1 October 2024

 

Architectural Guidelines 2024
  1. DESIGN GUIDELINES
    1. Work Hours - Construction work that creates noise or nuisance to residents may only be performed Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
    2. Organized Construction Area - Members are responsible for maintaining an organized area, not causing any undue dust or dirt to be spread to the community. Members are responsible for disposal of waste material from the project. Construction waste material cannot be disposed of in property trash bins.
    3. Licensed Contractor - For your own protection, only licensed and insured contractors should perform works of improvement to your unit.
    4. Original Building Plans - Harbour Vista was built in early 1980. The original builder plans for Phase I are available from the Association and the City of Huntington Beach has a copy of plans for Phase II. Phase I plans may be used by your architect in order to prepare remodeling drawings. Contact the Association to obtain a copy.
    5. Floors/Ceilings and Walls - Any replacement of floors, ceilings or walls between a neighboring unit requires prior approval of the Architectural Committee.
      • Walls between units have insulation and double walls to provide soundproofing and a firewall barrier between units.
      • Between floors, there is a 10-inch insulated empty space for soundproofing. The upper floors use lightweight concrete over 5/8 inch plywood to act as a firewall barrier.
      • Ten inches below this plywood is the lower unit's drywall ceiling. If you install new wood, tile or vinyl flooring on a second or third floor unit, it is required that you install cork soundproof sheeting or other similar material before installation of the flooring.
      • All flooring, except for first floor units, must have a sound proofing rating of IIC-58 (impact insulation class) and STC 55 (sound transmission class) or more.
      • Bottom unit flooring was originally installed with moisture barriers. If you replace this floor, a moister barrier is required. The HOA is not responsible for this construction oversight by the homeowner.
      • If you are a downstairs neighbor, you can install sound deadening material in your ceiling to create a "resilient channel”.
      • There is built-in floor deflection for earthquakes for second and third floor units. Installing granite floor tiles is not recommended. However, tile and wood flooring is acceptable over sound proofing material.
      • Screen Doors - Front screen doors may be installed without prior approval of the Architectural Committee as long as they are black, bronze or white in color. The owner is responsible for any repairs associated with the removal of the items.
      • Kitchen Vents - Kitchen vents were part of the original construction for the two and three bedroom units. However, kitchen vents were not part of the original construction for the one bedroom units and utilize only a carbon filter system. Installing a kitchen vent system requires prior approval of the Architectural Committee. Currently for one bedroom units, this appears to be feasible only with major construction modifications, and a feasibility and engineering study.
      • Hydronic Heater - Architectural Committee approval is required if the Hydronic Heater is being replaced by a different type of heater (gas or electric).
      • Any party wall between units including garages.
    6. Screen Doors - Front screen doors may be installed without prior approval of the Architectural Committee as long as they are black, bronze or white in color. The owner is responsible for any repairs associated with the removal of the items.
    7. Kitchen Vents - Kitchen vents were part of the original construction for the two and three bedroom units. However, kitchen vents were not part of the original construction for the one bedroom units and utilize only a carbon filter system. Installing a kitchen vent system requires prior approval of the Architectural Committee. Currently for one bedroom units, this appears to be feasible only with major construction modifications, and a feasibility and engineering study.
    8. Hydronic Heater - Architectural Committee approval is required if the Hydronic Heater is being replaced by a different type of heater (gas or electric)
    9. Three Bedroom Top Floor Unused Attic Space Limits - The three bedroom top floor units have a large unused space, which is accessed through a ceiling crawl space inside these units.
      • These spaces were not designed for storage or utility space unless structurally modified. This will require prior Architectural Committee approval.
      • Three Bedroom Top Floor units unfinished attic spaces are classified as “exclusive use common areas”. The HOA is responsible for repairs and clean out of the dryer vent ducts located in these attic spaces. Forced air vents are the responsibility of the property owner.
      • If an owner modifies and/or converts these attic spaces in any way, which requires an approval by the Architectural Committee, the owner will now become responsible for maintaining the entire space and the dryer vents and the space will be classified as part of the member’s unit and no longer the responsibility of the HOA.
    10. Replacement for Same - replacement for same type of item does not require prior approval of the Architectural Committee. This includes:
      • Appliances
      • Toilets
      • Bathtubs/showers
      • Light fixtures
      • Hydronic Heaters
      • Garbage Disposals
      • Dish Washers
      • Vanities
      • Faucets
      • Exhaust Fans
      • Kitchen Cabinetry
      • Electrical Outlets
      • Water Turnoff Valves
      • Broken Tile or flooring (Sound proofing must be maintained)
    11. Railing/Fence Lattice - Adding 45 degree lattice work or pet fencing to balconies/patios for privacy and/or pet control is permitted without prior approval of the Architectural Committee. The owner is responsible for any repairs associated with the removal of the items. The owner is responsible for maintaining any repairs associated with the items or their removal.
      • Any such lattice must be uniform, 1/8" thick, painted on both sides, not extend above the patio fence, and match the color of the balcony railings.
      • If the owner sells their unit, the new owner becomes responsible for maintaining these installations. The owner is responsible for any repairs associated with the removal of the items.
      • Any extension above Railing/Fence must be approved by the Architectural Committee.
      • Lattice work must to be attached to the railing using screws.
    12. Smoke and Carbon Dioxide Alarms - Members are responsible for installing and maintaining smoke and carbon dioxide alarms in the bedrooms and hallways of their units.
    13. Recessed Lights - The installation of recessed lights requires prior Architectural Committee approval. These items typically pierce the sound barrier between units and precautions should be taken. Use of sound proofing putty or building a dry box around the inside light enclosure is recommended.
    14. Balcony/Patio Coverings - Installation of Balcony/Patio Shades/Covering must be approved by the Architectural Committee. Typically these items are physically attached to the outside of the balcony/patio framing. The owner is responsible for any repairs associated the item or its removal and is not the HOA responsibility. If the owner sells their unit, the new owner becomes responsible for maintaining these installations or removing them. Recommend options are:
      • Permanently installed wooden slat cover which is attach to the balcony/patio underside and/or the stucco are permitted. These permanent installations are required to match the Architectural design of the building. Support into the stucco must meet proper flashing and building code
      • Roll-up shade that is attached to the beam of the balcony/patio underside are permitted. The color maybe a brown or beige which does not intrude upon the architecture design of the building.
      • Retractable shade in a natural linen color (no patterns) or a vinyl lattice cover in beige are permitted as long as the installation does not need posts that penetrate the balcony floor. If support is needed it can be obtained by using the balcony railing or side supports into the stucco with proper flashing meeting building code. The installation should not block access to the storage door. Any installation into the railing or the stucco must be installed for easy removal for repairs and sealed to prevent water damage to meet building code.
      • Non retractable balcony trellis covers consisting of slats and cross beams may be installed as long as they match the architecture of the building (e.g. railing). These installations may be anchored to beam of the balcony and either pressure attached or anchored through the stucco to the beams. If anchored through the stucco, flashing or sealing must meet building code.
      • Totally enclosing a patio/balcony as an extra room is not allowed even with clear screen mesh.
    15. Front Door - Approval from the Architectural Committee is required for replacement of front doors. The panel door must resemble the same type of material, finish and color as the original installed doors (e.g. dark walnut).
      • The door must be installed in the same location and be the same size as the original door it replaces.
      • The material of the panel door may be wood, fiberglass or metal as long as the finish resembles the original door.
      • The panel door must consist of at least a single panel and not more than six.
      • Z-style barn and shaker doors are not allowed.
      • Installation of half moon radius transom designed window at the top of the panel door is allowed with approval of the Architectural Committee.
      • Three bedrooms units were built with single panel doors and one and two bedrooms were built with three panel door. There are some other variations that are allowed as long as they nearly match the original door style.
    16. Utility Door - Approval from the Architectural Committee is required for replacement of utility door.
      • Replacement patio/balcony utility closet door is the homeowners responsibilities to maintain or replace.
      • If required, the HOA will pay for the replacement cost of the frame.
      • The utility closet door must be a flat door which has no panels and match the stucco color of the building. There are two approved colors depending on the building.
    17. In-Wall Electrical Space Heaters - Approval from the Architectural Committee is required for any installation of in-wall electric space heaters. City permits must be obtained with an inspection. These in-wall space heaters must only be installed facing interior walls which are not classified as “party walls" (e.g. walls shared between units). Using exterior walls which face outside is acceptable.
    18. Windows and Sliding Doors - Architectural Committee approval is required for all windows and sliding and non sliding glass doors.
      • The existing windows and sliding glass doors at Harbour Vista are a black/bronze anodized aluminum. Members may upgrade windows with only white energy efficient retrofit windows and sliding glass doors double pane clear glass that meet the California Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards. Enforcement of California Title 24 is to ensure new and existing buildings achieve energy efficiency and preserve outdoor and indoor environmental quality. The following restrictions apply as enforced by the HOA:
      • Members may only replace existing windows and sliding glass doors, not add, or remove windows and sliding glass doors.
      • New build windows and sliding glass doors are not allowed as new build installation requires a Building permit and would require new flashing to be installed. Window and sliding glass doors flashing is maintained by the HOA.
      • Only white vinyl retrofit windows and sliding glass doors may be installed which utilize the existing aluminum frame, are the same window type (sliding left, sliding right, etc.), and which do not require building permits or new flashing.
      • No other colors other than white vinyl is allowed as infused colors in vinyl windows and sliding glass doors create a deterioration problem with cracking and fading.
      • All windows and sliding glass doors must have screens which shall be maintained in good condition and repaired by the member.
      • All window upgrades must be horizontal sliding except those that replace the fixed window at the end to the three bedroom hallway onto the balcony. For this casement window, only retrofit vinyl casement or vertical sliding single hung, awning or hopper window can be used for replacement.
      • Replacement of Sliding Windows and doors must match the original sliding direction as the window or sliding door they replace.
    19. Air Conditioning Units - Only a pre-approved mini A/C split air conditioning unit that meets Association requirements for noise, power limitations, and aesthetics, may be installed anywhere outside of a unit, with prior approval of the Architectural Committee. An Architectural request and a city permit with inspection is required for A/C installation.
    20. Exterior Video Door Bells and Cameras - installation of exterior Video Door Bells and Cameras are allowed and do not require prior approval by the Architectural Committee.
      There is an expectation of privacy for residents of Harbour Vista. Surveillance of private areas where access is not controlled by the unit’s member is not allowed. But, surveillance of any area that is publicly visible is acceptable including walk-ways and stairwells as long as they are associated with the member’s unit. Secondary surveillance of additional areas includes windows or doors of other units is allowed as long as they are visible from public area and as long as its purpose does not intrude on resident’s privacy.
    21. Porch Lights and Door Bells - Porch lights and door bells may be replaced without approval from the Architectural Committee. Members should be considerate of the aesthetic to match the building.
    22. Satellite Dish (antenna) - Installation of a Satellite Dish does not require prior approval by the Architectural Committee. These Satellite Dishes are typically attached to the outside of the building where the location is defined by the Satellite provider. Installation of satellite dish must follow "best practices". These include properly securing the antenna to the building, sealing installation that pierces exterior walls, installing and securing cable that is aesthetically pleasing. The member is responsible for any repairs associated with the removal of the items. If the member sells their unit, the new owner becomes responsible for maintaining these installations or removing them.
    23. In-Wall/In-Ceiling Speakers - Installation of in-wall or in-ceiling speakers must be approved but the Architectural Committee. Installation of speakers in ceilings are not permitted except on top floor units where there is no-unit above the member. Any type of in-wall speaker system installation in any internal shared wall (e.g. party wall) between units is prohibited. The sound produced by an in-wall speaker has a tendency to travel through the walls to attached units. It is recommended that precautions be taken to seal the speaker baffles and so forth which must be discussed with the Architectural Committee.
    24. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations - Installation of an Electric Vehicle Charging Station require approval of the Architectural Committee. Only stations using a dedicated circuit assigned to the member are allowed. These stations may only be installed in either the member’s garage or at member’s assigned parking space. The member is responsible for any repairs associated with the charging station and the charging station must be maintained by the member. If the owner sells their unit, the new member becomes responsible for maintaining these installations or removing them.
    25. Bathroom Remodeling - installing or replacing a shower floor that involves hot mopping or installing under floor radiant heating will require approval of the Architectural Committee. The homeowner is required to obtain a building permit with inspection from the City of Huntington Beach to perform hot mopping or adding radiant.
    26. Electrical Panel - Any upgrade to the inside electrical panel in the condo unit or the main breaker system in the electrical closet in the building will require Architectural Approval.
    27. Garages - Remodeling of a unit’s assigned garage falls under the same requirements as remodeling your condo. You must notify your neighbors. The party wall between garages may be single flat board or drywall and is not isolated from your neighbor. Any work performed on the party wall between garages such as adding shelving or electrical outlets requires Architectural Committee approval. Performing any complex electrical in your garage such as installing additional wall sockets or EV chargers requires Architectural Committee approval
    28. Pre Approved Exterior Paint Colors - A. The following paints have been pre approved and may be used without prior Architectural Committee approval:

      Vista Paint Colors - 2003 Catalog
      Vista Paint - Acribond - Color Expressions

        76-(1) Winter Wheat (light)
               
            81-(2) Sepia (medium)
               
            138-(3) Stage (dark)
               
              Recommended Vendor:
        Vista Paint
        17445 Beach Blvd. Huntington Beach, CA 92647
        Near the intersection of Beach Blvd. and Slater Ave.
        (714) 841-5596
        http://vistapaint.com
      Home Depot can also match these colors
Harbour Vista HOA
Architectural Guidelines 2024
 
 
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