Summit Lake Requirements
BEFORE starting any changes to landscaping, the structure or adding a fence, please refer to the Design Guideline document that is posted on the Norton website. A completed ARC form (also on the Norton website) must also be submitted in advance and work cannot begin until approved. Failure to receive approval can result in fines.
If a Homeowner desires to change the exterior appearance of a home or lot, he must submit a request for modification to the management company for the community Homeowners association and include all documents and information required. Covenants for the community allow sixty (60) days to render a decision. However, all properly completed requests are reviewed as soon as possible after receipt.
You must receive approval for your request before commencing any work. Approval in one instance does not set a precedent for future requests, nor does it create a variance for the type of work performed. Each approval is unique to the lot and home.
Approval is for aesthetics only and does not relate to the integrity of the design or construction.
Homeowner is responsible for seeking all necessary permits and complying with all applicable building and engineering practices, laws and ordinances for the governing municipality.
City of Flowery Branch Requirements
The city has asked us to pass along this information because most people (city wide issue, not just us in Summit Lake) are not familiar with the city ordinances surrounding fences, storage buildings and things like patio roof additions. They have asked us to pass along this information rather than reach a point where a resident constructs a fence or building thinking everything is good, and then it has to be moved or it taken down due to setback issues or other noncompliance issues.
Residents are reminded that all fences, additions (to include sunrooms and patio coverings) and storage buildings need to have a permit issued by the city PRIOR to construction. Permit applications can be obtained from the city website or by coming by the community development building at 5512 Main St. It's also stated on the ARC Form that it is your responsibility to contact the county and/or city to obtain any required permits and/or inspections.
Below is the city ordinance
For all buildings:
Sec. 41.6. - Building Permit.
(a) The Building Inspector is hereby authorized to issue building permits in accordance with all provisions of this zoning ordinance and only after the Zoning Administrator has issued a development permit or if no development permit is required, after review of said building permit for compliance with the provisions of this zoning ordinance.
(b) No building, or other structure shall be erected, moved, extended or enlarged, or structurally altered, nor shall any excavation, grading, or filling of any lot for the construction of any building or structure be commenced until the Building Inspector has issued a building permit for such work in conformity with the provisions of this zoning ordinance.
(c) Approval of a building permit shall require an application to the Building Inspector as specified in the building and related codes of the city. If the building permit is denied, the Building Inspector shall state in writing the reason for the denial and the applicant shall be notified of the denial. A record of all building permits shall be kept on file in the office of the Building Inspector and copies shall be furnished on request to any person.
(d) Any building permit issued shall become invalid unless the work authorized by it shall have been commenced within one-hundred-twenty (120) days of its date of issue, or if the work authorized by it is suspended or abandoned for a period of six (6) months.
For Fences:
Sec. 11.6. - Fences and Walls.
(a) Height. Fences or freestanding walls constructed in a front yard of a residential lot shall not exceed four feet in height. In other locations, fences shall not exceed eight feet in height. Fences or freestanding walls with a height of greater than four feet, if permitted in locations other than the front yard of a residential lot, shall require a permit issued by the Zoning Administrator.
(b) Setback and Location. No fence or freestanding wall shall be erected in a manner that obstructs visibility at street intersections or driveways.
(c) Composition and Materials. Fences shall not be constructed of materials that would be incompatible with the residential character of the lot and neighborhood. Walls or fences composed or constructed of exposed concrete block, tires, junk, or other discarded materials shall not be permitted. Walls and fences in the front yard shall present a finished and attractive surface to the frontage of the property. If chain-link fencing is utilized within the front yard of the lot, it shall be coated with vinyl with a black color. This provision shall not be construed to require black vinyl coating of chain link fences in side or rear yards. Barbed-wire strands shall not be permitted except in the case where livestock is lawfully housed on the lot.