VISTA COVE ESTATES ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STANDARDS

AND REVIEW PROCESS

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INTRODUCTION

Vista Cove Estates is Placencia’s premier bayside waterfront community . Our Architectural Design Standards are intended to uphold the elegance, harmony, and modern character that make our neighborhood a place of pride and lasting value. These standards provide guidance for all new construction to ensure a consistent modern aesthetic throughout, and synergy with the architecture with Seabird while allowing homeowners creative freedom.

Vista Cove is a community which has delegated 3 qualified members as our Design Review Board. Please submit architectural drawings to Jim Taylor at jptaylors7s@gmail.com

LOCAL AUTHORITIES & BUILDING CODE

Central Building Authority

https://www.centralbuildingauthority.org/

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

1. Architectural Cohesion
Homes should reflect a modern tropical architectural style that blends with the natural surroundings. All new homes within Vista Cove (Specifically lots 11-25 ) should be designed in a modern style sympathetic to the existing homes in the community and the architecture of the adjacent Seabird homes. Massing, scale, and proportions should respect the surrounding landscape and adjacent homes.

2. Material Harmony
Approved materials include natural wood, concrete, stone, and steel. Bold or industrial materials should be softened by natural elements and textures.

3. Color and Material Palette
Color and material selections should reflect natural tones: sands, concrete grey, and earth tones. Color or material changes should always happen on an interior versus exterior corner.

4. Foundation
All residential occupied space must have a minimum elevation of 3 ft. above adjacent ground level and be built according to the CBA requirements.

5. Roof & Elevation
Roof lines must complement modern architectural style. Flat roofs (with parapets and safety rails) should be the prevalent roof and accessory pitched roofs should be less than 2:12. Standing seam or corrugated metal is acceptable in grey, neutral or galvanized tones. 

6. Doors & Windows
No white vinyl windows are  permitted.  Designs should strive to have 50% of the perimeter surfaces to be glass.

7. Predominant Breeze

Wind comes from the North North East almost 10 months of the year.  Homes should make use of this predominant breeze to both cool and shed outdoor spaces of mosquitos.  Avoid blocking breezes with architectural elements and creating “ lees ” which harbor mosquitos.

8. Garages & Detached Structures
Garage entries should not dominate the primary entrance. Visual separation from the main facade is important.

9. Outdoor Living Emphasis
Designs should prioritize outdoor living with features like verandas, balconies, juliette balcinones, breezeways, terraces, and upper-level decks.

10. Landscaping & Site Integration
Native and drought-tolerant plants are encouraged. Hardscaping should support drainage to the canal. Fencing and privacy screens must harmonize with home architecture and not obstruct views. The Maximum height of fencing is 8’. Residents should refrain from using any fertilizers, weed controls, or chemicals to protect the fragile ocean and native environment.

11. Lighting & Ambiance
Exterior lighting should be warm, subtle, and downward-facing to maintain the community’s serene nighttime environment and protect dark skies.  Trees may be uplit but without visual disturbance to other neighbors or the streetscape.

12. Signage

House numbering should mirror the existing homes in the community, and must be lit at night.

13. Solar Equipment

While encouraged, solar equipment may not be visible from the street or canal.

These guidelines are written as broad standards, and the interpretation of these standards and/or departure is at the discretion of the ARC. When using discretion, the ARC shall implement the “intent” of the standards and consider the alternatives based on design merit and overall design composition. The ARC is not authorized to grant any exceptions to local land use regulations unless explicitly authorized by the appropriate review agency or agencies. 

DESIGN REVIEW PROCESS

  1. Thorough review of Vista Cove documents and the Central Building Authority requirements are encouraged.

  2. Preliminary Consultation
    Owners are encouraged to meet with a member of the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) early in their planning to discuss site orientation, design intent, and compatibility. 

  3. Proposal Submission Requirements

  • Site plan with setbacks and building footprint.

  • Elevations (all sides) and all floor plans.

  • Material and color board.

  • Landscape plan.

  • Four 3D renderings of the project.

  • Site Survey with 4 corners pinned on site.

    4. Review & Approval Timeline
    Submissions are reviewed by the ARC within 14 days. Written approval is required before submittal to the CBA.  Emails are considered acceptable.

    5. Notification and Feedback

    Homeowners may receive notification from the ARC regarding the status of the proposal, along with any feedback or requested revisions. It’s important for homeowners to be prepared to address any concerns and make adjustments to the proposal if necessary.

    6. Modifications & Additions
    All exterior changes post-construction must be reviewed and approved to maintain design integrity approved by the ARC.

    7. Approval or Denial

    After review, the ARC will decide to approve or deny the proposal. If approved, the homeowner will receive written authorization outlining any conditions or stipulations associated with the approval. If denied, the homeowner may be given reasons for the decision and, in some cases, options for appeal or reconsideration.

    8. Implementation

    Once the proposal is approved, homeowners can move forward with submittal to the CBA. The homeowner will also have to follow any local laws/ordinances.

    9. Completion and Inspection

    Upon completion of the project, the ARC may conduct a final inspection to verify that the project  has been executed in accordance with the approved plans and meets all relevant requirements. The CBA will require additional inspections to ensure the project is approved for occupancy. 

BUILDING ENVELOPE GUIDELINES

Minimum home size: 1800 square feet.  Square feet shall be calculated as dimensions of exterior walls enclosing air conditioned space.

Setbacks: 

  • Front: Minimum front 25 ft. from the road. 

  • Rear: Minimum 20’ ft. from the canal mangroves.

  • Sides: As per community plat or minimum 8’ on either side to maintain privacy and spacing. Property owners may combine numerous lots into one lot and the interior lot lines and setbacks would then be vacated. All roadside and canalside setbacks would still apply. 

Height Limits: Maximum building height is 35 ft. (including rooftop terrace, where applicable).

Lot Coverage: Homes must not exceed 60% lot coverage, including all buildings, decks, and structures.

Grading & Clearing: All lots, regardless of construction status, shall be graded as to shed all standing water. No lot may have any standing water onsite within 24 hours of a rainfall.

BOAT DOCK & SLIP GUIDELINES

All owners 

  • Docks cannot exceed 50 ft. in length and 8 ft. in width. 

  • Combined dock width and boat beam, including attachments to the boat or vessel may not extend beyond 20ft into the canal.

  • Correct permits and approvals must be obtained to commence construction from necessary entities.

SUSTAINABILITY RECOMMENDATIONS (optional but encouraged)

  • Solar panels integrated into roof design installed at a 17 degree pitch.

  • Rainwater harvesting systems.

  • Energy-efficient windows and insulation.

  • Locally sourced or sustainable building materials.

  • Generators are recommended for buildings without solar.

  • Solar battery backup is recommended for water pumps due to power outages.

  • Gas heated water is recommended due to power outages. 

COMPLIANCE & COMMUNITY INTEGRITY

All homeowners are to uphold these standards to protect the beauty, value and continuity of Vista Cove Estates. Our goal is to foster a neighborhood that reflects a modern lifestyle through architectural cohesion..

For questions, pre-approvals, or design support, please contact the Vista Cove Estates Design Review Committee ( VCE ARC ) at Jptaylors7s@gmail.com. Jim Taylor +1.303.929.8833 

Architectural Design Standards are subject to amendment as necessary