5 Balconies and Patios

BALCONIES & PATIOS

1. For fire safety and insurance reasons, the use of barbeques is not allowed in patios or balconies. BBQ use is allowed in resident’s parking spots and in designated BBQ areas. BBQs may be left to cool a maximum of 12 hours. As of the publication of these rules, storage of barbeques on balconies is permitted. The Board can impose fines as high as $100 for each initial violation plus violators face liability for insurance increases. (approximately $50,000)

2. Placing, draping, or hanging objects such as towels, rugs, clothing, or any other material on the balcony railings or fences is prohibited. Reasonable holiday lights/decorations are permitted during December if nondestructively attached. WORKING bicycles may be kept on the balconies and patios but no more than two bicycles at any one time.

3. Do not leave personal possessions, toys, equipment or wood anywhere on the common area EXCEPT in the enclosed patio area. Objects kept on an enclosed patio must not extend above the patio fence. These items must be kept in a clean and neat condition. Owners with trees or other plants in their patios must maintain the health of their plants and prevent them from touching the building.

4. Occupants may place appropriate furniture and plants on the balconies with the following restrictions:

a. Plants, unsecured boxes or planters cannot be placed or attached to the balcony railing, nor retain moisture against railings or decks. All plants must have containers underneath them to prevent dripping water onto railings and decks.

b. Only patio-type furniture shall be permitted on the balconies or patios. Kitchen chairs, drying racks, suitcases, etc. are prohibited.

c. Balconies are NOT INTENDED TO BE USED AS STORAGE AREAS and shall not be used for this purpose except what may be contained within approved storage units.  Note: Approval has been given to Rubbermaid models 3748 and 3749 with an architectural request form.

5. Roll-down shades and screen material are permitted only to provide shade and to act as insect deterrents, not to conceal unauthorized and unsuitable personal items stored on the balconies:

a. All screening or shade cloth installed to enclose the opening(s) will be black or dark brown in color, neatly attached, and kept in good repair. No chicken wire.

b. The color of all roll-down type shades shall be brown or white (only one color per unit), and be kept in good repair and working order.

c. Privacy screens, and other materials, cannot be hung/draped/placed across rails and fences. They also cannot extend from one balcony to another, or from the balcony to the fences, or from the building to the fences.

d. All screening materials and roll-down shades are the responsibility of the owner to keep in good condition.

e. Wooden latticework may be placed on the balconies, providing the height does not exceed the height of the balcony railings. The color of the latticework must be consistent with the existing railing.

6. Owners shall be legally/financially liable for all damages, improvements, and alterations to common area property. Owners must take precautions not to exacerbate damages to balconies and/or backyard fences. This includes, but is not limited to, trimming back bushes from backyard fences, keeping dirt away from common area wooden structures, and insuring storage containers, sheds, or other personal items do not compromise the integrity of fences/balconies. An owner can be assessed part or all the cost of repairing /replacing common area property if it is determined that their actions caused premature damages.