property in Ghent Square in the spring of each year. The purpose of the inspection is to ensure that properties are maintained and home values are preserved. During each inspection, all exterior elements located on each property are evaluated in terms of compliance with the Ghent Square Architectural Guidelines, including needed maintenance such as painting, roof repair, windows, damage, etc. Those properties with unauthorized changes or requiring maintenance are then cited in writing. Owners are given a period of time to respond, make the necessary corrections, or appeal the ARB’s decision to the Ghent Square Community Association’s Board of Directors. Any cost incurred to bring the property into compliance is borne by the Homeowner. As authorized by the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions and policies adopted by the Board, there are penalties associated with failure to comply with citations that are issued.

REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCESS

The ARB’s second function is to conduct the Review and Approval Process for proposed projects. All exterior plans for construction, demolition, renovation, or permanent landscaping of Ghent Square homes must be reviewed and approved by the ARB prior to the commencement of any work by the Homeowner. This process applies to projects which are visible from any public access or Association property.

The Ghent Square Architectural Guidelines are implemented by the ARB, through its review and approval process. Ghent Square Homeowners are required to submit requests for any modifications, including repairs which result in modifications, to their property prior to the commencement of work. Repairs or replacements which do not alter appearance or the original appearance plus any approved ARB modifications in form, color, or function do not require review and approval.

Ghent Square Architectural Guidelines 2 Amended 10/20/05

The actual review process is outlined below:

1. A special ARB form has been developed to assist the Homeowner in requesting an ARB Review. This form allows the Homeowner to describe the nature of each proposed improvement. The following is required for an ARB review:

A. A full description of the project that includes all pertinent information necessary for an ARB review must be provided. This description will include such relevant information as: height, width, length, shape, color, size, product literature, material samples, and location of the proposed improvement. Photographs or sketches of similar completed projects, while not required, aid the ARB’s consideration. A request to the ARB to approve a change in the shape or appearance of the exterior building structure shall include architecturally accurate drawings with plan and elevation views drawn to scale prior to consideration of the proposal. If the proposed improvements will have an impact on an existing drainage pattern, the proposed new drainage pattern must also be included.

B. In order for the ARB form to be complete, it must be initialed by each adjoining property owner, not to indicate approval, but to notify them of the Homeowner’s proposed work. Once the form is completed, it is then sent to the ARB Chairperson, c/o Ghent Square Community Association, 852 Mowbray Arch, Norfolk VA 23507. Forms may be obtained at the Association office at the same address.

C. To be placed on the monthly meeting agenda, the completed ARB form must be received by the Association office fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the next ARB meeting. ARB forms received later than fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the next ARB meeting will be placed on the following month’s ARB agenda.

2. The ARB will meet once a month, or as required, in the Ghent Square Community Association’s Recreation Building. ARB meetings are open to all Ghent Square Homeowners.

3. Homeowners may seek or be granted by the ARB preliminary approval as an interim step prior to the submission to the ARB of additional information or more detailed drawings supporting their application for final approval. However, no work may be commenced prior to written ARB approval.

4. Homeowners may not commence with their construction work until written ARB approval is received. Construction must be completed as approved by the ARB. No deviation from the ARB’s approved plans is allowed. Once approved, construction must commence within six (6) months, and once initiated, be completed within twelve (12) months, of ARB approval. All work must be completed in a workman-like manner, and in accordance with accepted practices of the respective trade(s). If the work is not commenced or completed within these time periods, the Homeowner must notify the ARB and request approval of revised dates.

5. If a proposal is denied by the ARB, the applicant Homeowner may, within thirty (30) days after the action of the ARB, request in writing that the ARB reconsider its decision. In such case, the applicant Homeowner is encouraged to present new or additional information which might clarify the request or demonstrate its acceptability. Conversely, if the proposal is approved by the ARB, any non-applicant Homeowner may, within seven (7) days after the action of the ARB, request in writing that the ARB reconsider its decision.

6. Final appeal of any ARB decision, whether an initial decision or a reconsideration, may be made by the applicant Homeowner (or by any non-applicant Homeowner who disagrees with

Ghent Square Architectural Guidelines 3 Amended 10/20/05

the ARB decision), to the Ghent Square Community Association’s Board of Directors by filing a written notice of appeal with the Board within fifteen (15) days after the date of the decision by the ARB. Copies of the notice of appeal shall be mailed to the applicant Homeowner, the ARB, and any non-applicant Homeowner who made a presentation or submitted evidence at the ARB proceeding. A two-thirds majority of a quorum of the Board of Directors shall be required to overturn or reverse the decision of the ARB.

7. ARB approval is a requirement of the Ghent Square Community Association but it is not a substitute for compliance with the City of Norfolk’s zoning ordinance and building code.

8. The homeowner, in accordance with Ghent Square Community Association’s Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, is ultimately responsible for the quality of work undertaken, as well as compliance with the ARB Guidelines and letters of approval when applicable.

 
GHENT SQUARE ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES

BUILDING ALTERATIONS, ADDITIONS AND DETACHED STRUCTURES

General

· Any addition, alteration or modification to an existing building, any exterior building or structure, or any construction for a new detached structure must have ARB approval. Examples include, but are not limited to: decks, patios, greenhouses, doghouses, shutters, storage sheds, fireplaces, and the like which are visible from any public access or Association property.

· Any addition, exterior alteration, modification or change to an existing building or structure must be compatible with the design character of the original building. Any new detached structure must be compatible with the parent structure.

Materials and Color

· Only the exterior materials existing on the parent structure, or compatible with the architectural character of the community, will be considered.

· Synthetic building materials - e.g. vinyl, PVC, etc. - will be considered as alternative acceptable materials on a case by case basis upon request for their approval.

· Exterior color changes will be considered only if the proposed color is in harmony with the other existing homes in the community or if the color is similar to the colors originally employed in the community. Contiguous residences in townhouse rows will be required to maintain color schemes that match the contiguous group of houses where such uniform schemes exist.

· Color selections not utilizing the same color as previously used will be judged on achieving compatibility and harmony with the colors of the existing home and its auxiliary structures and fences, as well as those of the adjoining townhouses or nearby detached dwellings.

Ghent Square Architectural Guidelines 4 Amended 10/20/05

FENCES AND WALLS

Fences and walls shall be considered an integral part of the architectural and site design for each unit. Due to the closeness of residential units, careful consideration must be given to details, materials and colors for all fencing and walls. A sensitive working relationship between adjacent property owners is also important in the design of fences and walls.

• All fences must have ARB approval. If an existing fence requires replacement or repair, such actions to maintain the fence in exactly the same appearance as the original may be undertaken without ARB approval. Proposed variations in any detail (e.g. material, height, color, texture, style) to a fence must be approved by the ARB prior to repair or replacement.

• Fencing materials will be limited to brick, wood, and straight-picket wrought iron, or appropriate combinations thereof. Substitution of another material may be requested on a case by case basis and may be approved where there is a demonstration that the substitution is consistent with other Fence and Wall guidelines including texture, color, compatibility and harmony.

· Brick and mortar color, size and texture must be chosen carefully to match or complement the brick used on the house building or structure. Wood colors are limited to natural wood stains or the color used on the wood trim of the building or structure. Wrought iron should always be black.

· Variation in board widths and board spacing will be considered in wood fences. Height variation caused by a sloping site must be compensated at the ground. In extreme situations, the fence must be stepped down or up to accommodate changes in topography rather than sloping with the ground. The top rail of the fence must be level.

· No fence will be considered if its installation will obstruct the sight line of vehicular traffic.

· Typically only backyard fencing will be approved. As configurations differ, each will be considered on an individual basis.

· Every effort must be made by the homeowner to keep all fencing as harmonious as possible with the architectural character of the community and fencing in the immediate vicinity.

· The height of new fences where none was previously installed must be compatible with fences on adjoining or adjacent properties.

· The finished side of any fence must face the street or the adjoining property.

· Access for utility meter readers must be provided.

Ghent Square Architectural Guidelines 5 Amended 10/20/05

ROOFS

Changes in roof shingle color require ARB approval. Partial roof shingle replacement is unacceptable if the new shingle appearance of the same type and color does not match the existing shingles faded color. The homeowner – not the roofer – is responsible for assuring that the repair will not cause a visible color mismatch or introduce a patchwork appearance. The best solution to avoid this situation and subsequent citation is complete replacement in order to maintain color uniformity over the entire roof. In cases involving insurance claims, the property owner shall bring this Association requirement to the attention of the insurance company when seeking insurance coverage of complete roof replacement.

Roof shingles on contiguous townhouses shall have the same shingle style, material and color. Deviations in color degrade the overall appearance of the townhouse group and will not be approved. Homeowners in each townhouse group shall adopt a single shingle specification to present the best townhouse appearance. Such specifications shall be filed with the Manager of the Association.

Contiguous townhouses with membrane covered very low-pitched roofs are exempted from color-matching constraints. When a choice of color is available, a color that matches adjacent townhouses is preferred.

DOORS, SCREENS, WINDOWS AND AWNINGS

Replacement windows mirroring the size, color and other appearance details of the former windows being replaced do not require review.

Storm doors, security doors, screen doors, storm windows, and window screens must have frames of wood, aluminum or simulated-wood composite synthetic material. Window and storm door frames must be painted the color of the door or trim. Metal frames must have an anodized or an enamel finish matching the color of the trim.

All storm doors must be of full-glass type with no dividing bars. Half-glass or crossbuck doors are not allowed. Any security bars on security doors must have a plain design, and must be black or colored to match the exterior door color. Design of all doors must be consistent with the architectural character of the individual buildings as well as the community.

All townhouses in a townhouse group are not required to have the same sash window grille appearance. However, each individual townhouse is required to present the same uniform window grille appearance seen from any exterior viewpoint – i.e., front, side/front, rear/side or rear; either all sash windows have grilles or all have no grilles. Bay windows or large picture windows may be treated as exceptions to this requirement.

Awnings must be of a color and type compatible with the architecture of the building, or structure. Brightly colored awnings are not allowed. Earth tone colors, either solid or striped, will be considered by the ARB. When the same awning feature in the same style and color is present on all the units of a townhouse group, a departure from the same “look” shall only be considered when all owners in the group agree to make the change when their awning has deteriorated and needs replacement.

Ghent Square Architectural Guidelines 6 Amended 10/20/05

LANDSCAPING, PLANTING & MAINTENANCE

All permanent landscaping that is visible from the public or private street right-of-ways requires ARB approval. As the rear yards of most of the homes, buildings and structures in Ghent Square are enclosed and private, individual taste and expression is encouraged. Although most backyards are small, they require great sensitivity in their design and execution. However, residents are expected to produce quality results without negative impacts on neighboring property.

Each property owner must maintain and care for all property from curb to curb within the property lines. This includes the area from the property line of the individual lot to the curb in the public right-of-way, and the area from the property line to the curb of the alleyway to the rear of the property. End-unit or corner properties must maintain both corners of the area from their property to the curb lines.

Landscape material colors for mulch and other bedding materials shall be earth tone colors, e.g. browns, grays, and similar. White marble, e.g. chips or stones, is not considered an acceptable material for Ghent Square landscape bedding.

PATIOS, DECKS, HOT TUBS, WALKS

All new or altered patios, decks, railings, walks or exterior hot tubs which are visible when viewed from ground level on any public access or Association property require ARB approval. Patios constructed of brick, exposed-aggregate concrete and flagstone are recommended. Wooden decks or railings must be constructed of weather-resistant materials (e.g., salt-treated pine, cedar, redwood, etc.). If stained or painted, the color of decks must be compatible with existing trim or siding of the parent structure.

EXTERIOR ANTENAS

Installation of telecommunications antennas (e.g., satellite dishes, etc.), one meter (39.3794 in.) in diameter or less do not require ARB approval. The installation is restricted to individually owned or exclusive-use property. Homeowners are urged to use discretion in selecting the least obtrusive location for the installation. Larger telecommunication devices proposed for exterior installation must be submitted to the ARB for approval prior to installation.

MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT AND AIR CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT

Mechanical equipment visible from a public way shall be located to be unobtrusive and/or shall be shielded from public view using appropriate materials consistent with these guidelines. Plans for any new installations and associated screening shall be submitted to the ARB for approval prior to installation.

Window-mounted air conditioner units are not allowed.

Wall-mounted air conditioning units will be approved only on a case by case basis where there is a demonstration that there is no feasible alternative. In such instances, the proposed installation will be reviewed to insure that it is low profile and minimally intrusive.

Ghent Square Architectural Guidelines 7 Amended 10/20/05

MISCELLANEOUS

Exterior lighting must not be directed in such a manner as to create annoyance upon neighboring property, and must be in keeping with the character of the neighborhood.

Storage containers and containers for trash, garbage, and recycling must be kept out of sight and comply with current city ordinances. Driveways and carports visible from any public access or Association property and Association property parking spaces shall not be used to store any containers for any purpose whatsoever.

The placement of any freestanding object requires ARB approval. Examples include: sculptures, flagpoles, basketball goals, birdbaths, etc.

Door knockers, mail slots, house numbers and name plates of brass, silver or contrasting color will be considered if not obtrusive and if constructed of a non-rusting material.

House numbers shall be installed on both the front and rear of each residence, to facilitate emergency service identification unless an exemption is granted for the rear location.

Mail boxes must be designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with United States Postal Service regulations.

With the exception of two (2) ‘House for Sale’ signs, and signs by contractors actively working on a property and in any case no longer than 30 days, no other advertising signs are allowed unless permission is first obtained from the ARB.

All automobiles and motorcycles parked on Ghent Square property must be operational, currently licensed, and inspected. Overnight parking or the storage of boats, campers, recreational vehicles or trailers of any description is not allowed outside of garages.

Homeowners must maintain the exterior of their home and property in a neat and proper manner. Any unsightliness including lighted window displays (except seasonal decoration) oriented to be seen from public access ways or Association property will be considered to be in non-compliance with the Ghent Square Architectural Guidelines and will be dealt with in accordance with the procedures established in the covenants and restrictions of the Ghent Square Community Association.