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Shed Guidelines

Article IV, Paragraph 4 of the Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions generally prohibits the building of temporary or accessory structures within Sunny Field Estates. Under the covenants, a temporary or accessory structure includes, but is not limited to, a trailer, shack, outbuilding, garden shed, greenhouse, or other similar temporary structure. While the covenants generally prohibit such structures from use as a residence, or for storage, either temporarily or permanently, the covenants reserve the right of the Architectural Review Committee to “establish guidelines for approved accessory structures and to approve each Structure in advance for conformity with such guidelines and the other provisions of this Declaration.”

The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) has created the following procedure for requesting approval for the construction of a shed. Other temporary structures, as described above (trailers, shacks, outbuildings, etc.), are not allowed. (This guideline shall not apply to play equipment and/or childrens’ playhouses, which are not considered “sheds” under this guideline. Requests for play equipment and childrens’ playhouses shall be considered independently.)

  1. Before constructing a shed, a homeowner shall submit a request to the ARC, in accordance with the procedures as set out in the covenants.
  2. The homeowner shall document the request to include a site plan marking the location, orientation, dimensions, style, colors, and a description of the exterior building materials. Information pertaining to each of the details depicted below (#5 A-I) is required on the request.
  3. The homeowner must provide a copy of the request to each of their contiguous[1] neighbors prior to submitting it for review by the ARC. Proof of delivery to each neighbor is required as part of the application. Proof can consist of the neighbor’s signature on the request or delivery receipts from the postal service. NOTE: The neighbor’s signature only acknowledges receipt of the request, NOT the neighbor’s approval of the request. If the neighbor has concerns with the request, it is the responsibility of the neighbor to present those concerns to the ARC for consideration in the review process.
  4. The homeowner may then submit their request to the ARC for review. In addition to the required two (2) copies of the request, the homeowner must include proof that they have notified all of their contiguous neighbors as described above.
  5. The shed must conform to the following restrictions:
        a. Placement: The shed must be placed in the rear yard[2]. The ARC reserves the right to work with the requestor to ensure the placement of the shed maximizes its aesthetic value within the
neighborhood.
        b. Size: The interior dimensions of the shed must conform to one of the following approved sizes:
8’x8’, 8’x10’, 10’x10’, or 10’x12’. Exterior dimensions shall add no more than 8” to the interior
dimensions.
        c. Height: The height of the shed shall not be more than 10’ tall (measured from the floor of the
shed to the exterior top of the roof).
        d. Roof Style: Only gabled style roofs are allowed (no barn style roofs). Sheds located under
decks do not require gabled roofs.
        e. Shingles: The color and style of the shingles must match that of the house.
        f. Doors: Sheds may have either one single or one double door.
        g. Door Color: The color of the door(s) should closely match the color of the exterior shed walls.
        h. Exterior Color: The exterior finish must match the color of the house’s siding.
        i. Landscaping: The shed shall be landscaped to maximize its aesthetic value within the
neighborhood.
        j. Only one shed per lot is allowed.

The Architectural Review Committee has 30 days to review each shed request to ensure conformity with the above restrictions, the Covenants, and Howard County zoning regulations. Each request will be considered independently based on the lot upon which the shed is to be located. There may be situations in which a shed request that meets all the guidelines above is denied due to the lot, proposed location, or other factors. The reason any shed is denied will be explained to the homeowner in writing.

NOTE: Sheds must meet Howard County Zoning and Building Permit Regulations regarding property setback requirements, building permits, and whether a permanent foundation is required.

[1] A neighbor is considered to be "contiguous" if the neighbor owns a home that shares a property line with the homeowner and the neighbor is a member of Sunny Field Estates Community Association.
[2] The rear yard is defined as that section of the yard located behind the line that extends from the rear foundation wall to the property line.