wellington community association...p a g e | 3 wellington community association design standards...

Supersedes all previous editionsJanuary 21, 2020

WELLINGTON COMMUNITY

ASSOCIATION

DESIGN STANDARDS

A HANDBOOK FOR WELLINGTON HOMEOWNERS AND THEIR

TENANTS

P a g e | 2 Wellington Community Association Design Standards

January 21, 2020

PURPOSE OF THE HANDBOOK 1

Familiarize homeowners and tenants at Wellington Community Association (WCA) with the objectives, 2 scope and application of design standards and guidelines that are enforced to maintain the aesthetic 3 appearance and environmental quality of the WCA. 4

Enumerate specific design standards and guidelines that have been adopted by the WCA Board of Directors. 5

Explain the application and review process to be followed by homeowners requesting approval for all 6 exterior modifications or changes to their homes and lots that are subject to approval by the Association. 7

Assist homeowners in preparing acceptable applications for review by the Association’s ARC. All 8 homeowners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with its contents and to retain the handbook for 9 future use. 10

BASIS FOR, AND OBJECTIVES OF, PROTECTIVE COVENANTS 11

The legal documents for the Wellington Community contain covenants, including those pertaining to 12 architectural controls. Legally, these covenants are a part of the deed for each home and are binding upon 13 all initial homeowners and their successors in ownership, regardless of whether or not these owners are 14 aware of such covenants. These documents are also binding on tenants who rent or lease properties within 15 the WCA. 16

The distribution and enforcement of design standards are intended to achieve the following objectives: 17

Maintain consistency with the overall design concept for the community. 18

Promote harmonious architectural design qualities and features. 19

Promote and enhance the visual and aesthetic appearance of the community. 20

The enforcement of design standards not only enhances the physical appearance of a community but also 21 protects and preserves property values. Homeowners and tenants who reside in community associations 22 that enforce design covenants are protected from actions that can detract from the physical appearance of 23 the community and, in some cases, diminish property values. 24

ROLE OF THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE (ARC) 25

All homeowners at Wellington are automatically members of the WCA. All owners and tenants are subject 26 to the covenants, rules, and policies of WCA, regardless of whether the Lot is occupied by an owner or 27 tenant. The Association is a non-profit, non-stock corporation that owns and is responsible for the upkeep 28 and maintenance of all common properties within the community. 29

The Declaration for Wellington (Article 9) provides that responsibility for the enforcement of design 30 standards shall be exercised through the ARC, the members of which shall be appointed by the Board of 31 Directors of the WCA. The Association is also responsible for the administration and enforcement of all 32 covenants that are applicable to homeowners, including Governing Documents and Design Standards, and 33 Guidelines. From time to time, the Board may wish to seek input and recommendations from the ARC on 34 proposed exterior improvements and alterations to Association common area property. Committees 35 proposing exterior improvements or alterations to common area will, at the request of the Board, submit 36 their proposal to the ARC for review and consideration. The ARC will review these proposals and provide 37 a recommendation to the Board of Directors and submitting Committee. 38


January 21, 2020

The primary responsibility of the ARC is very broadly defined as follows (Article 9, Section 9.1 of the 39 Declaration): 40

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“... to assure that the Property shall always be maintained in a manner: (i) providing for visual harmony and

soundness of repair; (ii) avoiding activities deleterious to the aesthetic or property values of the Property;

and (iii) promoting the general welfare and safety of the owners, such owners’ tenants and such owners’

(or tenants’) households or companies, guests, employees, customers, agents and invitees.”

The legal documents for the WCA govern all sub-associations, including the Wellington Condominium

Association.

If such sub-associations are created, the lots (units) and common areas contained therein will be subject to

all covenants, design standards, rules and regulations for the WCA, as well as any that may be created

expressly for the sub-association.

In the event that one or more such sub-associations are created, the function of the ARC may be exercised

by the Board of Directors, ARC, or similar body established by the legal documents for the sub-association.

Any design standards created by a sub-association would be subject to approval by the WCA to ensure

compatibility of such standards on a community-wide basis.

Article 7, Section 7.2(a) of the Declaration for WCA requires each lot owner to maintain his or her lot in

proper condition. In these Guidelines, it is not possible for the Association to set forth specific requirements

that cover all of the responsibilities that Article 7, Section 7.2 (a) creates for owners; however, there are

certain items that owners ask about more than others. These Guidelines address those items. The fact that

these Guidelines do not mention other items of maintenance does not absolve owners from their

responsibilities.

SUPPLEMENTAL DESIGN STANDARDS

The Design Standards detailed in this handbook will be applicable to all single-family residential lots

in the Wellington Community, which include:

Lots improved with single family detached dwellings

Townhomes

Condominium Association

Supplemental Design Standards that are specific to each individual housing cluster may be developed.

APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCEDURES

Design Compatibility. The proposed change must be compatible with the architectural characteristics of

the applicant’s house, adjacent houses and the neighborhood setting. Compatibility is defined as

similarity in architectural style, quality of workmanship, and similar use of materials, color and

construction details.

Scale. The scale of the proposed improvement will relate to the size of the applicant’s home, the location,

size of the lot, adjacent homes, and surroundings. This criterion applies to all structural and landscape

modifications. 74

P a g e | 4 Wellington Community Association Design Standards January 21, 2020

Impact on Neighbors. The proposed improvement must relate favorably to the landscape, the applicant’s 75 home, adjacent homes, and the neighborhood. Consideration will be given to both visual and functional 76 impacts on neighbors. It is the responsibility of the Lot owner to notify adjacent owners/neighbors of 77 proposed improvements/installations/changes to their Lot during the application process, and to 78 divulge any impact those modifications may have on adjacent owners/neighbors. 79

Visual impact refers to the aesthetic appearance of the proposed improvement, which includes consideration 80 of design quality, scale, location and architectural compatibility. 81

Functional impact refers to such concerns as view, sunlight, ventilation and drainage. 82

Examples of adverse functional impacts include: structural additions that would cause a material loss of 83 sunlight or ventilation to a neighboring dwelling, and/or an alteration in topography that would change 84 drainage patterns to the detriment of a neighboring property. 85

Color and Materials. Continuity or compatibility of color and finishing materials with the original/existing 86 construction and surrounding dwellings will be a specific consideration in evaluating the appropriateness 87 of proposed improvements. 88

Relationship to Environment. Proposed improvements must not have a negative impact on the natural 89 environment. 90

Removal of trees or other vegetation, grading and other topographical alterations will be assessed for 91 potential adverse impacts, such as a material change in the rate and/or direction of storm water run-off and 92 soil erosion. 93

Applications 94

All changes, permanent or temporary, to the exterior appearance of a building or lot are subject to review 95 and approval by the ARC. The review process is not limited to major additions or alterations, such as adding 96 a room, deck, or patio. It includes such minor items as changes in color and materials. Approval is also 97 required when an existing item is to be removed. 98

Exceptions 99

Building exteriors may be repainted or re-stained without submission of a Design Review Application, 100 provided that there is no color change from the original color. Similarly, exterior building components 101 may be repaired or replaced so long as there is no change in the type of material and color. 102

Minor landscape improvements will also not require an application. This includes foundation plantings, or 103 single specimen plantings. In general, landscape improvements of a small scale which do not materially 104 alter the appearance of the lot, involve a change in topography or grade and which are not of sufficient scale 105 to constitute a natural structure will be exempt from the design review process. 106

All applications for proposed improvements must be submitted in writing using the application form 107 authorized by the Board of Directors. A copy of this form is included as an exhibit to this handbook (see 108 Appendix), or by contacting the management office. Applications must be complete in order to commence 109 the review process and be submitted no less than seven (7) calendar days prior to the ARC meeting. 110 Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant with a statement of deficiencies that must be 111 remedied in order to be considered for review. 112


Homeowners may mail, email, or hand deliver application(s) to the below address. Applications may also 113 be given in person to the Association staff during office hours, or placed in the drop box at other times, at 114 the below location. If placed in the drop box, it is recommended that applicant(s) check with the Association 115 staff on the next working day to assure that the application has been received. 116

Supporting Documentation 117

The application must include a complete and accurate description of the proposed modification(s), and 118 supporting documentation. The design review application provides guidance with respect to the supporting 119 documentation required for various types of modifications. 120

Time Frame for Review and Notification 121

The ARC is required to provide notification to homeowners of the approval or disapproval of any proposed 122 modification within forty-five (45) calendar days after the receipt of a properly completed application. Any 123 completed application not reviewed within the forty-five (45) day period is automatically referred to the 124 Board of Directors, which must review it within fifteen (15) calendar days after the first Board meeting 125 following referral of the matter to the Board. 126

Notice of Approval/Disapproval 127

Homeowners who have submitted design review applications will be given written notice of the decision 128 of the ARC, in addition to any other method the ARC may deem appropriate, including electronic 129 transmission. 130

Appeals Procedure 131

Homeowners who have submitted design review applications may appeal decisions of the ARC and, if 132 necessary, may appeal to the Board of Directors, in accordance with the procedures detailed in the Book of 133 Resolutions, Policy Resolution No. 6, Sections 3 and 4. 134

Applicant Appeals 135

To the ARC: A homeowner may appeal a decision of the ARC by submitting a written request to the 136 Committee within fifteen (15) calendar days after the date the application is reviewed and denied by the 137 Architectural Review Committee. This request should include any new or additional information that might 138 clarify the requested change, or demonstrate its acceptability. The ARC must respond, in writing, to a 139 request for reconsideration within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of receipt of such request by the 140 Committee. 141

Architectural Review Committee

Wellington Community Association

9700 Wellington Road

Manassas, VA 20110

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


To the Board of Directors: If a request for reconsideration is denied by the ARC, the decision may be 142 appealed in writing to the Board of Directors using the procedures detailed in Policy Resolution No. 6. No 143 appeals will be considered by the Board of Directors unless a prior appeal has been made to the ARC. 144

Non-Applicant Appeal to the Board 145

Any homeowner, who wishes to appeal a decision of the ARC, may do so by submitting an appeal in writing 146 to the Board of Directors in accordance with the appeal procedure detailed in Policy Resolution No. 6. The 147 appeal must detail the specific reasons why the decision of the ARC is being appealed. 148

Upon receipt of such an appeal, the Board shall, within five (5) working days after the date of receipt of an 149 appeal to the Board, send notification by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the homeowner whose 150 approved design review application is the subject of an appeal. This notice shall inform the homeowner that 151 the decision of the ARC is being reviewed by the Board of Directors pursuant to an appeal and that the 152 homeowner should not proceed with any improvements until notified by the Board that the decision of the 153 ARC has been affirmed. 154

The Board must provide a written response to all involved parties within fifteen (15) calendar days after 155 the date of receipt of the appeal by the Board. This response shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt 156 requested, in addition to any other method the Board may deem appropriate, including electronic 157 transmission. 158

Submission of an application post-completion of the modification will be considered a violation of these 159 Guidelines, and the Board of Directors (“Board”) may assess charges pursuant to the Virginia Property 160 Owners’ Association Act (“Act”), following the Due Process of WCA for such submissions. 161

EXTERIOR APPEARANCE 162

Residents are responsible for maintaining the exterior of their dwellings and any other structures on their 163 lots, to include, but not limited to, decks, fences, sheds, and playground-type equipment. 164

Peeling paint on exterior trim. 165

Fences with either broken or missing parts. 166

Sheds with broken doors or in need of painting or other repair. 167

Decks with missing or broken parts, or parts in need of re-staining or painting. 168

Foundations in need of repainting. 169

Dented, loose, missing, discolored, dirty or mismatched siding (Visible mold or algae.) 170

Broken, faded or missing shutters. 171

Storage of any materials, including lawn debris, on a lot that creates an unsightly nuisance to the 172 community. 173

Construction materials required for the improvement of a home or lot should be neatly stored in as 174 unobtrusive a location on the lot as possible when not in use. 175


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ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES

The Declaration empowers the Board of Directors and the ARC to enforce compliance with

the Association’s Design Standards.

Owners are responsible for ensuring that their property is used and occupied in accordance with the

Governing Documents. In this regard, owners are responsible for the actions/failure to act on the part of

their family members, guests, visitors, tenants, and invitees.

On behalf of the Association, the Board may issue a notice of violation to any owner or tenant(s) whose

behavior or use of property does not conform to the Association’s Governing Documents. Residents may

report alleged violations of the Association’s Governing Documents to the Association’s Managing Agent

in writing or via email. Reports of alleged violations received from residents of the Association may be

subject to verification by the Association.

The Board or Agent shall send a notice of violation in writing via U.S. mail, to the owner at his/her address

listed in the Association’s records, and to the property address, if the owner’s listed address is different

from the property address. The notice of violation shall advise the owner of the nature of the offense, refer

to the specific provision within the Governing Documents that has allegedly been violated, specify the

remedy required, and state the number of days in which the owner must complete corrective action

If the owner does not remedy the violation(s) within the number of days required by the notice of violation,

the Board reserves the power to issue a second notice of violation to the owner’s address of record, which

shall include any additional information deemed important by the Board concerning the offense.

The second notice of violation shall also advise the owner of the Board’s power to impose monetary charges

and/or to suspend privileges for violations of the Governing Documents and shall inform the owner of

his/her right to request a hearing before the Board to contest the notice of violation. The notice of notice of

violation shall request the owner to confirm in writing not less than seven (7) calendar days prior to the

next monthly ARC meeting of their desire for a hearing to contest the notice of violation.

The Board shall deliver the second notice of notice of violation by Registered or Certified Mail, Return

Receipt Requested, and via first class mail, postage pre-paid, to the owner at his/her address listed in the

Association’s records, and to the property address, if the owner’s listed address is different from the

property address. Notification will be deemed effective regardless of whether the owner fails or refuses to

sign for any certified mailing from the Association.

All Registered or Certified Mail fees shall be the responsibility of the homeowner and will be charged to

the homeowner’s account.

If the owner does not remedy the offense within the number of days required in the second notice of

violation, and the owner has not requested a Hearing in writing by the hearing confirmation date, the owner

shall be deemed to have waived their right to a hearing and the Board shall have the power to impose

monetary charges and/or suspend privileges pursuant to the authority granted in Section 55.1-1819 of the

Property Owners Association Act, and the Association’s Governing Documents. The Board will not be

required to conduct a Hearing, unless the owner formally requests a Hearing in writing on or before the

deadline set forth in the second notice of notice of violation. 213

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When a hearing is requested by the owner in writing on or before the deadline, the Board shall set the time, 215 date and place of the hearing at its discretion. Written notice of the time, date and place of the hearing shall 216 be mailed to the owner’s address of record with the Association, by Registered or Certified Mail, Return 217 Receipt Requested, and via first class mail, postage pre-paid, at least fourteen (14) calendar days in advance 218 of the hearing date. At the hearing, the Board shall provide the owner with a reasonable amount of time to 219 present any and all defenses to the notice of violation. The owner may have counsel present at the hearing 220 at owner’s own expense. Under no circumstances shall the Association be responsible for any attorney fees 221 or costs incurred by an owner relating to a notice of violation or hearing conducted pursuant to this policy. 222

Following the hearing, the Board shall meet in Executive Session to discuss whether satisfactory proof of 223 the alleged violation was presented, and if so, whether monetary charges will be imposed and/or privileges 224 suspended. The Board will then exit Executive Session to hold a vote in open session on whether 225 satisfactory proof of the alleged violation was presented, and if so, whether monetary charges should be 226 imposed and/or privileges suspended. Charges for postage will not be waived. 227

In accordance with Virginia State law, the Board of Directors may vote to suspend the owner(s)’ privileges 228 and/or impose monetary charges in the amount of $50.00 for each violation, or $10.00 per day for a violation 229 of a continuing nature for a maximum of ninety (90) days for each day that a violation continues after the 230 deadline for corrective action established by the Board. If the violation (s) is/are not corrected within the 231 above stated time limits, the Association can/will seek compliance through legal action/remedy. 232

The Board reserves the power to increase these maximum sanctions if the General Assembly enacts 233 legislation in the future that permits the Board to do so. The Board shall treat monetary charges as an 234 assessment against the owner’s lot. 235

The Board may elect to postpone rendering a decision after a hearing if the Board believes that it needs 236 additional information to render a decision on the alleged violation. 237

The Board shall deliver notice of its decision to the owner by Registered or Certified Mail, Return Receipt 238 Requested, and via first class mail, postage pre-paid, at the owner’s address of record with the Association 239 within seven (7) calendar days of the date of the hearing. 240

The Board reserves the right to assign all of its powers and responsibilities as set forth in this Resolution to 241 the ARC or to the Association’s Managing Agent. 242

The procedures outlined in this Resolution may be applied to all violations of the Association’s Governing 243 Documents, but do not preclude the Association from exercising other enforcement procedures and 244 remedies authorized by the Association’s Governing Documents, including, but not limited to, the initiation 245 of suit or self-help remedies. 246

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE STANDARDS 247

(sections transferred to respective Design Standards sections) 248

DESIGN STANDARDS 249

These standards and guidelines have been adopted by the Board of Directors and are incorporated in Policy 250 Resolution No. 6. 251


Definitions 252

At various points, this document refers to the front and rear planes of the house (or townhome). The 253 diagram below illustrates this. The area marked “Rear Plane” is behind the rear plane of the house (shown 254 by the dashed line), and the area marked “Front Plane” is in front of the front plane of the house (again, 255 shown by the dashed line in the front). Note that the front and rear planes are defined with respect to the 256 major walls of the house, and not by the location of extensions such as decks, garages, sunrooms, etc. 257

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ADDITIONS 259

All additions require approval of the ARC and must follow the current Wellington Design Standards and 260 Guidelines. 261

AIR CONDITIONING UNITS 262

Portable air conditioning and window fan units will be allowed behind the front plane of the house with a 263 window vent mounted flush with the exterior of the window. All other window air conditioner and fan units 264 are prohibited. 265


Below are two examples of portable air conditioning units that meet the requirement of an exterior flush 266 mounted vent. 267

268

ANTENNAS 269

Applications must be submitted for all antennas. 270

In accordance with FCC standards and guidelines regarding the installation, maintenance and use of direct 271 broadcast satellite, television broadcast, multipoint distribution service and customer end fixed wireless 272 signal antennas, the Association’s goal is to enable owners and residents to obtain the best possible signal 273 reception while keeping the antennas as unobtrusive as possible. 274

Owners and/or tenants may install a DBS, DTV or MMDS antenna that is one meter (39.37 inches) or less 275 in diameter. Satellite dishes and other antennas that are larger than one meter in diameter are prohibited. 276

The preferred location for satellite dishes and other antennas is below the peak of the roofline on the back 277 plane of the house so as to have no, or minimal visibility, from the front of the house, or entirely within and 278 below the height of approved privacy fencing which fully encloses the rear yard of any townhome. 279

Satellite dishes/antennas shall not encroach upon common areas or any other owner’s property. 280

When any satellite dish/antenna is no longer in continuous use, it shall be removed from the property upon 281 which it was installed. The Association may require the owner and/or tenants to install or provide screening 282 around the satellite dish/antenna if the satellite dish/antenna is visible from the street or from other lots. 283

ARBORS 284

Arbors shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height from the ground or deck floor level and shall not be enclosed 285 to form a solid barrier. Arbors shall be behind the rear plane of the house or integrated with a deck or fence. 286

ATTIC VENTILATORS 287

Attic ventilators and turbines require an application specifying their location to be submitted to the ARC. 288

AWNINGS 289

Awnings should be of a plain design with straight or scalloped edges, without any other decorative features. 290 No fringe or decorative trims are allowed. Design must be a solid or stripe. They must be consistent with 291 the scale of the house to which it is attached. Window awnings are prohibited. 292


BASKETBALL BACKBOARDS 293

Permanent Basketball Backboards must be attached to single-family homes’ garages and may not be placed 294 or attached the side of the house. The backboard, hoop and net must be maintained appropriately. 295

No permanent court markings are to be painted or otherwise affixed to the playing surface. 296

Poles are to be painted black or a solid earth tone. 297

Usage of portable basketball backboards must be confined to the driveway area of the residence. 298

Portable basketball backboards will not be permitted in any Association street, in any Association public 299 right-of-way, or placed in such a manner that any portion of the public space serves as the play area. 300

CHIMNEYS AND METAL FLUES 301

Chimneys must either be masonry or enclosed in the same finish material as the exterior of the home to 302 which attached. 303

CLOTHESLINES 304

Clotheslines or similar apparatus used for drying clothes are prohibited. The hanging of laundry on decks, 305 railings, banisters, trees, shrubs, plants, or fences is prohibited. 306

COMPOSTING 307

Visual and odor impact on neighbors must be considered. Screening and landscaping may be required. Bins 308 shall be in the rear of the lot, at least ten (10) feet from the property lines. Bins shall not be over four (4) 309 feet high and the base will not exceed sixteen (16) square feet. Bins shall be made of unpainted, pressure-310 treated, naturally weather resistant wood or plastic with tones of black, tan or green color. Compost must 311 be properly covered and turned periodically to ensure odor control. Please check local guidelines for proper 312 compost materials. 313

DECKS 314

Location. Decks shall be located in rear yards. There shall be no less than ten (10) feet between a deck and 315 the rear lot line. Front and side yard locations will be evaluated on their individual merit as well as on 316 distance to front and side Lot lines. 317

Materials. Rails, deck boards and supports shall be constructed of wood, vinyl-coated wood, PVC, or 318 composites. All metal railings, and supports will not be considered. Metal balusters may be used where the 319 color and design are appropriate. 320

Scale and Style. Decks, particularly elevated decks, shall be of a scale and style that are compatible with 321 the home to which attached, adjacent homes, and the environmental surroundings. Cluster guidelines may, 322 in some cases, place specific limits on the scale or style of decks that will be approved, based on 323 considerations of density, visibility and scale and size of decks provided as standard builder features or 324 options. 325

Color. Decks made from wood may be left to naturally age. If a stain is desired, color and product must be 326 approved by the Architectural Review Committee. 327


Under Deck Drainage Systems. An under-deck drainage system requires an application. The parts of the 328 system that can be seen by other residences must be of material and color that is consistent with the house. 329

DRIVEWAYS 330

Any change in driveway materials must be approved by the ARC. Driveway must be located entirely 331 forward of the front plane of the house. Driveway extensions and additions must be approved, and must 332 be of a size and scale which will complement the property. Extended driveways may not be used for 333 parking inoperable, commercial, recreational or unused vehicles. Driveway sections that are unsightly, 334 uneven, or not level, even after being repaired or replaced, are unacceptable and must be replaced. 335 Driveways with moss, algae, rust, oil stains or dirt-covered areas are unacceptable and must be cleaned. 336 Small cracks should be repaired to prevent further degradation. The driveway should be repaired, 337 resurfaced or replaced when erosion, cracking, settling, spalling, flaking, exposed aggregate or other 338 conditions exist that render the driveway unsafe or unsightly. Any weeds/vegetation growing through 339 cracks must be eradicated.340

EXTERIOR DECORATIVE OBJECTS 341

Approval will be required for all exterior decorative objects, whether natural or man-made, which were not 342 part of the original construction design. Exterior decorative objects will be evaluated in terms of their size, 343 location, and compatibility with architectural and environmental design qualities. 344

EXTERIOR DOORS 345

Changes to a door color or style require an application. For information on the approved colors, please 346 contact the management office. Doors incorporating bars or ornamentation glass, scallops, scrolls and/or 347 stained/colored glass are prohibited. The color of the door shall be the same as the original color. The glass 348 may be clear or frosted only. A sample of the proposed color and a picture of the proposed door must be 349 submitted with the application. 350

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 351

Lighting which is part of the original structure may not be changed without prior approval of the ARC. 352 Proposed replacement or additional fixtures must be compatible in style and scale with the home. 353 Installation must be sensitive to neighboring properties. High levels of light are prohibited. Colored, moving 354 and/or flashing lights are prohibited. Installation of decorative outdoor lighting and/or decorative solar 355 powered lighting requires submission of an ARC application. 356

(Please see line numbers 489-494, Seasonal Holiday Decorations, Exterior, for information applicable to 357 temporary holiday lighting) 358

EXTERIOR PAINTING 359

Any exterior color change must be approved by the ARC. 360


FENCES 361

ARC approval is required for all fences and meet the zoning and regulatory requirements of the locality in 362 which installed. Further guidelines may be developed, as appropriate. 363

Single Family Detached Homes (lot-line or invisible fences) 364

Fences must be Split Rail Style, consisting of three split rails, natural wood only, and shall be 48 inches in 365 height measured from the ground to the top of the uppermost rail, and 54 inches in height measured from 366 the ground to the top of the vertical post. Lot line fences for single-family detached homes may not extend 367 forward of the rear plane of the home or enclose any portion of the side or front yard. For irregularly shaped 368 Lots only, the ARC may consider an exception. 369

Wire mesh may be used in conjunction with the fence. If used, the wire mesh must be attached to the inside 370 area of the fence and the top of the mesh may not extend beyond the top rail of the fence. Wire mesh must 371 be black or green only. The use of chicken wire or chain-link materials is prohibited. 372

Gates may be single or double and must be of the same material as the fence, and the same height. Gates 373 may not open to adjacent private property. Gates must be located so that people will either exit from the 374 fenced area onto another part of the lot on which the fence is located, or to the common area. 375

Attached Townhomes (privacy fences, including lot-line, only) 376

Fencing must be well-maintained Privacy Fencing. Privacy fencing may be used to enclose the rear yards 377 of attached dwellings. Only board-on-board fencing may be used. Privacy fencing will not exceed six feet 378 in height. Privacy fences may be constructed as lot-line fences to enclose the rear yards of attached housing 379 units. No lot-line fences may be erected for the front and side yards of attached housing units. Gates must 380 be of the same material as the fence, and the same height. Entire fencerows installed by the builder that 381 were painted must remain the original color. 382

FIREWOOD 383

Firewood shall be neatly stacked in piles which do not exceed eight (8) feet in length, four (4) feet in width, 384 and four (4) feet in height. Firewood shall be stacked only in rear yards. If covered with a tarp, such tarps 385 must be tan, green or black. Other than a limited quantity of firewood, intended for immediate use, firewood 386 shall not be stacked on patios or decks. Wood shall not be stacked against any dwelling. 387

FLAGS AND FLAGPOLES 388

Flags poles shall be limited to one per dwelling. Flags or flagpoles attached to a dwelling may be mounted 389 either adjacent to the front entry or the home’s garage. 390

GARAGE DOORS 391

Garage Doors and replacement garage doors shall match the house siding or trim. Garage door design and 392 color must be approved by the ARC. Garage doors should be opened only while access to the garage is 393 required. If any garage door is broken, damaged, and/or cannot be closed as a result of faulty operation, it 394 should be repaired within 48 hours. 395

GARDEN FLAGS 396 Garden flags are limited to one per residence and cannot exceed 15” in width and 18’ in length. Garden 397 flag poles shall not exceed 32 inches in height. 398


GARDENS 399

Vegetable, flower, and herbal gardens require an application. Vegetable gardens must be located in the rear 400 yard and must not cause water to run into adjoining properties during periods of supplemental watering. 401 After the growth season, dead plants, stakes, etc., must be promptly removed. 402

GAZEBOS 403

An application is required for gazebos. Gazebos may be approved for single-family homes only. 404

GREENHOUSES 405

An application for installation of a greenhouse is required. All greenhouses must be to the rear of the unit, 406 and there shall be no adverse visual or drainage impacts for adjoining properties. 407

GRILLS, PERMANENT 408

Permanent grills must be placed in the rear yard of the house and must meet City/County fire code as well 409 as setback requirements for the Lot. 410

GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS 411

Replacement of gutters and downspouts with an exact duplicate of the original item does not require 412 approval. An approval is required for relocation of gutters and downspouts, or a change in color. Gutters 413 and downspouts must match the exterior trim or main house color. 414

HOSES 415

Hoses must be neatly stored on a hose reel or hose-caddy. 416

HOT TUBS AND SPAS 417

Hot tubs and spas require an application and shall be located only in rear yards. The hot tub or spa and any 418 related mechanical equipment shall be screened from view. All screening must be approved by the ARC. 419 There shall be no adverse visual, drainage, or environmental impacts for adjoining properties. 420

LANDSCAPING 421

All front and side landscaping that is planted in the ground requires an approval from the ARC. Approval 422 is required for plantings intended to form a hedge or natural screen and which will attain more than two 423 feet in height. Plantings located forward of the front plane of the house shall be maintained at a height of 424 36 inches or less and shall not restrict sight lines along a road. 425

Approval is required for the installation of railroad ties, garden timbers, stones or similar structures that 426 will form a wall or planter. 427

A proposed improvement that is of a scale or type inconsistent with the existing design features of the home, 428 adjacent units, and the surrounding area will require approval. 429

If plantings are found to be detrimental in any way, to the Lot they are installed on or any adjacent Lot, the 430 owners will be required to abate the problem. 431

Grass should not be permitted to exceed six (6) inches in height. At no time should weed cover exceed more 432 than twenty-five percent (25) of the total turf area. 433


MAILBOXES 434

An application is required for any deviation from existing materials. The color of all single-family detached 435 home mailboxes shall be black. The style of all mailboxes shall be the standard rural type. Mailboxes shall 436 be affixed to a 4-inch x 4-inch post with or without paper delivery box built into the post. The post must be 437 dark brown (Sherwin Williams # SW 7027, Well-Bred Brown) and conform to the U.S. Postal Service 438 height requirements. See following photos. 439

Decorative mailboxes or mailbox covers will not be permitted. The installation of top mounted guides for 440 the display of house numbers, names and/or addresses is prohibited. 441

Only numbers shall be displayed on mailboxes, with the exception of a corner lot with an address other 442 than the street that the house faces. In the case of this exception, the street name can also be displayed on 443 the mailbox. 444

Address numbers shall be a maximum height shall be 4 inches and a maximum width of 2 inches. The 445 colors of the numbers will be white or gold with black background. 446

Numbers may also be displayed on the curb directly below the mailbox. Curb numbers must be painted 447 black within a white box onto the curb. Dimensions of the numbers shall be 4 inches in height within a 448 white box 6 inches in height. 449

450

451

452

453

454

455

456

457

458

PATIO 459

All patios require approval. Patios must be located in rear yards. Any adverse drainage impacts to the Lot 460 or any neighboring Lot that might result from the construction of a patio shall be considered and remedied 461 prior to construction. There shall be no adverse visual, drainage, or environmental impacts on any 462 neighboring property or common area. 463

PET HOUSES, RUNS, DOORS, etc. 464

Pet runs, pet pens and pet cages are prohibited. Pet houses must be compatible with the applicant’s house 465 in terms of color and material. Pet houses may not exceed sixteen (16) square feet of floor space and may 466 not exceed four (4) feet in height at the highest point. Pet doors must be located at the rear of the home and 467 exit to a yard with a fence. 468


PONDS 469

Ponds or other bodies of water must be kept clean, free of debris, and comply with all City and County 470 regulations. Ponds must be located behind the rear plane of the house. The size and design must be 471 architecturally compatible with the home and surrounding homes. There shall be no adverse visual or 472 drainage impacts on any neighboring property or common area. 473

POTS 474

Decorative pots must be containers specifically intended for plantings, and be made of terra cotta, stone, or 475 other decorative material that is harmonious with the aesthetic of the community. Temporary plastic pots 476 and/or temporary cardboard pots are not permitted. Pots must contain live flowering or grass/fern plantings 477 and may not contain dead plants, vegetables, fruit-bearing plants, or herbs. Pots may not be excessive in 478 number and must be placed either on the front stoop/steps, porch, or at the entrance area to the front door 479 of the home. 480

RECREATION AND PLAY EQUIPMENT 481

An application must be submitted for installation of recreation and/or play equipment, whether temporary 482 or permanent. Recreation and play equipment must be placed and/or installed in rear yards. 483

RETAINING WALLS 484

Construction is limited to the use of railroad ties, landscaping timbers, stones, brick, or reinforced concrete 485 with brick veneer. Walls may not divert the flow of water onto a neighboring lot. No wall shall be 486 maintained in such a manner as to obstruct sight lines for vehicular traffic. Application with details 487 documenting the anchoring of the retaining wall will be required. 488

SEASONAL HOLIDAY DECORATIONS, EXTERIOR 489

Exterior seasonal holiday decorations do not require approval. However, they may not be installed more 490 than thirty (30) calendar days before the holiday; and must be removed within thirty (30) calendar days 491 after the date of the holiday. Any decorations which cause noise which can be heard from neighboring Lots 492 are prohibited. Decorations which contain or are comprised of excessively bright and/or flashing lights that 493 shine beyond the boundary of an owner’s property are prohibited. 494

SECURITY BARS 495

The use of security bars or grates on windows and doors is prohibited. 496

SECURITY SYSTEMS 497

All external features of a security system require an application and approval by the ARC before 498 installation. External features of a security system should be designed and installed as to not negatively 499 impact adjacent properties. 500

SHEDS AND OTHER STORAGE UNITS 501

Only one shed per property can be approved; multiple sheds are not allowed. 502

Residents must notify the managing agent before “portable on demand storage” (PODS) or similar storage 503 units are delivered. The mandatory locations will be driveways or assigned parking spaces. If you do not 504


have an assigned space, the management agent will designate a common area space. PODS or similar 505 storage units may not be stored on any property longer than six (6) days. 506

Sheds for Single Family Homes 507

The shed must be located behind the rear plane of the house. The shed must not exceed one hundred 100 508 sq. ft. in area, measured at the exterior. Height of the shed must not exceed nine feet (9) at its highest point. 509 The color of the shed must be the same as the house, or an approved natural wood color, except for sheds 510 that are integral with a deck, which must be the same as the deck. Roofing color and material must be 511 compatible to the roofing of the house. 512

No decorative features can adorn the shed. There shall be no adverse visual, drainage, or environmental 513 impacts for adjoining properties. 514

Stand-alone sheds, not underneath a deck, must be located five (5) feet or more behind the rear plane of the 515 house. 516

Sheds for Townhomes 517

The shed must be located within the rear privacy fence and behind the rear plane of the townhome. The 518 shed must not exceed sixty-four square feet (64) in area, measured at the exterior. The height of the shed 519 must not exceed six feet (6) at its highest point. 520

The color of the siding must be the same as the townhome, except sheds that are integral with a deck must 521 follow the color scheme of the deck sheds that are abutting a privacy fence must be the color of the privacy 522 fence. Finish materials must be wood or vinyl. Roofing color and material must be architecturally 523 complimentary to the roofing of the house. 524

No decorative features can adorn the shed. 525

There shall be no adverse visual, drainage, or environmental impacts for adjoining properties. 526

Storage Units for Houses or Townhomes 527

Storage units are typically made of high-grade plastic and are of the type available from Rubbermaid® and 528 other manufactures, often with access via a lid rather than a door. 529

The dimensions of a storage unit must not exceed seven feet (7) (length), five feet (5) (width), and five feet 530 (5) (height).531

The unit must be located behind the rear plane of the house or townhome. For townhomes, the shed must 532 also be located within the privacy fence. The color and material of the unit should closely match the house. 533 Prefabricated units must not be painted. There shall be no adverse visual, drainage, or environmental 534 impacts for adjoining properties. 535

Examples of storage units can be found on the following page. 536


Small Shed/Storage Unit Examples 537

Below are two examples. 538

539 540

SIDEWALKS AND PATHWAYS 541

An application is required. Sidewalks and pathways shall be set back from the property line in accordance 542 with applicable City or County guidelines, and installed flush to the ground. Stone, brick, concrete or similar 543 durable construction material must be used. The scale, location and design shall be compatible with the lot, 544 home and surroundings. There shall be no adverse visual, drainage, or environmental impacts on any 545 neighboring property or common area. 546

SIDING REPLACEMENT 547

A physical sample or picture of proposed siding is required to be submitted with the application. 548 Replacement of existing siding with the identical material and color does not require an application to be 549 submitted. 550

SIGNS 551

Only signs advertising a property for sale or lease, and/or security signs may be displayed. Such signs must 552 meet applicable municipal code regulations with respect to size, content and removal. 553

Signs may only be placed in the front yard of the property. Only one real estate sign per property is 554 permitted. Signs may not be placed on the common area, and will be removed and disposed of without prior 555 notification. 556

Security Signs: One sign, twelve (12)-inch x twelve (12)-inch maximum, may be posted on the property. 557

SNOW REMOVAL 558

It shall be the responsibility of the homeowner to clear sidewalks abutting their property from snow and 559 ice. 560

SOLAR PANELS 561

An application must be submitted to the ARC for review prior to any installation. Pursuant to the Code of 562 Virginia, § 67-701, the Association has established reasonable requirements concerning the size, place, and 563 manner of placement of such solar energy collection devices on property designated and intended for 564 individual ownership and use. Solar panels should be installed on the roof, and must be securely fastened 565 to the surface of the structure or roof in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. Any wires must 566 be properly concealed from view and must be secured to the surface of the roof or structure. Solar panels 567


568 569 570

571

572 573 574 575 576 577 578

579

580 581 582 583

584

585 586 587 588 589 590 591

are only permitted for individual ownership and use. Solar panels must be installed on the rear of the roof as

long as this installation location does not decrease the efficiency of the panels or increase the cost of

installation.

STORM/SCREEN DOORS AND WINDOWS

Storm/Screen Doors. Only storm/screen doors which are full view (no panels), or have no more than a

single one and one half (1.5)-inch bar running horizontally in the center of the door, and must be painted the

same color as the house trim or the entry door. Storm doors must be closed when not being used. Doors

incorporating bars or ornamentation glass, scallops, scrolls, imitation gate hinges, grillwork and/or

stained/colored glass are prohibited. The color of the door shall be the same as the original color. The glass

may be clear or frosted only. A sample of the proposed color and a picture of the proposed door must be

submitted with the application.

Storm windows.

The color of all external storm windows must conform to the existing color of the window frame and match

the overall trim color scheme. No plastic covering will be permitted on the exterior (outside) doors or

windows. Storm windows incorporating bars or ornamentation glass, scallops, scrolls, imitation gate hinges,

grillwork and/or stained/colored glass are prohibited. Storm windows should match the trim color.

WINDOWS

Any change in appearance of replacement windows must be approved by ARC. Replacement windows

must maintain the architectural integrity of the home. Replacement windows can be of wood, metal or vinyl

coated as long as their outward appearance is the same as the original. The color of the window frame must

match the existing color of the trim of the house or the original color of the builder installed windows (ie

white). Homeowners are to maintain all window screens and keep them free of damage. Grids are to be

installed in all windows to maintain a uniform appearance of the home. Muntins must be painted the same

color as the window or door frame and must be oriented in a rectangular manner creating horizontal and

vertical divisions of the window. Diamond-shaped or other shapes of muntins are not allowed. 592 593

594

595

596

597

598

599

600

601

602

603

Allowed Not Allowed

Full view / Divided Mid view / Traditional

P a g e | 20 Wellington Community Association Design StandardsJanuary 21, 2020

SWIMMING POOLS 604

Pools are prohibited on townhome lots. Aboveground pools are prohibited on all Lots within WCA. In-605 ground swimming pools may be constructed on lots with detached homes. All pools require prior approval 606 from the Association via submission of an application. Pools must be located in the rear of the property. 607 Pool filtration equipment must be shielded from adjacent properties. 608

TRASH CONTAINERS 609

All homes must store their trash in a container compliant with Manassas City or Prince William County 610 Code. 611

No trash or debris may accumulate or be stored in a visible location on a lot. 612

Trash, recycling containers, and yard debris must be stored out of sight. Trash (in a rigid container) must 613 be placed curbside after 7 P.M. the day before collection. Trash should be placed in front of your residence, 614 NOT on common areas. Overnight placement of trash bags that are not inside the container is prohibited, 615 as this attracts animals. Any bags that are not inside the container should not be placed curbside until the 616 day of collection. Empty trash and recycling containers shall be removed from sight by 9 P.M. on the 617 collection day. 618

Residents must notify the managing agent before dumpsters or large-scale trash containers are delivered. 619 The mandatory locations will be the driveway of the Lot or the parking spaces assigned to the Lot. If you 620 do not have an assigned space, the management agent will designate a common area space. Dumpsters 621 and/or similar large-scale trash containers may not be stored on any property longer than six (6) days. 622

TREE REMOVAL AND MAINTENANCE 623

Trees - The removal of (i) all live trees with a diameter in excess of four (4) inches, measured twelve (12) 624 inches above ground, (ii) flowering trees in excess of two (2) inches similarly measured, and (iii) live 625 vegetation on slopes of more than twenty (20) percent gradient or marked “no cut” areas on approved plans, 626 require the prior approval of the ARC. No trees planted for sound mitigation purposes shall be removed 627 from any lot without the prior written approval of the ARC unless necessary to construct improvements 628 based on plans previously approved by the ARC. When a tree is removed, the stump must also be removed. 629

Currently, Prince William County and Manassas City code require a 20% tree canopy. 630

Manassas City Code - Article VII. Tree Canopy Requirements Sec. 130-217 631

Prince William County - Code Sec. 32-250.42. Same; Tree Canopy Coverage 632

In order to comply with the current 20% canopy requirement, dead or removed trees must be replaced with 633 a tree from an approved list. The replacement tree(s) must be at least four (4) feet in height. Decorative 634 trees will not be permitted as a replacement primary tree. 635

Alternatively, if an owner wishes to remove trees from their Lot but does not wish to replace those trees, a 636 study from a certified arborist must be presented alongside the application. The study must attest that the 637 Lot will still maintain 20% tree canopy coverage in accordance with the City design standard (DCSM) 638 WITH the proposed removal of the tree(s) in question. An application can only be approved if the tree 639 canopy requirements have been met either by 1-1 replacement ratio, or through arborist certification using 640 the Manassas City or Prince William County design standard. 641

P a g e | 21 Wellington Community Association Design StandardsJanuary 21, 2020

No tree topping will be permitted. See illustration below. 642

643

644

645

646

647

Topped trees can reduce the appraised

value of your home.

Topped trees are unsightly

Topping a tree can damage and kill the

tree.

WELLINGTON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC.

POLICY RESOLUTION NO. 6

Design Standards ,

Revised January 21, 2020

RESOLUTIONS ACTION RECORD

Duly adopted at a meeting of the Board of Directors held on January 21, 2020

Motion by: {)C,{\\I\ iS f)l)(,\/\,QJ Seconded by: s+~ J?xuvw I cJ/\

VOTE:

Ihn V\il H:o \\ar

:5o.ilt.w.. "'~%~ MicWk- Cbi\d.s flit, I\ 1..fAJ/"" Da\V\IS :BVCNlt>r .5'.m~ &xoviQI\ ATTEST:

YES NO ABSTAIN

X

" )(

X X J(

First name Last name, President }~ ~b4/. Resolution effective: January 21, 2020 0

Page l2 Wellington Community Association Design Standards January 21, 2020

ABSENT

Date