MAILBOXES
1. Mailboxes must meet U.S. Postal specifications. The Virginia Department of Transportation prohibits the use of brick, stone, or other masonry fixtures.
2. Mailboxes are a functional necessity, not a decorative item. Since they are usually in a very visual location, they must be straightforward in design and mounted on simple natural wood or stainless steel posts. All wood must be pressure treated pine, cedar, redwood or locust. Post may be natural or painted in earth tone colors of black, dark brown, dark green or the same color as the trim of the house.
3. One-piece polyurethane U.S. Postal Service medium sized (11" x 21") mailbox and post combinations meeting color requirements stated above are permitted.
4. Names and/or house numbers may be placed on mailboxes and/or mailbox posts. No application is required.
5. Only standard newspaper delivery boxes and 2"x 2" size reflectors are permitted on
mailbox posts. No other items are permitted on mailbox posts.
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4.4.7 RECREATION AND PLAY EQUIPMENT
The desire for recreation and play equipment to include swing sets, playhouses, tot lots, basketball equipment, trampolines, etc., on lots is frequently expressed. The following guidelines are provided in an effort to reconcile the need for play equipment with the goal of minimizing its visual impact.
1. Play equipment constructed of wood is encouraged.
2. All play equipment must be maintained in good state of repair.
3. The ACC cannot rule on, nor is the CHHA liable for, any safety aspects in regard to any play equipment.
4. Consideration should be given to neighbors with respect to location, sight, sound, and color. General courtesy is expected when using any outdoor play equipment.
A. APPLICATION
An application for ACC approval is required for all types of recreation and play equipment/structures and all basketball goals, portable or fixed:
1. Site plan showing relation of proposed play equipment to adjacent property lines, house and adjacent houses.
2. Photograph and/or drawing of proposed play equipment.
3. Dimensions.
4. Color/material to be used.
5. Estimated start and completion dates.
B. LOCATION AND SIZE
Play equipment other than basketball equipment must be placed behind the house as defined in Section 4.2.e.3. Consideration must be given to lot size, equipment size and design, amount of visual screening, etc.
C. TYPES OF EQUIPMENT
I - BASKETBALL BACKBOARDS AND POLES
1. Basketball backboards that are attached to front of the house are not permitted.
2. The installation of permanent basketball goals is allowed if:
a) Adjoining neighbors approve the structure;
b) The pole is placed in the middle of the driveway next to the house; and
c) The structure is properly maintained.
3. Fiberglass basketball backboards may remain the color white if manufactured that way.
4. Residents must comply with current Fairfax County Zoning Ordnance regarding basketball equipment. When located in the front yard, basketball standards shall not be located closer than fifteen (15) feet to a front lot line or twelve (12) feet to a side lot line, and shall not be used between the hours of 8:00PM and 8:00AM.
5. The installation of non-permanent (i.e., portable) basketball equipment is allowed on individual lots. Non-permanent is defined as being capable of removal and storage from sight at the end of each day.
II - PLAYHOUSES
1. Freestanding playhouses shall be confined behind the house as defined in Section 4.2.e.3 and shall not be used as storage sheds. Maximum dimensions shall not exceed six (6') feet x five (5') (length x width) and five (5') feet to the roof peak. Playhouses are considered temporary structures and shall not be built on foundations or concrete slabs. Exterior finish shall be of natural wood or painted/sided to match the host house; roof color to the playhouse shall be natural or match that of host house. Single-width doors are only permitted in playhouse designs.
2. Exceptions to these criteria will be considered as sheds. Playhouses that are integral components of play yard or swing set designs will be considered under the Guidelines for that equipment as to size, materials, and color.
III - RAMPS
No permanent ramps of any size or material for use with skates, skateboards, or bicycles shall be permitted. Ramps for medical or disabilities are allowed.
IV - SWING SETS, TOT LOTS, ETC.
1. All play equipment is to be located behind the house as defined in Section 4.2.e.3.
2. Painted metal play equipment, exclusive of the wearing surfaces (slide poles, climbing rungs, etc.) should be painted dark brown or dark green to blend with the natural surroundings, or if located adjacent to a dwelling or fence, painted to match the background or screening structure. Gray paint that matches the color of galvanized metal will also be allowed.
3. Evergreen trees used for screening is strongly encouraged in instances for brightly colored play equipment. Perimeter plantings are suggested.
TRAMPOLINES
Outdoor trampolines must be confined behind the house as defined in Section 4.2.e.3 and should be disassembled when not in use.
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4.4.8