Center Ridge Regent

Major Alterations
III. MAJOR EXTERIOR CHANGES-Application Required
Major alterations are generally considered to be those, which substantially alter the existing structure, either by subtraction or addition. Major building alterations include, but are not limited to, rooms, screened porches, garages, driveways, decks and fences. Several types of changes may be combined on one application.
The design of major alterations should be compatible in scale, materials and color with the applicant’s house and adjacent houses. The location of major alterations should not impair the views or amount of sunlight and natural ventilation on adjacent properties.
Pitched roofs must match the slope of the roof on the applicant’s house.
New windows and doors should match the type used in the applicant’s house and should be located in a manner which will relate to the location of exterior openings in the existing house.
If changes in grade or other conditions, which will affect drainage, are anticipated, they must be indicated. The home owner is required to sign a ‘drainage statement’ indicating the change will not adversely affect other home owners or the general flow of water from the home owner’s property. Approval will be denied if it appears that adjoining properties will or may be adversely affected by changes in drainage.
Construction materials must be stored so that impairment of views from neighboring properties is minimized. Excess material should be immediately removed after completion of construction. No debris may be allowed to accumulate during construction. In addition, construction materials and/or equipment may not be stored in open space or common areas.
Application Contents — in addition to those mentioned in the general “Application Process” session
Fences — Application Required
The preservation of open space and natural features enhances Centre Ridge. Fencing, if it is carelessly used or placed, encroaches upon open space and can even destroy it.
Fences must not extend into front yards.
Electronic/radio controlled fencing, which is advertised as “invisible fencing” is permitted. The exterior control box or panel shall be located so that it is not visible from the street. Underground electronic fences do not require an application.
Materials
a. All fence materials will either be hardwood (cedar, redwood, etc) or pressure-treated (P/T) pine. Fencing which is finished on one side only must be constructed with the finished side facing out. Fencing is to be left natural wood (not painted or stained).
b. Gates should be compatible with fencing in design, material, height and color.
c. Chain-link fencing is not allowed.
Townhouse Fences — Board-on-Board
a. The approved fencing style for all Townhouse Sections is 6’O” high alternating I x 4 board on board with 4 x 4 posts, in concrete, spaced no more than 8’O” on center.
b. Side yard fence extensions will extend to rear property line.
c. End unit side yard fencing will be allowed to extend to the side property line and may begin 10 feet forward from the rear corner of house in all townhome sections.
d. Rear property line enclosures will include a 3’O” wide x 6’O” high gate that will match the fence type as described above. Gates opening towards the front property line will be allowed for end unit town houses only.
e. Fencing will be sloped in sections to conform to existing grade.
Single Family — Choose one of the following styles:
1. Wyngate Fence
a. The approved fencing style is 4’O” or 6’O” high wyngate with a scooped (Mt. Vernon) top.
b. Fencing will be installed with the finished side facing out.
c. Side yard fence will extend perpendicular from the rear corner of the home to the side property line, then proceed to the rear property line, optionally enclosing along the rear property line.

d. Gates to match will be allowed between the home and side yard and where the rear property line adjoins common area.

e. Fencing will be contoured to grade (not stepped).
2. Split Rail Fence
a. The approved style is 2 or 3 rail split rail.
b. Side yard fence will extend perpendicular from the rear corner of the home to the side property line then proceed to the rear property line, optionally enclosing along the rear property line.
c. Gates to match will be allowed between the home and side yard and where the rear property line adjoins common area.
d. Fencing will be contoured to grade (not stepped).
e. Wire-mesh screening may be used to increase security as part of a split rail fence. The wire mesh will be attached on the inside of the fence and will not extend above the top rail. The only approved wire mesh is 2” x 4” galvanized or (dark green or black) vinyl-coated hardware cloth.
Patios and Decks- Application Required
Decks may be constructed of wood or man-made materials, including but not limited to recycled plastic, lumber and
PVC. Decks made from man-made materials will be considered provided the final color approximates natural wood.
Patios may be made from flagstone, river rock, brick, concrete, slate or stone. The color of the materials will be earth tone.
Painted or colored hardware other than black is prohibited. Structural ties, screws, nails and framing brackets are exempt from this requirement.
Patios and decks must be installed wholly within lot lines and will not encroach on adjacent properties or ‘open space’. The member installing the patio or deck shall warrant the location of the patio or deck, which may require a site survey.
Restrictions on deck color shall be in accordance with the transparent stain selections/Composite Decking color authorized through the Regent Opaque stains are not permitted. Reference authorized stains/Composite Decking
The patio or deck must be maintained in its original material and design. Changes to the original material or design require submission for approval by the ARB.
Patios and decks must be located in rear yards. Front or side yard locations will be evaluated on an individual basis. For detached properties, the footprint of the patio andlor deck area shall be less than or equal to ¼ of the square footage of the rear yard.
For patios and decks, proper drainage must be addressed prior to construction. The owner is responsible for ensuring that construction meets all County codes and that the construction will not negatively impact drainage to other properties.
When patio or deck schemes include other exterior changes, such as fencing, lights, plantings, sheds, other appropriate sections of these Standards and Guidelines should be considered during the completion of the application.
Ground Level Decks and Patios
A ground level deck or patio is defined as 24 inches or less in elevation. Ground level decks and patios do not require guardrails. An application is required for ground level decks and patios.
Elevated Decks
All elevated decks (higher than 24” at the highest point above grade) require guardrails. Guardrail height shall be between 36 inches and 42 inches, with vertical pickets. Sunburst patterns will be allowed.
An application is required and must include:
a. Dimensions of railings, posts, stairs, steps, benches, and other details as required to clearly describe proposal. Include height of deck above the ground. The ARB strongly recommends using 6” x 6” vertical deck supports for decks more than 4 feet above the ground.
b. Indicate whether or not under-deck area will be used for storage. If so, indicate whether latticework or solid walls will be used. Approval must be obtained for under-deck storage.
c. Details of changes to house windows or doors, if applicable.
d. The ARB strongly recommends that the wood be allowed to weather naturally. Transparent stains meeting Regent requirements are permitted.

Solar Collectors — Application Required
Panels will be mounted to the rear side of roofs and may be flush or elevated. If elevated, they will not extend above the roof peak.
No other mounting locations are acceptable.
Storage Sheds — Application Required
Any storage shed has aesthetic impact on neighbors. Inconsiderately placed or poorly designed sheds can visually and functionally detract from an otherwise desirable residential area.
Design Criteria
1. The design type of a storage shed is directly related to it location. As the relationship between the house and the shed changes, so does the type of shed to be used.
2. The shed must be designed to appear as part of the house, landscape or fence theme, or will be constructed as an integral part of the deck.
3. The shed must be designed to respect the “visual rights” and aesthetic interests of neighboring properties. For convenience, sheds have been placed in four categories based upon the shed’s relationship to the house: see below “a” — “d”.
4. For detached homes, the shed footprint will not exceed 100 square feet with no single dimension exceeding 10 feet. For attached homes, the shed footprint will not exceed 36 square feet with no single dimension more than 6 feet.
5. Only one shed is permitted per lot.
6. Metal sheds are not allowed.
a. Free-standing
The architectural design of the shed must be compatible with the design and finished exterior of the house (vinyl, aluminum, wood), color-scheme (siding of house and trim of house), roof-pitch, color of roof shingles, detailing etc. The only time a freestanding shed might be acceptable is when landscaping screens it. The application must include a landscape plan.
b. Attached to the House
The architectural design of the shed must be compatible with the design of the house; materials (vinyl, aluminum and wood), color-scheme (siding of house and trim of house), roof-pitch, color of roof shingles, detailing etc.
c. Integral with Fence
The architectural design of the shed must be compatible with the design of the fence, whether the fence exists or is to be built with the shed. The finish material of the shed must be the same as the finish material used on the fence. The color scheme should be identical to that used on the fence. The roof of the shed should either be flat or should slope similarly to the roof of the house. Concerning townhouses, the top of the roof shall not exceed the height of the fence. Roof shingles shall be the same color as the roof shingles of the house.
d. Integral with Deck
The architectural design of the shed must be compatible with the design of the deck, whether the deck exists or is to be built with the shed. The finish material of the shed must be the same as the finish material used on the deck. The color scheme must be identical to that used on the deck. The roof of the shed should either be flat, with the top of the roof at the same elevation as the top of the deck, or should slope similarly to the roof of the house. Roof shingles shall be the same color as the roof shingles of the house.
For attached properties— the shed will not exceed six feet in height and will not exceed the height of the fence For detached properties-the shed will not exceed 10 feet in height.
Greenhouses and Screened Porches - Application Required
Detached greenhouses will be reviewed with consideration for the special requirements of sun orientation and are only permissible on detached properties. Attached greenhouses and screened porches will be reviewed as room additions (major exterior changes).
Swimming Pool, Spas and Hot Tubs — Application Required
Centre Ridge amenities are designed to provide swimming opportunities for all residents through the Centre Ridge Regent facilities. In regards to pools, only in-ground pools are allowed. Swimming pools, spas and/or hot tubs must be located in rear of the house and approach the property lines no closer than 5 feet. Improvements must meet Fairfax County Code and Regent Regulations.
A fence that meets Fairfax County Code and Regent Regulations and is compatible with the design style of the house may be required to enclose the pool, spa and/or hot tub and related equipment. Approval of the fence is contingent upon completion of the pool, spa and/or hot tub.
Swimming pools, spas and/or hot tubs shall not be more than 50% of the back yard.
Applications must include:
a. Detailed drawings and plans of the pool, spa, and/or hot tub, deck area, lighting arrangements, walkways, fences, etc and pertinent information concerting water supply system, drainage and water disposal system.

Recreation and Play Equipment — Application Required
The desire for swings. basketball backboards, tot lots, etc. on detached lots or neighborhood property is frequently expressed. Most equipment of this sort is commercially available but is often less than pleasing in appearance. Creatively designed equipment is encouraged. The guidelines listed below are provided in an effort to reconcile the need for play equipment with the goal of minimizing its visual impact. Careful thought should be given to location and kinds of equipment to be installed.
Location and Size
Equipment (except basketball backboards and poles) must be placed in rear yards in locations that are the least visible from the street and other houses.
Permanent basketball backboards and poles may be located adjacent to driveways, but must be placed so as to minimize the visual impact on neighbors. Placement must meet Fairfax County Zoning Regulations and must be placed a minimum of 15 feet in from the front properly line and a minimum of 12 feet in from the side property line. Permanent basketball setups are PROHIBITED on all attached properties. Equipment such as badminton and volleyball nets, trampolines, and skateboard ramps must be stored out of sight when not in use. Temporary basketball and seasonal play equipment must be neatly stored when not in use and must be maintained in a good state of repair. Basketball hoops may not be placed in any common area, road or street.
Materials and Color
Play equipment constructed of wood shall be stained with approved transparent stains. All metal swing set frames shall be limited to manufacturer’s original colors. This color guideline does not apply to the wearing surface, such as the slide pole, rings, and climbing rungs. Wood frames that are already a dark earth tone need not be stained. Neutral colors are preferred on wearing surfaces and accessories (i.e. canopies)
Freestanding basketball poles shall be limited to the manufacturer’s original colors.
Other play equipment colors will be considered, contingent upon location and landscaping.
Garage Doors — Application Required
Special note:
Replacement garage doors that match the original doors do not require an application.
Attached Homes:
If replacement of the garage door is required, the member must replace the garage door with one of the same color, number of panels and windows (number of windows and style of windows) as the original door.
Single Family Homes:
If replacement of the garage doors is required, the member must replace the garage door with one of the same color and number of panels as the original door.
The number and style of the windows may be different from that of the original doors but the glass must be colorless. Both garage doors must match exactly. If replacement of one door means that the two will not match exactly, both doors must be replaced.

IV. Minor Exterior Changes

Air Conditioner — Exterior Unit
Air-conditioning units extending from windows or exterior walls are prohibited. Exterior condenser units may be added or relocated only when they do not interfere visually with neighbors.

Antennas and Satellite Dishes
Notification Required
Except for those antennas and satellite dishes (one-meter or less in diameter) located on private property or exclusive use areas which fall under the preemption provided by the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the subsequent rules adopted by the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Preempted Dishes”), all other Antennas and Satellite dishes (larger than one-meter in diameter) require an application and prior approval of the AR13. Antennas and Satellite dishes, including Preempted Dishes must only be installed on private property or property over which the applicant has exclusive use. No encroachment on or over or placement is permitted on adjacent properties or Common Area property owned by the Association. Consideration should be given to minimizing the visual impact of the antenna or satellite dish to the house, the neighborhood, and the community. The ARB requests that notice be given to the ARB of the installation of any Preempted Dishes.
Attic Ventilators and Metal Flues
Attic ventilators and turbines are permitted. They may be stainless steel, white or limited to the manufacturer’s original colors or they may be painted to match the roof if placed on a roof. Roof location shall be on the least visible side of the roof peak and must not extend above the ridgeline.
Large metal flues and any vent through the roof may be painted to match roof color.
Beekeeping
Beekeeping, whether as a recreational activity or commercial occupation or otherwise, is prohibited within the community.
Chimneys — Application Required
Chimneys may be masonry or enclosed. Chimney caps must be painted, and any vent through the roof must be painted to match roof color. Enclosed chimneys must be made of the same materials and same color as the house siding. All fasteners shall be galvanized.
Clotheslines
Clotheslines must be located in rear yard and must be taken down when not in use.
Compost Piles
No compost piles are allowed.
Compost bins are allowed in detached houses only and must meet the following criteria:
Compost bin must be located in the rear yard and a minimum of three (3) feet from property lines
Compost bin must not exceed four (4) feet in height
Compost bin must be screened on sides facing adjacent properties
One compost bin is permitted per lot
Dog Houses — Application Required
Dog houses must be compatible with the applicant’s house in color and material, or match an approved wood fence. They must be located in the rear yard where they will be visually unobtrusive. Pre-fabricated doghouses made from wood or plastic materials are acceptable so long as the doghouse is dark green, brown, black, or other muted earth tone colors.
The same criteria apply to dog houses as to storage sheds. Dog runs are not allowed.
Exterior Decorative Objects — Application Required
Approval is required for all exterior decorative objects, including natural and man made. Exterior decorative objects include, but are not limited to, such items as bird baths, wagon wheels, sculptures, figurines, fountains, pools, ponds, water gardens, stump, driftwood piles, boulders, free-standing poles of all types and items attached to approved structures.
The installation and use of indoor/outdoor carpet or artificial grass on the exterior of a property, including but not limited to porches, patios and decks, is not allowed.
Exterior Lighting and Electronic Insect Traps — Application Required
Exterior lighting added to the front of a home must match or complement existing lamp styles. Ground level lights bordering long driveways must be unobtrusive in nature, with a black or dark green finish.
Lighting in the front or rear yards must be placed so that light does not shine outside the property in a manner that could disturb neighbors. In particular, care must be taken in arranging the angle of a spotlight. Sodium or mercury vapor lights/lamps are not allowed.
Electronic insect traps will be regulated based on the same criteria as exterior lighting. In addition, no device shall be installed or maintained in such a way as to cause discomfort to adjacent owners from noise. These devices may be operated only during those times when the immediate area protected by the trap is occupied by the owners or their guests.
Exterior Painting — Application Required
Color changes apply not only to the house siding, but also to the doors, shutters, trim, roofing, and other appurtenant structures (siding, porches, foundations). Change of exterior color should relate to the colors of the houses in the immediate area. Repainting or staining a specific object to match its original (identical) color need not be submitted.
Firewood
Firewood shall be kept neatly stacked and located to the rear of the residence, within owners’ property lines. Piles larger than three cords require approval. Piles longer than six feet should be a minimum of two rows deep. Piles must not exceed four feet in height for safety. Firewood piles must contain firewood only, not debris. Location should be in such a manner as to minimize visual impact. In certain cases, screening may be required.

Flag Poles - Application Required
Permanent flagpoles must be of a height, color and location appropriate for the size of the property and background. Permanent freestanding flagpoles must be installed and maintained in a vertical position. Permanent and freestanding flagpoles are PROHIBITED on attached properties.
Applications are not required for members wishing temporary flagpoles which do not exceed six feet in length and which are attached at an incline to the front wall or pillar of the house.
Gutter and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts must match those in existence in color and design and must not adversely affect drainage on adjacent properties.
In-Home Business
Fairfax County regulates in-home businesses; permits must be obtained and in some circumstances special zoning is required. However, businesses with more than an occasional customer are not permitted.
The following special requirement must be met:
a. Copy of Fairfax County Permit filed with the Centre Ridge Regent.
b. No sign or other advertising device of any nature shall be placed upon any lot.
c. No exterior storage of business-related materials will be allowed.
Landscaping and Vegetable Gardens
Landscaping and gardens should not obstruct sight lines required for vehicular traffic.
All gardens must be neatly maintained; this includes removal of all unused stakes, trellises, and dead growth. An application is not required for trees or single plantings. However, an application is required for hedges or other features that, in effect, become structures, fences or screens.
An application is required for landscape borders which form a wall over 12” high. Include a site plat with the location of the border or structure drawn in, and information on landscaping plans and any grading changes.
Rock Gardens
An application must be submitted for rock gardens, collections of rocks, and single rocks exceeding 24”. All rocks shall be left their natural color.
Gravel or stones may not be used as a substitute for mulch in flower or shrub beds.
Vegetable Gardens
The application must show that the vegetable garden meets the following conditions:
a. It is located in the rear yard of the house Its size does not exceed ¼ of the area described in (a).
b. Proper drainage must be addressed prior to construction as evidenced by a signed drainage statement. The owner is responsible for ensuring that construction will not negatively impact drainage to other properties.