Davis Lake Community Association

Davis Lake Architectural Standards and Construction Specifications are posted in  a

Davis Lake property owners are required to adhere to the Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions of the Davis Lake Community Association, the Davis Lake Declaration of Rights, Restrictions, Affirmative Obligations and Conditions and The Davis Lake Architectural Standards and Construction Specifications.

No structure, landscaping, exterior addition to existing structure or change or alteration may be made until an ARC completed application with plans and specifications has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Architectural Review Committee of the Davis Lake Community Association, pursuant to the provision of the Declaration of Rights, Restrictions, Affirmative Obligations and Conditions applicable to all properties of Davis Lake per Article VII, Section I (p. 35).

It is the responsibility of each property owner to maintain their property in such condition so not to decrease the beauty or safety of Davis Lake or the specific neighborhood.

These Standards apply to all of Davis Lake Property, including Woodcroft at Davis Lake and The Legacy at Davis Lake. These Standards apply to all of Davis Lake Property, including Woodcroft at Davis Lake and The Legacy at Davis Lake. However, if there are standards that are more restrictive in the Legacy or Woodcroft Covenants or By-laws, those must be followed as well if you live in one of these communities. Please contact your community ARC representative for guidance before making any changes to the outside of your residence or landscaping.

Click Here for Application

Homeowners are encouraged by the Association to contract the work with companies that are licensed and bonded. Homeowners are encouraged to contact the Better Business Bureau about the contractor's business history, and to ask the contractor for multiple references before signing a contract.

I.  Time restraints

            A. Approval of homeowner submission.  The ARC, as stated in the CC&R must respond within forty five days of receipt of a completed Application. 

            B. Completion of approved requests Projects must be completed within the timeframe stated on the Application for Change or Addition.

II.   Appeals 

Davis Lake Community Association Board will resolve any disagreements between petitioners and Davis Lake ARC.

Formal appeals must be submitted, in writing, to Davis Lake Community Association Board within fourteen days of denial of application or conflict of approval.  A formal closed appeal hearing will be held within sixty days of date of appeal with homeowner and Davis Lake Community Association Board.  Board decision after this hearing is final. 

III. Variances

The ARC shall have the power to and may allow reasonable variances and adjustments of these standards in order to overcome practical difficulties and prevent unnecessary hardships in the application of the regulations contained herein; provided, however, that such is done in conformity to the intent and purposes hereof; and, provided, also that in every instance such variance or adjustment will not be materially detrimental or injurious to other property or improvements in the neighborhood.

 IV. Penalties

Should the homeowner not follow the ARC process, and/or if homeowner disregards the ruling of the ARC or Davis Lake Community Association, the non-compliance procedure would be invoked and a fine may be levied. If compliance is not met, a fine of $100.00 per incident plus a fine up to $100 a day may be levied by an Adjudicary Board.  All fines are paid to the DL Community Association. Should the fine not be paid a lien may be placed on the homeowners’ property.

V. Fences (Also, see "Shrubbery as Fences")

            A. Styles

                         1. Picket or modified picket with finished side out

                         2. Split-rail

                         3. Invisible buried

                         4. Wrought iron

NO PRIVACY FENCES ALLOWED (STOCKADE STYLE

            B. Materials

                        1.      Treated wood or wood with similar characteristics (i.e. redwood or cedar)
                        2. Vinyl clad
                        3. Wrought iron
                             a. allowed only for all-brick homes
                        4. Brick (columns or accents)

   5. Composite materials as approved by the ARC

                        6.  NO CHAIN LINK FENCES

                        7.  WIRE RETAINER ACCEPTED INSIDE FENCING 16 gauge, 2 x 4”   square, all must have seams hidden and not to exceed top rail.

            C. Dimensions

                         1. Maximum height of four feet
                         2. Maximum board width - 1 X 6 inch
                         3. Minimum space between boards - 50% of board width

           D. Colors

                         1. Natural
                         2. White
                         3. Black Iron (wrought iron style fencing only)

            E. Placement

1. Fences will be attached at rear corners of the house. With approval, the fence on the garage side may extend sufficiently forward to enclose the side garage service door. Approval of fencing placed forward of the rear corners of the house will only be granted with the written approval of  ARC, which will determine that the fence is sufficiently screened or otherwise placed so as not to negatively impact the view from the adjacent homes.

2. Fences may be placed along the property line with a one inch setback, with the requirement that adjoining properties be allowed to connect up to any fence placed less than 15 inches from the property line. Fence owners are to provide proper landscape maintenance (e.g. trimming) around fence posts.

3. Corner lot homes’ fence will not extend beyond six feet from side of house, or within twelve feet from the curb on the side street

VI. Decks / Patios / Porch

Must be designed and constructed to follow local building codes to match or complement home, including roofing (where applicable) and trim.  Porch colors, trim and roofing must match the color of the home.  In certain cases, white may be allowed as a substitute for matching the home color.  Under Deck Storage must be enclosed.  Pre-manufactured patio rooms and enclosures are strictly prohibited.  No portable tents; except for special events.  Portable tents can be set up 48 hours before event and must be removed within 48 hours of the event and not to exceed 7 days.  

            A. Materials

                         1. Treated wood or wood with similar characteristics
                         2. Concrete / Concrete squares
                         3. Brick
                         4. Slate / Stone
                         5. Aggregate
                         6. Composite materials (as approved by ARC)
                         7.  Insect screening if an enclosed porch                        

            B. Height

                         1. Patio wall height no more than four feet

            C. Color (for wood decks / patios)

                         1. Natural
                         2. White
                         3. Neutral colors that are approved by the ARC

            D. Location
                         1. No part of deck or patio shall extend beyond sides of home.  
                         2. Must conform to City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County setback requirements.  

VII. Landscaping - Absolutely no plastic statues (flamingos, gnomes, Plastic flowers etc.)

            A. Lighting

                         1. Materials
                            a. Steel
                            b. Aluminum
                            c. Plastic
                            d. Fiberglass
                            e. Copper
                            f. Brass

                         2. Styles

                            a. Pole lamps
                            b. House-mounted floods / ground floods
                            c. Ground patio and walk lights

                         3. Dimensions

                            a. Pole lights - 6 feet tall including lamp with 4-inch diameter pole
                            b. Flood bulbs - 4 inches in diameter
                            c. Ground lights – No more than 1 foot high

                         4. Colors

                            a. Pole lamps - white, black, trim, or to match exterior light fixtures
                            b. Floods - white, black, trim color, mill finish 
                         c. Light Bulbs should be white or colorless

                         5. Placement

a. Single pole lamp located not more than 18 inches from walk or drive, and no more than one-half distance from house to property line (i.e. must be nearer to house than property line)

                        6.  Walkway lighting must have a minimum spacing of 3 feet between posts.

B. Shrubbery (when used as screening or fencing)

                         1. Location

a.      Single or groupings may be placed around decking or patio as screening and may grow to that shrub’s natural size (height and width) as long as it does not infringe upon neighboring property, common area or walks. 

b. Groupings may be placed to provide “fencing” to define property lines around the back yard contingent on the fencing height guidelines (4 feet).  Placement inside property line should allow for maximum growth so they will not infringe upon neighboring property, common area or walks (this is to follow the design of Davis Lake as an “open” and natural development).

c. Shrubbery visible from the front of the house must not be overgrown or unkempt in appearance.

C. Shrubbery (when used as part of a landscaping plan)

                         1. Location          

a. Single or groupings may be placed within any ARC approvedlandscaping plan.

b. These should allow for maximum growth so they do not infringeupon neighboring property, common areas, or walks.

c. Shrubbery must not be overgrown or unkempt in appearance.       

D. Trees

1. Location - same as shrubs (concern for street safety by limiting visibility)

2. Removal of trees 4 inches or more in diameter at a point two feet above the ground must be approved prior to removal of tree(s). There will be a fine for any removal of trees addition to the cost of replacing removed tree(s).

3. Trees that fall on homeowners’ property, as a result of an act of God, may be removed without ARC approval.

4. Any other tree cutting, including dead and/or diseased trees, will need written ARC approval BEFORE they are removed.

            E. Trellises

                         1. All types must be approved by the ARC

            F. Rocks

                        1. No stone mulch allowed in any bedding areas.              

VIII. Irrigation Systems

            A. Materials

                         1. PVC pipe, reinforced hose, cast iron, galvanized steel

            B. Installation

                         1. Must be within property boundaries  

IX. Ponds, Fountains, Large Bird Baths

            A. Materials

                         1. Cement, steel or terra cotta, stone or brick

2. Cement or protective lining for ponds and fountains

            B. Styles

                         1. All styles must be approved by the ARC

            C. Dimensions

                         1. Bird baths and fountains - 4 feet high, 36-inch diameter maximum

                         2. Ponds - 12 inches deep and 6 feet diameter maximum (should be enclosed by approved fencing for safety)

            D. Colors

                         1. Natural, wood or stone

                         2. White

                         3. Neutral colors as approved by the ARC

4. Black

            E. Placement

1. Ponds and fountains must be in the backyard. Birdbaths may be placed in the front with ARC approval. Statuary must be approved by the ARC.   

X. Sheds, outbuildings, playhouses, gazebos (subject to covenants)

            A. Materials

                         1. Wood (treated or painted)
                         2. Brick
                         3. Stucco
                         4. Siding
                         5. Gabled roof only; roof shingles to match house

                         NO METAL OR PLASTIC BUILDINGS

            B. Styles to be consistent with the house design

            C. Dimensions - proposal must show size and location on the lot.
                (Approval of Size increase by DLCA May 1, 2008)

                         1. Maximum width – 10 feet
                         2. Maximum length - 8 feet
                         3. Maximum wall height - 6 feet  (8 feet at the peak of roof)

            D. Colors

                         1. House color
                         2. Natural                         
                         3. White

            E. Placement

                         1.  Backyard ONLY, and must be inside the width of the house footprint.

                         2.  Outbuildings must not be visible from street, except for unusually shaped lots or corner lots (in which case the outbuilding should be screened or its visibility from the street must be as limited as practical).  

XI. Dog Houses 

            A. Materials

                         1. Wood (treated or painted)
                         2. Brick
                         3. Stucco
                         4. Siding
                         5. Gabled roof only; roof shingles to match house

                         NO METAL OR PLASTIC BUILDINGS

            B.  Styles

1.  Must be designed and constructed to match or complement the home,   including the roof and trim. 

2.  Must be painted or stained to match the home or blend in with surrounding landscaping. 

            C. Dimensions

                         1. Varies by lot - proposal must show size and location on the lot.
                         2. Maximum width – 4 1/2 feet (front and rear)
                         3. Maximum length – 4 1/2 feet (sides)
                         4. Maximum wall height – 4 1/2 feet

D. Colors

                         1. House color
                         2. Natural
                         3. White

            E. Placement

                         1.  Backyard ONLY, and must be inside the width of the house footprint.

                         2.  Doghouses must not be visible from street, except for unusually shaped lots or corner lots (in which case the doghouse should be screened or its visibility from the street must be as limited as practical).

F.  No Dog runs allowed or approved on owners property (no exceptions).  

XII. Swing sets, play equipment

            A. Materials

                         1. Treated wood

                         2. Vinyl coated accessories (slide, swings, etc.)                

            B. Styles

                         1. Traditional, blending with house

            C. Dimensions – by approved design by the ARC

            D. Location - backyard ONLY

            E. Colors

                         1. Natural

                         2. White

             F. Storage of Play Equipment

1. Play equipment including but not limited to bicycles, little tykes riding toys, scooters, hula hoops, etc…) should be placed in the garage when not in use and not visible from the street or adjacent properties.  

XIII. Trampolines

A.     Placement – Backyard ONLY. Must be inside the width of the house footprint

B.      Should not be visible from the street, whenever possible.  

XIV.   Tree Houses – NONE ARE APPROVED  

XV.    Clotheslines - NONE ARE APPROVED

XVI.   Carports – NONE ARE APPROVED

XVII.   Flagpoles

A. Materials

1.      Metal 

2.      Aluminum

3.  Wood Fiberglass

            B. Dimensions

1.  Maximum height – 15 feet

2.  Maximum pole diameter – 4 inches

3.  Flag size – 3 feet by 5 feet

            C. Placement

1.  Not to exceed one-half distance from house to property line (i.e. must be nearer to the house than the property line)

            D. Colors

1.  Mill finish

2.  Black

E. Flags

            1. Must be in good condition i.e. cannot be faded or tattered

            2. American Flags unless lit at night should be lowered at sunset and not raised until dawn.                       

XVIII.   Satellite Dishes

A.     All satellite dishes must be approved by the ARC.  Satellite dishes must be no larger than 24 inches and not visible from the street.

B.     Antennas and radio towers are not permitted per covenants and restrictions.

XIX. Solar Panels

A.     Materials

B.     Standard manufacturing system

C.     Style

D.     Standard rectangular design as “skylight” on roof

E.      Dimensions

1.  2 feet by 4 feet (individual units) Number of panels must be approved by the ARC.

                 F.      Color

1.  Black

2.  Mill finish

3.  Roof color

             G.  Placement

1.  Back roof of house  

XX. Security Systems

            A. Any UL recognized system placed inside house

B. Motion detectors and spotlights must not be aimed at neighbors

C.     Company-supplied security signs are exempt from sign limitations, unless they are visibly obtrusive as determined by the ARC

 XXI.   Basketball goals

            A. Materials

                         1. Pole - metal

                         2. Backboard – standard commercial materials

            B. Dimensions MUST be standard

            C. Pole Colors

                         1. Black

                         2. Gray

                         3. White

             D. Placement

                         1. Must be adjacent to driveway, with backboard parallel to the driveway.

                        Goal should be located on the side opposite the house.  

2. Not to exceed one-half distance from house to property line (i.e. must be nearer to the house than the property line.

3. No goals allowed in rear of house

NO GOALS PLACED ON STREET OR CUL-DE-SACS

 XXII.   Mailboxes – Must conform to the DL Uniform Mailbox Regulations

                                                Click Here for Specs

XXIII. House painting-    Requires Application

A.     All changes in color of house, trim, shutters, doors, etc. must be harmonious with the other colors used on the structure and must be harmonious with the other colors used in the neighborhood.

B.     House color may not be the same as color of houses immediately adjacent to it

C.     If you are selling your house and it’s not an approved color, the seller must let the buyer know they are purchasing a non-compliant home and may be required to re-paint the house to an approved color.

D.     ALL painting, whether maintaining existing color (house, trim, shutters, doors, etc) or changing colors MUST be approved by the ARC.

XXIV. Vinyl Siding

A.  Vinyl siding must have a minimum gauge of .044

B.  Only virgin vinyl siding is allowed.

C.  Vinyl siding must have a horizontal interlocking design.

D.  Vinyl siding lap dimension must be a minimum of 4.5”. Deviations from this dimension must be approved by the ARC.

E.  Vinyl siding can only be hung in a horizontal application.

F.  No vertical applications will be approved.

G.  No diagonal applications will be approved.

H.  Vinyl siding color is to be approved by the ARC.

I.    Vinyl siding shape may have either a cupped, a Dutch-lapped, or beaded appearance.

J.  Vinyl siding must have a wood-grain texture and not a smooth glossy look.

All re-siding jobs are to be contracted to conclude within 2 weeks from starting. The term “starting” is defined as when materials or scaffolding/ladders are erected to commence work.  

XXV. Awnings

            A. Material - Cloth only with framing            
            B. Separate awning cover per window

            C. Color coordinated with house color

            D. Placement on rear of house only  

XXVI.   Pools

A. In-ground pools must be approved by the ARC.   Placement is allowed in the backyard only.

            B. Proper safety fencing required

C. Above-ground pools are not permitted 

 XXVII. Jacuzzi / hot tub

A. Styles are approved in-ground or in-deck or as integral part of the deck or patio Placement in rear of house only            B. Proper fencing, railing, or cover required  

XXVIII. Retainer walls

            A. Materials

                         1. Treated wood

                         2. Concrete stucco

                         3. Brick

                         4. Interlock cast units

5.  Stone

                        B. Placement and style – approval required by ARC  

XXIX. Tinted windows - should not give any mirrored reflection  

XXX. Signs

A.     Only one regular size realty sign (maximum of 18” x 24”) is allowed while house is listed for sale

B.     One special event sign, i.e. garage sale, birthday, new baby, may be placed the day or days of the special event, not to exceed seven (7) days

C.     No home improvement (i.e. house painting, roofing, landscaping, etc) or hobby-related signs may be placed at anytime as a form of advertising

             D.     No political campaign signs are allowed to be displayed except 14 days prior to and through an election day.  

XXXI. Driveways

A.     No painted or sealed driveways.

B.     No changes may be made to driveway size or design without specific written approval from the ARC prior to any work commencing.  

XXXII. Garage Doors

A.     Must be consistent/fit in with overall house design and paint scheme

B.     Absolutely no door murals/paintings  

XXXIII.   Other related requirements of the Davis Lake Covenants and Restrictions 

A.      Campers, boats, utility trailers, etc. may only be stored in your garage or in an off-site storage unit.  NONE of these may be left in your driveway or yard.

B.       NO BOATS ARE ALLOWED TO BE LEFT ALONG SHORE OF LAKE IN  COMMON AREA 

C.      Garbage receptacles must be stored in such a manner as to conceal their view from the street and adjacent property.  Trash may not be put out before 6:00PM the night before pickup and all receptacles must be put away by 9:00PM the day of pickup.  

D.      Any screening for trash receptacles must first be approved by the ARC.  It is the responsibility of each property owner to maintain their property in such condition so not to decrease the beauty or safety of Davis Lake or the specific neighborhood.

E.       Ladders must be stored in such a manner that they are not visible from the street or adjacent property.

F.       Portable Storage Containers (i.e. PODS, personal stand alone storage units) are permitted with prior written permission of ARC.  

Revised 10-19-2007
(Shed update 5-1-2008)
Supersedes all other DLARC Specifications