community manual

SouthWood
COMMUNITY MANUAL
SOUTHWOOD RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
Introduction
Objective
The overall objective of this document is to serve as a guide to the homeowners in
maintaining and enhancing SouthWood's carefully designed community. These guidelines are not intended to be all inclusive or exclusive, but rather serve as summary as
to what improvements may be made in the community. Please always refer to the
Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions, as amended, for a complete reference of all
of the covenants and restrictions in place for SouthWood. These documents can be
found at www.mysouthwood.org.
SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
Introduction
Residential Architectural Review Process
all exterior changes
must be approved in advance
by the Architectural Review Committee
The Architectural Review Committee meets once per month and their upcoming meeting dates can
be found at www.mysouthwood.org. The ARC’s formal decision is usually received by the homeowner within thirty calendar days of submitting a completed application package. However, the ARC
has a maximum of forty-five days to respond. Certain project submittals with limited architectural
considerations may be reviewed on an expedited basis. The written approval letter should be reviewed with your licensed contractor as it will include specific approval conditions. Homeowners
should list all projects they plan to complete within a year on the same application as all approvals
are valid for 12 months.
SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
Table of Contents
ARC Application ................................................................................................. 1-3
Animals & Pets .......................................................................................................................... 4
Appliances & Equipment .......................................................................................................... 6
Backflows & Backflow Covers ................................................................................................ 6-7
Basketball Goals ...................................................................................................................... 18
Exterior Standards (General) .................................................................................................. 12
Fences .................................................................................................................................... 7-8
Flags ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Firearms & Fireworks ................................................................................................................ 9
Garage Doors .......................................................................................................................... 11
Gutters .................................................................................................................................... 11
Holiday Decorations ................................................................................................................ 11
House Numbers ...................................................................................................................... 13
House Painting ........................................................................................................................ 12
Landscape (Approved Plants, Trees & Standards) ............................................................. 13-14
Lawn Maintenance ................................................................................................................. 15
Lighting.................................................................................................................................... 15
Mailboxes ........................................................................................................................... 16-17
Noise Complaints & Nuisances ................................................................................................. 9
Parking & Vehicles .................................................................................................................. 23
Pools........................................................................................................................................ 18
Porches & Storage of Goods ................................................................................................... 17
Recreational Equipment ......................................................................................................... 18
Roof Maintenance & Replacement ........................................................................................ 19
SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
Table of Contents
Satellite Dishes .......................................................................................................................... 5
Signs (For Sale, For Rent, Other) ............................................................................................. 20
Solar Equipment ...................................................................................................................... 21
Structures (Detached, Prefabricated) ..................................................................................... 21
Trash & Recycling .................................................................................................................... 22
Vacant Lots .............................................................................................................................. 23
Windows .................................................................................................................................. 24
The overall objective of this document is to serve as a guide to the homeowners in maintaining and enhancing SouthWood's carefully designed community. These guidelines are not intended to be all inclusive
or exclusive, but rather serve as summary as to what improvements may be made in the community.
Please always refer to the Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions, as amended, for a complete reference
of all of the covenants and restrictions in place for SouthWood.
SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
Architectural Review Application
Click here to download an application
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SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
Animals & Pets
Wildlife
Capturing, killing, or trapping wildlife is prohibited within
the community, except in circumstances imposing imminent
threat to the safety of persons or pets. If a situation arises
involving nuisance wildlife, residents may contact a Leon
County Nuisance Wildlife Trapper. A list of trappers and
their contact information can be found at myfwc.com/
contact/nuisance-wildlife. To report a nuisance alligator,
residents may call (866) 392-4286. To report an injured or
orphaned wild animal, residents may contact the Florida
Wildlife Commission at (850) 265-3676.
Pets & Other Animals
Residents are permitted to have ordinary household pets (dogs, cats and birds of certain species)
with a maximum of two dogs and two cats per household. Should a resident like to have additional
dogs and/or cats, they will need to submit a request to the SouthWood Board of Directors. No pets
may be kept, bred or maintained for commercial purposes within the community. No livestock, poultry, swine, goats, sheep or horses are permitted in the community.
Dogs must be kept on a leash when outdoors. Pet owners are responsible for immediately picking
up and disposing of their pet’s waste and residents are encouraged to utilize SouthWood’s pet waste
disposal stations. The City of Tallahassee may impose a fine if pet waste is not disposed of properly.
If a pet endangers health, makes objectionable noise, or constitutes a nuisance or inconvenience to
other residents, the Board, in their discretion, can request the pet be removed at the owner’s expense. Dog runs and animal pens of any kind must be approved in advance and properly screened.
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SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
Satellite Dishes
an ARC Application is required
prior to installation
Location
Satellite dishes should be installed in a manner that minimizes visibility from the street. They should
be screened 180 degrees from the street or adjacent lot by landscape or mounted to the structure in
a manner deemed inconspicuous or unobtrusive. Satellite dishes may not be mounted or placed in
the front yard of a home unless no other locations exist on the property from which a viable signal
may be achieved.
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SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
Utility Appliances & Equipment
Utility Appliances
Hot water heaters, water conditioners and filters or other utility conditioners or amplifiers are not
permitted in front yards and must be screened from view if located in a side yard. All pool equipment must be screened from view from outside the lot. Proper screening may involve installing new
plant material for which an ARC application is required.
Window Units
Window air conditioning units are prohibited in SouthWood.
Backflows
Backflow Covers
Backflow covers are not required but residents who choose to utilize covers must choose a SouthWood approved style. Approved styles are depicted on the next page and can be purchased from a
number of local retailers.
Backflow Recertification
City of Tallahassee Utilities should send a notice in the mail when a backflow inspection and recertification is due. Failure to respond to the notification may result in the termination of water service.
Residents should contact a certified backflow prevention assembly tester who can provide copies of
the test results to the City office. Contact the City of Tallahassee at (850) 891-1248 for more information.
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SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
BAG COVER
ROCK COVER
PIPE COVER
TENT COVER
Approved Backflow Covers
If a resident would like the Architectural Review Committee to consider an
additional style, they should contact the HOA office at (850) 656-8750.
Fences
Setbacks and landscape requirements will vary; therefore, it is important for contractors to be
aware of setbacks and City of Tallahassee ordinances when submitting an application to the ARC.
an ARC Application is required prior to making changes to an
existing fence or installing a new fence
General Fence Standards
Materials
Location
Gates
Aluminum or wooden fences only,
No vinyl fences are approved
All fences must be installed a minimum of 7.5
feet from the edge of the asphalt in alleyways
Approved gate
sizes may vary
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SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
Aluminum Fence Standards
Material
Location
Details
Aluminum
Only type of fence approved for golf course lots, may
also be approved for other lots
Approved colors are black or
standard green
APPROVED ALUMINUM
APPROVED ALUMINUM
Wooden Fence Standards–
not permitted on golf course lots
Style
Color
Height
Picket Gaps
Post
Picket
White
36” 42” or 48”
1.5”
Exposed posts
Swoop
White
48” or 72”
Minimum 8” drop at center of swoop
Minimum 3/4”
Exposed posts
Lattice Top
White
72” (60” plus 12” lattice)
No gaps required
Exposed posts
APPROVED LATTICE
APPROVED SWOOP
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SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
Firearms & Fireworks
Firearms
The use and discharge of firearms within the community is prohibited. The term “firearms” includes
“B-B” guns, pellet guns, and other firearms of all types, regardless of size.
Fireworks
The use and discharge of fireworks within the community is prohibited except by license granted by
the Association. SouthWood Art of Living hosts a magnificent fireworks display for the 4th of July!
Visit www.mysouthwood.org for event information.
Noise Complaints & Nuisances
Nuisances
Residents may not engage in any activity which constitutes a nuisance (meaning offensive or detrimental activity, as determined by the Board), or which materially disturbs or destroys the vegetation, wildlife, or air quality within the community, or which results in unreasonable levels of sound
or light pollution, or that detracts from the overall appearance of the community.
Noise Complaints
To report a noise complaint, residents should call the Tallahassee Police Department’s nonemergency number at (850) 606-5800.
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SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
Flags
an ARC Application is required
prior to installation
Freestanding Flagpoles or Mounted Flags
Both freestanding flagpoles and mounted flags may be approved in the community. Freestanding flagpoles may not exceed twenty feet in height, obstruct sightlines at intersections
nor may they be erected within an easement. A flag may be displayed using a bracket or other approved device mounted to a dwelling so long as the size of the flag displayed does not
exceed a standard size. Approved flag sizes are 4 1/2 feet by 6 feet or smaller.
Florida State Statute 720.304
Per Florida State Statute 720.304, residents may display one portable, removable United
States flag or official flag of the State of Florida in a respectful manner. In addition, residents
may display one portable, removable official flag, in a respectful manner, which represents
the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard, or a POW-MIA flag.
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SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
Garage Doors & Gutters
Garage Doors
Garage doors should remain closed at all times except when entering, exiting, or otherwise actively
using the garage. A garage or carport may not be converted to finished space for use as an apartment, an integral part of the lot’s living area, or for purposes other than parking vehicles and ancillary storage, without prior approval from the Architectural Review Committee. Residents should
keep garage doors clean and properly maintained.
Gutters
The installation of gutters on a home requires prior approval from the Architectural Review Committee. Gutters and downspouts should be kept clean and should not appear unsightly or unkempt.
Holiday Decorations
Standards
Holiday decorations should be of reasonable size and scope and may not disturb other residents with excessive light or sound emission or by causing an unreasonable amount of spectator traffic. Holiday decorations (including mailbox covers) may be put up for display no
sooner than 30 days prior to the associated holiday and must be taken down within 15 days
after the associated holiday.
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SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
General Exterior Standards
All exterior portions of residential lots should be kept in a clean and tidy condition at all times. Columns, steps, porches, decks, fences, soffits, siding, fascia and roofs should be clean and free of dirt
and buildup. Residents are also responsible for keeping the portion of sidewalk bordering their lot
clean and free of buildup such as mold or mildew. All painted surfaces of home exteriors should be
maintained so that there is no visible fading, discoloration or peeling. Pressure cleaning should be
performed a minimum of once per year.
House Painting
an ARC Application is required
prior to repainting the exterior of your home
With the exception of entry doors, all exterior paint should have a satin or semi-gloss finish. Entry
doors may have a gloss finish. No flat paint is approved in the community.
ARC Submittal
When submitting an ARC application for a new exterior paint color, homeowners should include the
following in addition to the standard application requirements:
1. Color photo showing the current paint color of your home
2. Color photos showing the color of the homes located on both sides of your home (immediately
adjacent houses only)
3. Color photo of the home directly across the street
4. Sample of proposed exterior paint color– to expedite the review process, it is recommended that
residents include samples of their top three color choices with their application
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SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
House Numbers
The Florida Building Code requires four inch (4”) contrasting block style numbers. For example, if
the house is white, the numbers cannot be white. The numbers identifying the house address may
not exceed four inches (4”) in size and must be affixed to the house.
If your house numbers were installed during construction they may not be removed. If they need to
be replaced they should match the existing numbers. If a resident desires to change the style of
their house numbers, an ARC application would be required prior to installation.
Landscape
an ARC Application is required prior to
making landscaping modifications or additions
Approved Shrubs, Flowers, Trees & Groundcover
An approved list of plants is provided in SouthWood’s Pattern Book. Click on the
image below to view or download the landscape section of the pattern book.
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SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
Plant Beds
Plant beds should be well defined and free of weeds, grass and leaves. All beds should be mulched.
Plant material should be properly trimmed and dead plants may be replaced with the same plant. If a
resident desires to change the plants in their plant beds, they must first submit an ARC application
and provide a landscape plan.
Edging and Boarders
Edging around plant beds is encouraged for maintenance purposes and to help define the shape of
the plant beds. Natural border plants, such as monkey grass, liriope or jasmine are suggested.
Yard Trees
Fertilizing, watering and proper pruning are essential to the health of a tree. Tree rings are required
for all trees and the tree ring area should be properly mulched. The mulch should not be more than
two to four inches in depth and a minimum of two inches away from the tree trunk to allow the tree
to breathe. The mulch should be spread to a diameter of at least three feet, but no wider than the
limbs on a larger tree.
Street Trees
Street trees are the trees in the grass area between the sidewalk and the curb. These trees are
homeowner responsibility and should be maintained as stated above. Street trees should be pruned
with a clearance of seven feet above the sidewalk; about the same as a stop sign.
Tree Replacement
If a tree dies or is taken down by an act of God the homeowner is required to replace the tree and an
ARC application will be required prior to replacement.
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SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
Lawn Maintenance
Developed Lots
The front, back, sides and grass between the sidewalk and the curb are the responsibility of each individual homeowner to maintain with the exception of townhome owners. Grass will require regular
mowing, edging, weeding and blowing. The frequency of these maintenance activities will depend
upon the season. During warmer months, it is recommended that lawns be mowed once per week.
In cooler months, mowing twice per month may be sufficient.
In addition, proper lawn maintenance may include, but is not limited to, fertilizing, watering and
treating for diseases and insects. Patches of brown grass should be replaced with healthy sod.
Vacant Lots
Individually owned lots that are not under construction shall be maintained by the Association and
billed to the owner’s account. Once construction begins, owners should contact the HOA office to
have their lot removed from the mow list. Lots owned by builders are maintained by the builder.
Builders are also responsible for keeping lots maintained during the construction of a new home.
Lighting
an ARC Application is required prior to
installing or modifying exterior lighting
Exterior Lighting
When submitting an ARC application package, homeowners should include a layout of the light
placement, a photograph of the proposed light fixtures, color, type of lighting and any other relevant
specifications. Excessive exterior lighting is not permitted in the community.
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SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
Mailboxes
Mailboxes are one of many elements which create the “streetscape” of a neighborhood, and thus a
mailbox’s design is not only linked to the residence it serves, but also how it relates to the rest of the
neighborhood.
USPS Standards
Mailbox specifications (material, color, style, method of installation, etc.) must meet the U.S. Postal
Service [USPS] Standards 7B (Domestic Mail Manual Section 508 [Recipient Services] 3.0 [Customer
Mail Receptacles] and the SouthWood Design Guidelines stated below. Homeowners and their contractors are responsible for verifying current USPS specifications at the time of installation. Subject
to change, the requirement effective February 8, 2001 (as published in the Federal Register Vol. 66,
No. 27) is:
“Generally, mailboxes are installed at a height of 41-45 inches from the road surface to [the]
inside floor of the mailbox or point of mail entry (locked designs) and are set back 6-8 inches
from the front face of curb or road edge to the mailbox door.”
SouthWood Mailbox Design Guidelines
Only one mailbox design (consists of mounting post and the mailbox) has been approved for SouthWood. Homeowners that would like to install locking mailboxes or other styles should submit an
ARC application.
Materials
Color
Number Plaque (see photos below)
Numbers
Aluminum only.
Plastic mailboxes
are not approved.
Mailboxes &
posts must be
painted semigloss black
Single Mailbox Posts: Plaque may be attached
to top of mailbox or to back of post
Double Mailbox Posts: Plaque must be
attached to top of mailbox
Commercially available brass-gold numbers (consistent with original numbers)
applied with adhesive to the plaque
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SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
If the mailbox post extends beneath the soil line a PVC sleeve matching the post size, shape and color may be used to protect the post from damage caused by lawn maintenance equipment. The top
of the sleeve may not extend more than 3 inches above the soil or 1 inch above the grass.
Sod should be permitted to grow up against the mailbox post. It is not appropriate to create mulch
rings around mailbox posts. The USPS discourages plantings around mailboxes because plants may
attract climbing and flying insects or bees which may create an unsafe condition. [USPS DMM 3.1.4:
“Customers must keep the approach to their mailboxes clear of obstructions to allow safe access for
delivery.”] Landscaping other than sod is not recommended around a mailbox.
Porches & Storage of Goods
Porches
The Association reserves the right to create additional rules and regulations concerning, among other things, criteria and requirements relating to what furnishings and other decorative items may be
placed on porches facing any public street. All furnishings and any other items located on porches
facing public streets must be designed for outdoor use. Items such as bicycles, grills, coolers, sports
equipment, toys, lawn tools, buckets, shoes, appliances, or other items that would not be considered outdoor furnishings or decorative items may not be stored on porches.
Living plants located on porches that are facing public streets should be maintained regularly and
replaced or removed promptly if they die. No artificial plants are approved in the community.
Storage of Goods
Storage (except in ARC approved structures or containers) of furniture, fixtures, appliances, machinery, equipment, or other goods in common areas is prohibited. If not in active use, it is also prohibited to store these items on any portion of a lot which is visible from outside of the lot. Temporary,
enclosed storage vessels or containers may be utilized for a maximum of 30 days, unless a special
exception is approved in advance by the Association. The contents of the enclosed storage vessels or
containers should not be visible from the street.
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SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
Recreational Equipment
an ARC Application is required prior to
installing outdoor recreational equipment
Outdoor Athletic & Recreational Equipment
Playscapes, swing sets, trampolines, playhouses, treehouses and sport courts must be submitted for
approval prior to installation. Photos of both the equipment and the proposed location should be
included with the ARC application.
Basketball Goals
Permanently mounted basketball goals affixed to a residential structure or carriage home or wood
standard are not permitted in the community. Portable basketball goals must be approved in advance by the architectural review committee. They must be properly weighted, in good condition,
free of damage and kept at the back of the property, but not in the alleyway. A portable basketball
goal may be approved to be placed at the top of the driveway as long as it is away from the street.
Pools
Inflatable pools and above ground pools are not permitted in the community. In ground pools must
be approved by the architectural review committee prior to installation. All pool equipment must be
screened from view from outside the lot.
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SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
Residential Roofs
Maintenance & Repairs
Performing regular roof maintenance and cleaning helps to extend the lifespan of a roof and enhances property appearance. Cleaning is required once 25% or more of a roof has visible residue or
buildup. If you are unsure whether or not it is time to schedule a roof cleaning, please contact the
HOA office at (850) 656-8750.
BEFORE
AFTER
Replacement
When roof replacement becomes necessary, homeowners must submit an ARC application for approval prior to the work being performed. If a roof requires immediate replacement due to leaks or
damage, please call the HOA office at (850) 656-8750 to report the situation.
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SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
Signs
Other than the signs outlined below, no other signs, posters, billboards or artwork may be placed or
erected on any lot without the Association's prior approval.
“For Sale” or “For Rent” Signs
During the period that a lot is being offered for sale or for rent, one sign meeting the SouthWood
sign specifications detailed below may be displayed. The sign should be displayed parallel to the
street, centered as much as possible and located at least one foot inside of the sidewalk.
Post
Sign must be affixed to a
Century Metals ® PVC
yard arm post
Post Height
Panel
Maximum 5 feet
18”x24”
White .040 Aluminum (corners .5” radius and
2-1/4” holes with gromets)
Green pms 5467c SouthWood/SM
Gold pms 619c Tallahassee/FL/an Arvida…®
Cream pms 20% 619c leafs
Text: Black Goudy Old Style Bold
Election Campaign Signs
Election campaign signs may be allowed at the discretion of the architectural review committee for a
maximum of 120 days prior to an election and must be removed within 5 days after an election. Approved signs should be displayed parallel to the street, centered as much as possible and located at
least one foot inside of the sidewalk.
Security Signs
One 9” x 12” or smaller security sign may be mounted in a window or on a stake a maximum of 36”
above ground. The security sign should identify the unit as being equipped with a security system
and/or monitored by a security service.
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SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
Solar Equipment
an ARC Application is required
prior to installing solar equipment
Solar Heating
Solar heating equipment or devices are permitted with prior approval by the architectural review
committee. Florida Statute 163.04 states that the Association may determine where on the roof solar collectors may be installed, so long as the collectors face within 45 degrees of due south. All devices whose installation and use are protected by federal or Florida law will be permitted.
Structures
an ARC Application is required
prior to installation
Detached or Prefabricated Structures
Detached or prefabricated buildings or structures of a permanent nature including , but not limited
to, storage sheds, playhouses, pool houses, gazebos, or other out buildings, must match the architecture of the home including siding, roof pitch, color and window configuration. When submitting an
ARC application, homeowners should include photos of both the desired structure and proposed location in addition to the standard application requirements.
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SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
Trash & Recycle
Service Provider
Trash and recycle services are provided by the City of
Tallahassee. Collection service in SouthWood occurs
every Wednesday unless notified otherwise by the
City. The City of Tallahassee Solid Waste Services picks
up bulky items and yard waste on the same day every
other week. Depending on where you live, your route
will be on either a red week or blue week. SouthWood
pickups fall on blue weeks. For more information or to
view the red/blue week calendar, click here. The City
of Tallahassee Solid Waste Services can be reached at (850) 891-4968.
Containers
Collection containers are provided by the City. The containers must be screened from view outside
of the residential lot. Homes with alleyways should place their containers as close to the residence as
possible or behind an installed trash enclosure. Townhomes should store containers next to the rear
of the unit away from the alleyway. Containers may not be placed at the street or the edge of an
alleyway for collection any earlier than 6:00 p.m. on the evening before the day of collection. The
containers must be removed from the street or alleyway and placed in a screened location by midnight on the day of collection.
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SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
Vacant Lots
Builder Owned
Lots owned by a builder will be maintained by the builder. They are also responsible for keeping the
lot maintained during the construction of a new home.
Individually Owned
Vacant lots are maintained by the Association until construction begins. The charges associated with
lot maintenance are billed to the owner’s account. Typically, lots are mowed once a week during the
months of March through October and every other week from November through February. The
frequency of mows may vary depending on the weather.
Vehicles & Parking
Prohibited Vehicles
Recreational vehicles, mobile homes, trailers, campers, stored vehicles, commercial vehicles
(featuring commercial lettering or logos) or unlicensed or inoperable vehicles may not be parked
within the community other than in an enclosed garage.
Parking
Vehicles should be parked in a driveway, garage or designated parking space. Parking on grass within
the community is not permitted at any time. No vehicle should obstruct the public sidewalk within a
private driveway. Emergency vehicle repairs or construction, service, and delivery vehicles are allowed for periods necessary to perform services or make a delivery. For purposes of cleaning, loading, unloading, and short-term (but not overnight) guest parking, any vehicle may be temporarily
parked outside of an enclosed garage for periods reasonably necessary actively to perform such
tasks.
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SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY MANUAL
Windows & Window Coverings
an ARC Application is required
prior to modifying or installing a specialty window
Specialty Windows
Specialty windows, such as ovals, transoms, gable and accent windows may utilize tasteful stained
glass or frosted inserts, specifically designed for the window aperture. No objectionable, obscene or
controversial subject matter, as determined by the architectural review committee, may be contained in the stained glass for accent windows. Stained glass accents may not exceed 48” x 60” for
one or 24” x 16” for no more than three locations visible from street view of a residential structure.
Acceptable Window Coverings
Window coverings that may be affixed to the interior of any windows visible from any street, alleyway, or other portion of the lot include drapes, blinds, shades, shutters, or curtains. The side of the
window coverings that is visible from the exterior of any window may be white, off-white in color or
another acceptable neutral color as determined by the architectural review committee. Window coverings consisting of wooden blinds or shutters may be a natural wood color.
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