New Albany Links is designed to be a community of homes based on thoughtful land planning and sound architectural design. As years pass and as additions and improvements are made, it is very important to keep the entire community in mind and not merely the individual improvement. To uphold property values and ensure the architectural integrity of the community, the Architectural Review Board was established.
The New Albany Links Architectural Review Board consists of members who are appointed by the New Albany Links Board of Trustees. Working in conjunction with a licensed architect, The Architectural Review Board has put together a series of guidelines to help community members maintain and beautify homes that add to the architectural design of the community.
These guidelines are intended to provide homeowners with direction regarding the types of improvements that may be approved by the Architectural Review Board. These guidelines are provided for informational purposes only and are not to be construed as approval for any particular improvement. The Architectural Review Board retains final authority to approve, approve with conditions, or deny any application.
Please note: All exterior modifications, additions and renovations of any kind require prior Architectural Review Board written approval
Many exterior alterations may also require City approval:
All approval related documentation must be maintained by the homeowner and transferred to subsequent homeowners.
You can download a printable version of the design guidelines here.
All guidelines below are subject to change from time to time, always review the below current design guidelines before submitting your project for review.
Prior Architectural Review Board (ARB) approval must be obtained for any and all proposed exterior paint/ color improvements and modifications, please note that these colors guidelines apply to siding, trim –brick and stone may not be painted.
The following color families are generally NOT acceptable and typically will NOT be approved for exterior use: Coastal Colorways, Pastels, Deep Yellows and Golds, Oranges and Rusts, Rose Pinks and Purples, Royal Blues and Turquoise
Many other generally accepted colors can be found within the current Benjamin Moore “Historical Collection” and Sherwin Williams “America’s Heritage” Collection.
Trim colors must match the window frame and muntin (grid) colors and all trim and windows must match throughout. Generally acceptable trim and window colors are in the tan and white families, some examples are listed on Sherwin Williams website at the link below:
Again, the above are general guidelines – all colors must be submitted and approved through the ARB prior to project start.
Prior Architectural Review Board approval must be obtained for any and all proposed exterior structural improvements to your home and/or property, including but not limited to the items outlined below.
Decks are to be an extension of the home’s architecture with attention to detail in railings and steps. Landscaping for all decks is required and must receive prior approval by the Architectural Review Board. The following requirements must be met:
All deck rail, trellis, etc. materials must be painted to match the color of the home, or stained neutral. Homeowners must ensure that painted deck materials are repainted or re-stained when significant paint/stain discoloration, fading, peeling, or flaking occurs. The Architectural Review Board retains the right to determine whether paint/stain discoloration, fading, peeling, or flaking is sufficiently significant to require re-painting/re-staining.
Handrails are required and the “open” style deck is prohibited.
All deck flooring and stair treads/ risers must be of brown and gray tones, please refer to Sherwin Williams Superdeck orBenjamin Moore Arborcoat for examples.
Any space below the deck is required to be properly framed and enclosed with wood skirting (except with walkouts). Exceptions, for example the use of screening plants, can be made on a case-by-case basis.
Lattice will only be considered for screening of walkout basement style patios and generally must be properly trimmed into the surrounding structure and of the same color as the house trim.
Front doors must be one of the following types:
Architectural Review Board may consider other requested options; however, their decision is at their discretion. Additionally, the following specifications must be met:
Generally, the door color must match the shutters – exceptions must be approved by the ARB.
Sidelights can be 2/3rd or full light – may or may not include grill; clear glass; grills must be white.
The transom must be rectangular and in the same style as sidelights.
Stained glass is not permitted, leaded glass may be used if the design and materials are approved through the ARB.
Screen doors and storm doors must be a “full‐view” style, but not all doors marketed and/or sold as “full-view” style are acceptable. A horizontal mid‐door support bar of appropriate width is permitted.
The Architectural Review Board retains the right to determine whether the width of a horizontal mid-door support bar is appropriate.
A linear border etching on screen/storm door glass is permitted. Excessive border etching, in the sole discretion of the Architectural Review Board, is prohibited. No other etching is permitted.
The color of the screen/storm door must match the trim or the front door.
Any back or side door that permits entry and exit to the house must be a half-view or full-view style door and include divided-light grids.
Service doors that permit entry and exit to the garage need not be half-view or full-view.
Garage doors must be replaced with styles close to, or same as, the original. Glass panels may be used for the upper section of the garage door only, full glass garage doors are not permitted.
Replacements, modifications and renovations of any type must be submitted to the Architectural Review Board for approval, submittal must include current picture of home.
Driveways must be maintained in good condition. The resealing of the asphalt surface does not require Architectural Review Board approval. Any new, additional, revised, or replaced driveway construction must be approved for placement and materials. The following are required of all driveways:
The driveway must be black asphalt or consistent with the community and surrounding resident driveways, concrete driveways are not permitted.
1. All driveways must reach the street with the poured concrete sidewalk and apron.
2. Width expansions without garage expansions will not be permitted.
3. Pavers, brick, natural stone may be used for trimming in driveways will be
considered on a case-by-case basis.
The community policy is consistent with New Albany City Ordinance 521.06 that requires homeowners to keep sidewalks in repair and clean condition and to minimize hazards (crumbling, shifting slabs, heaving) wherever possible.
Homeowners will be solely responsible for the maintenance and repair of their sidewalks and must keep vegetation clear of the full width and >8’ height of the walking path.
Please note, the community does not allow the painting of address numbers on curbs.
Homeowners must ensure that house trim is maintained to prevent any noticeable degradation in appearance or structural integrity.
Homeowners must ensure that house trim is repainted when visible discoloration, fading, peeling, or flaking occurs. The Architectural Review Board retains the right to determine whether discoloration, fading, peeling, or flaking is sufficiently significant to require painting or repainting.
PVC exterior trim and fascia may be used, but must closely match the color, texture, size and style of the replaced material.
Prior Architectural Review Board approval must be obtained for any trim painting or re-painting.
The Architectural Review Board retains the right to determine whether a proposed porch or patio is of the appropriate size and/or location. Each must adhere to the following guidelines:
May be constructed using natural stone, concrete pavers, poured concrete, or brick.
Must use the same or substantially similar brick to match the styles/ colors used on the house siding or plinth.
Poured or stamped concrete will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Brick or paver borders are strongly encouraged. The brick used must be the same or substantially similar to the brick used on the house siding or plinth.
Lattice will only be considered for screening of walkout basement style patios.
Roof shingles must be dimensional and have a 30-year warranty.
While you still must submit an application, the Homeowner Association does have a list of pre-approved colors. Other manufacturers/colors and series will be considered. However, a specification sheet and sample must accompany your submission for review.
Examples of pre‐approved shingles and colors include (you still must submit an application):
All shutter replacements must be like-for-like and require ARB approval
Shutter removal requires ARB approval prior to the removal project
New shutter installations will be approved on a case-by-case basis per the following recommendations:
·Must be of a material that does not rot
·Must be of an approved colorway (see Colors)
Siding changes/repairs must meet the following specifications:
All window alterations and replacements must be like-for-like, full symmetric muntins (grids) are encouraged for all sides of the home.
Front facing windows are required to include full symmetric muntins (grids) that may be either artificial or true divided light. Window panes may be square or vertically-oriented rectangular.
Allowable colors are either white or tan, windows must match the trim color of the home. Any and all alteration and installation projects need Architectural Review Board approval.
Exterior glass block is strictly prohibited without ARB approval but may be approved for below grade applications (basement windows) not visible from the community, golf course or adjacent properties within the Association.
Damaged windows must be replaced within 30 days of damage occurrence.
Prior Architectural Review Board approval must be obtained for any and all proposed exterior nonstructural improvements to your home and/or property, including but not limited to the items below.
Auxiliary buildings including, but not limited to, storage sheds, doghouses and greenhouses, are not permitted.
No lines, appliances, installations, wires or other devices for communication or transmission of electric current or energy shall be constructed, installed, placed or maintained anywhere in or upon the Property unless maintained underground or concealed in, under, or on a residence screened from all street and neighboring views.
Under no circumstances will outside antennas, disks, aerials, antenna poles, antenna masts, electronic devices, antenna towers, citizens band (CB) or amateur band (HAM) antennas, or flagpoles be permitted unless maintained completely inside a Residence.
Satellite dishes shall be ground mounted in the rear yard and screened with evergreen vegetation from all street and neighboring views, unless otherwise approved by the Architectural Review Board.
No more than one satellite dish per lot is permitted.
Satellite dishes no longer in use must be removed immediately, or within 30 days of discontinuing use.
Residents, or their contractors, must seek City of New Albany approval on their own behalf for any and all solar installations, City approval does not constitute or override the New Albany Links Architectural Review Board (NAL ARB) approval.
All solar projects must be submitted and approved in writing by the NAL ARB prior to installation.
It is strongly recommended that homeowners not sign any contracts and/or order any products related to the project prior to final approval by the City AND the NAL ARB.
Solar shingles are preferred over panels/ arrays
Roof mounted installations are to be installed on or within the roof of the primary residential structure only
Solar installations…
Solar Installations must be installed in conformance with all applicable governmental rules, laws, regulations, and ordinances, including but not limited to applicable zoning, building, and fire codes
Solar shingles must follow the design guidelines for standard shingle installations:
Solar installation shall be maintained and kept in “new condition” at all times, any damage must be repaired/ replaced within 30 days of occurrence
Written NAL ARB approval is required prior to the removal of approved solar installations
Solar installations no longer in use must be completely removed from the property – removal must include all associated hardware, conduit, and wiring, etc.
Property, including roof, siding and grounds, must be restored to condition prior to installation
After removal, any solar re-reinstallation must follow all design guidelines listed above, including full re-submission and approval prior to installation
Fencing is prohibited unless otherwise required by law for such instance as a pool.
Dog runs and animal enclosures are not permitted.
Vegetative fencing/hedges intended to delineate a property line are permitted but must be maintained to 4’ in height or less.
Gazebos in yards are not permitted.
Architectural Review Board approval is not necessary for holiday decorations. However, the
Architectural Review Board retains the right to require the immediate removal of inappropriate or excessive decorations.
Holiday decorations must not be put up more than 30 days prior to the holiday and must be taken down within 30 days after the holiday has concluded.
Hot tubs must be approved for materials, location, design, and color. The Architectural Review Board requires that hot tubs be placed in an appropriate location with the least visual impact on neighboring homes.
All hot tubs must be appropriately screened.
Hot tubs are not permitted on lots that abut and/or are visible from the golf course.
All landscaping modifications require ARB approval. This includes hardscape, walls, borders, etc.
Each homeowner must ensure that their property and yard are appropriately landscaped and maintained. The New Albany Links Homeowners’ Association retains the right to determine whether landscaping and yard maintenance complies with this requirement.
Landscaping changes or additions must be pre-approved for location and materials. This includes any landscaping that affects the grade of the lot, planting beds, retaining walls, etc. This is not meant to include typical additions to your landscaping such as annuals or perennials.
Mulch: Double or triple processed hardwood mulch that is black is approved. (No application is needed). No other type or color of mulch or mulch substitute/alternative is permitted without first submitting an application and receiving approval from the Architectural Review Board.
All exterior lighting must be in good operational condition and on at appropriate times of the day/ evening, generally dusk to dawn.
Lighting cannot cause a disturbance on other properties within the Association.
All lighting must be in the 2700k-3000k color temperature range (warm white), including Yard lights listed below.
All exterior bulbs must be in the 2700k-3000k color temperature range (warm white), this includes all house mounted, landscape and Post/ Yard Lights.
All exterior lighting, including Yard/ Post Lights, must be in good operational condition and on at appropriate times – dusk to dawn. For electric lighting, the ARB recommends installing and maintaining a photocell to control the lighting.
Landscape lighting installations require ARB approval and must hardwired on community facing sides of the home (street facing, including both sides of corner lots)
The New Albany Links HOA requires Yard Lights remain and be maintained per below:
New Albany Road East (west of Dominion Club), Decker Drive, Triplet Square, Sugarwood Drive, Jersey Drive, Lochen Lane and Unkle Lane.
Fixture:
Post:
Direct Burial Post w/Photocell, painted flat black – of consistent height with homes in the community, generally 7’9” tall, 3” in circumference
Fixture:
All other areas require yard light heads be 6 sided, black framed with flat or beveled glass panels, approximately 23-25” in height and 14” in circumference. A black finial is optional but encouraged.
American Gas Lamp Vienna 1000 Outdoor Gas Light
Fuel – Natural gas, Burner – Dual Inverted, Color – Timeless, Large Cast Acorn w/guard, Beveled glass, 12’ fluted post w/wrap around pedestal base.
Using the information above, click below to order from the vendor website:
CLICK HERE TO ORDER from GAS-LIGHTS.COM
Lamp comes complete with valve, burner and glass.
Refurbishing/ Normal Wear & Tear/Replacement/ Damaged
Normal wear and tear of the mailbox is the homeowner’s responsibility. If your mailbox is damaged (i.e. hit by a car or snow plow, etc.), which is the responsibility of the homeowner to remedy, the following information may assist you in repairing your damaged mailbox:
Mailbox Posts for Dominion Club Homes:
Mailboxes for all other homes:
Installations will not be permitted on lots adjoining the golf course (per the community Declarations).
All installations require prior written Architectural Review Board approval and must include a proper landscape screening plan*. All landscape screening must be installed within 10 days of equipment installation.
Swing sets are to be wooden and stained dark brown, and should be properly maintained to meet the standards of the community. Slides, roofs and other elements should be dark green.
Consideration is also given to the amount of space that is available for this equipment so as not to overcrowd the yard.
Portable sports and playground equipment must be stored out of view of street and neighbors when not in use, ideally indoors.
Private sports courts will not be permitted.
Permanent basketball hoops are subject to the following restrictions and conditions:
Trellises must be approved for materials, paint colors, design, and location and must be stained or match the house trim color.
The New Albany Links Homeowners’ Association retains the right to determine whether maintenance is needed due to visible discoloration, fading, peeling or flaking.
All screening plans/solutions must be approved by the Architectural Review Board.
It is permissible to utilize trees and/or shrubs for screening purposes, but the homeowner must ensure that Architectural Review Board approval is obtained before planting any trees/shrubs on the property.
The homeowner must also ensure that any trees and/or shrubs utilized for screening purposes will shield the screened object from view throughout the entire year. Evergreen trees and/or shrubs are most effective for this purpose.
If deciduous vegetation is utilized for screening purposes, the homeowner must ensure that other appropriate steps are taken to shield the screened object from view during the winter months, when there are no leaves on the vegetation.
The appropriateness of any required screening is to be determined by the Architectural Review Board is its sole discretion.
Items that require screening include but are not limited to Trash Cans and Recycling Cans, Sculptures, Hot Tubs and In Ground Pools, Satellite Dishes, Playgrounds, Trampolines, Basketball Hoops, Other Recreational Equipment and any other structure or item that may be aesthetically displeasing to neighboring properties, as determined by the ARB.
One (1) rider is permitted.
If the lot abuts the golf course, 2 real estate or FSBO signs are permitted (one facing the street and one facing the golf course); otherwise, only 1 sign per home/lot.
Installation of real estate and for sale by owner signage must adhere to the following:
Within an appropriate size, condition, and location supporting a family member (for example, a congratulatory sign for a high school graduation, or a sign announcing the birth of a child) or a charitable event are permitted for a total of 30 days and should be removed within one week after the event.
The New Albany Links Homeowners’ Association retains the right to determine what signs are of appropriate size, condition, and location, as well as what constitutes a reasonable period of time for displaying a sign, on a case-by-case basis.
May be displayed only during the two-week period before a general or mid-term election (early online and mail in deadlines are not considered) and must be removed within 24 hours following the election
Signs are not permitted to be affixed to the exterior of a house.
All other signs are prohibited unless prior Architectural Review Board approval is obtained.
Above ground pools are prohibited.
Pools are considered on a case-by-case basis; however, they are strictly prohibited on lots that abut the golf course.
When wading pools are not in use they are to be emptied and stored out of view of neighboring homes.
Trash and recycling cans and any other items subject to pick-up must not be placed on the curb or otherwise in view more than one day prior to the scheduled pickup.
All cans must be removed by the day following the pick-up.
Trash and recycling containers are to be stored inside.
Any trash or recycling cans stored outside, must be reasonably screened from public view, including views from the street and neighbors, with the area around the containers maintained in a clean, neat condition and in good repair at all times.
Screening solutions must be approved by the Architectural Review Board.
The Tree Lawn is defined as the area between the sidewalk and the street.
The city of New Albany retains a “right of way” and/or easement interest in said area.
Maintenance of trees in the Tree Lawn (“Street Trees”) is handled in the following manner:
Walls must be approved for height, location, color, and material.
Brick to match the home, natural stone and/or natural stone veneer preferred.
Other materials may be considered upon review.
Association Manager
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