ARC GUIDELINE SUMMARY
Architectural forms are available for download by clicking the appropriate link below, or from the Association Manager. Completed forms can be mailed, faxed, or emailed. Click
here for contact information.
To ensure an expedient and thorough review of your request, please provide detailed information. For example, for a pool request, you should include a current survey, with the setback dimensions of the existing building on all four sides, the covenant setbacks, the proposed setbacks for the pool and the location of the filter and pump equipment. The type of pool enclosure should also be specified, e.g. screened in structure, or fence.
Specific rules in regards to Architectural guidelines include:
Ancillary Structures. Allowable structures include: pet house, hothouse or greenhouse, pool house, outdoor fireplace or barbecue pit, swimming pools and mechanical installation in connection therewith. ARC approval is required.
Additions/Modification. Any addition or modification, including changes in color and appearance, requires ARC approval. This includes not only changes to your house, but also to docks, seawalls, pools, patios, roofs, driveways, fences, mailboxes and the removal of trees.
Playground and other Sports Equipment. All playground and sports equipment (installed for more than a weekend) including basketball backboards, skate board ramps, swing sets, forts, and putting greens must be reviewed by the ARC.
Garage Apartments. No garage apartment may be constructed.
Sheds. No shed, trailer, tent or other temporary or movable building or structure of any kind are permitted.
Antennas and Satellite Dishes. Based on an FCC ruling, residents are allowed to have video antennas including direct-to-home satellite dishes that are less than one meter (39.37") in diameter, TV antennas, and wireless cable antennas. This equipment must NOT be visible from the street.
Green Energy Initiatives. The SPOA supports green energy initiative such as solar panels, clotheslines and other passive energy initiatives. The resident should attempt to minimize visibility from the street.
Xeriscaping. Owners may have Florida Friendly landscaping as defined in State Statute 373.185(1), and other pollution prevention and water use measures such as rain barrels and composters.
Fences. Preferred fences are the black aluminum type common in Southwind, normally no taller than four (4) feet. ALL fences must be approved by the ARC.
Flagpoles. Subject to building codes and zoning and easement setbacks, homeowners may have a freestanding flagpole of no more than 20 feet high, and display one official US flag, not larger than 4 1/2 feet by 6 feet, and an additional flag of the same size or smaller, representing the State of Florida, US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or a POW-MIA flag.
Access ramp. Any resident may construct an access ramp if a resident or occupant of the parcel has a medical necessity or disability that requires a ramp for egress and ingress. Special conditions apply; please ensure you have ARC approval before construction.
Security signs. Any parcel owner may display a sign of reasonable size provided by a contractor for security services within 10 feet of any entrance to the home.
Setback Requirements. Are defined in the Covenants for each phase of Southwind.
Screens. Screens to cover trash cans must meet the following six requirements: 1) No lattice or plastic fencing; 2) The screen shall not exceed a maximum height of four feet and it should be perpendicular to the side of the house it is attached to. It shall only be large enough to cover trash cans, pool equipment, or air conditioning units. The screen may not be used to store lawn equipment, golf carts, or other storage items; 3) Screens shall be set back at least 10 feet from the front of the house to decrease visibility from the street; 4) Screens shall be painted the same color as the house or a color that blends well; 5) Screens shall be kept in good condition; 6) Screens shall be approved by the ARC.
Work Completion. All construction (new or remodeling) must be completed within seven (7) months of starting. Violations are subject to fines.
Home Maintenance:
Mildew. Excessive mildew must be power washed and cleaned (includes fencing).
Painting. Houses must be painted as needed. Paint color must be approved by the ARC.
Storage. Items cannot be stored outside the garage or fenced area (e.g. on driveway, under tarps, against the house, etc).
Hurricane Protection. Use of temporary hurricane protection such as accordion hurricane shutters, clear corrugated panels, hurricane fabric or plywood is allowed only during active hurricane season.
Holiday Decorations. Holiday decorations are to be removed within 30 days of the holiday.
Window Air conditioners. Units may not be installed in any side of a building wall visible from the street, side yard or golf course.
Lawn and Landscape Maintenance
Lawns. Lawns must be maintained and cut on a regular basis. Maintenance includes irrigation, weed control, and fertilization. While it is impossible to have a weed-free yard, if you have weeds that are seeding they must be cut to localize spreading.
Landscaping. Beds must be weeded, edged and mulched as needed; bushes and trees must be kept trimmed and not overgrown. Fallen trees, limbs, bushes and debris must be removed from yard. Driveways, streets and sidewalks must be edged and cleared of debris.
Removal of native trees. Removal of native trees (e.g., pines, oaks and magnolias) requires approval from the ARC.
Diseased Landscaping. Diseased and dead landscaping (bushes, trees) must be removed.
Easements and Drainage. The homeowner is required to maintain all utility easements as if they were your own yard (in general, this is about 8-12’ of the front of each home site and 7 ½’ on the sides). Landscaping may not interfere with the established drainage pattern. It is recommended that you consult with the association manager before making any landscape changes.
