A. Utility hookups must be inspected by the appropriate inspectors. Electric power is provided within Big Canoe by Amicalola Electric Membership Corporation (AEMC). A minimum 200 AMP electrical service is required. Water is provided by Utilities, Inc. of Georgia. Utility deposits, fees, and service are the sole responsibility of the Property Owners. The location of utilities is controlled by the respective utility purveyor. All
connections from trunk lines to individual structures must be underground at a depth meeting Georgia or local codes or the respective utility standards, whichever is deeper. Exposed plumbing and electrical lines are not allowed. Materials and installation must conform to the applicable Electrical or Plumbing Codes. All excavation for site utility hookups must be restored to the natural condition.
B. The residential licensed contractor is responsible for trenching all service lines from the appropriate pedestal to the home. All such drops shall be installed according to the standards of the utility companies.
1. The Property Owner/Builder must call AECD for a location inspection to determine where the trench is to be dug. Only two sweep turns are allowed in the conduit.
2. The ditch must be a minimum of 24” deep and the conduit to be installed must be 21/2” diameter schedule 40 electrical conduit.
3. The ditch is to be covered with dirt.
4. After this work is completed, AECD must be contacted for final inspection. If inspection is approved, AECD will call AEMC to schedule a permanent hook-up.
C. HVAC equipment must comply as follows:
1. Window air conditioning units are not allowed.
2. Compressor units shall be ground mounted and meet all applicable codes.
3. Compressor units visible from adjacent properties or exposed to community view shall be screened by approved fencing or planting of a density and height to effectively hide the unit.
D. All Liquid Propane (LP) tanks and installation must follow all regulations established by the National Fire Protection Association.
1. All above ground tanks shall be screened by approved fencing or planting of a density and height to effectively hide the unit.
2. Property Owners should provide propane tank location directly to Big Canoe Public Safety (706-268-3376).
E. Foundation walls must be poured concrete with stucco finish painted the approved siding color, concrete block with stucco finish painted the approved siding color, or poured concrete or concrete bock with stone/brick veneer (as specified by that particular neighborhood guidelines with veneer ending at internal corners.)
F. Material and color for retaining walls include the following:
1. Concrete or concrete block with stucco finish painted Cabot’s Spanish Moss or another color approved by AECD prior to painting;
2. Concrete block with stone/brick veneer;
3. Pressure treated 6 X 6 or 8 X 8 landscape timbers stained or painted Cabot’s Spanish
Moss or another color approved by AECD prior to painting;
4. Interlocking block in an approved color;
5. Welded wire blocks; or
6. Natural stone.
7. Pillars or columns on the sides of driveways or on properties have a maximum height
restriction of three (3) feet.
G. Exterior siding material must be either cedar shakes or shingles; horizontal or vertical wood; reverse board and batten plywood or equal material; logs or log siding; cement fiber siding (Hardie Plank or equal material).
H. Approved stonework is Tennessee Fieldstone, Arkansas Fieldstone, or River Rock. Some
neighborhoods approve artificial stone or other veneers. Stonework must be laid with
gray or tan mortar to closely match the stone
I. Roofing materials include the following.
1. Hand split wood shakes;
2. Wood shingles;
3. Asphalt fiberglass architectural shingles in Weathered Wood Color: GAF “Timberline,” Georgia-Pacific “Summit,” Tamko “Heritage II,” IKO “Armourshake Weathered Stone,” Celotex “Dimensional IV Shake Shingles,” Owens Corning- Driftwood color, Atlas Storm Master Shake, Certainteed “Landmark”;
4. Metal approved for primary roof volumes (Gerard Metal-- Granite Ridge Shingle in Timberwood or Canyon Shake in Country Blend;
5. Metal approved for secondary roof Copper (anodized); pre-finished metal (bronze anodized or charcoal color).
6. No 3-tab style roofing is authorized.
J. Exterior color approval is based not only on the color itself, but also on design, location, and visibility. Due to the variation of stain and paint colors on different building materials, samples of all stain and paint must be applied on 6" by 6" samples of materials to be used.
1. All siding paint must be either a flat or satin finish; trim paint may be flat, satin, or semi-gloss finish.
2. Cornice and fascia boards must match the siding or trim color.
3. Front porch columns and adjoining beams can be painted to match the siding or trim or be stained an approved stain color.
4. Deck posts and supporting columns must match the siding or trim color.
5. Deck floors must match siding or trim color or left natural wood with an approved stain/sealer. Approved synthetic decking materials are approved in a natural wood color.
6. Approved colors are listed in Appendix J—Big Canoe Approved Exterior Colors.
K. Deck posts, hand rails, and pickets for all installations, including decks, porches, and
retaining walls, must meet applicable state codes and be submitted to and approved by
AECD prior to installation. Posts, railings, and pickets (both horizontal and vertical) that
are visible in the same plane must match in design, material, and color.
1. All posts and railings must match the siding or trim color of the house or be bronze or
black metal.
2. On the rear and sides of the home, stainless steel cables or black mesh panels are also
acceptable, and all frame work must match the siding or trim color, except as identified in
Appendix I- Neighborhood Guidelines.
3. For rear or side installations, glass panels may be used to enhance views with prior
approval from AECD. The installation of the glass panels must take into consideration
sunlight reflection viewable to other Property Owner(s) in Big Canoe and be limited in
scope or expanse so as to not overwhelm the property.
L. All exterior lighting must be approved by AECD prior to any installation. All lighting proposals must show restraint and concern for the impact on the Big Canoe flora and fauna environment as well as neighboring properties. Lighting of adjacent or common property is prohibited. Entry, garage, deck, and terrace areas may be illuminated under the following conditions.
1. Exterior lighting must be fully shielded or directed shielding. “Fully shielded” means outdoor light fixtures shielded or constructed so that light rays emitted by the fixture are projected below the horizontal plane. “Directed shielding” means shielding by design or external application that directs light downward and limits direct line of sight of a fixtures lamp. This does not include carriage style fixtures.
2. Fixtures are lit by bulbs not greater than 525 lumens each as recommended by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) and the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA).
a. Post lighting fixtures must be a maximum of 250 lumens each.
b. All outdoor lighting must be “white light,” defined as a color temperature between 2700-3100K (Kelvins) and all fixtures must have matching light color.
c. No colored bulbs are allowed.
3. Neither Up Lighting nor Moon Lighting is permitted
4. Classic residential “corner floodlights” are not acceptable except for emergency lighting. Emergency lighting may exceed the lumen maximums provided the lighting extinguishes within 30 minutes of activation or secession of an emergency condition.
5. Driveway/pathway/landscape/entry light fixtures must be only brass, copper, brown, black, or gray powder coated aluminum.
6. At any time, the POA may evaluate unduly bright lights that create a nuisance to adjacent owners or lighting complaints received. Safety considerations will be balanced against aesthetics/nuisance considerations in applying these Standards.
M. Windows and doors must be approved by AECD and be compliant with the Neighborhood Guidelines.
1. Acceptable materials for exterior doors and windows are wood, paintable metal, vinyl clad and metal clad. All colors must be approved by AECD.
2. Screens must be dark bronze anodized or charcoal color.
3. Window and door trim must be a minimum width of three and one-half inches (3 ½").
4. Stained glass must be approved by AECD.
N. Gutters, gutter guards, and downspouts must match the siding or trim color. Chain style downspouts are approved. It is the responsibility of Property Owner(s) to maintain the gutters, gutter guards, and downspouts on the structure including, but not limited to, painting, repair, and replacement.
O. Garages/Carports must be attached to the house or attached via a breezeway if either of the structures is more than one story, per the Covenants and Restrictions.
1. Garage doors exposed to the community view must remain closed when the garage is not in use. Garage doors must be the color of the siding/trim or a natural wood color/stain.
2. Carports are not authorized in all neighborhoods (Appendix I- Neighborhood Guidelines).
3. Breezeways may not be more than 20 feet long, unless the topography warrants and prior AECD approval has been given.
P. Accessory buildings are permitted only with AECD approval including, but not limited to, the following conditions:
1. They must be built of the same materials as the house and painted the same color.
2. They must not over-crowd the lot.
3. They must be a single story unless connected to the house per the Covenants and Restrictions. In addition, they may not contain kitchen facilities.
Q. For Alternate Energy Devices, detailed plans showing installation, placement, and materials must be submitted to AECD for review and receive written acceptance from AECD prior to installation. AECD will reject any collector of size, shape, or color that is unacceptably designed or located.
1. These Standards apply to all alternate energy devices including, but not limited to, solar panels and their associated components, solar tubes, solar skylights or other solar energy devices (collectively referred to as “devices” or “systems” or “equipment”) which due to installation and use may become visible from neighboring property or Big Canoe roads.
2. Solar collectors must be aesthetically integrated into the design when exposed to view or they must be hidden from view. Solar collector panels must be carefully designed to relate to the architectural mass to which they are attached. Panels must be racked at the same pitch as the roof and detailed to be as unobtrusive as possible.
3. Only commercially or professionally made devices, systems, or equipment is allowed.
R. Satellite dishes may not exceed a diameter of forty inches (40").
1. All equipment must be flat gray or black or commercially manufactured color and positioned with low visibility as practicable and be maintained in good condition.
2. No more than two (2) dishes are allowed per home site.
3. Wiring must be painted the same color as adjacent siding or trim.
S. To maintain the mountain aesthetic of Big Canoe, outdoor accessories, accoutrements, and decoration are restricted. The AEC Standards protect the type, material, color, quantity, and maintenance of these items, all of which must comply with the following:
1. No more than three (3) decorative accessories (in a plane) may be visible from the road.
2. Statuary/Sculptures must be in keeping with the mountain aesthetic and must not exceed thirty-six inches (36") in height.
3. Bird feeders/Butterfly houses must be metal or natural wood or painted with an approved color. Bird feeders are to be used only during winter months to avoid attracting bears. They must be removed from March 1 to November 30.
4. Bird/butterfly baths must blend into the surrounding area. Fountains and ponds must be submitted to the AECD prior to installation for acceptance of color, style, size, and location.
5. Flower pots must be the approved siding or trim color or gray, brown, terra cotta, black, dark green, or natural wood or stone. In addition, if in the same plane, they should be stylistically similar. Planter boxes affixed to the house must match in color to the background color to which they are affixed or be a natural fiber. Dead plants must be replaced or planters removed. Hanging baskets and flower boxes affixed to the home are not included in the maximum number of accessories.
6. The only flag allowed to be continuously displayed is the United States flag with a maximum size of 4x6 feet. In addition to the United States flag, one military service flag, one seasonal banner, or one college flag/pennant is permissible, with a maximum size of 3x5 feet. Free standing flag poles and displays, including but not limited to “feather flags,” are prohibited.
7. Winter Holiday (Christmas, Hanukah, and others) decorations must consist of live natural materials or artificial materials with a natural appearance. Decorative accessories and trimmings (including holiday and seasonal decorations) intended for the enjoyment of Property Owner(s) must be positioned so as not to offend the community or the immediate neighbors. All outdoor decorations are allowed for the applicable holiday period and must be removed within two weeks after the holiday.
8. Outdoor lighting approved for the winter holiday season is limited to miniature clear/ white bulbs displayed at the front door entry, foundation shrubs which extend up to fifteen feet (15') on either side of the front door and adjacent small trees less than six inches (6") in circumference and less than ten feet (10') tall.
a. Flashing, flickering or running lights are not allowed. Icicle-like and other mimetic shaped lights are not allowed.
b. There may be no lighting that delineates fences, handrails, decks, eaves, posts, columns, beams, windows, doors, or driveways except the front entry door. Holiday garlands with lights are permissible on the front entry door only.
T. Other outdoor items must comply as follows:
1. All outdoor furniture, if visible to the community or adjacent properties, must blend with the natural environment and be gray, brown, black, dark green, or approved red to match the adjacent door. Outdoor furniture accessories, pillows cushions and umbrellas, may be other colors provided they are muted and blend into the property.
2. Play Equipment, Toys, and Yard Tools must adhere to the following:
a. Play equipment (swings, trampolines, and the like) must blend with the natural environment. The location, design and colors must be submitted to AECD for approval prior to installation.
b. Toys (bicycles, tricycles, basketball goals, etc.) must be stored so that they are not visible to the street or adjacent neighbors.
c. Yard tools must be stored so that they are not visible to the street or adjacent neighbors.
3. Outside clotheslines are not permitted.
4. Water/Rain Barrels must blend into the environment and be gray, brown, black, dark green or siding color.
5. Outdoor trash containers must meet the minimum construction described in Appendix O – Residential Exterior Trash Can Enclosures. The location, color, and design of the outdoor structure must be submitted for approval by AECD.
6. Tarps and covers intended for firewood storage and other uses, including vehicle, grill, and hot tub covers, must be either dark green, brown, black, or dark gray. This is not applicable to tarps used for large home repairs such as covering roof damage.
7. Outdoor Fire Devices (other than cooking grills) are not permitted in Big Canoe. This includes devices/appliances such as fire pits, chimenaes, fire rings, and all other devices/appliances whether they are fueled by wood, charcoal, or bio ethanol.
a. There are two exceptions: a device/appliance fueled by propane designed to be used on the deck or patio; and an outdoor fireplace approved by AECD, constructed of brick/masonry materials or UL approved with a chimney cap and spark arrestor and full protective wire mesh screening to effectively eliminate the possibility of live sparks/ashes/cinders/embers from escaping the permanent outdoor fireplace internal structure,
b. Permanent outdoor fireplaces may not be used whenever a burn ban is placed in effect by the State or County governments, or Big Canoe Public Safety.
8. Only AECD approved permanent address identification signs are permitted.
a. This sign must be positioned at the main driveway entrance. If the house is served by multiple driveways or curbs, the post must be located at the entrance closest to the beginning of the assigned number structure.
b. They must be vertical wood posts with a dimension of 4" X 4" or 6" X 6" with a horizontal cross arm dimensioned 2” X 6” X 29” painted either Cabot Spanish Moss or to match the house or trim unless there is an approved Neighborhood requirement.
c. E911 numbers are required by both Dawson and Pickens Counties to be displayed with reflective numerals 3" to 4" high and 2" to 3" wide. The numbers are to be arranged horizontally on the cross arm or sign face and visible from both directions of travel. The E911 number with the street name is the physical address of the property (for example, 1234 Wilderness Parkway).
d. Identification signs may additionally contain a descriptive moniker chosen by Property Owner(s), such as “My Almost Forever Home,” provided that the wording is in good taste and not offensive to the community as a whole. A maximum of two hanging shingles is permitted. Dimensions are not to exceed 5.5"X 16".
e. Any object added to the address post counts as a decorative accessory and shall not exceed 6" X 12"X 4" and must be appropriate to the natural environment of Big Canoe.
f. No advertising signage is permitted on residential property.
U. The location, style, and material for fencing must be submitted to AECD for approval prior to installation.
1. The delineation of side and/or rear property lines is not permitted. No fences or barriers are permitted across a driveway.
2. The maximum square footage allowed for enclosed areas using split rail fencing such as dog runs is 800 square feet. Maximum height is 4 feet.
3. All fencing must be designed to blend into the natural environment. All designs require AECD written approval.
4. Deer fencing may encompass up to 45% of the lot not including the footprint of the house or driveway. See Appendix N – Fencing and Deer Deterrent for more information.
