Last updated 2024-January-11

Please Read All of the Below Carefully

If the change you wish to make is not specifically listed in either of the first two sections below, or if you are in any doubt as to whether your project complies with HOA covenant restrictions and/or architectural rulings, we strongly recommend you submit an application, or at the very least send a query, to arc@cardinalglen.org, so as to avoid a possible violation.

1. Changes that Require an Architectural Review Application

   The following require submission of an Architectural Review Application and Architectural Control Committee approval before your project can commence:

   • Replacement of a roof where the shingles will be a different color or material from the existing roof.
     IMPORTANT: See Architectural Rulings for Exterior Color Changes below
   • A new fence (i.e., where one did not exist before) or the replacement of an existing fence.
     IMPORTANT: See Architectural Rulings for Fences below
   • A new deck (i.e., where one did not exist before.)
   • A replacement deck with different dimensions and/or positioning from the existing deck.
   • A new or replacement shed, gazebo, permanently fixed front yard fountain, ground-mounted solar panels, electric vehicle charging station, or other free-standing structure, or an in-ground swimming pool.
   • A color change to existing siding, gutters and downspouts, front door, garage door, exterior trim, exterior shutters, or porch pillars/railings.
     IMPORTANT: See Architectural Rulings for Exterior Color Changes below
   • Replacement of siding, gutters and downspouts, a garage door, a front door, exterior shutters, or porch pillars/railings when a color change is also involved.
     IMPORTANT: See Architectural Rulings for Exterior Color Changes below
   • The removal of a living tree more than 4” in diameter, measured 2’ above ground. If the tree being removed is in the front yard or a portion of the side yard that is clearly visible from the street, the HOA requires confirmation that the stump will be ground down so that it is no longer visible from the street, and that “Miss Utility” will be called and utility lines marked prior to any grinding taking place. A photo of the tree showing its location is also required to be submitted with the application.
   • An addition to the house, inclusive of a front porch or front door overhang.
   • A permanent or portable fire pit, fire ring, chiminea, or outdoor fireplace.
     Important: See Architectural Rulings for a (Permanent or Portable) Fire Pit, Fire Ring, Chiminea, or Outdoor Fireplace below

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2. Changes that Do Not Require an Architectural Review Application

   The following do not require the submission of an Architectural Review Application, although in some cases conformity requirements may apply or pre-change photograph proof is recommended:

   • Replacement windows (whether or not of the same size or style) or the installation of a window where one does not currently exist. However, in keeping with the original design and the other houses in our development, any window on the front of the house must include white window grids, either snapped on to the interior frame or inset into the window itself. NOTE: In accordance with the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance, which states: “Corner lots have no rear yard, only two (2) front yards, which are adjacent to the streets…,” any house on a corner lot is considered to have two fronts, and white grids are required on all windows on both fronts.

     Windows on a 1-car or 2-car garage door do not need to have grids.

   • New or replacement skylight(s).
   • The replacement of a driveway with either asphalt or concrete.
   • New or replacement walkways anywhere on the lot.
   • New or replacement flowerbed borders of wood, brick, or stone.
   • A replacement roof with the same color and material of shingles as the existing ones, unless the existing shingles are red, blue, or green, in which case an Application is required.
   • A replacement deck of the same dimensions and positioning as the existing deck.
   • A replacement front door that does not involve a color change or where the new door will be natural wood.
   • Replacement of existing siding, gutters and downspouts, exterior trim, exterior shutters, porch pillars/railings, or garage door that does not involve a color change.
   • The removal of a dead tree or a living tree 4” or less in diameter, measured 2’ above ground level, although it is strongly recommended a photo of the tree be emailed to arc@cardinalglen.org as evidence in the event of neighbor complaint or dispute. In addition, if the tree being removed is in the front yard or a portion of the side yard that is clearly visible from the street, the HOA requires the stump be ground down so that it is no longer visible from the street and “Miss Utility” called and utility lines marked prior to any grinding taking place.
   • The installation of solar panels on a roof (installation of solar panels on the ground requires submission of an Architectural Review Application.)
   • New or replacement exterior lighting (e.g., motion sensor, along walkways, attached to house or garage).
   • The installation of exterior surveillance cameras.
   • The installation of an in-ground flagpole anywhere on the lot.

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3. Architectural Rulings for Exterior Color Changes

   IMPORTANT!

   Please note that while the following information will hopefully make it easier for you to select an exterior color, it does not eliminate the HOA covenant requirement for submission of an Architectural Review Application and Architectural Control Committee approval for an exterior color change.

   Should you wish to change the exterior color scheme of your home, the new color(s) must be comparable with the majority of the other houses in Cardinal Glen. What does this mean?

   For Roofs: Asphalt shingles in Colonial Slate and any shade of gray, brown, and black will always meet this requirement. Red, blue, and green asphalt shingles will not be approved even if the current shingles are this color.

   For Gutters and Downspouts: Aluminum gutters and downspouts in white and beige/sand/almond will always meet this requirement. That is not to say dark brown will not be considered.

   For Garage Doors: Steel and aluminum garage doors in white, cream, beige/sand/almond, taupe/clay, light gray, and dark brown will always meet this requirement. That is not to say other colors will not be considered.

   For Siding: A color comparable with the majority of the other houses in Cardinal Glen will always meet this requirement. That is not to say other colors will not be considered.

   For Front Porch Pillars/Railings: PVC and vinyl pillars/railings in white, beige/sand/almond, and taupe/clay will always meet this requirement. That is not to say other colors will not be considered for pillars/railings made out of wood.

   For Doors viewable from the street, Shutters, and Trim: Doors of natural wood, or stained a natural wood hue, will always meet this requirement.

   PVC and vinyl shutters in shades of burgundy, navy blue, brown, and dark/forest green meet this requirement, as do the basic colors (pre-colored or painted) of black and white.

   The colors on the Sherwin-Williams “Timeless” palette meet this requirement. The URL for this palette is https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family#/active/color-wall/section/timeless-colors/.

   The following Sherwin-Williams colors also meet this requirement:

   SW 0016 (Billiard Green), SW 0041 (Dard Hunter Green), SW 2809 (Rookwood Shutter Green), SW 2847 (Roycroft Bottle Green), and SW 6468 (Hunt Green)

   SW 0033 (Rembrandt Ruby), SW 0057 (Chinese Red), SW 2839 (Roycroft Copper Red), and SW 7600 (Bolero)

   SW 6244 (Naval), SW 9150 (Endless Sea), SW 9177 (Salty Dog), SW 9178 (In the Navy), and SW 9179 (Anchors Aweigh)

   Please know that the HOA does not require you to use Sherwin-Williams paint. You are welcome to use whatever brand of paint you like, however, the color will need to be comparable with one of those on the Sherwin-Williams “Timeless” palette or with one of the supplemental Sherwin-Williams colors listed above. Should you choose to use a different brand of paint, please submit not only the color chip of that manufacturer’s paint but also the Sherwin-Williams color chip with which you feel yours is comparable along with your Architectural Review Application.
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4. Architectural Rulings for Fences

   Here are several ARC rulings that have long been upheld by the HOA Board:

   Fence Styles – Article V, Paragraph 2, of the HOA covenants list acceptable fence styles as hedge, picket, chain link, or a fence of woven wood design. The HOA Board does not interpret ‘woven wood design’ to mean a fence with no or minimal gaps between the boards. Consequently, fences with less than a 1½” gap between the boards, including picket fences and regardless of fence height, will not be approved, nor will stockade style fences or any style that results in a compound or fortress-like appearance. Additional styles that will be approved, provided height restrictions are adhered to, include but may not be limited to: shadow box, split rail, and cross rail.

   Fence Heights are specifically stated in Article V, Paragraph 2, of the HOA covenants as follows: “No fence shall exceed 48″ in height, except a fence along the rear lot line or along a side lot line to the rear may exceed 48″ but not 60″ in height. This restriction shall not preclude the building of a fence to enclose a swimming pool area in conformance with the applicable ordinances of Loudoun County, Virginia.”

   Corner Lots – The Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance states: “Corner lots have no rear yard, only two (2) front yards, which are adjacent to the streets and two (2) side yards . . .” Consequently, the HOA will uphold the maximum height restriction of 48” for street-facing fences on corner lots.

   Fence Positioning – Utility provider safety measures necessitate utility meters be readily and safely accessible in the event of a malfunction. Consequently, the HOA Board has long upheld that front-facing fences be aligned with the back corners of the house on both sides not only to comply with provider safety measures but also to avoid a compound or fortress like appearance and maintain an open feel in the development. The HOA Board will continue to uphold this positioning regardless of where the front-facing fence of an adjoining neighbor’s resides as well as for the replacement of an existing fence that does not currently conform to this alignment.

   Fence Material – Vinyl fencing will not be approved, nor will brick or stone walls.

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5. Architectural Rulings for a (Permanent or Portable) Fire Pit, Fire Ring, Chiminea, or Outdoor Fireplace

   What is meant by permanent? A permanent fire pit, fire ring, chiminea, or outdoor fireplace is one that is built into a deck or attached to a deck, patio, concrete slab, or the ground such that it cannot be repositioned. Please note that a component such as a fire pit, fire ring, or chiminea that is staked to the ground is still considered portable.

   In reviewing your Architectural Review Application, the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) takes into consideration Loudoun County fire / burn recommendations and regulations, and consequently will look for all of the following in your supporting documentation:

   • The type of component (i.e., fire pit, fire ring, chiminea, or fireplace) you wish to install and whether it will be permanent or portable.
   • Whether or not the component can / will be used to burn wood.
   • The outside dimensions (i.e., height, and diameter or length and width) of the component as well as the dimension (i.e., diameter or length and width) of the combustion area (i.e., the area inside which the fire will burn). Please note that only a combustion area with a diameter, length, or width of 36 inches or less will be approved by the HOA.
   • Indication that the component will include, and not be installed without, a wire mesh cover, which will be used at all times to control sparks whenever a fire is burning / smoldering. Please note that if the component has side cutouts, it must also be indicated that it will have a wire mesh screen over every cutout.
   • A photo showing the component’s precise location and distance from the house, other outdoor structure (e.g., shed), and any type of combustible material. Please note that Loudoun County Fire Marshall code says the component must be at least 15 feet away from your house / other structure / combustible material and at least 25 feet away from any neighbor’s house / structure / combustible material.
   • The type of fire resistant surface which will surround your component. This could be, for example, concrete, pavers, bricks, flag stone, sand, gravel, loose river or lime stones, or a fire resistant pad, but a surround of grass or dirt will not be approved by the HOA.
     
     If you opt for a surround of sand, gravel or loose stone, the ACC will also look for the depth of the material that will be laid down as well as the type and height of outside edging that will be used to ensure the sand / gravel / stone remains in place. The depth must be at least 2 inches or your component manufacturer’s recommended depth for a surround, whichever is greater. If no such recommendation is available, you are encouraged to seek expert advice regarding what is appropriate for use with your component, but only a depth of 2 inches or more will be approved by the HOA.
     SAFETY REMINDER

     The above bullet addresses the use of gravel / loose stone around the component, not inside the component. You should never use a rock which retains water (such as pea gravel or river rock) in the bottom of the combustion area of your component. When certain kinds of rock get wet (including many gravel and crushed stone types), they can trap moisture in the small crevices or pores of the rock. When directly exposed to fire, this moisture can turn to steam, creating pressure and a risk of the rock shattering and exploding dangerously.

   • The measurement from the outside edge of your component to the outside edge of the fire resistant surround. This must be at least 24 inches or your component manufacturer’s recommended measurement, whichever is greater. If no such recommendation is available, you are again encouraged to seek expert advice regarding what is appropriate for use with your component, but only 24 inches or more will be approved by the HOA.
   • Location and type (e.g., water hose, sand) of an immediately available means of extinguishing the fire.
   • As stated in requirement #4 on the Architectural Review Application, signature of neighbor approval must come from the homeowners most affected by your project (e.g., from drifting smoke).

   Should ACC approval be granted, commencement of your project will denote your automatic acknowledgement and acceptance of adherence to the following, which include Loudoun County burn recommendations and regulations:

   • A fire must be attended at all times by a competent adult, and under no circumstance may a fire be left burning or smoldering unattended overnight.
   • A fire must not be started or allowed to continue in any wind or gusts that might render the fire a hazard and unsafe (e.g., wind in excess of 15 mph).
   • Wire mesh must cover the entire combustion area and any cutouts whenever a fire is burning or smoldering to reduce the risk of sparks setting other objects on fire.
   • A means of extinguishing the fire must be immediately available at all times.
   • Burning anything other than seasoned firewood (inclusive of, but not limited to: leaves, brush, yard debris, trash, paper, cardboard, plywood, construction waste / debris) is not permitted by the HOA and is, in fact, prohibited by Loudoun County wherever trash pickup is available for these materials.
   • Under no circumstance may burned wood or ashes, even when cold, be disposed of on common ground.
   • Approval does not extend to any open burning, bonfire, or campfire, all of which are not approved by the HOA regardless of whether such a fire is in compliance with Loudoun County burn regulations.
   • Relocation of a portable component from its approved position to another location in your yard is acceptable as long as this location and the repositioning continue to meet all of the specifications detailed in the supporting documentation of the original / initial ACC approval.
   • Approval is only for you as the current homeowner. Should you rent or sell your home, ACC approval for use of a portable component does not / will not extend to the renter nor convey to the new homeowner, either of whom must submit their own (new) Architectural Review Application for component use.

   Below are some URLs which address outdoor fire safety in Loudoun County:

   • https://www.loudoun.gov/DocumentCenter/View/114194/1540_Portable-Fireplaces-Fire-Pits-Fire-Bowls-and-Chimeneas
   • https://www.loudoun.gov/DocumentCenter/View/112486/Portable-Fire-Pit-Safety?bidId=

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Please download this PDF Application, follow the directions for completion, and submit it along with the applicable supporting documentation to the Architectural Control Committee using either of the two methods stated on the application. And please pay attention to the statements under IMPORTANT! PLEASE NOTE! Violations are upsetting to everyone and can prove costly to you to correct.