Compliance Corner: Updated Painting Guidelines: What Stonebridge Ranch Homeowners Need to Know

We’re excited to share an important update with the Stonebridge Ranch community regarding exterior painting and color guidelines.

The Association’s painting guidelines were recently reviewed and updated to provide homeowners with clearer direction when considering exterior color changes and painting projects. Our goal is to help homeowners understand the requirements before beginning a project, while preserving the architectural character and overall appearance of Stonebridge Ranch.

Planning to Paint? Start with a Modification Application

Before beginning an exterior painting project or making other exterior modifications to your home, homeowners should first submit a Modification Application for review and approval.

Modification applications, guidelines, and submission information can be found on the Stonebridge Ranch website.

Please do not begin work until you have received the required approval. A color that appears to meet the general guidelines may still require review based on the specific home, surrounding homes, materials, and applicable Village guidelines.

Key Painting Guidelines

Painted Brick

Not every brick home is eligible for painted brick.

Under the updated guidelines:

• Colors for painted brick are limited to neutral, muted earth tones and shades of off-white, tan, and gray.
• Bright primary colors, pastels, bright white, and black are not permitted.
• Painted brick colors must fall within an LRV (Light Reflective Value) range of 30%–68%.
• Homes that are entirely brick, or brick homes with less than 15% Hardie siding, may be eligible for painting. Hardie siding must be painted the same color as the brick.
• Brick homes incorporating stone, stucco, EIFS, or more than 15% Hardie board are not eligible for painted brick.
• Faux architectural accents may not be created by painting.
• Authentic architectural accents such as cast stone surrounds, banding, and water tables may not be painted.
• The exposed edges of the concrete foundation may not be painted.
• Paint must be appropriate for the brick substrate and sufficiently porous to allow moisture to escape. Non-permeable paints are not permitted.
• Painted brick must be professionally completed and properly maintained.

Homeowners should also anticipate that painted brick may require repainting approximately every 3–5 years, depending on the condition and performance of the coating.

Trim, Gutters and Downspouts

Trim, gutters, and downspouts should complement the masonry and overall color palette of the home.

The approved palette includes off-white, brown, beige, gray, and derivatives of these colors, with applicable LRV requirements. Downspouts must be painted the same color as the gutters.

Garage Doors

Garage doors must complement the masonry color of the home and should remain within the approved neutral color palettes.

There are some specific exceptions, including black garage doors when the brick contains black tones and certain cedar garage door applications. Homeowners should also be aware that Village-specific guidelines may be more restrictive.

Shutters and Front Doors

Shutters should complement the siding and masonry and may be used to accent architectural features. Certain darker, richer hues within the applicable LRV range may be permitted.

Front doors may also be used to accent architectural features. A modification submittal is not required for a front door painted within the approved off-white, brown, beige, or gray palette and its derivatives, provided the applicable guidelines are met. Bright primary and secondary colors are not permitted.

Lime Wash, Whitewash and German Smear

The updated guidelines specifically prohibit:

• Lime wash
• Whitewash
• German smear
• Messy mortar

These treatments can significantly alter the appearance and texture of masonry and therefore are not permitted under the current guidelines.

What to Include With Your Application

When submitting a painting or color modification, homeowners should be prepared to provide the required documentation, which may include:

• A photograph of the existing home
• Paint or stain sample
• Manufacturer information
• Color name and number
• Light Reflective Value (LRV)
• Photos of the homes on either side of the property
• A photo of the home directly across the street

These materials help the Modification Committee evaluate the proposed change in the context of the existing home and surrounding streetscape.

A Reminder About Village Guidelines

Stonebridge Ranch is made up of many unique villages, and Village-specific guidelines may contain additional or more restrictive requirements. Homeowners should review the guidelines applicable to their property before submitting an application.

The Association also considers the overall architectural character of the community when reviewing painted brick applications. Because of this, approval may be considered on a case-by-case basis, including consideration of the number of painted homes already present on a street.

Before You Pick Up the Paintbrush

If you’re considering painting your home, changing exterior colors, or making another exterior modification, the best first step is to submit a Modification Application and review the applicable guidelines before starting work.

Taking this step before beginning your project can help prevent delays, unexpected changes, or the need to correct work that does not meet Association requirements.

Thank you for helping us maintain the unique character, consistency, and beauty of Stonebridge Ranch.

For Modification Applications and current guidelines, please visit the Stonebridge Ranch website.

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!