Month: August 2016

For all changes or additions to existing structures, a Request Form must be submitted by the Homeowner (with contractors Certificate of Insurance and Permits) for approval by the Architectural Committee and Franklin Village Council. Note: All contractors must have a Pennsylvania HIC Registration # with the State of PA. However, having a PA HIC # does not exempt the need for permits for residential home improvement work. Home owner/contractor must check East Goshen Township for required permits (see website at http://eastgoshen.org/services/permits-inspections/building-and-construction-permits). Forms and applications for work requiring permits can be found at http://eastgoshen.org/services/forms-and-applications. If a project needs a building permit, a copy must be submitted to the architectural committee for final approval at least 14 days prior to estimated start date.

The “Architectural Request Form” is available from the zone leaders of the Architectural Committee. (A copy of the revised 2016 form is attached to these guidelines for your reference. Outdated forms will not be permitted)

The Architectural Committee has decided to implement an annual spring walk-around to assess compliance to the Architectural Guidelines. Notification will be given to homeowners of any issues that need to be addressed. The committee will keep track of any homes in the village that are not in compliance, and MAMC will be notified of any that have not been resolved by the owner.

 

1. General Rules

 

1. Outside Contractors. All outside contractors working for the Homeowner must carry suitable insurance and be registered with the East Goshen Township and State of Pennsylvania. (see Above)

 

1. Awnings.   Patio or deck awnings may not be up prior to March 15th and must be taken down by December 1st each year. The current retractable and stationary awnings are the only choices that are permitted. Awnings and poles must be maintained and rust-free.

 

1. Deck Screening. Installation of “invisible” wire screen around deck railings is suggested.

 

1. Deck Materials and Maintenance. Decks may be power-washed and sealed at the Homeowner’s expense. Clear sealants are approved. Brown stain or paint color must be preapproved by the committee.   Composite material such as “Trex” is approved for use as deck replacement material, but the color selection must be pre-approved by the committee. When decks are redone, the whole structure and railing must match. Clear stain cannot be put on pressure treated wood until after it is cured (about 6 months)
2. Furniture Covers. Neutral toned plastic or canvas fitted furniture covers are not approved except for winter storage.

 

1. Garden Hoses. Garden hoses, when not in use during gardening season, must be coiled unobtrusively in mulched area, under decks, or on hose reels. Hoses must be removed and stored in winter months.

 

1. Hanging Flower Containers. All containers must be green, brown, black, white or terracotta color.

 

1. Hose Faucets. The installation of additional frost proof faucets is suggested. It is the homeowners responsibly if this pipe freezes and needs to be replaced.

 

1. Outdoor Light Bulbs. All lights on the outside of a house or in a mulched area must be white when lit.

 

1. Realtor Signs. Realtor signs may be displayed in front of Homeowner’s property only on Sunday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm to identify an Open House.

 

1. Name Signs. No name signs are permitted except on doorknockers.

 

1. Window Films. Window films that block out ultraviolet rays may be installed on windows, skylights, and doors to protect furniture and rugs from damaging sun rays. 3M Scotchtint brand films, or equivalent, may be installed, providing the color is similar to Scotchtint’s defined: Clear, Light Neutral, Light Amber, or Gray. No other colors are permitted.

 

1. Window Treatments. All curtains, drapes, blinds (including patio blinds), shades, decorative panels, objects, and other types of window coverings visible from outside the house must be backed on the exterior side with off-white or white color liners to create a uniform appearance.

 

1. Two wreaths or flat back flower containers are allowed on three car garages and one wreath or flat back flower container is allowed on two car garages.

 

2. Changes or Additions that Require an “Architectural Request Form” be Submitted

 

1. Awnings. For new awning installations, the approved awning colors are:

 

1. Walnut Brown – Sunbrella 4618
2. 6” Solid Beige and narrow stripes – Sunbrella 4796.

 

 

1. Extra Support for High Decks. Additional support for high decks on walk-out units has been reviewed and updated for the safety of the homeowner. Construction should be according to code, using 6”x6” posts on concrete pads and headed with three 2”x8” joists.

 

1. Gas Fireplace. Gas fireplace logs not to exceed 18” may be installed. The maximum size propane tank allowed is 25 lb. The homeowner may manifold 2 – 25 lb. tanks. Tanks and gas line must be installed behind fireplace wall outside on a block base, in the mulched bed, and must be hidden by shrubs. The Landscape Committee can provide information on shrubs to hide the propane tank (or tanks), and a Landscape Request Form must be submitted for the installation of any shrubs. No fireplace propane tanks may be stored inside a shed, garage, house, or basement.

 

1. Handrails. Handrails along steps may be installed after approval of materials, length and location.

 

1. Individual Walkway. Pavers need to be approved and are at the homeowner’s expense and continued maintenance.

 

1. Light Fixtures along Walk. Light fixtures may be installed along walks in mulched areas using Progress light fixtures P5205-31 (Home Depot will supply on special order) or those of similar design. Electrical installation from a house circuit must conform to code. Light fixtures should not be taller than 15”, mushroom shaped, black, and spaced no closer than five feet apart. Brightness should not be offensive to neighbors.

 

Solar light fixtures that do not require external wiring may be used providing the style, color and height are similar to that specified above and must be pre-approved by the Architectural Committee.

 

Lampposts, similar to existing ones, are permitted with prior approval of Architectural Committee.

 

1. Rock Beds Under Decks. Rock beds under decks may be replaced with a suitably drained, reinforced concrete slab, and can be stamped concrete or pavers/slate.

 

1. Skylight. Installation of a skylight/solar tunnel using an approved flashing kit is permitted. Color should blend with roof.

 

1. Sliding Doors/Windows. Windows and sliding doors must be metal clad wood, similar in proportion to existing windows and sliders and the same dark brown as the windows of the main dwelling.

 

1. Stoops and Patios. Existing stoops and patios may be maintained in the original concrete. Those covered with flagstone, stamped concrete, or red brick are allowed, but become the responsibility of the owner. No carpet is permitted on front stoops.

 

1. Patio Enclosures. Patio enclosures must be stick built, not metal, with single sloped roof. Siding is to match existing siding. Gutters and downspouts must be connected to existing drains. Tempered glass is recommended for enclosures on the golf course. The original inside vinyl coated wall becomes the responsibility of the homeowner.

Metal enclosures are grandfathered. Maintenance is the responsibility of the homeowner but must be approved by the Architectural Committee.

1. Room Addition. Another type of approved enclosure is one whose roof extends to the existing roof ridge, which is completely finished inside, with heat and electricity, and which becomes part of the existing house. The size shall be no larger than the original patio or deck. Room additions not part of the original construction shall be subject to Franklin Village Architectural Guidelines and Council’s written approval prior to installation as to appearance, design, materials, and manner of installation.
2. Screened-In Porch. Another type of approved enclosure is a screened-in porch, with a permanent roof that extends to the existing roof ridge. Screening, doors, and siding must match the existing structure. Screened-in porches not part of the original construction shall be subject to Franklin Village Architectural Guidelines and Council’s written approval prior to installation as to appearance, design, materials, and manner of installation.
3. Basement Exits. Construction of a basement exit system must comply with current East Goshen Township Building Codes and will require, in addition to an Architectural Request Form, an Easement Agreement between the owner(s) and the Village of Franklin.
4. Appropriate building permits and Architectural Committee approval must be obtained before any construction has been started.
5. Physical location of opening, specifications and appropriate landscaping must be described at the time the request is submitted for approval.

iii.        Extension from and along the foundation should not exceed five feet in any direction. Maximum allowable height above normal ground level is eighteen inches (18”).

1. Any construction that has not been approved must be removed or corrected at the owner’s expense.
2. Opening must be covered and be able to withstand up to 450 pounds.
3. Bulkhead doorways are not acceptable.

vii.       Homeowner(s) assume all liability of structural damage, flooding, and ground water, if any occurs.

1. Exterior Doors and Side-Lights.

 

1. Front Door Hardware. Door hardware may be bright brass or antique brass finish. The door lock-set must be fitted with a Schlage cylinder to key into the Master System. Locks can be keyed in by A-1 Security, 13 Coffman Street, Frazer, PA (610-647-5042).

 

1. Replacement Front Doors and Side-Lights. The Homeowner may replace and paint the front door and side-lights, at the Homeowner’s expense.

 

• Approved doors are manufactured by THERMA TRU Company, P.O. Box 8780, Maumee, OH 43537 or approved equal.
• Approved door models are S926, S430 and TS296 (window at top). Also approved are 8 panel steel doors from Milliken Millwork available from Lowe’s.
• Approved side-lights are S289ESL S430SL, and 100SL (clear glass)

 

iii.        Front Door and Side-Light Paint. The approved door colors are “Franklin Village Brown” or “Town and Country Red”. Side-light colors are red, brown or sandstone. All colors are available at Sherwin Williams Paints. Formulas are available from zone leaders.

 

• If desired, the door jamb surrounding the door and the side-light may be painted to match the front door or storm door.
• Illustrations of these doors and side-lights can be obtained from the Chairman of the Architectural Committee.

 

1. Replacement Storm Doors. Factory finished storm doors are available in “Sandtone” or “Bronze” at Home Depot/Lowe’s. As an option, jambs surrounding the storm door may be painted to match the storm door. Paints to match are available at Sherwin Williams (formulas are available from the Architectural Committee members).

• Note: Existing storm doors are not to be hand painted.