Dear Rushland Property Owner,
From the beginning, the goal of the development of Rushland has been to achieve an uncommon and visually pleasing blend of natural beauty and planned convenience. Common areas and residential homesites have been integrated to provide convenient access to the natural amenities that add ambiance and flavor to this unique way of live. Rushland’s developer has also implemented a well-researched plan to guide home and homesite development which is administered through an Architectural Review Board. Environmentally sensitive design can be best achieved through a careful, well-thought-out response to the configuration of your homesite, the Low Country climate, existing vegetation, and topography of the building site. Research has confirmed a principle we hold that Rushland’s most outstanding feature is its natural beauty. The Architectural Review Board is committed to protecting and enhancing this precious asset. Thus, our primary objective is to assist you in your planning efforts, and we stand ready to do so. These guidelines are intended to serve as your benchmark in the complex, yet rewarding, process of building a new home. We trust this guide will be a helpful tool in planning your home in Rushland. It can neither provide all the answers nor guarantee ideal solutions for every situation. As questions arise concerning your building plans, the Board will be very pleased to assist you. We encourage you to participate when possible in presentations to the Board, as they are made by your architect, builder, or landscape architect.
We also hope that you, your architect, your landscape architect, and your builder will find these guidelines helpful. We encourage your comments and your questions. Please don’t hesitate to call on us.
Rushland Architectural Review Board
RUSHLAND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD
Architectural Review Board Submission Requirements
All submittals of architectural drawings must be prepared and stamped
by a licensed SC architect.
CONCEPTUAL REVIEW:
• Completed Conceptual Review Form (See forms at back of Habitat Book)
•4 half size scalable sets:
Site Survey Plan (1/8” = 1’0”) (By licensed surveyor)
Floor Plans (1/8” = 1’0”)
Elevations (1/8” = 1’0”)
• Current Plat by a licensed surveyor showing existing property lines, trees, and topography
• ARB Processing Fee: $1,000.00 for first three submissions (Payable to: “Rushland ARB”)
* Please note that additional details on the submission requirements can be found in the Rushland Habitat Book, pp. 42-43. For additional fee requirements, see fee sheet in Habitat Book.
PRELIMINARY REVIEW:
• Completed Preliminary Review Form (See forms at back of Habitat Book)
•4 half size scalable sets REVISED
site plans
floor plans
elevations with BFE, finished floor levels, and overall building
height depicted
• Current Plat by a licensed surveyor showing existing property lines,
trees, and topography
•Preliminary stake out of lot by licensed surveyor
RUSHLAND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD
Every submission should have all components or you run the risk of not being reviewed at all.
FINAL REVIEW:
• Completed Final Review Form (See forms at back of Habitat Book)
•4 half size scalable sets and 1 full size set of Updated and Revised:
Site plans (1” = 10’)
Floor plans
Elevations - with all materials accurately depicted and noted
• Current Plat by a licensed surveyor showing existing property lines, trees, and topography
• Landscaping Plan with Plant List and sizes installed (1” = 10’)
• Landscape Lighting Plan (if applicable)
• Tree Protection, Grading, and Drainage Plan
• Final stake out of home footprint on lot by registered surveyor
• Sealed Foundation and Framing Plans
• Building Sections
• Electrical and Mechanical Plans
• Building Details (Please see p. 46 Habitat Book)
• Written Construction Specifications
• Color Board: Sample Board of Actual Materials (not small separate samples or paint chips)
• ARB Construction Deposit: $1,750.00/builder and $1,750.00/lot owner
(Payable to: “Rushland ARB” and returned upon completion of construction)
Deposit will be returned upon completion of home and inspection with approval by ARB.**
** Please see Community Association Documents for more information.
RUSHLAND ARB SITE PLAN REQUIREMENTS:
The Rushland Architectural Review Board requirements are intended to supplement, not replace, all building code requirements for the City of Charleston. Owners are required to comply with all building code requirements and architectural review board approval of an owner’s plans does not constitute approval that the plans meet building case requirements.
• Must be prepared by a South Carolina licensed surveyor with stamp/sealed drawing including:
Property lines
Building setbacks
Wetland limits, critical lines (if applicable)
All trees 8” caliper and greater
Protected and grand trees
Any and all existing topography with elevation lines
Flood Zone(s)
All utilities: electrical boxes, fire hydrants, etc.
SITE PLAN
•All of the above plus:
House footprint
Driveways
Walks
Pools
Lot coverage calculation
Walls and fences
GRADING AND DRAINAGE
•Proposed contours, swales, etc.
TREE PROTECTION
•Per City of Charleston Tree Ordinance
LANDSCAPE PLAN
•Should be stamped by a licensed South Carolina Landscape Architect
•Include plant list with sizes installed
•Require 1 tree for every 3,000 square feet of land (inclusive of all existing trees)
The largest and most northward of the islands the English named John’s Island. Horseshoe shaped, ten miles across, and thirty-two miles from point to point, it is separated from Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island on the south and east by the Kiawah River, from James Island – not a part of St. John’s Colleton – and the mainland on the east and north by the Stono River, and from Wadmalaw Island, its closest sibling, on the west and south by Church and Bohicket creeks. Of an area of forty thousand acres – almost seventy-two square miles – eighteen thousand acres, somewhat less than half, would prove to be suitable for farmland; the interior was, and to some extent still is, a dark tangled jungle.
Excerpt from A Place Called St. John’s
“The concept for the property is a waterfront residential community that retains its rural ambiance and is developed around a set of core values. The core values include protecting and enhancing the natural environment; architecture that is indigenous, timeless, and secondary to nature; authenticity; simplicity; and a respect for the history of the area. Strict architectural controls will enhance the appeal of the community and set it apart from other communities in the area located in a rural context.”
Diana Permar
President, Permar, Inc.
Vice Chairman, Urban Land Institute
The natural landscape of Rushland has evolved over time into a unique and beautiful island with various ecosystems. The preservation of the rural character of Rushland was a driving factor in the key design decisions during the planning process for the community.
Preservation goals were simple:
• Protect ecological communities
• Design a master plan contextually by letting regional, watershed, and site-specific conditions determine appropriate features for the community
•Create positive, progressive, and constructive attitudes about the natural world
•Create an indigenous, low-maintenance landscape
The arrival experience to the island will be preserved by using the existing causeway corridor. The entry maintains the rural character of the community and allows for the observance of the natural environment and wildlife. Thirty-one oak trees from the existing causeway will be preserved and transplanted to the common areas of the main island. The edges of the island will remain in a natural state through the use of buffer zones. These buffer zones protect the sensitive marsh ecosystem and provide exceptional views. The natural feel of the island remains undisturbed from the adjacent waterways. The existing grand oaks give the island a sense of history and beauty and will be preserved for future generations to enjoy. Roads and lots were specifically located to ensure future homes would not interfere with these trees. All grand oaks will receive treatment from Rushland’s arborist.
In the master planning process the project site’s diversity became apparent, varying from the ever-dynamic salt marsh to the dominant mature Live Oak forests. It was determined that the site should be maintained, preserved, and enhanced as an ecological community. To enhance the natural environment over the entire island, native plants were added to the roadways and public spaces. The plantings consist of a high diversity of species to assure a year-round food supply for wildlife. To
aid in ecological survival, various types of land uses were incorporated into the plan as well as connecting the open space into a large continuous mass. The open spaces act as wildlife corridors linking the newly created ponds and existing forests to the salt marsh, as it has forever. There are five interconnected scenic lagoons totaling over ten acres. In addition to reducing runoff and pollutants into the rivers, the lagoons were created using Ducks Unlimited principles of “working with nature.” The use of indigenous aquatic plant material along the lagoon edges was designed to enhance the flora and fauna of the Low Country. Several grassed edges permit residents easy access to the lagoons for fishing or other activities. Over nine acres of open space allow every resident to take pleasure in
the peaceful enjoyment of the marshes, lagoons, forests, and fields through a system of connected greenways and community parks. One such park, McPherson Landing Park, includes a community outdoor pavilion, oyster roasting area, and dock on the Stono River. Landscape easements along Rushland Landing Road provide a scenic drive in addition to a naturalistic landscape with paths that connect the residents to the community parks. As an island community surrounded by marsh and waterways, the plan has a generous amount of community open space at the water’s edge. Twelve points of access to the river and marshes are dispersed throughout the community. In addition to the neighborhood and community docks on the Stono River, there is a neighborhood crabbing dock on the west side of the island.
L A N D S C A P E G U I D E L I N E S
GENERAL
Rushland has evolved over time into a unique and beautiful hammock supporting various ecosystems. Each lot contains a portion of a wonderful ecological fabric and should be reinforced through the use of native plant materials. A list of plant materials that homeowners are encouraged to use is shown in the landscape palette. The list is not exhaustive, but highlights typical plants that would thrive in this habitat. The informal planting of these native plants will keep our island landscape seamless
SITE PLAN
All site plans and landscaping plans are to be approved by the Architectural Review Board (ARB). Site plans are to include a tree survey of all hardwood trees with an 8" caliper and greater, and pines with a 24" caliper and greater.
BUFFERS
Where a lot abuts the marsh, a 25-ft. vegetative buffer is required. The following are restricted in the buffer:
• Manicured, grassed lawns
•Removal of protected trees
• Pruning shrubs below three ft. in height
Supplemental planting with approved plants is encouraged.
PROTECTED TREES
A protected tree is any hardwood tree with an 8” caliper or greater and any pine with a 24” caliper or greater.
TREE REMOVAL/REPLACEMENT
Grand trees (24" dia., 48" above grade) can only be removed with a variance from the City of Charleston. Protected trees in non-buffered areas can be removed with the approval of the ARB.
ESTATE PARCELS
As per Charleston City Zoning, any lot that is equal to or greater than one acre requires fifteen (15) protected trees per acre to be saved. For parcels containing less than fifteen (15) protected trees per acre, the total number of protected trees per acre required to be saved shall equal the total number of protected trees existing on the parcel.
LANDSCAPE EASEMENT
Lagoon Homesites Only
All interior lots on Rushland Landing Road have a 25-ft. landscape easement on the front of the property. The developer will plant the easement; however, homeowners can supplement with their own landscaping with approval from the ARB. Driveways on Rushland Landing Road have been located to complement and enhance the landscape buffer. The developer has installed the pathways in the easement.
REQUIRED PLANTING
General
Two (2) canopy trees shall be planted in the front yard and one (1) canopy tree shall be planted in the rear yard. Selected from the landscape palette, each tree must have a minimum of 4" caliper as measured 12" above the root ball.
REQUIRED PLANTING
Lagoon Homesites
One (1) canopy tree shall be planted in the front yard and two (2) canopy trees shall be planted in the rear yard for lots on Rushland Landing Road. Selected from the landscape palette, each tree must have a minimum of 4" caliper as measured 12" above the root ball.
APPROVAL
All site plans, tree protection, grading and landscape plans are to be designed and stamped by a registered landscape architect in the state of South Carolina, and approved by the ARB.
LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES/PALETTE
These trees are a starting point and can be expanded upon; trees will be approved on a case-by-case basis.
DECIDUOUS TREES
Acer rubrum - Red Maple
Betula nigra - Riverbirch
Carya illionoinensis - Pecan
Carya ovata - Shagbark Hickory
Fagus grandifolia - American Beech
Fraxinus pennsylvanica - Green Ash
Liquidambar styraciflua - Sweet Gum
Liriodendron tulipifra - Tulip Poplar
Nyssa sylvatica - Black Tupelo
Platinus occidentalis - Sycamore
Quercus alba - White Oak
Quercus falcate - Southern Red Oak
Quercus phellos - Willow Oak
Taxodium disticum - Bald Cypress
EVERGREEN TREES
Ilexopaca - American Holly
Magnolia grandiflora - Southern Magnolia
Juniperous virginiana - Eastern Red Cedar
Pinus elliottii - Slash Pine
Pinus glabra - Spruce Pine
Pinus palustris - Longleaf Pine
Pinus taeda - Loblolly Pine
Prunus caroliniana - Carolina Cherry Laurel
Quercus virginiana - Live Oak
Sabal Palmetto - Cabbage Palm
SMALL DECIDUOUS AND FLOWERING TREES
Amelancier arborea - Serviceberry
Carpinus carolinina - Musclewood
Cercis canadensis - Redbud
Chionanthus virginicus - Fringe Tree
Cornus florida - Dogwood
Crataegus spp - Hawthorne
Diospyros virginiana - Persimmon
Halesia carolina - Carolina Silverbell
Hamamelis virginiana - Witch Hazel
Sassafras albidum – Sassafras
SMALL EVERGREEN TREES
Gordonia lasianthus - Loblolly Bay
Ilex vomitoria - Yaupon Holly
Ilex cassine - Dahoon Holly
Magnolia virginiana - Sweetbay Magnolia
Osmanthus asmericana - American Tea Olive
Pesoa borbonia - Red Bay
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS
Aesculus pavia - Red Buckeye
Callicarpa americana - Beautyberry
Cephalanthus floridus - Sweetshrub
Cephalanthus occidentialis - Buttonbush
Hybiscus moscheutos - Rose Mallow
Hydrangea quercifolia - Oakleaf Hydrangea
Ilex verticillata - Winterberry
Illicium floridanum - Florida Anise
Itea virginica - Sweetspire
Rhododendron nudiflorum - Pinxter Azalea
Rhus copallina - Winged Sumac
Vaccinium arboreum - Sparkleberry
Viburnum dentatum - Southern Arrowwood
EVERGREEN SHRUBS
Baccharis halimifolia - Groundsel
Ilex glabra - Inkberry
Ilex vomitoria nana - Dwarf Yaupon Holly
Leucothoe axillaries - Fetterbush
Myrica cericifera - Wax Myrtle
Sabal minor - Dwarf Palmetto
Serenoa repens - Saw Palmetto
Yucca filimentosa - Bear Grass
Yucca gloriosa - Mound-Lily Yucca
LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES/ESTATE, MARSH VIEW, & LAGOON HOME FENCES
GENERAL
Fencing can be an integral part of landscape design. The rural characteristics of Rushland suggest that the fencing be subtle. Through thoughtful placement and planting, the function of the fence can enhance the aesthetics of the island.
LOCATION
Fences are allowed within the building setback.
MATERIALS
The approved fence materials are as follows:
•Wood
•Wood and welded wire “living fence”
•Wood pickets of custom design
SIZE
All fences shall not exceed four ft. in height.
COLOR
All fences shall be natural or painted to coordinate with the mainhouse. Fence colors are subject to approval from the ARB.
LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES/ MARSH COVE FENCES GENERAL
In order to unify the neighborhood feel of the homes, the homeowner will be required to employ a typical fence type at the front property line. The following gives information regarding the location, material, size, and color of the required fencing and the approved fence types for the side and rear yards.
FRONT PROPERTY LINE FENCES MATERIAL
All fences along the front of the property line within the neighborhood shall be wood pickets approved by ARB.
SIZE
All fences along the front property line shall have a height of three ft.
COLOR
All fences along the front property line shall be a shade of white.
REAR/SIDE PROPERTY LINE FENCES LOCATION
Fences are allowed along the side and rear property lines.
MATERIAL
All fences along the side property line must match the front property line fence from the front property line to the front face of the main house. After this point all side and rear fences may match the front
property line fence or be selected from the list of approved fence types.
SIZE
All fences along the side or rear property lines shall not exceed four ft. in height.
COLOR
All fences along the side property lines shall match the front property line fence in color from the front property line to the front facade of the main house. After this point all side and rear fences may match the front property line fence or coordinate with the main house. Fence colors are subject to approval from the ARB.
APPROVED FENCE TYPES
The following are approved fence types for the side and rear property line fences:
•Wood • Wood and welded wire “living fence”
•Wood pickets of custom design
LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES/ DRIVEWAYS, PARKING, AND LIGHTING GENERAL
Driveways and parking areas should be designed in such a way as to reduce their impact on the visual landscape. This can be accomplished by limiting the driveway width to 12 ft. using permeable pavements, and incorporating curved geometry in the design. Two 4" conduits must be located beneath the driveway and indicated on the siteplan.
PREFERRED MATERIALS
•Oyster shell
• Plantation mix
• Milled asphalt
•Shell sand
ACCEPTED MATERIALS
• Concrete
• Brick
• Asphalt
• Tabby
• Combinations of the listed materials
LIGHTING
The landscape lighting should be kept to a minimum to preserve the rural setting. Lights should focus on the landscaping and not the architecture of the site. All fixtures should be low voltage and concealed as well as possible. Floodlighting from the eaves of the roof is limited and subject to approval.
RUSHLAND GENERAL ARB GUIDELINES
FRONT YARD SETBACK
Minimum 50-ft. setback from the front property line to the front porch. A 25-ft. landscape buffer is included in the front yard setback of lagoon lots which front Rushland Landing Road.
FRONT FAÇADE ZONE
The façade is to be located in a 20-ft. zone off the front yard setback.
SIDE YARD SETBACK
Minimum 15-ft. setback from the side property line.
REAR YARD SETBACK/REAR YARD BUFFER
Minimum 25-ft. rear yard buffer from rear yard setback to Lagoon Common Area.
PRIVATE ZONE/LOT COVERAGE
This is the zone for the construction of the home. The home footprint (measured from exterior of wall to exterior of wall) and driveway may not cover more than 35% of the private zone (see pg. 25 Marsh Cove site exceptions).
HEIGHT & STORY LIMITATIONS
The height of the home is not to exceed 45 feet above natural grade. The home cannot be more than 2 1/2 stories of heated space above the FEMA flood zone. Current requirements for elevated structures by the current local jurisdiction shall take priority over these requirements.
MINIMUM CONDITIONED SPACE
The minimum heated and cooled space allowed for Rushland homes is as follows:
• Marsh Cove homesites - 2,400 sq.ft.
• Lagoon homesites - 2,400 sq.ft.
• Marsh View homesites - 2,800 sq.ft.
• Estate homesites - 3,200 sq.ft.
TREE PROTECTION ZONE YOUR HOME SHOULD BE SITED TO PRESERVE AS MANY TREES AS POSSIBLE.
Tree protection for all grand and protected trees must be put in place before construction is allowed to commence and must be maintained throughout the construction process. Grand trees (a easurement of 24" caliper at 48" above natural grade) will require a variance to be removed in accordance with the City of Charleston Tree Protection Ordinance. A copy of this ordinance to be obtained by homeowner.
25-ft. rear yard setback
15-ft. side yard setbackprivate zone
20-ft. front façade zone50-ft. front yard setback street
SIZE
Marsh Cove sites are 70 feet wide with atypical depth of 180 feet.
PRIVATE ZONE/LOT COVERAGE
Construction of the main body of the homes in Marsh Cove sites only may consist of 50% of the private zone. The home footprint is measured from exterior of wall to exterior of wall, and includes the driveway.
LAGOON HOUSE PLACEMENT
25-ft. rear yard setback
15-ft. side yard setback
20-ft. front façade zone50-ft. front yard setback private zone street
SIZE
Lagoon lots vary in size, but are generally around a half-acre.
MARSH VIEW HOUSE PLACEMENT
Stono River marsh
OCRM critical line
25-ft. rear yard buffer
10-ft. rear yard setback
15-ft. side yard setbackprivate zone
20-ft. front façade zone50-ft. front yard setback
Marsh View lots vary in size, but are street generally around a half-acre.
Rendering shown not exclusive to Estate plan options and subject to individual design review.
ESTATE HOUSE PLACEMENT
25-ft. rear yard buffer
10-ft. rear yard setback
15-ft. side yard setback
20-ft. front façade zone
50-ft. front yard setback
Estate lots vary in size, but are generally around one acre.
GENERAL
Rushland Island is located in a V-flood zone. This requires conditioned areas to be elevated which allows all living levels to view the surrounding natural environment. See local code to confirm levations and construction methods for the specific site conditions. The soil conditions at Rushland may support a shallow foundation system. However, in order to withstand a major seismic event involving “liquefaction” of the underlying soil, deep pilings may be advisable in certain areas. A strata of hard soil called the Cooper Marl exists some 30 feet below the surface and can serve as a support for the pilings. Owners are advised to consult a geotechnical engineer for specific advice on their house foundation.
BUILDING CONFIGURATION
Piers
Masonry piers shall be no less than twelve inches wide and eight inches deep.
Foundation Wall Openings
Wall thickness minimum eight inches at openings.
Note: Planting material must be planted so that it will cover at least one-half of the height of the foundation at installation.
BUILDING MATERIALS
Brick
Running bond, Flemish bond, English bond, raked mortar joints, max width 1/2".
Stucco
True masonry stucco only.
Tabby
Lime concrete with burnt oyster shell.
Color
Foundations are to be at least three shades darker than the body color of the house.
BUILDING CONFIGURATION
Exterior Wall Finishes
The listed materials are accepted. Variations and color pallettes to be approved by the ARB.
Chimneys
Chimneys for prefabricated fireplaces must have a metal or masonry cap detail to conceal spark arrestor.
Porches
Minimum 8 ft. deep, maximum 12 ft. deep. Rear porch depth may exceed 12 ft.
Porch Columns
Minimum column diameter of 8"; square column minimum of 8".
Ceiling Heights
Interior floor to ceiling height on the first floor 10-ft. minimum, second floor 8-ft. minimum.
BUILDING MATERIALS
Brick
Running bond, Flemish bond, English bond, raked mortar joints, max width 1/2".
Stucco
True masonry stucco only.
Tabby
Lime concrete with burnt oyster shell; trowelled shell may be permitted upon approval of sample.
Chimneys
Brick, stucco, or tabby - no siding or woodclad.
Wood
Clapboard, 4 to 7 inch exposure, smooth finish; Beaded clapboard, 5 to 7 inches, smooth finish. Shingle, plain bevel. Ship lap, for contrast, not to be used for whole house. Board and Batten vertical siding, louvers, lattices, approved by the ARB. Shingle accents on a case-by-case basis.
Cementitious Siding
Cementitious siding (such as certain products manufactured by Hardie) may be used upon approval by the ARB.
BUILDING CONFIGURATION
Simple Gable and Simple Hip
Symmetrical pitch—min. 7:12, max. 14:12
Closed/Parapet Gable
Symmetrical pitch—min. 1:12, max. 12:12
Simple Shed
Asymmetrical pitch—min. 4:12 max. 12:12. To be used against a principal building wall or as a dormer.
Flat Roof with Parapet
Accessible from an interior room only.
Dormers
Shall be a minimum 36 inches from end gable. Roofed with a symmetrical gable, hip, or shed. Typical dormer should have minimal or no soffit. Typical dormer should be no wider than the window plus the trim. No boxed-end soffit details at dormer.
Roof Penetrations
Vent stacks, roof vents, and other roof penetrations of this type are to be painted to match the roof. They should be located on roof surfaces that are the least visible from the street.
BUILDING MATERIALS
Wood
Shake-split
Shingle-sawn
Rebutted, rejointed
Metal
Standing seam
Batten and ribbed
V-crimp
Tile
Spanish (pan) tile
Slate
Colors to be approved by the ARB.
GUTTERS
Wood
Copper
Pre-finished aluminum
Note: Simulated versions of the above materials may be reviewed by the ARB on a case-by-case basis. Fiberglass shingles are considered unacceptable.
Windows
Glazing area shall not exceed 35% of façade surface. Masonry walls shall have lintels or jack arches above all openings. Window heads shall be separated from frieze by 6" minimum. Bay windows to project a minimum of 8 inches. Muntins to be simulated divided light at a minimum with wood
muntins on the interior of window unit, metal or clad muntins on the exterior with a spacer bar in between the panes of glass.
Garage Doors
Maximum width shall be ten feet. Shall not face the street if in the primary structure. May face the street if in secondary structure located in the rear of the primary structure.
Shutters
Must be operable and sized to match opening.
Permitted Accessories
Storm windows and doors
Wooden window boxes
Canvas awnings (except quarter cylinders)
BUILDING MATERIALS
Windows
Wood, clad wood, aluminum
No all-vinyl windows
Doors
Wood, clad wood
Shutters
Wood or ARB-approved composite material
Docks
Docks must be located in accordance with the Dock Corridor Master Plan. Dock design will be submitted to the ARB for final approval.
Pools
In-ground pools and above-ground pools are acceptable if within the setbacks and meet the buildable area. Above-ground pools must be integral with the main house. Pools to be approved by the ARB. Pools shall be surrounded by a minimum 4-ft. high fence or comply with local regulations for pools.
Mailboxes*
•A mailbox is required for use at all residences. Its purpose is to give emergency service personnel and visitors a consistent device for locating addresses.
•The mailbox shall be #2 standard rural size. Material for the post and arm is 6" x 6" treated Yellow Pine per the drawing. A thru bolt is required in the connection of the arms to the post.
•The graphics on the arm are 3" white hand routed numerals (Helvetica Medium).
•The mailbox shall be black painted metal. The post and arms shall be stained Charleston Green with copper cap.
• Care should be taken to properly treat post to prevent decay or attack from termites.
• Single-family homes shall be identified only by the graphics specified above.
* Available from the Rushland HOA, fee required.
The following are not to be visible from the street or adjacent homes:
• Electric and gas meters
• Air conditioning compressors
• Clotheslines
• Garbage cans
• Satellite dishes (none over 24" dia.)
• Flag poles and basketball goals
• Yard ornamentation
• Spotlight permitted in rear of building only.
Permitted Materials
Exterior hardware and lighting to be of non-plated metal.
HVAC
• Open loop geothermal systems are not permitted.
•Closed loop geothermal systems are permitted.
Outbuildings
Must be approved by ARB. No pre-fab metal sheds permitted. All locations per City of Charleston zoning.
CONCEPTUAL REVIEW
THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD
The ARB is in place to ensure the highest level of quality and compliance with the standards set in these guidelines. Interpretations will be made at the request of the owner. The ARB reserves the right to grant variances on a case-by-case basis. The ARB does not assume responsibility for the technical, structural, or safety of the design. The ARB does not review compliance with local codes, ordinances, or laws. These are the responsibility of the owner, design professional, and/or contractor.
The Architectural Review Board will meet on the first and thirdThursday of each month. The appropriate forms and drawings are to be submitted and received by the ARB coordinator’s office no later than the Friday prior. A fee is assessed to cover the costs of the ARB review. A review will not take place until the fee is received. Check with the ARB for the current fee.
SITE PLAN (1/8" = 1'-0")
The site plan shall show the roof plan of the house and dimensions demonstrating conformity with all required easements and setbacks. Driveways and walks must be located along with HVAC units, closed loop geothermal fields, and electric meters. Driveways, garage backup areas, and parking areas should be dimensioned. The site plan should be based on a survey, completed and stamped by a licensed surveyor. The following calculations are to be indicated:
•Area of building footprint
•Area of all first floor decks, stairs, and porches
•Area of all driveways, walks, pools, and HVAC units
•Total of these areas in square feet (area of improvements)
•Total high ground area of lot
•Area of improvements expressed as a percentage of the total high ground lot area
FLOOR PLANS (1/8" = 1'-0")
Floor plans shall depict the layout of heated, unheated screened, and covered square footage calculations as measured from outside face of exterior walls for each level, including steps and mezzanines. For area calculations of unheated space, measure from the center line of walls
that separate heated and unheated spaces.
ELEVATIONS (1/8" = 1'-0")
Drawings shall represent the view of all exterior sides of the proposed structure. All materials such as wood, stucco, and masonry elements of all exterior walls shall be accurately and fully depicted. Roof ridge heights, their relationship to FEMA, and interior floor levels should be indicated as well as the relationship to existing and proposed topographical features. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed!
PRELIMINARY REVIEW
SITE PLAN, FLOOR PLAN, ELEVATIONS
(1" = 10'-0")
The conceptual drawings including changes.
PRELIMINARY STAKE OUT
The home shall be staked out on the site marking all corners. A string shall connect all stakes outlining the shape of the footprint, including decks, stairs, raised planters, and driveways. The lot line nearest to the home shall be defined with string. All trees proposed to be removed shall be tied about their circumference with red surveyor’s ribbon.
GRADING AND DRAINAGE PLAN (1" = 10'-0")
The grading and drainage plan shall be based on a survey completed and stamped by a licenced surveyor. They must also show the proposed grading (including landscape berms) and demonstrate that drainage flow does not adversely affect adjoining property or roadside swales. The landscape architect must include a note for the contractor which states: “final grading must be completed in such a way that it does not adversely affect drainage or vegetation on adjoining property or roadside swales.” Spot elevations must also be included at all building corners, the base of all stairs, the garage slab, and all corners of the driveways.
FINAL REVIEW
FINAL STAKE OUT
The preliminary stake out must be updated reflecting changes, if any, in the location of the home or driveway, and any additional trees to be removed.
SITE PLAN (1" = 10'-0")
The preliminary site plan must include any changes and proposed utility service.
LANDSCAPE PLAN (1" = 10'-0")
Conceptual plan identifying limits of proposed lawns, trees, shrubs,groundcover, walks, fences, and other landscape features. Should also include sizes of materials at time of installation.
FOUNDATION AND FRAMING PLAN (1/4" = 1'-0")
Sealed structural plans should show locations and sizes of foundation and framing elements and how they relate to nearby trees.
FLOOR PLANS (1/4" = 1'-0")
A complete set of floor plans containing all information necessary for construction should be provided.
ELEVATIONS (1/4" = 1'-0")
The preliminary elevations including any changes.
All materials must be accurately depicted and noted.
• BFE
• Finished floor levels
•Overall building height
BUILDING SECTIONS
As necessary for clarification or construction.
GRADING AND DRAINAGE PLAN (1" = 10'-0")
The preliminary plan including any changes to tbe completed in such a way that it does not adversely affect drainage or vegetation on adjoining property or roadside swales.
ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL PLANS (1/4" = 1'-0")
Electrical plans must show the meter location and mechanical plans must show enclosed HVAC areas. Charleston County requires plumbing and electrical riser diagrams for homes in the “V-Zone.”
DETAILS
• Typical wall sections
• Exterior trim
• Window and door details
• Exterior walls, fences, and screens
• Railings and/or seating
• Screened porch section
• Patio wall
WRITTEN CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS
A full set of specifications must be submitted defining the quality of all work and materials.
COLOR SAMPLES
Proposed colors of all exterior materials including siding, trim, brick, roofing, stucco, and lattice to be submitted on actual samples of materials proposed for use and attached to a two-foot square panel. Paint chips and small separate samples will not be accepted.
CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES
To be completed prior to construction commencing.
•Erect temporary construction fencing around significant trees or other areas that should not be disturbed. An ARB inspection will be required prior to any excavation or installation of pilings.
•Use only clean fill material and bring only clean equipment to the site to avoid the introduction of invasive, non-native plant and animal species.
•Erect silt fences and use mulch on bare earth to minimize soil erosion and runoff.
•Install underground utility lines close to the driveway, which should be as narrow as possible to avoid any significant trees. Site clearing of a specific lot shall be kept to a minimum. All clearing outside of five ft. of the building footprint will require site approval by the ARB.
• Build with nonpolluting, nontoxic construction materials.
• The ARB has the right to inspect the house no less than two times during construction.
• Final inspection with ARB member once the house is completed and landscaping is installed.
Pre-conceptual Review - Free
First 3 submissions - 1,000.00
Additional submissions - 250.00
Construction Escrow Amount - 3,700.00 (1,750/BUILDER AND 1,750/LOTOWNER)
Color changes - 50.00
Material Changes - 100.00
Additions - 500.00
Tree Removal Request - 10
Mailbox Fee - 250.00