Exterior Lighting Guidelines

The purpose of these guidelines is to preserve the aesthetic harmony, architectural consistency, safety, and residential character of the community while allowing homeowners reasonable flexibility in exterior lighting design.

All exterior lighting installations and modifications must comply with the following standards.

1. Architectural Review Approval Required

Any addition, replacement, relocation, or modification of exterior lighting fixtures requires prior written approval from the HOA Board or Architectural Review Committee (ARC).

Homeowners must submit an Architectural Review Change Request Form that includes:

  • Description of the proposed lighting

  • Fixture specifications and/or product photos

  • Proposed installation locations

  • Color and finish information

  • Any applicable wiring or mounting details

No installation work may begin until written approval has been granted.

2. Compatibility with Community Aesthetic

All exterior lighting fixtures must be compatible with the architectural style and aesthetic character of the neighborhood.

New lighting should:

  • Match or closely complement the style, scale, finish, and appearance of existing lighting within the community

  • Maintain a traditional and residential appearance consistent with the original builder design

  • Avoid excessively modern, commercial, industrial, ornate, or decorative styles that are inconsistent with surrounding homes

The HOA reserves the right to reject fixtures deemed incompatible with the community aesthetic.

3. Permitted Fixture Locations

Exterior lighting fixtures may only be installed in locations where the original builder-installed lighting was located.

Examples include:

  • Front entry lights

  • Garage carriage lights

  • Rear patio/deck lights originally installed by the builder

Additional lighting locations are generally prohibited unless specifically approved by the HOA.

Exception – Security Lighting

Security spotlights or motion-activated floodlights may be installed only on the rear elevation of the home, subject to the following conditions:

  • Lights must be reasonably shielded and directed downward

  • Lighting may not shine directly onto neighboring homes, lots, streets, or common areas

  • Excessively bright or commercial-style security lighting is prohibited

  • Motion sensor activation is strongly encouraged

  • Security lighting fixtures should be mounted as inconspicuously as possible

4. String Lighting

Decorative string lighting is permitted only in the rear of the home and must not be visible from the street.

String lighting:

  • May be installed on patios, decks, pergolas, or fenced rear-yard areas

  • Must be maintained in good condition

  • May not be attached to front elevations, rooflines, trees in front yards, or common-area property

  • Must emit soft white or warm white lighting only unless temporarily used for approved holiday lighting

5. Brightness and Color Temperature

Exterior lighting should provide subtle residential illumination and should not create glare or nuisance conditions.

The following are prohibited:

  • Excessively bright lighting

  • Flashing, blinking, rotating, or color-changing lights

  • Colored lighting used for non-holiday decorative purposes

  • Commercial-grade floodlighting

  • Lighting that creates glare visible from neighboring homes or streets

To maintain neighborhood consistency, lighting should utilize warm white color temperatures generally between 2700K and 3000K.

6. Fixture Height and Direction

To minimize visual impact and light pollution:

  • Freestanding light posts or pole-mounted fixtures are prohibited unless specifically approved by the HOA

  • Exterior lighting fixtures may not exceed the height of the roofline

  • Spotlights and accent lighting must be directed downward or toward architectural or landscape features

  • Uplighting that illuminates large portions of the home façade, trees, or the night sky is discouraged and subject to HOA approval

7. Wiring and Installation Standards

All wiring, conduit, and associated hardware should be professionally installed and concealed whenever reasonably possible.

The following are prohibited:

  • Exposed extension cords used as permanent lighting solutions

  • Loose or hanging wiring

  • Temporary installations intended for permanent use

All installations must comply with applicable local building and electrical codes.

8. Decorative and Event Lighting

Temporary decorative lighting for private events or gatherings is permitted provided that:

  • Lighting is temporary in nature

  • Lighting does not create a nuisance for neighboring properties

  • Lighting is removed within 72 hours following the event

9. Holiday Lighting

Temporary holiday lighting is permitted in accordance with the Association’s seasonal decoration guidelines.

Unless otherwise approved by the HOA:

  • Holiday lighting may be installed no earlier than 45 days before the applicable holiday

  • Holiday lighting must be removed within 30 days following the holiday

10. Maintenance Requirements

All lighting fixtures must be:

  • Properly maintained

  • Securely mounted

  • Free from rust, damage, exposed wiring, or discoloration

Non-functioning or damaged fixtures must be repaired or replaced promptly.

11. Nuisance and Neighbor Consideration

Exterior lighting may not create an unreasonable disturbance to neighboring homes or common areas.

The HOA may require modification, shielding, repositioning, dimming, or removal of lighting determined to be a nuisance due to:

  • Excessive brightness

  • Improper direction

  • Light trespass onto adjacent property

  • Continuous operation during late-night hours

Homeowners are encouraged to use timers or motion sensors whenever practical.

12. Non-Compliance

Any exterior lighting installed without approval or in violation of these guidelines may result in:

  • Written notice of violation

  • Fines in accordance with the Association’s enforcement policy

  • Requirement to remove or modify the lighting at the homeowner’s expense

13. HOA Authority

The HOA Board and/or Architectural Review Committee retains the authority to interpret and enforce these guidelines and to approve or deny applications based on the overall harmony and aesthetic consistency of the community.

The HOA may require homeowners to provide additional information or make reasonable modifications as a condition of approval.