Compliance Corner: Design Guidelines

As part of the Association’s ongoing commitment to maintaining community standards, properties located along the golf course are inspected throughout the year. These inspections help ensure that landscaping, pools, pool equipment, inground swim spas, and other exterior improvements remain consistent with Stonebridge Ranch guidelines.

What May Be Reviewed During an Inspection

Depending on the features and improvements present on the property, the Association may review:

• Required landscaping and planting standards outlined in the Modification Design Guidelines and applicable Village Guidelines
• Pool and spa locations, setbacks, decking, and fencing
• Placement and screening of pool and pond equipment
• Requirements for inground swim spas
• Drainage following the installation of pools, spas, ponds, or related equipment
• Compliance with previously approved exterior modifications
• Other requirements established by the Association’s governing documents and applicable guidelines

Landscaping and Exterior Improvements

Landscaping requirements may vary by village and property. Homeowners are encouraged to review both the Modification Design Guidelines and the Village Guidelines applicable to their property.

Routine review of these documents can help homeowners confirm that required landscaping is properly maintained and that exterior improvements continue to meet the standards established for their village and lot.

Pools, Ponds, and Inground Swim Spas

The Board-approved guidelines establish specific requirements for pools, ponds, inground swim spas, associated decking, and related equipment. Homeowners with these features should review the applicable guidelines in their entirety.

Key requirements include:

• Pools, ponds, inground swim spas, and associated decks must be located within a side or rear yard and behind the perimeter fence.
• These improvements may not be located within an easement or within five feet of a property line, as measured in accordance with the applicable guideline.
• Above-ground pools, masonry-block pools, semi-inground pools, vinyl-lined pools, and low-hung vinyl-lined pools are not permitted.

Pool and Pond Equipment Screening

Pool and pond equipment must be fully screened from view on all exposed sides using a six-foot cedar privacy fence. The equipment screening must be separate from the property’s perimeter fence and must match the existing fence in both style and color.

Pool equipment must also be placed adjacent to the home unless an alternative location has been specifically approved by the Reviewing Body.

Drainage Requirements

Pools, spas, ponds, decks, and associated equipment can affect how water drains across a property. Homeowners are responsible for ensuring that completed improvements comply with applicable drainage requirements and do not create adverse conditions for neighboring properties or common areas.

Review Your Property’s Guidelines

Requirements can vary depending on the property, village, and type of improvement. Homeowners are encouraged to review all applicable guidelines—not only the highlights provided here—to ensure their property remains in compliance.

If an exterior modification is being considered, homeowners should submit the required application and receive approval before beginning work. Taking these steps can help prevent compliance concerns and ensure improvements meet Stonebridge Ranch standards.

Questions before you submit? Please contact the Stonebridge Ranch Community Association team. We are happy to help you understand the requirements and prepare your application. Thank you!