Architecture General Guidelines

The following guidelines are provided for replacement of various exterior architecture items. Any deviation from these guidelines requires an Architectural Improvement Application and Review Form to be submitted and approved. The form is available here or in the blue binder supplied to you at the time of your purchase. If an item is not listed, the ARC recommends submitting a review form for approval before any money is spent on something that may need to be replaced.

Building Codes and Zoning Regulations	Homeowners are responsible for compliance with Fairfax County requirements. For more details, please see the Fairfax County website.
Color Scheme	Approved colors for the exterior of houses is documented on the paint colors page. Please consult the paint color page for your street to confirm the correct color of paint to be used for the various elements of your home.
Fences and Gates	Fences and gates should only be used to enclose backyards and for no other purpose. Only natural wood fences and gates should be erected. Painted fences are not allowed. Fences may be replaced without the approval of the Architecture Review Committee (ARC) as long as they match the wood and style of the existing fence. The approved fence is "neighbor friendly" board on board with square edges on fence pickets (not dog ear). The ARC must approve any other changes. When fencing areas, homeowners are also encouraged to check with the committee about any questions they may have regarding the possibility of enclosing a common area.
Gutters and Downspouts	Gutters and downspouts within the community are white in color. The standard installed gutter is a 4-inch k-style gutter with a 3-inch by 4-inch rectangular shaped downspout. Replacement gutters may be increased in size to a standard 5-inch k-style gutter using the same 3-inch by 4-inch downspout, provided the gutter size is uniform across the front or rear of the home. Partial gutter replacement along the front or rear of the home using different sizes is not allowed. Downspout extensions extending beyond the home and in public view must be buried or camouflaged by landscaping. Downspout extensions may not extend into common areas, or directly flow onto adjacent homeowner property.
Light Poles, Fixtures, and Frosted Lamp Cover	Broken lamp pole fixtures must be replaced with the Marshall Heights Homeowners Association (MHHA) approved fixture. The approved light fixture is Adjusta-Post model 112BK (Black), Colonial style with standard plain plastic lens. It can be purchased at Dominion Electric Supply Company. The list price is approximately $44.00 + shipping. It is a special order item and will take 2-3 weeks to receive. It is not metal but is made out of Marlex (plastic) and it is black. A picture of the approved fixture may be seen by clicking here. There is no eagle on top. If possible salvage your eagle from your old one. If you find another lamppost fixture and want to use it instead, you must first obtain approval from the ARC. The glass portion of the fixture (lens) must be free of design (e.g. model 112C is not an approved model). Adjusta-Post also makes the lamp post used in our community in various lengths. Marshall Heights Court and Dominion Way have the tall posts, while Hutchison Grove Court and Dominion Heights Court have the shorter posts. Replacement posts must be of the appropriate height of those along your street and are not to have the post cross-bar installed. If you need to replace your sensor only, you can find one at Home Depot. Ask for the Outdoor Post Eye Light Control by Westek, price is approximately $13. It will turn the lamppost light on at dusk and off at dawn. Be sure to use a skilled electrician to complete the wiring. If you need to replace the glass chimney that covers the light bulb in your lamppost, you can order one from Dominion Electric Co. in Arlington. They cost approximately $4.50 plus shipping.
Front Door Light or Wall Sconce	The front door or wall light (lantern or carriage light), must match one of the officially-approved styles as documented in the Light Fixture PDF. Bright or polished brass replacements are not to be used. Sea Gull fixtures are available at www.SeaGulllighting.com and also available at Dominion Electric. The CraftMade fixtures are available at www.craftmade.com.
Screen and Storm Doors and Front Door Locks	All doors must be painted in one solid color that adheres to the paint colors page. This color scheme is designed to be in harmony with the community architecture. The storm door is to be a "full view" style with no decorative glass; middle or dividing bars; or bulky frame. When a front door lock is replaced, it must be replaced with a sculpted antique brass or bronze handle and one that is similar to the original lock. The original lock handleset is manufactured by Kwikset and is the Gibson handleset model in the antique brass finish. To view or purchase the original model, visit http://www.kwikset.com/Products/default.aspx/Details/Gibson/ and see the "antique brass" model. All other replacements require prior approval of the Architecture Review Committee. Bright or polished brass door hardware is not approved. Front Door "Kick plates" may be installed upon approval from the ARC. Generally, they are required to match the door hardware in finish. Bright or polish brass kick plates will not be approved. Door knockers (if used) should be harmonious with the door hardware and the architectural style of the community. Door knockers may not be bright or polished brass.
Garage Doors	Garage doors are required to be painted the appropriate color for the paint scheme of the home. Replacement of garage doors requires prior approval of the ARC.
Roofs	Roof replacements may be done without ARC approval. However, roofs must be replaced with the same color brown or black shingle as the original roof. The colors are standard, so the roofers should have no problem with this. The roof should be free of any "non-roof" elements when viewed from the street.
Chimney Cap	Annual inspection of your chimney and chimney cap by qualified personnel is highly recommended. Original chimney caps in our community are rusting and show signs of damage. Rusting of the chimney cap causes unsightly rust stains down the chimney siding and will lead to water damage inside the home. The chimney cap top component, the spark suppressor, must be present and in good condition. This is a safety issue and required by Fairfax County building code. Replacement chimney caps should match the style and material of the original. If painted, the caps should be painted a very light grey or steel wool color (galvanized steel color) or silver. Stainless steel or aluminum is the preferred substitute for galvanized steel and will provide a longer service life.
Shutters	Shutters must match exactly the existing shutter. Replacement shutters may be purchased at Home Depot. All shutters must be painted in one solid color, matching the house paint scheme. Shutter must match the front door color.
Decks and Patios	Decks and patios must be built using natural colors and designed in harmony with the community architecture. Painted decks are not allowed. All deck, patio, and hot tub construction must be approved by the ARC before any construction begins.
Sheds, Gazebos	Sheds and gazebos are only permitted in backyards enclosed by fencing. Colors need to match or be in harmony with the fencing and siding of the home. Sheds should not extend above the fence line if practical, and may not be attached to the home. Sheds and gazebos require the prior approval of the ARC.
House Numbers	House numbers must be in the same design and placement as listed on color chart available on this website. The house number plaque should be mounted horizontally and should be visible from the street.
Window grids	Deteriorated window grids (dividers) must be fixed or replaced by replacing the entire window or just the glass portion. The replacement window must have the same grid pattern as the original window. Torn or damaged window screens should be repaired, replaced, or removed.
Land Contour and Landscaping	Any addition or alteration that could change the existing contour of the land (Example: replacing backyards in tiered brick) requires ARC approval due to drainage considerations. Bushes and shrubs should not protrude onto the public walkways. Vines are not allowed on the exterior surfaces of the home because they will cause damage to the brick and/or siding of the home. Trees should be trimmed and dead branches removed promptly. Home landscaping should be designed to be in harmony with the community's landscaping.
Recreational/Business Vehicles	No recreational vehicle, boats, trailers, construction vehicles, or vehicles used in commercial trade may be parked or stored in the community. Violators will be towed at the owner's expense.
Automobiles, Motor Vehicles	All motor vehicles must display current vehicles registration tags. No mechanical maintenance, fluid changes, painting or greasing work may be performed in the community.
Motorcycles	Motorcycles may only be parked in a valid owner parking space. Any motorcycle parked in the community must have a load-bearing pad under the stand to prevent damage to street surface.
Trash Cans/Recycling Containers	Garbage or recycling bins may not be left out on the curb before 8 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays nights. All garbage must be tied up in plastic bags, or sealed in a trash can (black trash bags do help deter birds that pick apart trash bags). All trash cans and recycling containers must be kept inside the home or in the back yard. Storing trash cans or recycling containers on the front porch, front yard or side of the house is prohibited.
Firewood	Firewood may only be stored in the backyard. Firewood is not permitted to be stored against fences, decks or homes, as this will allow termites to eat the wood structures in multiple backyards. Firewood may never be stored anywhere in or on the front yard, the entrance way, the driveway, or the front porch.
Tree Replacement Policy	If a homeowner wishes to remove the tree in their front yard and not replace it, ARC approval is required. The ARC does not intend to make every homeowner replace the tree in their front yard since some of the planting areas are so small. The ARC does, however, intend to maintain as many trees as possible to improve the overall appearance of the community. Generally, Colchester (garage) townhouse owners will need to replace their tree. Homes with a front veranda may not be required to do so. The ARC, on a case-by-case basis, will consider whether trees need to be replaced for other townhouses designs.