GUIDELINES & FAQs FOR OTHER EXTERIOR ISSUES
The CC&R Architectural Control Guidelines specify that any alteration, enhancement, improvement, upgrade or addition/deletion to the outside of the house and property must be approved by the Architectural Chair before proceeding.
I would like to add windows or replace some windows. Do I need Architectural Chair approval?
Yes, you will need to have the Architectural Chair review placement; materials and you are responsible for local code and permitting, if needed. The Architectural Chair will give final approval on your project.
I would like to add a deck. Do I need approval from the Architectural Chair?
Yes, you will need to have a plan, plot map, permitting if needed and materials list. A site inspection is needed to ensure your deck plan does not impact any neighbors.
I would like to put up a lattice on the exterior of my home. It would face the street. Do I need approval for this?
Yes, contact the Architectural Chair for approval on placement, size, and materials.
I am replacing my gutters, garage doors, adding rain chains and roofing. Do I need approval for all of these exterior changes?
Yes, contact the Architectural Chair for approval.
I want to add a built-in generator or a whole-house air conditioner to the outside of my house. Do you have any guidance for that?
Contact the Architectural Chair before installing one. Just as window-mounted air conditioners are not allowed in the front of the house, the main restriction we have is that whole-house air conditions or generators must NOT be placed where they are visible from the front of the house. That means they must be placed in the backyard, behind the fence. We also ask that you are as considerate of your neighbors as possible…obviously these additions can be noise annoyances for them.
I want to replace the grass in my front / side yard with something more ecologically sound, or maybe a vegetable garden. Any recommendations?
We understand some yards may not be conducive to grass lawns. Some alternatives to grass would be to replace grass lawns with native plants, plant clover lawns, install raised beds, or increase mulching areas. For more information on replacing grass lawns with other materials, visit this King County site on the topic. We have some great examples of no-grass lawns in the neighborhood to check out.
Some residents are interested in substituting grass for artificial turf. Artificial turf is only allowed to side and rear lawns.
Please review the Guidelines & FAQs: Artificial Turf section of this website before contacting the Architectural Chair with your full landscaping plan and Sammamish City approval before proceeding.
The CC&Rs say “No….structure….shall be erected, placed, or altered…until approved by the Architectural Chair.” What’s a “structure”?
A structure may be a building, but, as the dictionary defines it more broadly, it is “anything composed of parts arranged together in some way.” A permanent basketball pole/backboard, for instance, would be included in that definition, but a portable one that could be rolled away would be approved. A trampoline would also be included in that definition. As with any exterior changes, you need Architectural Chair approval before proceeding.
I would like to add windows or replace some windows. Do I need Architectural Chair approval?
Yes, you will need to have the Architectural Chair review placement; materials and you are responsible for local code and permitting, if needed. The Architectural Chair will give final approval on your project.
I would like to add a deck. Do I need approval from the Architectural Chair?
Yes, you will need to have a plan, plot map, permitting if needed and materials list. A site inspection is needed to ensure your deck plan does not impact any neighbors.
I would like to put up a lattice on the exterior of my home. It would face the street. Do I need approval for this?
Yes, contact the Architectural Chair for approval on placement, size, and materials.
I am replacing my gutters, garage doors, adding rain chains and roofing. Do I need approval for all of these exterior changes?
Yes, contact the Architectural Chair for approval.
I want to add a built-in generator or a whole-house air conditioner to the outside of my house. Do you have any guidance for that?
Contact the Architectural Chair before installing one. Just as window-mounted air conditioners are not allowed in the front of the house, the main restriction we have is that whole-house air conditions or generators must NOT be placed where they are visible from the front of the house. That means they must be placed in the backyard, behind the fence. We also ask that you are as considerate of your neighbors as possible…obviously these additions can be noise annoyances for them.
I want to replace the grass in my front / side yard with something more ecologically sound, or maybe a vegetable garden. Any recommendations?
We understand some yards may not be conducive to grass lawns. Some alternatives to grass would be to replace grass lawns with native plants, plant clover lawns, install raised beds, or increase mulching areas. For more information on replacing grass lawns with other materials, visit this King County site on the topic. We have some great examples of no-grass lawns in the neighborhood to check out.
Some residents are interested in substituting grass for artificial turf. Artificial turf is only allowed to side and rear lawns.
Please review the Guidelines & FAQs: Artificial Turf section of this website before contacting the Architectural Chair with your full landscaping plan and Sammamish City approval before proceeding.
The CC&Rs say “No….structure….shall be erected, placed, or altered…until approved by the Architectural Chair.” What’s a “structure”?
A structure may be a building, but, as the dictionary defines it more broadly, it is “anything composed of parts arranged together in some way.” A permanent basketball pole/backboard, for instance, would be included in that definition, but a portable one that could be rolled away would be approved. A trampoline would also be included in that definition. As with any exterior changes, you need Architectural Chair approval before proceeding.
