Deck Canopy - allowed?

Hi all,
I have a TH in the North and it gets SUPER BAD HOT on my deck in the summer, direct sun in the afternoon. This pretty much makes the deck unusable, and it's a nice view. Are we allowed to have a nice and tasteful canopy on our decks, like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Bliss-...sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=garden&qid=1213192991&sr=1-2


Thankeeee,
ML

 

Yes, as long as it is not a "permanent" structure.

 

As long as it is a temporary structure it is allowed. The entire structure must come down when not in use (The frame cannot remain on the deck when the fabric is removed.) An application should still be submitted to the Modifications Subcommittee.

 

Can we put them up permanently on a SFH deck as long as we obtain prior approval by the subcommittee?

 

I am fairly certain you cannot. As a committee, we do not want metal poles exposed if/when you take the fabric off for the winter months.

However, you can submit an application and it will be reviewed.

 

Seems odd, what is it the committee would be concerned about? If they are designed not to rust (most are not steel) and they are properly fixed to the deck so they don't get broken/twisted in a storm, what's the issue?

I'm pretty certain I've seen one on the back of a SFH here for a few of years now, it looks fine. And they seem to have them all over Farmwell Hunt and they all look good.

 

Is it possible to leave these up all summer long, then taken down for winter? I would not want to have to put the canopy up everytime I wanted to use it.

Thanks!

 

Thats what I am wondering too Tigger. Having to put them up and take them down every day kind of defeats the purpose. Having them up all day, helps to keep the area generally cooler.

Thoughts committee folk?

 

The Design Guidelines specifically state that if the awning is removed the frame must be as well. It is considered a temporary structure and therefore the entire structure must be removed when not in use. With out the fabric they look like clothes drying posts, which are also not allowed, and are very unattractive -

 

They can be kept up for the season and removed in the winter, the caveat is that the ENTIRE structure needs to come down.

 

I've seen several of the retractable awnings on townhouses in the neighborhood. We're in the same boat - sun all afternoon and we all love to be out there but man, has it been unbearable!

Here's the retractable ones - http://www.backyardcity.com/Window-Shades-Retractable-Awnings.htm

 

AWESOME! I am totally getting one now! I will submit an app and will take it down (totally) in the winter.

 

Colour me puzzled now. I looked up the HOA requirements on Gazebos - because that's what these things are sold and bought as - and there is no restriction on material.

Yet instead I'm to treat it as an 'awning' - which it isn't - and therefore would have to keep assembling/disassembling it every year? That doesn't seem to make sense.

We allow metal-framed swingsets on decks here don't we? How is this different except probably it's less ugly if you install it properly.

I'm really confused!! The gazebo I would propose to install is designed to be a permanent fixture, bolted down onto the deck that you take the cover off of in the Winter to protect the cover. It has substantial framing - not ugly, just 'fit for purpose' - yet I would NOT be allowed to install that? Unless I agreed to take it down every year?

 

What color is allowed for the retractable awnings? And must they be closed at night or can they be kept open 24/7?

 

For Broadlands Design Guidelines purposes a gazebo is a permanent structure like a screen porch but not connected to the house. The item being discussed is a temporary shelter and falls under the category of awnings.

 

Per the design guidelines - which are available on the website - the color must be compatible with the house. Subdued hues which match or complement the siding are suggested.

 

Awnings should be harmonious with the color scheme of the home.

http://www.broadlandshoa.org/fileshare/files/49/Broadlands+HOA+Design+Guidelines/013_Awnings.pdf - "retractable" is not specifically stated

As for leaving it open 24x7, why buy one that retracts then? Personally, I would be against it as a practice. An occassional, "oops, I forgot to close it" would not bother me.

 

Fact is nobody is nosing around doing awning checks in the middle of the night...I think the awning would last longer if it was stowed away when not in use though.

 

My point exactly - I was comparing the awning to the gazebo type structure that has to be taken down although permanently attached. Same with awnings - some people will never bother closing them. As for aestetics, I much prefer awnings to umbrellas.

 

well if we are allowed to have awnings, I would MUCH prefer to go that route