Paint Guidelines

The ACC reviews applications for exterior painting to determine that the color choices are compatible with the overall architectural style and color palette of the Project, and are not visibly objectionable. Dwelling Structures directly across the street from each other shall not be painted similar colors. There shall be a minimum two-Lot separation left and right between Dwelling Structures painted similar colors. Darker colors shall be limited to use as trim or accent colors.

The paint scheme may not exceed a maximum of four (4) contrasting/complementary colors that blend and harmonize well together from the approved paint colors. Indicate on the paint application where each color will be used and the type of finish (gloss level).

Deviation from any approved exterior painting application will require repainting with the approved color(s) within thirty (30) days of completion of the painting at the Owner’s sole expense.

Choosing Paint Colors and Finishes

In general, natural, earth-tone colors are appropriate choices for the architecture of Dwelling Structures within the Project. The following guidelines may help you choose appropriate colors and finishes (gloss level) for submission to the ACC and help speed the approval process.

Your roof is the largest color element of your Dwelling Structure and not easily changed. You should pick colors for siding, shingles, stucco and trim that complement each other and your roof color as follows:

Spanish tile roof: For the Dwelling Structure colors, choose tan, beige, sand, cream, peach, yellow or light brown colors. Avoid white, gray, blue or green.

Brown/gray shake or concrete tile roof: For the Dwelling Structure colors, choose tan, gray, beige, sand, cream, blue, green, light to medium brown, or light to medium gray. If you choose blue, it should be a light to medium shade. Be careful with green. You do not want it to compete with your landscaping.

Colors not to choose: Reds, pinks, purples, black, very dark and very bright colors. Avoid bright white as the main color for wood siding, shingles or stucco, since it may look like a primer coat.

When choosing a color, consider how it will blend with hardscape elements such as brick. If there is a lot of red brick, choose colors as for Spanish tile roofs above.

Consider the look as a whole. Will the colors of the stucco, siding/shingles, garage door, eaves, and trim complement the roof, landscape and hardscape? Also consider how your Dwelling Structure will blend with adjacent Dwelling Structures. You do not want to choose the same or very similar colors. On the other hand, you should avoid stark differences, such as a blue Dwelling Structure next to a yellow one.

If the predominant color on the Dwelling Structure is a light color, a darker shade of the same color or white should be used for a secondary trim color, such as decorative designs on the original fold-up garage doors or other architectural element of the Dwelling Structure. If the predominant color is dark, a lighter shade or white should be used as a secondary trim color.

If you see a Dwelling Structure in the Project with a color you like, you can contact the property management company with the address to see if they have a painting application on file to get the paint manufacturer and color number/name. However, since the information on file may be incorrect or out of date or the paint color name has changed, you must paint three-foot square samples on the front and sides of the Dwelling Structure using the proposed main color of the Dwelling Structure to review how the color will look on different surfaces and at different times of the day. The samples must be painted on the Dwelling Structure by the time the application is submitted to avoid approval delays. Painting sample swatches of several color choices on multiple sections that get different daylight exposure is always a good idea. You will be surprised how various colors take on different tints in an actual application. This can help you choose the right color, prevent undesirable outcomes and costly changes, and minimize delays.

Need help with color selection? Paint manufacturers’ web sites have a wealth of useful information and suggestions. Most offer brochures in their showrooms that have pre-selected color combinations matched to different home styles. Some may offer the services of a color consultant that will meet with you to make recommendations with a reduced or waived fee if you use their products. Some may offer tools where you can upload a picture of your Dwelling Structure and visualize it with different color schemes. You might also look in the Yellow Pages or web search for local architectural, color or painting consultants. The ACC can provide some guidance too.

Acceptable finishes (gloss level) by surface type:

The paint color on your Dwelling Structure is something you (and your neighbors!) must live with for many years. Take the time to consider the best options.

Wood Shingles, Siding and Stucco Painting

Wood siding and shingles must be painted with a velvet or eggshell finish. This low-gloss finish is preferable because it stands up better to the elements and may look better longer than flat finishes. Stucco must be painted with flat or velvet finish paint. If your Dwelling Structure has not been painted in five (5) years or more, we highly recommend a primer coat on siding and shingles, especially if choosing a darker color, which, without primer, tends to get absorbed into the wood over time, leaving a spotty appearance. Primer and two coats of paint on shingles and siding will provides the best protection and lasts longer, possibly saving you money in the long run by limiting the frequency of repainting.

If you are considering replacing wood shingles or siding, please refer to section 3.69 Shingles, Siding and Stucco in Rules & Regulations - Part 2: Architectural Procedures and Standards.

Eaves and Trim Painting

Eaves and trim around windows and doors usually looks best in shades of white or lighter/darker hues of the main Dwelling Structure color. Whites or lighter hues of the main Dwelling Structure color work best against darker colors. Darker color hues of the main Dwelling Structure color (e.g., brown) can be a good complement to lighter colors. Eaves and trim must not be the same color as the Dwelling Structure. Eaves, trim around windows and doors, and secondary trim colors must be a velvet or eggshell finish that will stand up better to the elements and may look better longer and flat or velvet finished. High-traffic areas like door trim may be painted in low sheen or semi-gloss finish.

Chimney Painting

Chimneys can remain unpainted if constructed of brick, stone or rock, or may be painted and/or stucco finished using a color that matches the Dwelling Structure’s stucco or wood siding color. Chimney paint must be a flat or velvet finish.

Electrical Box Painting

Electrical, cable, telephone, DSL and other wire connection and fuse boxes attached to a Dwelling Structure must be painted to match the color and finish of the surrounding surface.

Front Entry Door Painting

Refer to section in Rules & Regulations - Part 2: Architectural Procedures and Standards.

Garage Door Painting

Garage doors (or replacements) may be natural wood protected with a satin, semi-gloss or high-gloss polyurethane finish in a clear or natural wood stain; or an approved eggshell, low sheen or semi-gloss paint color matching or complementing the Dwelling Structure’s stucco, wood siding or trim color.

Since garage doors make up a large area of the front of the home, the trend with garage doors is to paint them the same color as the front of the Dwelling Structure to make the door blend in as opposed to white garage doors that call attention to the door. All garage doors on the Dwelling Structure must be painted identically.

For new garage doors: If you are replacing your garage door(s), you must have the door painted a single color to match the existing main color of the Dwelling Structure or the existing surrounding garage door trim color. The default white factory-finish will likely be a different color or shade than other colors of the Dwelling Structure and it is not acceptable to introduce a different color or shade for the garage door(s).

For original, builder-supplied, single-piece, tilt-up garage doors: The garage door(s) may be painted a single color to match the existing main color of the Dwelling Structure or the existing garage door trim color. A single accent color may be painted on the decorative raised panels or trim molding on original tilt-up garage door(s) if the color matches an approved color used on the trim or accent colors of the Dwelling Structure.

Holiday Decoration Hook Painting

If visible from the Common Area, hooks and other devices used for the installation of holiday lighting and/or decorations are to be removed upon removal of the lighting and/or decorations, or shall be of a color (or painted) to match the surface to which they are attached.

Metal Flashing, Roof-Top Vents and Spark Arrestor Painting

Metal roof flashing shall be painted using a color that matches an adjacent surface or the color of the roof. All rooftop vents shall be painted to match the surrounding roof color. Rotating “turbine” rooftop vents are not permitted. Spark arrestors mounted atop chimneys shall be painted black or a color matching the chimney.

Secondary Doors, Patio Covers, Arbors, Trellises and Gazebo Painting

Secondary doors (e.g., side-entry garage door, water heater doors, etc.), patio covers, arbors, trellises and gazebos shall be painted an approved color, matching the Dwelling Structure’s stucco, wood siding or trim color, using an eggshell, low sheen or semi-gloss finish.

Wood Fence Painting

Refer to section in Rules & Regulations - Part 2: Architectural Procedures and Standards.

Wrought Iron Railings and Fence Painting

Refer to section in Rules & Regulations - Part 2: Architectural Procedures and Standards.