LAKE SAINT LOUIS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES

 

INTRODUCTION

Your property is subject to the Indentures of Covenants and Restrictions (C&Rs). The C&Rs place legally binding deed restrictions on your property and make you a member of the Community Association (CA). The Community Association membership elects a Board of Directors, which has the fiduciary responsibility and authority to preserve and enhance the community's property values. The CA Board of Directors appoints three or more members from the community to serve on the Architectural Control Committee (ACC). The ACC is responsible for maintaining a design standard to protect individual property owners from indiscriminate construction which would adversely affect property values and the general aesthetic quality of Lake Saint Louis.

The following Guidelines have been prepared in addition to the C&Rs to assist property owners in the design and construction of new homes, home additions, exterior alterations, and landscape improvements, and to provide a structure to assist the Board of Directors and the ACC in making their decisions.

ACC approval is required for new construction, major alterations, color changes, or any projects that alter the exterior appearance of your home. Its authority stems from Article VIII of the C&Rs. (See ACC Guidelines, Page 16, and Procedure for Obtaining Approval)

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

Design decisions made by the ACC in reviewing applications are not based solely upon personal opinion or taste, but are judged on their design acceptability based on the Guidelines as follows:

A. Conformance with Covenants - The project must con- form with the C&Rs and these Guidelines.

B. Design Compatibility - The project compatibility to its surroundings is based on its location on the lot, its overall dimensions, and its architectural style. Structures of identical or nearly identical design must be separated by a minimum of 300 feet and/or cannot be observed simultaneously.

C. Property Values - The project cannot have a known or expected negative affect on the value of neighboring proper- ties.

D. Aesthetics - The project must be in harmony with its surroundings and consistent in architectural quality, scale, and use of materials and colors.

E. Architectural Styles - A variety of architectural styles is encouraged.

DESIGN GUIDELINES
The Guidelines shall in no way restrict the homeowner in the design of well thought out alternatives. The individual merits of each application will be considered by the ACC.

I. SITE PLANNING AND GRADING (C&Rs Article X, Section l (d).

Preservation and improvement of the natural environment should be a primary consideration when planning to build.

A. Grading - Final grade contours should cause minimum disturbance to trees and land contours.

B. Drainage - Changes in grade or conditions that affect drainage must not contribute to soil erosion, impede drainage, or cause drainage onto adjacent property.

C. Slopes - No structure, planting, or other material shall interfere with established slope ratios, contribute to erosion, create sliding problems, or change the water flow through drainage channels. Slope-control areas must be maintained by the owner. No slope may be altered to a ratio greater than 3 to 1.

D. Trees - Trees must be preserved if possible.

1. No tree 4 inches in diameter or more, measured 2 feet above ground level, shall be removed without ACC approval. Dead trees shall be removed and their stumps cleared to ground level. (C&Rs Article X, Section 1 (b).

2. Trees should be protected from damage by wells or walls in cases of extreme grade change. Wells should be half the diameter of the tree drip line and the natural grade should be maintained at the base.

3. On non-wooded or partially wooded lots, 2 inch diameter or larger trees shall be planted so the finished lot has a minimum of two trees in the front and two trees in the rear or side yard.

E. Foundation Landscaping - Landscaping is required around the entire house and must be completed within 6 months of occupancy.

F. Erosion - Soil erosion must be limited. Straw bales must be used to reduce run off on lots under construction If necessary, more aggressive measures may be required; i.e., plastic sheeting, terracing, earthen berms, sediment basins, etc.

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All soil erosion devises must be maintained during construction. When construction is completed, lots shall be sodded or seeded and covered with straw.

G. Retaining Walls - Retaining walls may be used to prevent erosion, preserve trees, improve drainage, and define areas. Indigenous rock or wood in combination with appropriate landscaping is encouraged. Walls 18" or higher require drawings showing location, materials, and appropriate footings.

II.SHORELINE STABILIZATION
Shoreline contours may not be changed. No lot shall be increased by filling behind a tie wall. Concrete walls shall be capped with environmentally safe wood products to within 6 inches of the water. Environmentally safe railroad ties, gabion walls, and rip rap shall be backed by an approved engineering fabric and are acceptable stabilization methods. (C&Rs Article X, Section 3(b).

III. BUILDING LOCATION

The building shall be designed to fit the site rather than altering the site to fit the building. Building plans are evaluated relative to the characteristics of the lot and surrounding properties. The standards used are:

A. Appearance - How will the building look from common areas, roads, and other lots.

B. Building Setbacks - Setbacks for new construction must be compatible with setbacks of existing houses. Unless otherwise specified on the plat C&Rs Article X, Section 2(d) require:

1. Front and Side Street - 25 feet.

2. Side Yard - 8 feet.

3. Rear Yard - 25 feet,

C. Window Projections - Bay, bow, dormer and other projecting windows may not project more than two feet. (C&Rs Article X, Section 2(d)(a).

D. Miscellaneous Projections - Cornices, spoutings, chimneys, brackets, pilasters, grillwork, trellises, and other ornamental projections may not project more than two feet. (C&Rs Article X, Section 2(d)(b).

E. Vestibule Projections - Vestibules may not project more than two feet. (C&Rs Article X, Section 2(d)(c).

F. Porch Projections - Unenclosed covered porches, balconies, and porte cocheres may not project more than six feet beyond the front building line. (C&Rs Article X, Section 2(d)(d).

G. Minimum Elevation - No house shall be built on a waterfront lot with a window, door, pipe, or opening lower than:

1. 545 feet USGA elevation on the small lake.

2. 505 feet USGA elevation on the large lake.

H. Minimum Size Requirements - Single level above ground homes shall contain minimum 1200 square feet of enclosed floor area; two level above ground homes shall contain minimum 900 square feet of enclosed floor area on the first level and minimum 1800 square feet of enclosed floor area overall. "Enclosed floor area" means enclosed and finished for all year occupancy computed on outside measurements. It does not include unfinished basements, garages, carports, porches, or attics. (C&Rs Article X, Section 2(c).

I. Height Limitations - No house shall be more than two levels above ground. (C&Rs Article X, Section 2(b).

IV. EXTERIOR DESIGN

A. Frontage - Homes shall present a pleasing street frontage. Homes on comer lots shall present pleasing frontages to both streets. (C&Rs Article X, Section 2(g).

B. Elevations - The style of the front elevation should be carried out on the side and rear elevations.

C. Posts - Exterior posts must be at least 6 inches by 6 inches.

D. Chimney Flues - Metal flues and prefab metal chimneys must be enclosed. The metal flue and cap may not extend more than 24 inches above the chimney chase. Chimneys must extend to within 8 inches of grade.

E. Roofs - The pitch of the roof should be consistent with the style of the house and in proportion with adjoining homes. Roof vents and flashing shall be painted to match the roof or trim, whichever lessens their visual impact. Ventpipes, flues, attic ventilators, etc., should be located on the least visible side of the roof below the ridgeline.

F. Supplemental Roof Structures

1. Antennas - No outside radio or television antenna shall be erected, installed, or constructed, without approval of the ACC (C&Rs Article X, Section l(k)). (ACC Guidelines, Pages 14-15, paragraphs 0 & P).

2. Attic Ventilators - Wind powered roof ventilators are not permitted. Approvable attic ventilators include ridge-vent, flush mounted, or other low profile devices.

3. Solar Energy System - Solar systems must be integrated into the overall architectural plan and consistent with the style, scale, materials, and colors of the house. ACC approval will be based on the project meeting current Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Association Solar Manual (SMACNA) standards for installation of solar systems.

G. Garages - Garages shall be attached to the home. Garage doors must be compatible with the design of the house. (C&Rs Article X, Section 2 (f).

 

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H. Exterior Mechanical Equipment - Meters (no more than 36 inches above grade), trash receptacles, and air conditioners should not be located facing the street and should be screened by plantings.

I. Liquid Propane Tanks - Propane tanks may not be located facing the street and must be completely screened with evergreens or enclosed with materials consistent with and painted to match the home exterior. (C&Rs Article X, Section l (l).

J. Driveways - Driveways shall be black asphalt, poured concrete, exposed aggregate, or other appropriate materials. Gravel is not permitted.

K. Windows - Windows must complement the home design in size, proportions, detail, placement and color. Metal windows must be anodized aluminum or painted to match the home's color scheme. Trim is required and must extend a minimum of 4-1/2 inches from the glass around all windows. Trim material must be at least 2 inches wide.

L. Doors - Trim is required around all exterior doors. Trim material must be at least 2 inches wide.

M. Siding - Siding shall be wood, brick, stone, masonite, rock, stucco, vinyl, or other appropriate material. If vinyl siding is used, a low luster and/or low gloss finish is required.

N. Brick Wrap - Brick wraps may be required when a brick or stone front elevation is highly visible at a given corner or corners of the house, or when a neighborhood precedent for brick or stone wraps has been established.

0. Foundations - No more than 8 inches of concrete may be exposed on any elevation.

P. Colors

1. Single-Family Dwellings - Identical or nearly identical field colors (dominant house color) shall not be permitted within 200 feet of any lot line (extended to 400 feet for homes in a cul-de-sac). Bright red, bright yellow, bright green, and bright blue and bright shades or tints of these colors shall not be permitted. Neither purple nor orange, nor any shade or tint thereof, shall be allowed. Black and near black shall not be allowed. All shades of gray except near black may be allowed. Pure white and all shades of white may be allowed.

a. Color selections shall not be gaudy, garish, inharmonious, or discordant in view of the range of colors in customary use throughout the community at large and must be compatible with color schemes of adjoining residences;

b. Columns and posts, fascia, soffits, and trim around windows and doors shall be an approved trim color. In general, trim colors shall not be highly contrasting with field colors; however, exceptions may be approved for certain architectural styles;

c. In general, corner boards shall be the field color, however, exceptions may be approved for certain architectural styles;

d. Shutters and front doors may complement, contrast or accent the field color;

e. All projections including, but not limited to, vents, chimney chases, gutters, downspouts, utility boxes, porches, railings and exterior stairways, shall match the color of the surface from which they project or shall be of an approved trim color;

f. Garage doors should not be highlighted. In general, garage doors shall closely match the field color or, if surrounded by brick, masonry, stone, or stucco, may be of an approved trim color;

g. All exterior wood must be sealed, stained, and/or painted;

h. Roof Colors. All white and primary colors (green, red, etc.), including any shades or tints of these colors, shall not be permitted when used as the dominate color of the roofing shingle or membrane. Shades of Grey and earth tones are encouraged.

2. Multi-Family Dwellings - All rules applicable for single- family dwellings apply to multi-family dwellings with the exception of the 200/400-foot rule. Color schemes may vary between individual buildings within a multifamily complex or they all may be identical. Units within an individual building shall have identical color schemes.

V. EXTERIOR ALTERATIONS

Exterior alterations (decks, patios, additions, pools, awnings, etc.) must be compatible in scale, materials, and color with the original home. Applications must include a site plan showing dimensions, placement on the lot, and new elevations (if applicable). Construction details must be shown. Architectural drawings or neatly drawn sketches to scale are acceptable. (See ACC Guidelines, page 16, Procedure for Obtaining Approval).

A. Additions

1. Roofs on additions shall match existing roof in materials, pitch and style. Hip or gable roofs are encouraged.

2. New windows shall match existing windows in size, style, and materials.

3. Trim should match existing trim in size, material, and color.

B. Lighting-Exterior lights do not need approval but cannot be directed outside the owner's property.

C. Painting - Approval is not needed to repaint your house in its existing approved colors. Color changes, to include siding, doors, shutters, trim, roofing, and other attached structures or elements must be approved. Natural wood siding or

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trim must be maintained to avoid discoloring. (C&Rs Article X, Section 1 (u).

D. Storm Windows, Storm Doors, and Window Screens

1. Storm windows and storm doors should blend with the exterior and be compatible with existing windows and doors.

2. Storm doors must be compatible with the design of the house.

3. Screening must be dark or bronze tone.

4. Plastic or plastic sheeting is not permitted on the exterior.

E. Shutters - Shutters must be in proportion to the windows they adjoin.

F. Awnings - Awnings must be in proportion to the area they cover and be in harmony with the color scheme of the house.

G. Decks

1. Size and shape shall relate well to the elevation.

2. Privacy of and views from adjacent homes must be considered.

3. Balusters should be vertical All exceptions must be approved by the Architectural Control Committee.

4. Materials shall be weather sealed and in keeping with the home.

5. Multiple decks on the same elevation must use the same railing detail.

H. Swimming Pools - Only in ground pools are permitted. Pools should be located in rear yards, although consideration will be given to property of unusual configuration or unusual topographic features. The pool should be placed at least 15 feet from all lot lines. Removal of trees should be minimized. Only the immediate pool area and its mechanical equipment can be fenced. Plantings should be used to soften the visual impact of the pool's security fencing.

I. Fences - (C.&Rs Article X, Section 1 (e).

1. Fences in general will not be approved. Fences will only be approved when a demonstrated need exists and when disapproval would create extreme hardship. The following guidelines apply:

2. Design - Fences should be open to protect the natural views and permit ventilation, Plantings should be used to soften its visual impact.

3. Location - Fences are not allowed in front yards. Privacy screens can not be constructed that restrict the view of common ground from adjacent properties or the street. Fencing must be located entirely on the homeowner's property.

4. Height - Fences should be no higher than necessary and, in general, fences over four feet high will not be approved.

5. Construction, Materials, and Color - Materials shall blend with the texture of the home. Colors should be unobtrusive. Anodized aluminum or ornamental iron fences are permitted; other metal fences and wire fencing; i.e., chain link, electric, etc. are not.

J. Pet Enclosures - Pet runs and houses should be an extension of the home rather than a separate structure. Materials must be compatible in color and style with the house. Pet runs can not exceed 200 square feet or create a nuisance, visually or otherwise, to neighbors. Enclosures should be softened by supplemental landscaping.

K. Storage Sheds - Detached storage sheds are not permitted. Storage sheds will only be considered if they are an alteration or addition to the existing house; therefore, provisions of ACC Guidelines, Section V, Exterior Alterations apply (page 13).

L. Basketball Backboards - Backboards may be secured to the house provided they blend with the surface to which attached. Free standing backboards and poles should blend with the natural surroundings. Approval is not required.

M. Swing Sets and Play Equipment - Swing sets and play equipment should be located in the back or side yards and be appropriate in scale for the property. Materials should be environmental safe and blend with the color of the natural surroundings. Approval is not required. Play pools must be of a temporary nature and made of plastic or plastic-like material.

N. Flagpoles - Flagpoles should be appropriate in height, color, and location for the property and background. Freestanding flagpoles must be vertical. Approval is not required.

0. Satellite Dishes - All satellite dishes require written approval of ACC. See also C&Rs Article X, Section l(K).

1. Roof Mounted

a. 18inch or smaller satellite dishes may be approved for roof mounting provided they blend with the roof color and are on the least visible side of the roof below the ridgeline. Dishes larger than 18 inches are not permitted to be roof mounted.

b. Wiring must be run into the house by the most direct and least visible route.

c. No dish or mounting may project more than two feet above the roof

2. House Mounted

a. 18 inch satellite dishes may be mounted to the side or back of the house provided they blend with the color of the surface to which attached. No protective structure or platform may be built to house the dish and dishes may not be mounted on

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any elevations that face the street. Mounting just below the eaves is encouraged.

b. Wiring must be run into the house by the most direct and least visible route. Direct feed through the siding where the dish is connected to the house is encouraged.

c. No dish or mounting may project more than two feet from the house.

3. Ground Mounted

a. 18 inch or smaller satellite dishes may be approved for ground mounting provided they are landscaped to provide adequate year round screening.

b. Ground mounted satellite dishes larger that 18 inches may be approved provided they are properly screened. Landscaping will include evergreen plantings of adequate initial size to provide complete, year round screening.

c. If a ground mounted unit is approved, a decorative dish; e.g., "picnic table" is encouraged because it is less distracting to the neighborhood setting.

P. Other Antennas - No outside ham radio, TV or other type of antenna will be erected, installed, or constructed without ACC approval. Applicant will be required to establish a special need; e.g., religious, business, public safety, and demonstrate why some other form of antenna will not suffice.

VI. LANDSCAPING AND GARDENS

Unless your plan will affect the drainage or grading of your property, landscaping does not require approval.

A. Location and Scale - The size of plantings at maturity must be considered in selecting trees and shrubs. Traffic lines of sight must not be obstructed and neighboring views or the open space concept of the community must not be adversely affected.

B. Plant Types and Color - Native plants are recommended because of their increased chance for healthy growth and their compatibility with the area. Flowering trees and shrubs are considered an asset.

C. Vegetable Gardens - Gardens must be located entirely within your backyard with consideration given to your neighbor's view. Gardens must be maintained and cleared of dead plants, stakes, etc. at the end of the growing season. Gardens can not be placed on vacant lots or on Community Association common ground.

VII. BOAT DOCKS (C&Rs Article X, Section 3(a).

A. Licensing - Our lakes are part of our common grounds and belong to the CA. Since all docks will normally be located partially or wholly on common grounds, a license agreement with the CA shall be required annually. The renewal of this agreement shall be automatic unless the dock

B. General - One dock shall be permitted per waterfront lot. Docks are allowed if they do not impede or present a hazard to boat traffic. On both lakes, a 75-foot channel shall be maintained in major coves and a 30-foot channel in secondary coves. Adequate clearances in small inlets must be maintained so boats can reach their docks. Standards for approval:

1. Docks must be located at least 20 feet off of side property lines.

2. Docks shall not extend more than 25 feet into the water at normal lake level (505 feet big lake, 545 feet small lake).

3. Dock width shall not exceed 25% of the shoreline frontage at normal lake level (505 feet big lake, 545 feet small lake).

C. Design - Wooden floating docks are preferred. Metal-framed docks covered with wood are acceptable. Recycled plastic wood products are permitted.

1. Floatation materials must be concealed from view to within 6 inches of the water. Styrofoam encased in plastic or styrofoam logs are acceptable. Steel barrels are not permitted.

2. Permanent piers or pilings are discouraged. If pilings are necessary, they must be at least 4 inches in diameter. Anchoring devices may only be used directly beneath the dock and must not present a hazard to boaters or swimmers.

3. Covered docks are not permitted.

4. Dock bumpers can be fire hose or commercial bumper material. No cut or uncut tires are allowed.

5. Carpeting is permitted only on top of the dock,

6.  Swim ladders, slides, diving boards, etc. are permitted but are calculated into the dock overall length and/or width. Total extension of dock and attachments cannot extend more than 25 feet into the water at normal lake level.

7. Docks must be constructed to withstand vertical movements caused by the lowering of the lake for maintenance purposes.

8. The CA reserves the right to require the temporary removal of docks for dredging, maintenance, or other CA approved activities.

D. Boat Lifts/Hoists - Boat lifts and hoists must be free standing structures and constructed of a non-corrosive material that is maintenance and pollution free. They may be enclosed within an existing dock.

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1. Canopies must be white or off-white vinyl, not more than 6 feet above water level, and removed when not being used for boat storage for extended periods; i.e., during winter. Lettering is limited to the manufacturer name and cannot be more than 3 inches high and 24 inches long.

2. The requirement that docks not be located closer than 20 feet to the property line will not include the lift. The 25% rule will also not include the lift.

PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

ACC approval is required for new construction, major alterations, color changes, or any projects that alter the exterior appearance of your home. (C&Rs Article VIII).

A. Architectural Review - The ACC meets at the CA Office: 100 Cognac Court, Lake Saint Louis, MO.

1. Applications must be submitted and fees paid ten calendar days prior to the ACC meeting. Applications are available at the CA Offices, 100 Cognac Court, 625-8276. (Sample, Annex A)

2. Applications must include plans and color samples. Plans should be neatly drawn to 1/4" scale. Architectural drawings must be project specific and accurately represent the project to be constructed, Plans for new construction or major renovations must meet professional design standards.

3. Applicants are encouraged to attend the ACC meeting where their project will be reviewed. While not a prerequisite, attendance allows questions to be answered and on-the-spot revisions to be made if required.

4. Decisions are announced at the meeting and/or mailed to the applicant within five business days.

5. Revised plans for projects that have been rejected may be resubmitted without an additional fee.

6. Approval will only be granted when the assessments against the lot are current.

7. Construction shall not begin until the project has been approved. Construction must start within six months of approval or the plans must be resubmitted.

B. Completion Time - Project exteriors shall be completed within five months from the start of construction. (C&Rs Article X, Section 2(e).

C. Compliance Inspections - Projects may be inspected during construction and/or upon completion. The builder and/or property owner will be notified of deficiencies requiring corrective action.

D. Special Note - Many projects require City or County review and permits in addition to ACC approval. It is the property owners responsibility to obtain all required permits. City or county approval does not preclude the need for ACC approval and vice versa.

Board Resolution amending the Architectural Guidelines August 16, 1994. IV. EXTERIOR DESIGN, N. Colors

Board Resolution amending the Architectural Guidelines on September 19, 1995. Changes were made throughout the guidelines.

Board Resolution adding to the Architectural Guidelines

June 23, 1998. Added P. Colors 1. Single-Family Dwellings h. Roof Colors

Board Resolution changing Architectural Control Guidelines February 17, 1999. V. EXTERIOR ALTERATIONS, G. Decks, Section 3. Balusters should be vertical...

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ACC APPLICATION REVIEW GUIDELINES

COLOR REVIEW

Completed Application
Color Samples
No fee

SIDING

Completed Application
Siding Sample
No fee
* City requires a permit

POOL & FENCE

Completed Application
Site Plan
Pool Brochure
Fence Brochure
Samples (for any color or material)
$25.00 fee
* City requires a permit.

NEW CONSTRUCTION

Completed Application
Site Plan
Building Plan
Samples ( if color is approval is wanted )
$75.00 fee
* City requires a permit.

RETAINING/TIE WALL

Completed Application
Site Plan or Drawing
$25.00

SATELLITE

Completed Application
Drawing of Placement
No fee

DOCK/BOAT HOIST

Completed Application
Site Plan
Drawing
Flotation device to be used
$25.00 fee

ROOM ADDITION/ DECK EXTERIOR ALTERATION

Completed Application
Site Plan
Building Plan/ Drawing
$25.00 fee
* City requires a permit


Application Deadline For Review Is The First And Third Monday Of Each Month.

ACC meeting convenes on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

A $100 fine per month will be assessed without ACC approval on any alterations.

A $1000 fine per month will be assessed without ACC approval on New Construction 

 

Note:  This copy of the Lake Saint Louis Community Association Architectural Guideliunes is provided online as a reference for the public. This copy is provided for information only. Official copies can be obtained from the Community Association Office. Although this online version is believed to be accurate, it can not be relied upon as the official version

 

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