Architectural Review

When is an Architectural Control application required?  

An ACC application must be submitted for any and all modifications to: 

• Buildings 

• Fences 

• Walls 

• Other structures or improvements 

• Landscaping changes 

• Exterior changes of any kind 

How to submit an ACC application: 

Location: Submit to Property Management at 4450 SW 152nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33185 

Required Documentation: 

• Completed the official application form 

• Survey of property (must include surveyor's mark for dominant lot if applicable) 

• Sketch of boundary survey with proposed modifications and measurements 

• Color photographs of existing conditions 

• Drawings showing plan view and elevation (must be clear and legible) 

• Specifications of proposed modifications (color, style, etc.) 

• Color samples of finished materials 

• Copy of contract (valid for 6 months from application date) 

• NOA (Notice of Acceptance) for windows, doors, and shutters 

• Copy of final Miami-Dade County inspection 

Review Process: 

• Property Management will review for completeness 

• Application forwarded to ACC Committee. 

• Two ACC members required for approval/denial of the decision must be made within 45 days of completed application submission. 

• Homeowners have the right to appeal decisions to Board of Directors within 10 days.  

Key Notes: 

• Applications must be legible and include adequate graphics to eliminate misinterpretation.  

• Approved modifications must match exactly what was approved - any changes require new application.  

• Access for construction must be through owner's property 

• Homeowner responsible for any damage to common elements during construction.  

• Approvals valid for 6 months unless there's an open violation.  

• Notice of commencement must be provided to management. 

• Building permits required for most modifications as per Miami-Dade County codes.  

The ACC Guidelines are extensive and cover specific requirements for various modifications including: 

Dwelling Improvements: 

Garage Conversions 

• Must maintain exterior appearance 

• Cannot eliminate garage door 

• No secondary cooking facilities 

• Prohibited in Mansions Cove and Rainbow Gardens Estates 

• Must conform to local codes 

Windows and Doors 

• Windows can be replaced with wood-based products in white or bronze 

• No mirrored glass permitted 

• Doors must follow approved styles/designs (available at office) 

• Approved door colors: natural oak, mahogany, bronze, white (Lancaster: white only) 

• Garage doors must match approved styles and colors 

Roof Modifications 

• Must match neighborhood roofscape 

• Each community has specific approved roof types 

• Metal roofs limited to Decra and Worthouse materials 

• No changing from shingle to tile or vice versa 

• Roof colors must coordinate with home paint colors 

Painting 

• Must use approved color palette for specific community 

• Colors available at Lakes of the Meadow office 

• Must use first-line modified acrylic latex products with mildew inhibitor 

Patio Improvements: 

Screened Enclosures 

• Must use dark bronze screen cloth with matching substructure 

• Can use white ESP aluminum where appropriate 

• Glass enclosures allowed only with non-reflective glass 

• Must meet Miami-Dade Building codes 

Independent Structures: 

Sheds 

• Maximum height 7 feet 

• Up to 120 sq ft for lots under 10,000 sq ft 

• Up to 200 sq ft for larger lots 

• Must be color coordinated with house 

• Not permitted on lake front lots 

Tiki Huts/Chickee 

• 8-12 feet height 

• Maximum 100 sq ft or 10% of rear yard 

• Must be properly anchored 

Gazebos 

• 8-12 feet height 

• Up to 100 sq ft or 10% of back yard 

• Materials: wood, Alumawood, or stucco-finished concrete block 

Driveways and Parking: 

Widening Restrictions 

• Maximum width: 32 feet (27 feet for Zero-Lot homes) 

• Cannot extend beyond house frontage 

• Cannot extend into lateral setbacks 

• Must coordinate colors with home and roof 

• Lancaster driveways must be gray 

Landscaping: 

General Requirements 

• Must maintain/upgrade tree quality 

• No removing/excessive cropping of trees 

• Front yard hedges limited to 6 feet height 

• Must maintain visibility at intersections 

Fencing 

• Only shadowbox style approved (except lakefront) 

• Must use pressure-treated pine wood 

• 6 feet height for side and rear fences 

• Must be painted Benjamin Moore Tudor Brown (Gray Owl for Lancaster) 

• Access gates maximum 4 feet width (double gates up to 8 feet) 

Lakefront Properties: 

Special Restrictions 

• Fencing requires adjacent owner consent 

• Lakeside fencing limited to 3 feet height 

• No fountains in rear yards 

• No sheds visible from lake 

• Special garden equipment enclosure allowed (8'x4') 

• Tiki huts/gazebos allowed with restrictions 

Miscellaneous Modifications: 

Technology/Energy 

• Satellite dishes must follow FCC rules 

• Electric vehicle charging stations allowed with ACC approval 

• Solar panels permitted on south-facing roofs 

Other Features 

• No street-view furniture or decorative items 

• Basketball hoops must be portable in front, fixed in rear 

• Specific mailbox models required 

• Awnings permitted with strict size/color requirements 

• No aluminum terraces (existing grandfathered) 

Each modification requires specific ACC approval and must adhere to both community guidelines and Miami-Dade County building codes. The guidelines emphasize maintaining community aesthetics while allowing homeowners to make necessary improvements.