Architectural Guidelines
SUMMERPLACE IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, INC. (SIA)
Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Policies/Procedures/Fees
Architectural Guidelines – November 2011, Revised January 1, 2018, Revised November 13, 2021
The following SIA/ARC policies and guidelines have been updated by the SIA Architectural Review Committee and approved by the SIA Board of Directors. These updated policies and guidelines were approved by a ballot vote of the SIA membership at its Annual Meeting, November 12, 2011, and further revised January 1, 2018 and November 13, 2021
These updated policies and guidelines refer to all new construction and/or exterior renovations occurring after the approval of these policies and updates at the November 13, 2021 Annual Meeting and supersede all previous ARC policies, procedures and guidelines. All variances from these ARC policies, procedures, fees, and architectural guidelines will require the petitioner to obtain the approval of a majority of the voting members of the SIA membership.
ARC Policies/Procedures/Fees
▪ In planning for any new construction and /or exterior renovations please refer to the SIA “Declaration of Restrictions, Limitations, Conditions and Agreements” and “Amendment to Declaration of Restrictions, Limitations, Conditions, and Agreements” (aka SIA Deed Restrictions). Please be aware that SIA Deed Restrictions are different than the current Indian River County Building Codes, including a more restrictive requirement for front setback (at least 25 feet from the deeded road) and a more restrictive limiting height requirement (not greater than 35 feet as measured from the crown of the deeded road to the peak of the roof line). Indian River County Building Codes will be followed only if they are more restrictive than SIA Deed Restrictions, and for items not specified in the SIA Deed Restrictions. Copies of the SIA Deed Restrictions can be obtained from the Board of Directors.
▪ All plans for new construction and/or exterior renovations are to be reviewed and to be recommended for approval by the SIA/ARC prior to submission of the plans to the SIA Board of Directors for final approval for construction. After approval any changes to the original plans must be submitted for review and approval.
Construction Plans
Five (5) complete copies of the plans for construction are to be provided to the ARC for its review. Three (3) copies will be returned after final approval by the Board of Directors.
These complete construction plans must include:
▪ a detailed site plan survey including specific measurements of setbacks ▪ detailed plans and profile of the house and its construction and exterior finish▪ location of septic tanks, wells, gutters, downspouts and drywells
▪ driveway plans and materials ▪ added fill requirements and justification of need ▪ locations of any retaining walls, privacy walls, gates and fencing ▪ final house peak height above the crown of the deeded road
▪ drainage plan
▪ Final approval of construction plans by the Board of Directors is required prior to submission of these plans to the Indian River County Building Department for county permitting.
▪ A security bond to insure against SIA Deed Restriction violations and/or SIA Architectural Guidelines violations is to be provided to the SIA Board of Directors prior to commencement of construction. The dollar amount of the security bond is calculated as 5% (five percent) of the construction costs listed in the Indian River County building permit.
▪ A $1000.00 refundable fee against potential road damage due to construction is to be provided to the Board of Directors prior to commencement of construction.
▪ A copy of the Indian River County building permit and copies of the applicable current County and State licenses and certificates of workmen’s compensation insurance, liability insurance, and other applicable insurances of the builder/ contractors/subcontractors are to be provided to the ARC prior to the commencement of construction and as occurs during the construction phase. All insurances must name “Summerplace Improvement Association, Inc.” as an additional insured on these insurance policies.
▪ Dated copies of subsequent stem wall surveys, associated construction surveys, final site survey, final house peak height survey, and certificate of occupancy are to be provided to the ARC as they become available.
Architectural Guidelines
▪ All houses must be designed for single family occupancy.
▪ To maintain the original intent of a cottage appearance, all houses must have an exterior finish of wood or wood-like texture on approximately 50% of the surface area of the primary street facing side.
▪ All entrance and exit private driveways must enter onto SIA streets to preserve the integrity of the Association boundaries.
▪ Septic tanks, wells, swimming pools, irrigation, etc. must conform to county code.
▪ All plans for retaining walls, privacy walls, gates, and fencing and landscaping for privacy must be submitted to the ARC
for prior approval.
▪ All beachfront lighting must be “turtle friendly” as per county code.
Height
▪ No building may exceed a height of 35 feet measured from the crown of the deeded road to the peak of the roof line.
▪ The maximum height of 35 feet must include all architectural embellishments.
▪ Any and all fill added on a lot must be substantiated by a legal requirement which must be submitted with the original plans to the ARC for approval.
Lot Coverage
▪ SIA Deed Restrictions must be followed regarding front setback lines (at least 25 feet from the deeded road) and side easements (at least 10 feet from the deeded lot line). Indian River County Building Code requires a more restrictive back easement of at least 20 feet which must be followed. Because of beach erosion and associated loss of lot size all lots bordering the seawall and facing the cul-de-sacs are subject to individual review for possible waiver of the 25 foot front setback requirement.
▪ A minimum of 40% of the lot coverage must be open space as per Indian River County Building Code.
▪ All exotic/banned species of vegetation (e.g. Brazilian Pepper, Australian Pine, Melaleuca) must be removed from the
lot.
Drainage
▪ Driveway plans must be submitted for approval with the initial building plans. Driveways must be of natural or porous materials. Fixed materials (e.g. pavers) must not extend beyond the deeded lot line. If runoff into the deeded road is a potential problem, plans for a “French Drain” at the end of the driveway should be included.
▪ When property elevation with fill is required by law or is raised by construction with fill for any reason, an engineering report is required to be submitted to the ARC with plans for the proper drainage of runoff that does not adversely affect neighboring properties and roads.
▪ All house surfaces that collect water must drain to gutters. The outside perimeter of the roof must be completely guttered. All gutters must empty to downspouts at each corner of the roof and in turn each downspout must empty into individual drywells.
Swimming Pool
▪ All mandated State and Indian River County Building Codes and safety features must be implemented.
▪ A swimming pool located near or adjacent to the seawall requires an engineering report attesting that the construction
activity and the pool location will not imperil the integrity of the seawall structure.
▪ Plans to accommodate drainage from routine overflow are required as is an emergency back-up plan for rapid release of tropical storm and hurricane overflow.
Building Site Requirements
▪ Prior to commencement of construction an FPL electrical power pole must be established at the work site. The use of a generator is not permitted for construction.
▪ A commercial trash dumpster must be available at all times on site for building materials and personal trash of the workmen. The dumpster should be replaced as needed to prevent overflow of debris.
▪ Whenever possible work hours should be confined to 8:00AM to 5:00PM.
▪ Trucks and other vehicles are to be parked off the private roads and should not make driving our roads difficult or hazardous. The speed limit on our roads is 10 MPH and must be observed by all workmen and delivery trucks. No vehicles may be parked in our area overnight.
▪ The work site should be cleaned at the end of each work day to remove trash to the dumpster and to secure any hazardous conditions. The work site must be secured for flying debris during any tropical storm or hurricane watch or warning.
Updates to the SIA Architectural Guidelines:
The following additions to the current SIA Architectural Guidelines, effective January 1, 2018.
Fences: The Board unanimously accepted the recommendation of the ARC effective January 1, 2018, that all new fences constructed in SIA should have the finished side facing the neighboring property or properties. Note: Fences already in place within SIA will be grandfathered.
New Construction and Road Deposits: The Board unanimously accepted the recommendation of the ARC that the current road deposit of $1,000 will cover completion of new construction and Board approval of the road condition following construction. This deposit will be used to restore the road to its original condition as necessary. As appropriate, this deposit is refundable contingent on Board approval of the condition of the road and receipt of a copy of the County’s Certificate of Occupancy (CO).
Road Deposit for Major Exterior Renovation or Repair of an SIA Structure: The Board unanimously accepted the recommendation of the ARC effective January 1, 2018, that a $1,000 road deposit will be required for any major exterior renovation, repair or construction to an existing SIA property or structure. Examples of this include, but are not limited to, a new addition, a new garage, the addition of a swimming pool, a new roof (excluding replacement of current roof covering), etc. As approved by the Board, effective January 1, 2018, this deposit will be used to restore the road to its original condition as necessary. As appropriate, this deposit is refundable contingent on the property owner providing the Board with a copy of the County inspection and approval of the renovation or construction; and the Board approving the condition of the road following the renovation, repair, or construction to the exterior of an existing structure or property.
Updates to the SIA Architectural Guidelines: The following additions to the current SIA Architectural Guidelines, effective November13, 2021
Hot Tubs: Exterior hot tub installations require ARC review and SIA Board approval.
Alternative Energy Sources: All permanent alternative energy additions to any structure must be reviewed by the ARC and approved by the SIA Board. These include solar panels, wind electrical gemerators or propane/gas generatorsi ntended to power any part of the home as a permanent installation. Temporary portable generators used during power outages do not require ARC or SOIA Board review or approval.
To maintain the original intent of a cottage appearance, all houses must have an exterior finish of wood or wood-like texture on approximately 50% of the surface area of the primary street facing side.