The following guidelines are provided to help establish the desired architectural character of all buildings in Stoneridge.  While creative architectural designs and solutions are encouraged to compliment the uniqueness of each property, all designs should be compatible with each other and harmonious with the surroundings.  The richness and character of traditional East Coast maritime architecture should serve as a major reference for the design of Stoneridge homes.

Materials, Color and Form

Materials used should be primarily those that are typical to the northeastern coast region.  The use of natural materials such as cedar shingles, wood siding and local stone should dominate.

Warm earthy tones, muted natural colors and light-to-dark wood stains should predominate.  Designs in cedar shingles and wood siding must be stained in natural earth tones or be allowed to weather naturally.

The size and mass of each structure should be scaled to the site.  Shape and location of buildings should fit, where possible, with the existing terrain. The incorporation and integration of driveways and landscaping into the natural setting is essential.

Accessory structures including but not limited to greenhouses, gazebos, and garden/tool sheds should be of the same or complimentary material and design as the residence. 

Decorative objects including but not limited to outdoor sculptures, fountains, lawn ornaments and other such landscape features must be in keeping with the overall character of Stoneridge.

Roofs

Pitched roofs of varying heights with dormers, gables and generous overhangs add architectural interest and are encouraged. 

Roof colors shall be complimentary to the predominant color tones of the main structure and should blend with the natural surroundings.  Brightly colored roofs are not allowed.

Roof vents, plumbing stacks, flashing and metal chimney caps should be painted to match the roof color and, where possible, placed where they’re hidden from public view on remote slopes of the roof.

Driveways

Driveways should not exceed a width of 15 feet and, where possible, curve through the landscape to avoid direct views from the road to the house or garage.

Verandas, Balconies, Patios and Decks

Verandas, balconies, patios, and decks are encouraged to not only allow for outdoor living and capitalize on views and vistas but to assist with scale and architectural interest.

The design and placement of these elements should represent logical extensions or components of the building’s design and should be constructed of the same quality materials found in the residence itself.  No unfinished metal or fiberglass products are permitted.

No one patio or deck shall exceed 35% of the total living area of the principle residence.

Lighting

The source of lighting shall be designed so that visibility from the street or other common areas is minimized.  No colored lenses, flashing or blinking lamps are permitted.

All lighting shall be compatible with the residential design of the home.

Up-lighting and/or down-lighting in landscaped planting areas, under and in tree and shrub masses, and along walkways is permitted provided there is no glare or excessive spillage.

Lighting for the sole purpose of security is limited to fixtures activated by motion detectors or located in such areas so as not to interfere with neighboring properties or common areas.

Fences and Walls

In general, fences are not encouraged except where they are integrated into the design of the principle residence and enhance the overall architectural character.  Hedges, low beams, trees and shrubs are preferred.

Fences, when permitted, shall be high enough to provide definition yet low enough to remain unobtrusive.

All fences and walls should be of the same or complimentary material and design as the main residence.  No barbed wire or electrical strands are permitted, and no chain link fences are allowed unless prior approval has been granted from the homeowners association in charge.

Complete enclosure of front or rear yards by fencing or walls is not permitted because the feeling of openness and the unobstructed beauty of the natural setting is a very important element within the character of Stoneridge.  Individual lots in Stoneridge should blend with each other in as natural a way as possible.

Fences and walls may not be located so as to accentuate property lines.