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Our Master Declaration addresses, but is not limited to; maintenance of common areas, assessments for common expenses, architectural control, remedy for violations, portable buildings, clothes lines, signs, pets, nuisances, vehicles and boats, fences, outside antennas, landscaping, garbage and trash, outside storage of personal property, air conditioning units, garbage containers, oil and gas tanks, enforcement, and collection of assessments.

Bound and tabbed copies of our documents are available, for a fee, by contacting L.E. Wilson & Associates, Inc. at (813)645-1569. You may avoid the fee by researching official public records. If you choose to research, we have provided the following limited information to help get you started.

BOARD ADOPTED ADDITIONAL NEW RULES AT MEETING ON 8/31/00: “Portable basketball goals, when not in use, may not remain or be stored on sidewalks, on the driveway apron, between the sidewalk and street, or in the street.”

BOARD ADOPTED ADDITIONAL NEW RULES AT MEETING ON 6/29/00: “Portable basketball goals cannot be in the street and permanent goals must be submitted to ARC for approval prior to installation.” “No activity of any kind within the community shall be permitted at any time upon the roadways of the subject property which impede the legal flow of traffic unless such activities are approved by the Hillsborough County authorities and the Sterling Ranch Board of Directors. “

Back to top Sterling Ranch Architectural Committee's Home Improvement Hints

Q: What types of improvements or projects require approvals? A: Most improvements to the exterior of the home, fencing, landscaping, construction of pools & enclosures require approvals in a deed restricted community such as Sterling Ranch. To be certain if approvals are needed, contact L.E. Wilson & Associates, Inc. at (813)645-1569, or fax at (813)641-1215. Pool Construction. Approvals require a site map of the property showing the location and dimensions of the pool, and the placement of the pump. The pump must be landscaped or fenced. The request must show how the contractors plan to access the construction area, community fences may not be removed without written consent. Setback requirements must be shown on the site map. Any enclosures must indicate materials, color, and dimensions. Missing information will delay approval for your pool project, so please use this as a checklist to help keep your project on schedule'. Paint Requests. All requests to paint any portion of your property must be approved. Your request must include a sample of the color (usually available from the place of purchase), and a completed House Painting request form. Please do not begin your project without receiving a written approval and avoid any possible headaches or extra costs. Fence Construction Requirements. Requirements have been established in the Sterling Ranch Deed restrictions and by the Architectural committee to assist homeowners in the construction of any fencing improvements they wish to make. All fencing projects must be submitted to the Architectural committee for approval before work can begin. Fence construction requirements for Sterling Ranch are as follows: Must obtain & post a building permit. Request must indicate height of fence on all sides. The height may not exceed 4' along any lake or canal, and may not exceed 6' in any other area. Request must show placement of fence on Site Survey submitted with request showing dimensions to property lines, and any lakes or canals. Owners are responsible to maintain fence in good condition. Weathered, rusted, or damaged fencing must be repaired immediately. No chain-link fences will be approved. Materials must be wood or vinyl. Vinyl fencing may be white or beige. Wood fencing may be painted white or beige, or a natural wood finish, which must be weatherproofed with a clear sealer. Fasteners must be rustproof. Placement of fence may not be beyond the front of the house.

 
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The Sterling Ranch Master Association Architectural Committee "ARC" Guidelines.
Revised August 16, 2000

 
[Introduction: These guidelines include the following subjects: building addition, painting and repainting, sheds, fences, pools and spas, screen rooms and lanai, decks and patios, landscaping, signs, satellite dishes, propane tanks, mailboxes, flagpoles, and recreational equipment.]

 

BUILDING ADDITION APPROVAL GUIDELINES

-Any addition, exterior alteration, modification, or change to an existing building must be submitted to the ARC for review/approval before work can begin. Each request should include two copies of architectural plans and specifications. Examples of such projects include addition of rooms or extension of a house.
-Must obtain and post an appropriate permit.
-Request must indicate type, construction material, and design.
-Any addition, exterior alteration, modifications or change to an existing building must be compatible with the design character of the original building such as roof, stucco, brick, color, etc.
-Exterior materials must be of the same quality as that of the existing parent structure and compatible with the architectural character of the community.
-Must be hurricane resistant per code.
-If covered, shingled roof must match existing structure. If all new required, shingles must be submitted to ARC for approval.
-Request for approval must include the following minimum information:

Site survey indicating the proposed location of the addition
Dimensions (including overall finished height)
Location from lot lines, lakes, and canals (indicated in feet and inches)
Color scheme
Construction type
Roofing material and color
Finished elevation
Proposed landscape screening
Contractors' plan for access
-Vinyl clad or concrete fences along Providence, Providence Ridge Blvd and Gornto Lake Roads may not be removed without written consent from the ARC.
-The ARC may require landscaping along selected exposures of the addition and along the side exposure in the event of a corner lot.
-The unit owner must maintain all additions in good condition. Damaged or deteriorated additions must be repaired immediately.
-Meeting these requirements does not imply that any particular addition will be approved. These are guidelines only.

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PAINT/RE-PAINT APPROVAL GUIDELINES

-All painting/re-painting requests must be submitted to the ARC for review/approval before work can begin.
-All requests must be submitted on the appropriate form and must include all paint color samples attached to the paint supplement form. A complete description of the intended use must also be included (main house, trim accent, etc.)
-All colors that are not in harmony with the community will not be approved.
-Bright colors or gloss finishes will not be approved.

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SHED APPROVAL GUIDELINES

-All shed requests must be submitted to the ARC for review/approval before work can begin.
-No metal structures will be approved.
-Color to be consistent with approved house and trim colors/scheme.
-Maximum of 80 square feet.
-Property should have 6-foot fence or landscape buffers surrounding the location of the proposed shed to shield the shed from street view.
-Must have hurricane strapping per manufacturer requirements.
-Shingled roof matching approved roofing of the house (vinyl construction sheds may not require shingles).
-Request for approval must include the following minimum information:

Site survey indicating the proposed location of the shed
Dimensions (including overall finished height)
Location from lot lines, lakes, and canals (indicated in feet and inches)
Color scheme
Construction type
Flooring material
Roofing material and color
Finished elevation
Fencing (existing or new)
Proposed landscape screening.
-The unit owner must maintain all sheds in good condition. Damaged or deteriorated sheds must be repaired immediately
-Meeting these requirements does not imply that any particular shed will be approved. These are guidelines only.

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FENCE APPROVAL GUIDELINES

-All fencing requests must be submitted to the ARC for review/approval before work can begin.
-Must obtain and post an appropriate permit.
-Request must indicate height of fence on all sides. The height may not exceed 4 feet along any lake or canal and may not exceed 6 feet along any other area. Fences meant solely to surround the limits of a pool as provided in building codes is limited to 4 feet in height.
-Request must show placement of proposed fence on site survey submitted with request showing dimensions and setbacks to property lines and any lakes or canals.
-Request must indicate type, construction material, and design. No chain-link fence will be approved.
-No wall will be approved except for 4 foot stucco on block walls, 6" to 8"in thickness, attached to the home, and in the color of the home for the purpose of shielding air conditioning condensers or pool/spa equipment or trash containers.
-Fence materials must be of wood or vinyl.

A. Vinyl fencing may be white or beige
B. Wood fencing may be painted white or beige or remain natural, in which case the wood must be waterproofed with a clear finish
-Fasteners must be rustproof.
-Placement of the fence may not extend beyond the front of the house.
-Fences must be placed only upon the property of the requester.
-The "good side" of the fence must be on the exterior exposure (the adjacent property/street view).
-The ARC may require landscaping along the front exposure of the fence and along the side exposure in the event of a corner lot.
-No fencing may be placed upon any easement.
-The unit owner must maintain all fencing in good condition. Damaged or deteriorated fencing must be repaired immediately.
-Meeting these requirements does not imply that any particular fence request will be approved. These are guidelines only.

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POOL OR SPA APPROVAL GUIDELINES

-All pool and spa requests must be submitted to the ARC for review/approval before work can begin.
-Must obtain and post an appropriate permit.
-Request must indicate dimensions of the pool and spa.
-Request must show proposed placement of pool/spa and related equipment on a site survey submitted with request showing dimensions and setbacks to property lines and any lakes or canals.
-Pool, including decking, may not be located closer than 5 feet to any adjacent property line.
-Request must indicate type, construction material, and design.
-Request must include landscape-shielding plans for pool and spa equipment.
-Request must show how the contractor plans to access the construction area.
-No above ground pool will be approved.
-Vinyl clad or concrete fences along Providence, Providence Ridge Blvd., and Gornto Lake roads may not be removed without written consent from the ARC.
-Detailed plans for pool fencing or screening/screen enclosure must be included with the pool request and indicated on the site survey with dimensions shown.
-The ARC may require landscaping along selected exposures of the pool and along the side exposure in the event of a corner lot.
-Pool/spa may not be placed upon any easement.
-The unit owner must maintain pool, fencing, and screening in good condition. Damaged or deteriorated pools, fencing, or screening must be repaired immediately.
-The addition of pool houses or cabanas require ARC approval and plans must be submitted in accordance with the guidelines herein.
-Meeting these requirements does not imply that any particular pool/spa request will be approved. These are guidelines only.

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SCREEN ROOM/LANAI ADDITION APPROVAL GUIDELINES

-All screen room/lanai requests must be submitted to the ARC for review/approval before work can begin.
-Must obtain and post an appropriate permit-Request must indicate dimensions of the addition.
-Request must show proposed placement of addition on a site survey submitted with request showing dimensions and setbacks to property lines and any lakes or canals.
-Request must indicate type, construction material, and design.
-Must be hurricane resistant and installed in a manner consistent with the manufacturer's guidelines to insure maximum strength and durability.
-If covered, shingled roof matching approved roofing of the house (metal structure roof may not require shingles).
-Request for approval must include the following minimum information:

Site survey indicating the proposed location of the addition
Dimensions (inc[uding overall finished height)
Location from lot lines, lakes, and canals (indicated in feet and inches)
Color scheme
Construction type
Flooring material
Roofing material and color
Finished elevation
Proposed landscape screening
-Request must show how the contractor plans to access the construction area.
-Vinyl clad or concrete fences along Providence, Providence Ridge Blvd., and Gornto Lake roads may not be removed without written consent from the ARC.
-The ARC may require landscaping along selected exposures of the addition and along the side exposure in the event of a corner lot.
-The unit owner must maintain all additions in good condition Damaged or deteriorated additions must be repaired immediately.
-Meeting these requirements does not imply that any particular addition request will be approved. These are guidelines only.

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DECK/PATIO APPROVAL GUIDELINES

-All deck/patio requests must be submitted to the ARC for review/approval before work can begin.
-Must obtain and post an appropriate permit, if applicable. Request must indicate dimensions of the deck/patio.
-Request must show proposed placement of the deck or patio on a site survey submitted with request showing dimensions and setbacks to property lines and any lakes or canals.
-Request must show how the contractor plans to access the construction area.
-Vinyl clad or concrete fences along Providence, Providence Ridge Blvd., and Gornto Lake roads may not be removed without written consent from the ARC.
-The ARC may require landscaping along selected exposures of the deck or patio and along the side exposure in the event of a corner lot.
-The unit owner must maintain all decks and patios in good condition. Damaged or deteriorated decks and patios must be repaired immediately.
-Meeting these requirements does not imply that any particular deck or patio request will be approved. These are guidelines only.

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LANDSCAPING APPROVAL GUIDELINES

-The following landscape modifications require review by the ARC:

A. The planting or removal of large trees or plants
B. The placement of concrete walkways or sidewalks
C. Any placement of large lawn ornaments
D. The placement of gazebos
E. The drawing of water from any lake or canal for irrigation purposes
F. The drilling of any well.

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SIGN APPROVAL GUIDELINES

-No signs are allowed on any property or common property without ARC approval with the following exceptions:

A. One customary, professionally produced For Sale/For Rent sign, not to exceed 6 square feet in total dimension. May be placed upon the front yard of a residence for the purpose of selling or renting residence.
B. Professionally produced, temporary signs advertising garage sales. Sign may only be posted 24 hours prior to the garage sales and must be removed immediately after the sale. Sign must indicate the address and day of the sale.
C. One home security monitoring sign.
-No sign may beposted upon a tree, street sign, or utility pole.

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SATELLITE DISH APPROVAL GUIDELINES

- The ARC must approve the following satellfle dish installations:

A. Over 1 meter in diameter
B. Installed higher than the top of any chimney
C. Proposed location is other than the rear or side yard or the rear or side exposure of the residence or roof line or is in view of the street when satisfactory reception can be achieved from the rear or side yard or rear exposure of the residence or roof line.
-Satellite dish must be securely fastened to the residence or mast. Mast must be adequately secured.
-All ground or mast mounted satellite dish installations that are in view of the street or neighbor must be shielded with appropriate landscape material within 45 days of Installation. If satellite dish is installed within the confines of an approved fenced yard are exempt from landscaping requirements.

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PROPANE TANK GUIDELINES

-The association prefers underground installations.
-Above ground installations require ARC approval.
-Above ground requests must include extensive plans for landscape and shielding.

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MAILBOX GUIDELINES

-Box must be located in a manner that the carrier can service from the vehicle.
-Address should be in numbers not less than one inch high on the approach side of the mailbox.
-Post must be neat and of adequate strength and size.
-Boxes must be placed to conform with state laws and highway regulations.
-The distance to the top of the mailbox, from the curb should be 50 inches.
-All mailboxes must be maintained in good condition by the unit owner. Damaged or deteriorated mailboxes must be repaired immediately.
-If these guidelines are followed, no ARC form submission is required.

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FLAGPOLE GUIDELINES

-Ground mounted flag poles must be approved by the ARC.
-Requests should include a site survey with dimensions and setbacks noted on the survey.
-Flagpoles must be securely anchored in the ground.
-Flagpole hardware must not be permitted to create noise.

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RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT APPROVAL GUIDELINES

-Tennis court installations require ARC approval.
-The following will not be considered for approval:

A. Volleyball courts
B. Basketball courts
C. Batting cages
D. Large playgrounds
E. Other large structures or activity areas
-Installation and use of playground equipment shall be limited to the rear yard and must not be located closer than 5 feet to the adjacent property lines and shall not be on Association property. All playground equipment must be out of sight from the street directly in front of the property.

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