QUESTION: We’d like to have a wooden playhouse that looks like a real, albeit miniature, house built in our backyard for our kids. Are there any restrictions to such a structure?
ANSWER: Yes, two CCR Articles apply, and the most important action is to get prior approval of the project and its design from the Springs Architectural Review Committee (ARC):
Article VI
OUTBUILDING REQUIREMENTS
Every outbuilding, inclusive of such structures as a detached garage, storage building, gazebo, spa, greenhouse or childrens' playhouse, shall be compatible with the dwelling to which it is appurtenant in terms of its design and material composition. All such outbuildings shall be subject to approval of the ARC. In no instance shall an outbuilding, other than a detached garage, exceed one (1) story in height nor exceed one hundred twenty (120) square feet of floor area.
Article XXVIII
BUILDING SETBACKS
… A detached garage or outbuilding permitted by these covenants may be erected no nearer than three (3) feet to any interior Lot line or rear Lot lines, provided that such building will not encroach upon any easement. For the purpose of this Article, eaves, steps, and open porches shall not be considered as part of a building, provided, however, that this shall not be construed to permit any portion of a building on a Lot to encroach upon another Lot.
…The ARC is hereby given authority to waive or vary given setback requirements where, in the opinion of the ARC, the proposed location of the building will not detract from the appearance and value of the subject property or the adjoining properties.
These CCR messages intend to remind residents of The Springs of the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CCR’s) that apply to all Springs residents solely by our election to live in this community. The purpose of the CCR’s is to maintain specific standards for the good of us all, as articulated in their definition:
“THE SPRINGS AT STONE OAK is encumbered by these Restrictive Covenants for the following reasons: to seek to achieve the best and highest use and most appropriate development of the property; to protect lot owners against improper use of surrounding lots; to preserve so far as practical the natural beauty of the property; to guard against the erection of poorly designed or proportioned structures of improper or unsuitable materials; to encourage and secure the erection of attractive improvements on each lot with appropriate locations; and to secure and maintain proper setbacks from streets and adequate free space.”
If you are a Springs resident who has misplaced your copy of the CCR’s, or are a new resident who wasn’t provided a copy by the previous owners or your realtor, you can view (and download in Adobe Reader [.pdf] format) the complete Springs CCR’s and By-Laws at the Consolidated Bylaws and CCRs section of this website, located in the Pages & Links tab.
