Caroline Ridge Owners Association, Inc.

Architectural Standards...

Sep 30, 2003

We have worked with the Architectural Control Committee (ARC) over the summer to review the standards being used when architectural design and change requests are submitted to the ARC.
The association is fortunate to have a team of 3 member-owners who act as an Architectural Control Committee. Many associations don?’t have enough volunteers so their Board of Directors has to serve in this position. Not only is having volunteers critical, but it allows some diversity and allows for fresh perspectives. We are certainly thankful to the volunteers who serve our neighborhood and this Board of Directors!
The ARC Committee would like to thank all of you who have submitted requests lately. We have gotten requests for retention walls, fences, pools and various other improvements. We would like to take an opportunity to remind you that an ARC request must be submitted prior to any exterior improvements being made to your home. We would also like to welcome two new members to the ARC committee that were approved by the board and started in June of 2003: Tommy McKee and Michael Becker. We also wanted to let you know that we have recommended some architectural standards for the community, and we will be available to answer questions at the next homeowners meeting. Some of the standards are:
(a) All pools must be kept behind a fence in the backyard with a locked gate and a barrier that will preclude drowning. All pools must comply with Florida Statutes 515.27 & 515.29 (the full statute can be viewed at www.flsenate.gov) Inflatable or kiddy pools must be drained daily.
(b) Exterior house or improvement structure colors must be earth tones or the existing color of the house. A sample of the proposed paint color must be submitted with the ARC request form.
(c) Fences must be constructed of PVC or pressure-treated wood and be of a traditional style and be six feet in height. All fence requests must be accompanied by a platt plan showing the exact location of the planned fence with respect to all property lines. All fences must be installed with the smooth-side of the fence facing out towards the street so that it is the side that is viewed when looking at the property from the street. Natural wood fences may not be painted but may be stained with a neutral-colored wood preservative like ?“Thompson's Wood Sealant?” or similar waterproofing wood treatment products.
(d) Portable basketball hoops/goals should be used with adult supervision and be placed somewhere other than on a sidewalk or in the street when they are not in use. Basketball hoops cannot be used in the street at any time as this is a hazard to oncoming traffic and a violation of city of Jacksonville traffic laws.
(e) Flowerbeds or other in-ground or above ground planter boxes must be designed to retain all filler material (mulch) and to prevent washout of filler material. They must also be kept free of weeds.
(f) Filler materials used for flower beds and in-ground or above ground planter boxes must be natural in appearance and color. Additionally, synthetic rubber or other synthetic materials will not be used unless the color and design of the synthetic materials are pre-approved by the ARC.