Architectural Guidelines
Guidelines and General Considerations
The Hope Valley Farms North HOA has put together guidelines and general considerations that cover many of the common types of improvements made by homeowners. These guidelines are here to help you plan for major improvements and increase your chances of your project getting approval by the Architectural Review Committee.
However, these are are general guidelines and should not be considered pre-approval of an Architectural Review Committee application. Also, variations to the guidelines are allowed when extenuating circumstances exist. Browse and select a guideline in the dropdown below to learn more.
The Hope Valley Farms North HOA has put together guidelines and general considerations that cover many of the common types of improvements made by homeowners. These guidelines are here to help you plan for major improvements and increase your chances of your project getting approval by the Architectural Review Committee.
However, these are are general guidelines and should not be considered pre-approval of an Architectural Review Committee application. Also, variations to the guidelines are allowed when extenuating circumstances exist. Browse and select a guideline in the dropdown below to learn more.
Awnings
Awnings may be appropriate for rear or side yard patios and decks or over an exposed entrance.
- Awnings must be consistent with the architectural style and scale of the house.
- Metal, fiberglass or other plastic material is specifically prohibited.
- Frames must be removed if the awning is permanently removed.
- Six months or longer is considered permanently removed.
Basketball Backboards and Goals
Basketball backboards and goals must be installed in such a way so as to remain as unobtrusive as possible.
- Use is restricted to normal waking hours.
- Backboards may be attached directly to the house or installed freestanding adjacent to the driveway.
- Free standing basketball goals must be located a minimum of ten feet back from the curb.
- Portable basketball backboards and goals must be located so as to not hinder the flow of traffic and must not be left at the curb except during play.
- Due to the danger to children, street play is strongly discouraged.
Chicken Coops
The ability to keep backyard hens in Hope Valley Farms North is a privilege; therefore, so as you build your coop and keep hens, please be sympathetic to your neighbors’ attitudes. Not everyone who looks out his or her backyard wants to see a coop; every effort should be made to keep coops discreetly screened and located.
- Hens, coops and runs are to be in compliance with all City of Durham rules and ordinances.
- Coops and runs are to be in backyards only.
- Coops should look like your home, a playhouse or similar structure and should blend with the architecture of your property. Construction must comply with Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Guidelines specified for dog houses and other exterior structures.
- No selling eggs.
- No raising meat birds.
- No culling/slaughtering of the hens upon the property after their egg-laying prime.
- Maximum of four hens are allowed; no roosters.
- Coop should be a minimum of 4 sq ft per chicken.
- Chicken wire is acceptable screening.
- Plant screenings and vegetation is required to block view of the coop and run from streets and neighbors.
- The Hope Valley Farms North ARC reserves the right to not allow coops or hens on smaller lots that would make them obtrusive to neighbors.
- Complaints from neighbors can be grounds for removal of the birds and coop.
- An ARC application is required for all coops.
- The homeowner’s yard must be fenced in.
Acceptable examples of coops and runs include (but are not limited to):
Dog and Cat Houses, Kennels, Runs
Areas for animals must be installed in such a way that they are screened from surrounding property and streets.
- Dog runs must generally follow the guidelines for fencing.
- Prefab chain-link dog runs will not be approved unless screened by wood fencing or located in a heavily planted area and coated black.
- Appropriate ground preparation must be done in order for a dog house to sit level with the horizon.
- Any structures that house animals, including catios and dog houses, require approval from the architectural review committee. Please submit an application in advance of any construction.
Fences
Fencing can detract from the open character of Hope Valley Farms North property and may have both a visual and a physical impact on adjoining property. Homeowners are encouraged not to fence their entire rear yards. Whenever possible, alternatives to hard fencing such as shrubbery, trees and landscaping should be used.
- All fencing requires written architectural approval.
- The typical height for fences is 48 inches from the natural grade to the top rail. No fence over 60 inches will be approved by the Architectural Committee. Allowable fencing heights vary by lot due to line of sight and other issues.
- The fence should be located no closer to the front of the house than a point on the property line setback from the front of the house. Fence setbacks must be consistent with setbacks of existing subdivision fences.
- Natural treated wood is the preferred material for fences. Picket, saddle back, and arch are most appropriate for the architectural style of the community. Whenever possible, the size and type of fences should match adjoining fences. All fences must be maintained. Fences may be stained, or painted white or in coordination with the existing color scheme of the house.
- The use of chain-link fences is restricted to vinyl coated fencing that is used for additional security in conjunction with wood construction and must be placed on the inside of the wood fence. Black, brown and green are acceptable vinyl colors.
- If a single side of a fence is to be finished, the finished or smooth side of the fence must be exposed to all adjoining property and to the street.
- No front yard fencing of any type is allowed.
In some cases, plantings will be required along the outside of the fence to break-up the fence line. In some cases, the Association may allow the homeowner to install a plant screen on Association property to allow the fence to be placed on the property line. All of the other guidelines concerning fences still apply.
Allowable Fence Styles
Landscaping
The HOA encourages the planting of shrubbery, plants and trees. Landscape plans need only be submitted when required by the Architectural Review Committee as part of a submission for structural additions or alterations.
- Changes in grade or drainage must not adversely affect adjacent property.
- Trees or plants of any kind that obstruct sight lines of vehicular traffic or that are detrimental to neighboring property are specifically prohibited.
- Lines of shrubbery along property boundaries will be considered fences and will be reviewed as such.
- All landscaping elements must not be intrusive and must be appropriate to their surroundings. Size, scale, color, and materials are important criteria for acceptability. Whenever possible, the use of natural materials is preferred and encouraged. Homeowners are encouraged to seek professional landscape architectural assistance when planning extensive landscape planting.
- No more than three pieces of yard art or decorative items such as yard benches, bird baths, figurines or the like are permitted in front yards. Figurines, decorative items and other yard art are to be relegated to rear yards or areas not visible from the street.
- With the exception of seasonal decorations, no plastic or painted yard art is allowed. Seasonal decorations are to be removed within a reasonable time after the season.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls should be as unobtrusive as possible and built to the minimum height needed to serve their function.
- Materials may be brick, natural stone, square cornered timbers, or concrete.
- Rounded landscape timbers may not be approved in heights greater than one foot above grade due to their lack of stability to retain earth.
- Plain concrete or plain concrete block walls are specifically prohibited.
Painting, Staining, and Exterior Color Changes
Changes in paint or stain colors from the original approved color require architectural approval prior to any work being done.
- Colors must be harmonious with the other colors in the subdivision of the property to be painted.
- Color samples must be included with the application.
- A description of the colors of houses within 100 feet and directly across is to be submitted with the application. Except for white, house colors repeated within 100 feet and directly across the street are specifically prohibited.
- Colors that do not already appear within HVFN requires that you notify your neighbors of your proposed color change.
Swimming Pools
Outdoor swimming pools, decking, and associated security fencing must be planned and designated to conform to the character of the area in which they are located.
- Concept or preliminary plans may be submitted for review and comment before more detailed plans are made.
- Pools should be located in rear yards and away from adjacent property.
- Swimming pools and swimming pool fencing must comply with City of Durham ordinances.
Spas and Hot Tubs
Spas and hot tubs should be located in the rear yard so that the noise from use and operational equipment does not adversely affect the use of adjoining property. They should be an integral part of a deck, patio or landscaping.
- All pipes, wiring, and mechanical equipment should be concealed.
- Spas and hot tubs should be screened from the adjacent property.
- The understructures of spas and hot tubs set into above ground decks must be hidden from exterior view.
Mailboxes
- U.S. Postal Service approved mail boxes of size one or one and a half in black, plain or lockable, is considered “standard”.
- Design of mailbox posts is to be consistent with each neighbor’s design as specified.
- The standard mail box post is of treated wood construction.
- Design is consistent with each neighborhood’s specific design.
Post Style
There are four styles in Hope Valley Farms North neighborhoods. Brick posts are specifically prohibited in all subdivisions.
Style A
Allowable in:
- Arborfield
- Hunters Forest
- Stonebridge
- Sullivan Trace
Ordering Information:
- Stock wood construction alternative available at Home Depot. Newspaper slot is optional.
- Fancy Western Design by Chipmunk Creations (706) 337-8426 is also acceptable although is not the original design.
- Original design requires custom manufacturing.
Style B
Allowable in:
- Gaither’s Pointe
- Greyfield
- Linden Oaks
- Sullivan Trace
- Style B must be custom manufactured.
- The original manufacturer is Post & Pickets, located at 215 Tryon Rd in Raleigh.
- Mailboxes may be ordered by calling (919) 772-7170 or visiting their store in person.
Style C
Allowable in:
- Carlton Crossing
- Regency
- Regency North
- Style C is a stock design called “The Carlton”
- You can order a new mailbox from Post & Pickets, located at 215 Tryon Rd in Raleigh.
- Mailboxes may be ordered by calling (919) 772-7170 or visiting their store in person.
Style D
Allowable in:
- Gable Ridge
- Wiltshire
- The original manufacturer is Post & Pickets, located at 215 Tryon Rd in Raleigh.
- Mailboxes may be ordered by calling (919) 772-7170 or visiting their store in person.
- Also may be ordered from ZBox. The design is called French Scroll.
- White
- Arborfield, Carlton Crossing, Gaither’s Pointe, Greyfield, Hunters Forest, Linden Oaks, Regency, Regency North, Spring Meadow, Stonebridge
- Black
- Gable Ridge, Wiltshire
Number Positioning Guidelines
- Gold Metal Numbers
Positioned vertically on post
Arborfield, Carlton Crossing, Hunters Forest, Regency, Regency North
- Gold Metal Numbers
Positioned on cross post below mailbox
Gaither’s Pointe, Greyfield, Linden Oaks, Spring Meadow, Sullivan Trace
- Black Metal Numbers
Positioned vertically on post
Stonebridge
- Gold Mylar
Centered on side of mailbox behind flag
Gable Ridge
- Silver Mylar
Centered on side of mailbox behind flag
Wiltshire
Please note your final mailbox after replacement must match the above specifications. Any variance must receive prior written approval through the architectural committee.
Satellite Dishes
Satellite dishes will be allowed in accordance with the Protective Covenants. You can view the Protective Covenants for Hope Valley Farms North and your neighborhood on our Documents page.
- Satellite dishes may be no more than thirty nine inches in diameter. Eighteen inches is the preferred maximum.
- Satellite dishes located on the ground should be screened so as not to be visually obtrusive from adjoining property or from the street.
- Satellite dishes may not be placed in the front or side yards of any property.
Sheds and Play Houses
Sheds and play houses should have a simple design and should be located in rear yards.
- Architectural style for the shed should be compatible with the architectural details of the house.
- The Architectural Review Committee may require additional landscaping to screen or visually soften the shed.
- Prefabricated metal storage buildings are prohibited.
Play Equipment
Equipment constructed from natural materials is encouraged. Tree houses are generally discouraged because of their visibility from neighboring property.
- Play houses and play equipment must be placed in the rear yards and must be in scale with the size of the yard and existing buildings.
- Generally, the play house must be painted to blend with the natural open space or with the colors of the house if the house is located nearby.
- Play houses, as well as play equipment, should be screened by natural vegetation or additional landscaping so as to not impose on neighboring properties.
- Storage of play equipment should be in the home, garage, storage building or backyard and not at the side of the house.
- Permanent recreational ramps or jumps are specifically prohibited.
Solar Panel
Definition: A solar energy system is defined as any solar collector or any structural design feature of a building whose primary purpose is to provide for the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for heating, cooling, electric generation, or water heating. This includes the following technologies:
- Solar Photovoltaics (electric generation)
- Solar Water Heating
- Solar Pool Heating
Guidelines: To keep the aesthetic integrity of the neighborhood, all panels used must have a black frame and black back sheet.
Roof Mounted Systems
- Solar panels shall be mounted parallel to roof edges and have an overall height of less than six (6) inches above the roof surface, including the air gap between the panel and the roof surface.
- Solar panels shall use mounting hardware, framing and trim pieces which closely match the panel and roof color.
- There are no limitations on the coverage area on the roof as long as the solar panels do not extend past roof boundaries.
- Exposed wiring is not permitted.
- All chasing, pipes, and plumbing exposed on the exterior must be painted to match the color of the exterior building.
- Installer must be NABCEP certified.
Ground Mounted Systems
Ground mounted solar panels are permitted if:
- located within the building setback requirements
- in the rear yard
- shall not exceed four (4) feet in height including the structural components
Submission Requirements
- Architectural Review Committee (ARC) request form completing and submission
- Plot Plan (GROUND MOUNT ONLY) or rendering showing panel placement on the roof or the ground.
- Catalogue, photographs, or manufacturer’s “cut sheet” of the proposed solar panels and complete specifications on all components on panels.
The ARC Committee has up to 30 days to review the request. Please do not start project work until notified. If no decision has been made 30 days after submitted request, homeowner may proceed with project.
Tree Removal on Homeowner Property
Please protect, preserve, and feel free to plant trees.
- No live ornamental trees (e.g., holly, dogwood, redbud, etc.) may be removed without specific permission.
- No live deciduous or evergreen trees, the trunks of which are six or more inches in diameter as measured two feet above grade, may be removed without specific approval. Removal of live tress will be approved if their continued existence would be dangerous to life or property. In most cases replacement trees must be planted.
- The Association has the authority to remove at owner’s expense or instruct the owners to remove trees that are diseased at their expense that have been determined to be a hazard or danger to the neighborhood.
- Trees damaged or uprooted as the result of storm or other event may be pruned or removed without approval.
- Tree stumps must be removed or ground down. If removed, the hole must be filled and covered with grass, shrubbery, or other plants.
- Significant landscaping changes require Architectural Review Committee approval.