Purpose and Objective

Beckett Ridge has been identified to the public as a distinct residential project since at least 1976. As part of this identity, the houses within the development have been governed by a group of restrictions that control exterior modifications, such as patios, swimming pools, decks, fences, and certain landscaping. The intent of the restrictions is to preserve the character of Beckett Ridge, and maintain its identity for the common benefit of all property owners and tenants.

The Beckett Ridge Homeowners Association (BRHA) has the responsibility and authority to enforce a variety of building restrictions throughout Beckett Ridge. To fulfill this task, the Board of Trustees has required homeowners to submit applications for approval before improvements can be added to any lot. These applications are processed through the Board’s managing agent, Towne Properties and evaluated by the Board’s Architectural Review Committee.

Applications

Applications are available from Towne Properties, Inc., 11857 Kempersprings Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45240, 874-3737 or on this website by clicking here. Completed applications should be returned to Towne Properties, Inc. who will forward them to the Architectural Review Committee.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO AND APPROVED BY THE BOARD BEFORE AN IMPROVEMENT IS STARTED.

AN APPLICATION WHICH IS COMPLETE WITH ALL PERTINENT INFORMATION WILL HELP THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REACH A TIMELY DECISION.

APPROVAL BY THE BRHA DOES NOT ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR PROPERTY OWNERS TO OBTAIN BUILDING PERMITS FROM ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY HAVING JURISDICTION.

Types of Improvements

The following is a list of rules and guidelines, and restrictions for specific types of improvements. Some specifications are mandatory, while others explain a range of options. The Board will consider reasonable alternatives as long as they are consistent with the character and quality of Beckett Ridge, and within the framework of the community’s common interest.

Basketball Hoops

Statement of Policy

Basketball goals are discouraged if placed anywhere between a street and a building. The Board is concerned about the possibility of an errant basketball entering a street and causing injury to a driver or a pedestrian in pursuit of the ball.

The Board recognizes, however, the existing popularity of basketball goals in the development, so they are permitted subject to the following conditions.

Location

1. The centerline of the vertical pole must be at least 31 feet from the nearest street curb, and at least 5 feet from any property line.
2. Basketball goals should be located at the back of driveway turnarounds where possible.
3. Basketball goals may not be placed in Common Open Space

Type
Post Mounted:

1. Backboards may be mounted on metal or wood poles. Metal poles must be of standard quality, such as steel or iron. Wood poles (or posts) must be square and have a minimum nominal width and depth of 6 inches.
2. The poles must be installed in poured concrete to a depth of at least 24 inches.

Roof or Exterior Wall Mounted:

There are no specifications other than standards of quality and security. Because of their appearance, goals mounted on buildings are specifically discouraged.

Maintenance
Poles, backboards, hoops, and nets must be maintained in very good condition. One measure of condition is that they should appear to be relatively new regardless of their actual age.

Enclosures

Statement of Policy

All physical and sight barriers are discouraged in order to keep general appearance of Beckett Ridge open and unobstructed. The development’s primary concept is to have housing units arranged in clusters or corridors surrounded by open areas for common use. By definition, any barrier defeats this concept, and the gradual accumulation of individual barriers will eventually destroy the development’s integrity.

The Board recognizes, however, the existing popularity of enclosures in the development, so they are permitted subject to the following conditions.

For practical purposes, the definition of an “enclosure” is any man made fence.

General Provisions

1. The placement of enclosures shall not violate and building setback requirements as specified by the Beckett Ridge Planned Unit Development or other applicable zoning laws or building codes.
2. No fence shall be closer to any street than the lot’s house.
3. Features that will be reviewed include, but are not limited to, color, material, design, stability and general appearance.
4. No enclosure that includes any amount of metal, chain link, or similar surfaces will be permitted.
5. With the exception of item 4 above, which prohibits metal fences, the Board may grant guideline variances to any property line adjacent to a public right-of-way located outside the Beckett Ridge development.

Peremeter Fences

1. Perimeter fences must be made of wood, split-rail design. Exceptions will be granted in specific plats to permit variations on the split-rail design; sub similar fences must be in view on land inside the development.
2. They must not exceed a height of four feet (48 inches).
3. They must be located within one foot of a property line.
4. They may not be placed on any lot that does not contain at least 10,000 square feet of land area, with two exceptions:
   1. A blanket exception has been granted to lots in the SARATOGA FARMS plat.
   2. An exception may be granted to any lot adjacent to a public street located outside the Beckett Ridge development (Interstate) or adjacent to a drainage ditch (creek) with a constant flow of water.
5. No perimeter fence is permitted on lots abutting the golf course.
6. If a secure fence is needed for pets or children, the Board may allow a liner to be attached to the inside of the fence components. The liner material should be an open, woven wire fence or a vinyl net. In every case, the liner must not detract from the appearance of the primary fence. One measure of detractions is whether the liner is obvious at first glance. In all cases, the Board will expect the liner to be similar to others in the vicinity.
   
   

Patio and Swimming Pool Elclosure

The primary distinction between Perimeter Fences and Patio or Swimming Pool Enclosures is the Patio and Swimming Pool Enclosures may have a solid surface such that they create a visual block (opened or closed). Such fences are often referred to as “privacy fences”.

1. No enclosure or combination of enclosures around a patio may enclose an area greater than 300 square feet. An enclosure area is defined as any combination of fences that create space. For example, two parallel walls define the space between them.
2. No enclosure or combination of enclosures around a swimming pool may enclose an area greater than 3,500 square feet. An enclosed area is defined as any combination of fences that create space. For example, two parallel walls that define the space between them
3. If both a swimming pool and patio are enclosed, the area of both must not exceed that for the swimming pool.
4. No patio enclosure shall extend more than sixteen (16) feet from a house, and all enclosures must abut a house.
5. No patio or swimming pool enclosure shall exceed six (6) feet in height.
6. No patio or swimming pool enclosure on a lot that abuts the golf course shall exceed four (4) feet in height. An exception will be granted to any portion of such an enclosure that is at least fifty (50) feet from the property line common to the golf course.
7. All swimming pool pumps, filters and similar equipment must be enclosed by a solid fence, either the swimming pools enclosure or a separate enclosure, such that the equipment can not be seen off the lot.
   
   

Other structures and Unusual Improvements

Freestanding structures other than single-family houses are not permitted on any lot. This includes trailer, shacks, barns, storage sheds, garages, gazebos, pavilions, bowers and arbors. Also, no improvement will be permitted if, in the Board’s opinion, it is obnoxious or offensive, or might interfere with the quiet enjoyment, comfort and health of any property owner or tenant.

The Board will, however, approve freestanding buildings if the applicant can show the improvement will enhance the property, adjacent properties, properties in the vicinity, and there are no objections from adjacent property owners. Under such circumstances, the Board any require an applicant to submit written agreements from adjacent property owners.

Recreation and Play Equipment

All recreations and play equipment must be wood or predominately wood frame, and should be anchored to the ground.

Temporary Structures and Equipment

No temporary structures or equipment are permitted except during a reasonable time for construction of approved improvements.

Swimming Pools

No above ground swimming pools shall be permitted.
Minimum in ground swimming pool size is 12 x 24 feet or ten thousand (10,000) gallons.

Antennas

Television Antennas and Satellite Dishes of one meter or less are permitted. Satellite dishes over one meter must be applied for using the SATELLITE DISH APPLICATION available from Towne. Call 851-3434 for information.

Fences

See “ENCLOSURES”

Clothes Lines

Clothes hanging fixtures and similar structures are not permitted, attached or freestanding.

Retaining Walls

The exposed portion of any retaining wall must be covered with brick, wood or stone.

Mailboxes

Mailboxes and mailbox foundations must be of a simple design and may not be constructed of components not customarily used in the vicinity. They may not resemble any object other than a traditional mailbox.

Signs

Permanent signs of any size or character are prohibited. Temporary signs, such as those traditionally used by real estate agents, political candidates, and personal property sales, are permitted during appropriate times. Temporary signs should not exceed a width or height of four (4) feet.

Flagpoles

Permanent freestanding flagpoles are not permitted.

Exterior Fireplaces

Permanent structures designed for the preparation of food outside a dwelling are permitted if they are not a dominant feature of the landscape.

Decks, Patios, and Walkways

These improvements are actually an extension of a house and must be compatible in style, color and material. Decks must be wood. Patios and walkways may be of any material except unfinished asphalt. Landscaping should be a part of their design, especially exposed areas under decks. Their locations on the lot must not reduce the width of existing side yards when adjacent to other houses. If required for safety, handrails must be at least 36 inches high. Any portion of a patio or deck that is covered by any type of material or surface will be evaluated as a porch.

Porches

These improvements are actually an extension of a house and must be comparable in style, color and material. If enclosed with glass or screens, the sash must match that of the house. Roof materials and designs should match the house.

Animal Shelters

As a separate item, animal shelters, such as doghouses, are not permitted. They may, however, be evaluated under “OTHER STRUCTURES AND UNUSUAL IMPROVEMENTS.” For considerations under this category, they should be located adjacent to a house and of a similar color and texture. They may not be a dominant feature of the landscape.

Approval - Not A Guarantee

No approval of plans and specifications shall be construed as representing or implying that such plans, specifications or standards will, if followed, result in properly designed improvements. Such approval shall in no event be construed as representing or guaranteeing that any improvement built in accordance therewith will be built in a good and workmanlike manner.

The Association shall not be responsible or liable for any defects in any plans or specifications submitted, revised or approved, pursuant to the terms of this document, in loss or damage to any person arising out of the approval or disapproval of any plans or specifications, any loss or damage arising from the non-compliance of such plans and specifications with any governmental ordinances and regulations, nor any defects in construction undertaken pursuant to such plans and specifications.

Variances

In order to avoid unnecessary hardship and/or to overcome practical difficulties in the application of certain provisions of these building restrictions, the Board shall have the authority to grant reasonable variances from said provisions. No variance shall materially injure or materially adversely affect any other part of the property or any other owner or occupant. No variance granted should constitute a waiver of any provision of the building restrictions as applied to any other party or other part of the property, and no variance may be granted to permit anything that is prohibited by applicable law. All provisions of the building restrictions not affected by the grant of a variance shall continue to apply with full force and effect to the lot for which the variance is granted and to the balance of the property.

The above resolution was approved by the Beckett Ridge Homeowners Association No. 1 Board of Trustees on August 28, 2002