C. GENERAL

FCHOA Purchaser's Handbook - Revision Date: 2021-01-10

1. Bright colors or pastel colors on exterior surfaces will not normally be permitted. This includes exotic door colors, super graphics, and any surface material that tends to reflect light. Mirrors and artificial ornamental devices that are incompatible with the architecture will not be allowed on exterior surfaces. Colors selected must be harmonious with each other and with other finishes such as masonry foundations and roof colors.  

A standardized color palette has been adopted by the Board of Directors.  The color palette by Benjamin Moore (Williamsburg Color Collection) shall be used as reference for any and all applications made to the Architectural Review Committee (ARC).  Said color palette is maintained for public viewing at the Community Services office, www.fchoa.org, and is available online at www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-your-home/williamsburg-color-collection.  Paint need not be purchased from Benjamin Moore so long as the other product is approved as being consistent within the approved color palette.  A sample of each proposed color change shall be attached to the application for evaluation by the ARC.  Painted brick is not normally permitted except to match existing for maintenance, restoration or expansion.  Painted brick may be considered in some special circumstances for remodeling and each application will be considered on its own merit without precedence on other applications.

Normally a dwelling shall be painted no more than four exterior colors consisting of one base or siding color, one trim color, one front door color and one shutter color.  Access doors are normally colored white or to match the trim.  Dark base colors will require a contrasting trim, door and shutter color.  Existing dwellings may be repainted to match previously approved colors.  Outbuildings should be painted to match the colors of the dwelling, except that white is normally approved for those homes sided in brick.  

New construction and alteration of exterior color that is substantially the same siding, trim, shutter color combination to any home on a lot to the immediate right, left, or directly opposing side of street will not be approved. 

2. To maintain diversity of architecture within neighborhood areas, essentially complete duplications of exterior architectural design will not normally be permitted when both structures are visually within range of each other. The Property Owner/ Applicant has the responsibility for ensuring that the construction plans or color schemes submitted for approval do not essentially duplicate an existing home within visual range of the application homesite. The ARC reserves the right to require changes to architectural details and/or colors prior to the completion of construction of the home if the ARC was not informed by the Owner/applicant, on the application for construction, of the potential conflict.  Property Owners/Builders in Highland Hills and Killarney (Section VIII and VIII-B), St. Andrew’s Village (Section X), Nottingham Place (Section XII), Turnberry (Section XIV-A and XIV-B), Southport (Section XXX), Western Gailes (Section XXXI), Berkshire (Section XXXII), Eaglescliffe (Section XXXIII), Knob Hill (Section XXXIV), and Westport (Section XXXV) are referred to the respective Supplemental Declaration of Protective Covenants for these Sections, for additional information on restrictions and requirements for house plans, dimensions, architectural details and landscaping.  Special note is made for Westport (Section XXXV) for restrictions and requirements for construction and maintenance.

3. Exterior elevations should be designed to respect views from neighboring homesites, common areas and golf courses. All elevations are reviewed for conformance to style, proportion, window openings, etc. A front entry is normally visible from the street. Rear orientation is normally perpendicular to the rear lot lines or toward a rear corner. The 30-foot front setback normally will apply to both street sides for a corner lot, and will begin at the base of the stem for a narrow entry (flag/stem) lot. The 30-foot front setback is a minimum to be used when it is not practical to set the house back further. Usually, a front setback exceeding 45 feet is most appropriate to the site except for lots in Sections VIII-B, XII, XIV-B and XXXII.  Refer to the Supplemental Declaration of Protective Covenants and/or the subdivision Plat for setbacks and easements.

4. Access to public utilities such as electric, water, telephone, natural gas, and cable television is provided by each respective utility. Neither the Developer nor the Homeowners’ Association controls the timing of installation, access, or the specific placement of above ground terminals/pedestals. Property Owners and builders are encouraged to contact each utility company as soon as practical to discuss needs and connection dates. Property Owners or their designated Agents should keep a record of utility applications and follow-up at least one month prior to the anticipated connection date. Any problems with the installation of utility pedestals should be discussed with the Utility’s Customer Service Representative.  The Developer installed water and sewer mains and service laterals.  The meter bases and clean-outs were inspected by the James City Service Authority (JCSA) prior to completion of the sub-division infrastructure.  Any errors, omissions, or damage found after the JCSA inspected and accepted the utilities should be resolved with the JCSA directly.

5. The Federal Communications Committee adopted certain provisions in the year 1996, which have been subsequently amended, regarding the permitted use of satellite reception devices (dish up to 40-inch diameter) and television antennas. The Property Owner should submit notification to the ARC of the location, of any reception device exposed to view by neighbors, street, or golf course traffic.  The reception device should be reasonably screened from street and golf course views, either by location, fence or landscaping. Usually, the preferred location will be attached to the chimney or roof but screened from the street view by the roof mass. Homeowners may call the ARC office for a field visit by a representative of the ARC. Homeowners should have a satellite dish installer indicate areas on their property, such as the chimney, that provide adequate signal strength.  Satellite signals normally require a southwestern exposure, clear of tree branches.  Satellite dishes installed on the ground should be reasonably screened from view by landscaping.