Navigating HOA landscaping rules in neighborhoods that are in and around the Knoxville area can be challenging. You may be required to submit official plans designed and stamped by a professional landscape architect. You could also be left slogging through pages and pages of complicated requirements only to have your plans rejected and your project delayed. That’s where a landscape architect like myself can be an invaluable resource. Here are a few things to keep in mind while working within your HOA’s landscaping rules.
Typical HOA Landscaping Requirements
Site Trees – The number of trees required is typically dictated based on lot size. For more in-depth regulations, you might find that the codes go further to specify tree types and quantities required for specific parts of the yard, i.e. street trees, front or back yard. Some neighborhoods even specify shade trees versus ornamental trees and provide a list of approved trees.
Planting Beds – The size and location of planting beds can also vary in HOA regulations based on the square footage of your property and how much road frontage you have. Most HOAs in the Knoxville area want to screen utilities and provide foundation plantings where the home is visible to others. Keep in mind that neighborhoods with common areas such as golf courses tend to require more plantings where you see the backs of homes.
Drainage – The rolling terrain of East Tennessee means we have to account for how water moves across your property. Many neighborhood associations require homeowners to obtain drainage plans, which show how run-off and downspouts move water off site to natural areas or storm drains. While drainage plans definitely aren’t the sexiest part of landscape design, it’s a critical component in our area to avoid damage from rain and runoff.
Irrigation – To ensure that your neighborhood looks lush and inviting, many HOAs will require an irrigation plan to confirm that residents will be providing sufficient water to maintain their landscaping in the long term. Irrigation plans typically include an irrigation layout, showing the locations of sprinkler heads, as well as the spray patterns and general plumbing and piping layouts.
Features – When additional features such as pools, patios, pavilions and the like are being proposed, many HOA’s ask for character drawings, which show the vertical elements of a landscape design. These drawings, which might include a 3-D rendering help the HOA board members understand how the features in your landscaping will be viewed by your neighbors and others in the neighborhood.
Avoid Surprise Costs
A neighborhood’s landscape design requirements are typically the last thing on the list when you’re building a new home. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to feel surprised that they have to adhere to certain guidelines. With budgets dwindling toward the end of the construction process, cost often becomes a big focus for homeowners.
As landscape architects, we do our best to satisfy the code while making cost-effective design choices. However, because most codes are based on the square footage of the property or length of road frontage, there are some costs that can’t be mitigated such as sod, irrigation and the number or size of trees.
To avoid these surprises at the end of your new home construction, it’s a great practice to meet with a landscape architect as you’re planning the home’s design and construction so that you can get guidance on what you can expect for your landscape design and construction plans as well as HOA requirements.
The Greater Good
When you’re feeling the frustration that often comes with following HOA landscaping rules, remember that you’re not alone. It’s not just your lot that’s subject to the requirements. The rules are in place to ensure the best interest of all home owners. While you may desire certain features on your property, the codes are there to prevent anomalies and oddities, and ensure a uniform feel and general appearance.
Carex Design Group’s Expertise in HOA Landscaping Rules
My team and I have been working with requirements from various neighborhood HOAs for 15 years and are well versed in navigating the rules while ensuring our clients are happy with their landscape design. Just check out the map below to see the areas where we’ve worked recently, including Tellico Village, Rarity Bay, Sequoyah Hills, West Hills, and other Knoxville neighborhoods.
Whether you live in Jefferson Park, Lashbrooke, Montgomery Cove, or another neighborhood that has strict HOA landscaping guidelines, we can help you get the landscaping of your dreams while keeping your neighbors happy, too! Fill out our contact form or call at 865-765-5550 to speak with our sales team about your situation.