Foster Branch Homeowner's Association #1, Inc
01
Using the link above (click on the title of this section), download and completely fill out the Architectural Change Application (Exterior Change Request Form) to be submitted to the Board of Directors for review. Be sure that the exterior change being requested fits in line with the governing documents. If you are unsure, see the end of this page for highlights directly from the text for your review. PLEASE BE AS SPECIFIC AS POSSIBLE in your application. Do not assume the board knows the layout of your property or what is already present there. Our community has 642 homes in it. Pictures, company provided documents, and any other supporting documentation is welcome with the application. All drawings MUST include location of the existing house and where proposed work will take place.
02
Ensure Form is completely filled out
This is here twice because it is that important! Please make sure the form is as comprehensive as possible. DO NOT ASSUME WE KNOW THE LAYOUT OF YOUR PROPERTY! All drawings should be detailed enough that someone from outside of our community would understand the work being requested. If the work being performed will require a permit, prepare to apply for one. You will need to submit a copy of that permit with your application, though that does not need to be provided prior to approval (conditional approvals can be issued with permits being sent afterwards). If you have any questions or are unsure about the process, please reach out to either the Property Manager or the Board of Directors.
03
Submit the Application
These forms, and all supporting documents, need to be submitted to the Board of Directors via certified mail. See the Contact page for information about where to send these via mail. Despite the Covenants outlining the requirement to mail these forms to the Board, we do accept them electronically to ease the process on all parties. If using email, please send them to the Property Manager (Katie). For the details on the process, please see below.
Specific
Details
From the
Covenants
Restrictions for FBHOA, Section VI Article 2: Architectural Changes
No building, fence, wall, pole, wiring, dock, pier, mooring device, bulkhead or other structure of any kind, whether temporary or permanent, shall be erected, placed or altered on a lot, nor shall any work be commenced or performed (other than landscaping) which may result in a change in the exterior appearance of a structure or property; nor shall any exterior color of any dwelling or other structure or any part thereof be changed, until detailed plans and specifications, showing the nature and location of such proposed change or work shall have been approved in writing by The Company.
The Company reserves the right in its discretion to reject any such proposed work based upon esthetic and other considerations, such as quality of workmanship, nature of materials, harmony of external design with existing structures, choice of colors, changes in topography, grade elevations and/or drainage, factors of public health or safety, and the effect of such proposed change or work upon the use, enjoyment or value of other neighboring properties.
Application for such permission shall be in writing, accompanied by a complete set of plans and specifications of the proposed work, showing all exterior details as well as all structural details and giving
all dimensions, and also showing the relationship of the proposed work to existing structures and to property lines. Specifications shall include a description of the type, grade and (where appropriate) color, of all materials proposed to be used and shall describe any proposed topographical changes, which may alter the flow of surface drainage.
Written requests for approval, accompanied by the foregoing described specifications, shall be submitted to the Company by registered or certified mail and shall be submitted by the property owner and not by any agent, contractor, or other representative in the owner's behalf.
Metal awnings, metal patio covers, plastic awnings, plastic or metal roofing materials of any kind, plastic or metal carports, metal tool sheds, or pre-manufactured structures of any kind, shall not be permitted on an
residential lot or pier.
No work shall be performed other than in strict compliance with these covenants and the Company shall not be estopped to require compliance herewith (including but not limited to the removal of work in any stage
of completion), and it shall not be deemed to have waived its rights to enforce those covenants by reason of any passage of time, or failure to take earlier action.
After construction, such structure shall be maintained in strict conformity with the plans and specifications so approved, At any time, the then record owners of leasehold or fee simple interests, as the case may be
(excluding mortgagees, ground rent owners and the like) in a majority of the lots (casting one vote for each lot so owned) into which said tract shall have been subdivided, shall have the power, with the express prior
written consent of The Company, through a duly recorded written instrument joined in by The Company, to withdraw from The Company, and to vest in an improvement or similar association of such majority all
rights, privileges and powers hereby reserved to The Company, but in no event shall these covenants be binding upon or enforceable against The Company with regard to lots on which The Company has not heretofore erected improvements, or which have not been sold by the Company.
Restrictions for FBHOA Section VI Article 10: Fences
No metal fences of any kind (specifically, including aluminum or chain link) shall be permitted. No fence shall be erected, placed or maintained on any lot nearer to any street than the minimum building setback
line as shown on the recorded plat, or any amendment to, or re-subdivision thereof.
No fence between any two adjacent houses fronting on the same street shall be closer to the street than the front wall of the house most distant from the street. On corner lots, a minimum setback line of twenty-five
(25) feet must also be observed on the side street.
No fence shall exceed forty-two (42) inches in height, nor shall it interfere with underground or surface drainage pipes or ditches. This restriction shall not apply to enclosures of patios or open garden courts and shall not apply to retaining walls required by topography.
Short sections of fencing, for such purposes as patio privacy screens, clothesline screens, work area screens, and the like, which are no longer than twenty-five (25) lineal feet in any one direction, may be higher than
forty-two (42) inches provided they are not on or near the property line. The allowable height for such screen-type fences shall be computed from the following formula:
“Starting with the height limit of fortytwo (42) inches at the property line, privacy screens (as defined above) may increase in height by one (1)
foot for each two (2) feet of distance between the location of such a screen and the property line. Under no circumstances however, may they exceed a height of eight (8) feet.” All fences and walls shall require the
prior written approval of The Company as provided in Paragraph 2.
​
***Special note on the height of fences in this HOA. A precedent was set years ago that fences 6' or less would be approved, given the federal guidelines that fences around pools must be a minimum of 48", invalidating the maximum 42" outlined in this covenant.