I hope you are having a good week so far! We are continuing this multi-part series on the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) Guidelines that deals with homeowners’ animals and property. The stated goal of the ACC guidelines is to “preserve the great charm and natural beauty of Harris Estates through the use of a coordinated plan of development.“
GUIDELINE 7: HOLIDAY DECORATIONS: Decorations for religious/cultural holidays are permitted, but are to be removed within two (2) weeks after the holiday. American or decorative flags attached to the dwelling may be displayed at any time. All flags must be maintained & properly serviced at all times. No faded or torn flags shall be displayed.
Holidays are a fun time to celebrate with family and friends! But when the holidays are over, it’s time to pack up the decorations. We have all seen houses in Coweta county that have their Christmas lights up 365 days out of the year. The guideline here states that the decorations must come down two weeks after the holiday.
Flags must be maintained and properly serviced. Depending on the quality of the flag and weather conditions, a flag that is flown 24 hours every day will last anywhere from 3-5 months. Sun, wind, and rain take their toll on all flags. Faded and torn flags must not be displayed. Replace them.
GUIDELINE 8: GARDENS: Gardens may only be cultivated and maintained on the PROPERTY behind the dwelling.
This guideline is simple and deals with the location of gardens. They are to be cultivated and maintained on the property behind the primary dwelling.
GUIDELINE 9: SIGNS: The definition of a sign is a message using words, numbers or symbols that is visible and readable from the street. All signs are forbidden except such for a legal proceeding, “for sale” or “for rent” no larger than 9 square feet, or directional signs for vehicular or pedestrian safety. Contractor signs must be promptly removed after completion of a project. No political or private business signs are allowed at any time.
The “Declaration of Covenants, Conditions Restrictions and Easements” in Article IV and this guideline are very specific about signs. Three types of signs are allowed in Harris Estates. These include:
- Signs for a legal proceeding
- “For Sale” and “For Rent” signs that are no larger than 9 square feet in size
- Directional signs for vehicular or pedestrian safety.
Contractors regularly put up signs after they complete a project. For example, if your yard was recently treated with chemicals, most responsible lawn service contractors will put up a sign that says that the yard was treated and to keep pets and kids off the grass. Other contractors will place a sign in the yard advertising their work on your home and yard for paint, tree removal services, etc. All these signs must be “promptly removed” after the project has been completed.
Finally, the ACC guidelines declares that all political and private business signs are forbidden.
GUIDELINE 10: SATELLITES & TV ANTENNAS: Exterior TV or radio receiving equipment shall not be visible from the street, unless allowed by law (FCC 47 CFE Section 1.4000 Over-the-Air Reception Devices Rule)
The last guideline we will cover here concerns satellite and TV antennas. The guideline states that the equipment shall not be visible from the street, unless it is allowed by law. The FCC passed a rule in 1996 concerning antennas. It states the following in 47 CFE Section 1.4000:
“The rule prohibits restrictions that impair the installation, maintenance or use of antennas used to receive video programming and certain antennas used to receive or transmit fixed wireless signals. The rule applies to certain antennas, including direct-to-home satellite dishes that are less than one meter (39.37″) in diameter (or of any size in Alaska), TV antennas, wireless cable, and certain fixed wireless antennas. The rule prohibits most restrictions that: (1) unreasonably delay or prevent installation, maintenance or use; (2) unreasonably increase the cost of installation, maintenance or use; or (3) preclude reception of an acceptable quality signal.”
Summer is about a month away. Are you planning a project? Be sure to submit an Application for Residential Improvement (ARI) in advance. Until next time, take care!