Decks
Decks may be added, revised, or replaced only with prior A&E form approval. Decks must be maintained so that they are structurally safe and aesthetically pleasing.
Decks may be constructed from natural wood or approved synthetics such as Trex, in natural wood tones.
Wood and composite decks that are in compliance with Northampton Township Deck Ordinances are permitted. RNH homeowners must obtain written approval from the RNH Board of Directors prior to beginning construction, expansion, or improvement of a deck. An A&E form along with a set of drawings indicating dimensions, orientation, materials and other details (such as privacy screens, etc.) must be submitted to the RNH Board of Directors (or management company) for review and approval prior to the installation and/or expansion of all decks. Drawings must be in sufficient detail to determine conformity with all requirements specified below. Material brands and color samples must be included with the request. Once the Board approves a deck plan, the homeowner must obtain all necessary building permits and inspections required by Northampton Township. The Board will conduct a follow-up inspection after construction is completed.
Deck Staining Guidelines, Including Wood Fences and Landscaping Ties
Only natural-wood (in brown family) color stains or treatments may be used in compliance with the existing Building Specifications and prior RNH Board approval. RNH homeowners who do not choose to have a composite deck may continue to use clear sealant or stains to color and maintain a new or older deck. RNH homeowners are required to properly maintain wood decks, fences, and landscaping ties, including periodic sealing. Painted decks are not permitted.
Note: RNH homeowners wishing to use a semi-transparent or solid stain must submit an A&E form to the RNH Board for approval prior to sealing/staining the deck. Using incorrect stains that have not been approved in advance will need to be removed and replaced.
The RNH Residents Association stain and composite regulations are designed to maintain uniformity and avoid stark color contrast in the community while assisting RNH homeowners in meeting their maintenance responsibilities in an efficient and cost- effective manner. While the regulations offer a wide range of natural wood colors and composite options Only brown wood tones may be used and stains must be transparent, semi-transparent or solid paint is not acceptable. RNH homeowners must submit stain colors for approval prior to application. Using stains that do not fall within the color spectrum will need to be removed and replaced.
Residents are advised that printed material can be dated. Contact the Management Company for updates.
Deck Size and Positioning
All portions of a deck, including stairs, are restricted to 16-foot maximum from the home’s rear wall and must be entirely behind the home (i.e., it cannot extend into a side yard). Northampton Township has specific requirements regarding the size/orientation of decks based on an owner’s property boundaries. Contact the township to be certain the deck size and positioning is in compliance with property boundaries.
Deck Materials
Pressure-treated or cedar wood and composites are permitted.
Deck Spindles and Railings
Spindles must be at right angle to deck; no designs permitted. The color of the railing/spindles must be wood tones consistent with/matching the color of deck floor and support beams.
Composite Deck Colors
Only brown wood tones may be used. Deck flooring, posts, beams, spindles, and railing must be matching (or blending where an exact composite match is not available). NOTE: Material options change frequently and RNH homeowners must submit a sample of the proposed deck material (flooring and rails) along with the A&E form/plans to be certain the color falls within in appropriate wood tone range.
Deck Privacy Lattices and Fences
Subject to the approval by the RNH Board of Directors, lattice may be installed vertically as a privacy screen on the sides of decks. Privacy fences/lattice cannot exceed 6 feet in height (from the deck floor) for the first 8 feet extending from the rear of the home and no higher than four (4) feet beyond that point to the end of the deck. The style of the privacy fence must be detailed in the A&E form/plans submitted to the Board.
In addition, privacy lattice and fences may also be installed below the deck (extending from the ground to the bottom of the deck on sides and/or front) provided the lattice/fence matches the color of the deck. Similarly, fences surrounding the yard must also be the same wood tone color as the deck.
Fences
Natural wood fencing is permissible only after a written plan is submitted to the RNH Board of Directors and approval is received.
Fences must be spaced, gothic picket style or spaced, dog-ear picket style. No other fence styles are permitted.
Fences may not exceed five (5) feet in height and must be stained according to Section 3W on deck staining guidelines.
For interior homes: fences may only be installed in the rear yard; for homes at the end of each cluster: the fence may not extend beyond a line formed by the outer sidewall of the home.
Fences may not extend into the side yards and may not be installed on common ground.
No fencing (decorative or privacy) is permitted in a front yard.
No yard property boundary line is to be formed by cinderblocks, bricks, masonry, structures, hedges, or shrubbery (including the area between driveways) without RNH Board approval. NOTE: RNH homeowners are responsible for verifying property lines and/or easements.
If a fence is mistakenly constructed on another RNH homeowner’s property or on common ground, the homeowner of the fence is responsible for the repositioning or removal of that section of fencing.
Fences cannot block access to interior units and must accommodate a minimum 5-foot easement access.
NOTE: The RNH Board of Directors has the right to alter or interpret these guidelines in order to maintain community standards.