HHOA Outbuilding Guidelines

Revised November 22, 2022

All Outbuildings must:

be in the backyard.
be built on-site and properly secured.
have the quality of workmanship, materials and harmony of exterior design consistent with your home and existing structures.
match the roof of your home if the outbuilding uses a shingled roof.
have utilities, if any, located underground.

Garages and Sheds must additionally:

have a concrete foundation at least 4 inches thick.
have exterior walls of wooden framed construction.
match your home's roof pitch and shingles.
match your home's brick and color scheme.
match as closely as possible your home's windows.

You must:

submit an Architectural Review for your outbuilding.
obtain written approval before work begins.
be mindful of any adverse effects on rainwater drainage to neighboring properties that your outbuilding may cause.
ensure that the exterior of the outbuilding is properly maintained.

Outbuildings should appear as integral elements of your home. Outbuildings should blend with and complement the architecture, color, and style of nearby homes and structures in Hermitage.

Structure	Maximum footprint	Maximum height
Garage	960 sq/ft	18 feet
Gazebo	144 sq/ft	15 feet
Pavilion	320 sq/ft	16 feet
Pergola	240 sq/ft	10 feet
Playhouse	36 sq/ft	7 feet
Playset enclosed area	25 sq/ft	12 feet
Storage/Utility Shed	144 sq/ft	10 feet

Exceptions:

A structure lacking a roof is not considered an Outbuilding, e.g., a swing set or playset with no enclosed area.
A Playhouse concealed from view from the street or behind an approved privacy fence is not required to complement your home's color scheme.
A Shed placed against the back of a home is exempt from Outbuilding restrictions provided its footprint is less than 25 sq/ft and it is less than 8 ft tall and is not visible from the street.

NOTE: An outbuilding that does not satisfy these guidelines but has already been approved or granted a variance is grandfathered and should not be considered out of compliance until the outbuilding is modified or requires repair. The outbuilding must then be brought into compliance with current architectural standards.

Hermitage Protective Covenants Article VI §32 states that no outbuilding shall be erected, placed or altered prior to receiving written approval from the Architectural Control Committee (ACC). Outbuildings require the same Architectural Review procedure as certain other modifications to your property. Beginning work prior to receiving approval in writing is cause for a fine and is cause for a cease order until approval is granted. Failure to comply with a cease order is cause for an additional fine.

Written approval or denial should be expected within 30 days after all requested documents are submitted. If the ACC fails to approve or deny a review within thirty 30 days after all requested documentation has been submitted, the review is automatically approved. No changes or additions shall be permitted unless separately approved in writing by the ACC. The ACC may withhold approval for any reason, including location, number or size of outbuildings already placed on the lot.

These guidelines are established pursuant to Hermitage Protective Covenants Article VI §10 which dictates that the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) define architectural standards. Always refer to this webpage for the latest revision.