Reference Documentation

  • Declaration of Restrictions
    • Defines the founding principles and restrictions of the community.
    • Requires a 75% vote of all homeowners to modify.
  • Architectural Guidelines (PDF)
    • Serves as an additional layer of regulation on top of the Declaration of Restrictions.
    • Requires a majority vote of the HOA Board to modify.
  • Fence Facts (read before building a fence)
    • This is not an official legal document, but rather a simplified visual summary of the fence rules — our most common improvement request.
  • Shed Facts (read before building a shed)
    • This is not an official legal document, but rather a simplified visual summary of the shed rules

Architectural Guidelines

These guidelines exist in addition to the Declaration of Restrictions (DOR), which is the governing document that defines the founding principles and restrictions of the community. The DOR contains further requirements that may not be listed here.

  • All landscape designs must be in good taste and consistent with existing landscape features
  • Fences are restricted to inside the owner’s property line and easement area, and must meet the setback requirements according to the Columbus City Code. Property adjoining a street will have a minimum set back of 6 feet from the sidewalk in order to maintain a harmonious appearance with the surrounding landscape
  • Fences must be constructed of wood, and are to stand a minimum of 40 inches and a maximum of 48 inches in height, Picket designs with a minimum 3/4″ gap between vertical pickets or rail designs are acceptable. Rail design fences may utitilize mesh screen to restrain pets, if applicable.
  • No lot may be altered resulting in a change to the flow of water runoff or otherwise change the grade or slope
  • No roof mounted or freestanding antennas permitted.
  • Television or satellite dishes must be 39 inches or less in diameter and mounted on the back of the residence.
  • Flagpoles are limited to 6 feet in length and must be mounted to the house.
  • No permanent commercial signs permitted.
  • No storage pads are permitted in the front or side of a residence.
  • Driveways may not be widened beyond the width of the garage except for homes with one car garages. In those situations, and without disturbing curb access, driveways may be extended beyond the width of garage by a distance of no more than eight feet. Maintenance of City code restrictions of HOA approval is still required and Driveways must be constructed of concrete, blacktop, or paving stone.
  • Curb trees must be consistent with the original installation

Buildings

  • No awnings are permitted in the front of a residence.
  • No installation of permanent above ground swimming pools permitted.
  • Basketball hoops are restricted to the driveway only.
  • Decks, patios, and screened-in porches must be complimentary to the landscape and consistent with existing building material.
  • Alterations and additions to residential buildings must be consistent with existing structure in design, material, and color. Windows, siding, roof pitch, gutters, shingles, doors, and foundations should match the design and materials used in the existing structure.
  • One storage shed per address is allowed and must adhere to the “Storage Shed Requirements” outlined below

Storage Shed Requirements:

Approval

  • Homeowners must submit storage shed requests to: info@saddlebrookhomeowners.com
  • Email request must include:
    • Aerial drawing of the desired shed placement.
      (Legible hand-drawn submissions are acceptable)
    • Shed length, width, square footage and overall height.
    • Anticipated construction and completion dates.

Quantity

  • Only one shed per lot will be approved.

Use

  • Sheds shall not, under any circumstances, be used as a living space.

Location

  • Sheds may be located only within the building setback lines and must be in the backyard.
  • Homeowners must submit a drawing of the shed and desired placement on their property to the HOA for approval. Approvals will be issued in writing or via email.

Size

  • Maximum footprint shall be 100 square feet (i.e., 10’ X 10’ or 8’ X 12’).
  • Maximum allowable height shall be 12 feet.

Structure

  • Shed must include a solid floor composed of either:
    • A 4-inch thick concrete slab.
    • An integrated floor of suitable building material (e.g. pressure treated lumber)
  • The area around the foundation must be backfilled; no exposed space under the shed will be permitted.
  • A suitable barrier must be in place to prevent burrowing animals from making a habitat under the shed.
  • No dirt or gravel floors will be permitted.
  • Exterior walls must be of wooden framed (e.g.. 2 X 4) construction.
  • Roof must be sloped to compliment the primary residence.
    • Flat roofs will not be approved.
  • All sheds must have a door that latches.

Materials

  • Exterior cladding should match that on the primary residence in both style and color.
  • Exterior cladding shall be wood, vinyl, or aluminum.
  • No plastic, rubber, fiberglass, or all-metal sheds will be approved.
  • Roof shingles should match as closely as possible those on the primary residence in both style and color.
  • Windows, if present, should match as closely as possible those on the primary structure in both style and color.

Utilities & Construction

  • Any utilities servicing the shed must be underground. No aboveground utilities of any type will be permitted.
  • Exterior lighting (if installed) shall not exceed one 75 watt light bulb enclosed in a permanent fixture attached to the shed. Efforts must be taken to shield neighbors from light overrun.
  • Once construction begins, storage sheds must be completed within 45 days.

Maintenance

  • Property owners are responsible for the maintenance of all structures on their property, including the shed and any landscaping included, and approved, in the initial request.
  • No items may be stored outside of, or attached to the outside of, the shed.
    Shed doors should be kept closed and latched when not in use.

Submitting a Request

Before starting any exterior home improvement (fence, addition, etc.), send an email to info@saddlebrookhomeowners.com with the following information:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Project description
  • Project start date
  • Digital or hand-drawn schematic