Click this link for a printable copy of the current Architectural Guidelines.  

Note: You are required to file an Architectural Review Board Change Request and receive permission before you make any changes.  

Architectural Control Guidelines (2024)

The Henson Park Homeowners Association (HOA) Architectural Control Guidelines serve as a way to keep our community an attractive, desirable place in which to live. They also serve as a way to maintain the value of our investment, the Henson Park community. The guidelines cover the usual requests for exterior changes. The guidelines are not intended to be an inclusive set of regulations, nor are they intended to be a replacement of the Arlington County building codes. The approval of a proposal by the Architectural Control Committee does not imply that Arlington County will approve the project and vice versa.

It is not the purpose of the guidelines to imply automatic approval of items covered, nor disapproval of those not covered. Each proposal will be considered on its individual merits.

Process

As stated in the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (attached to the Articles of Incorporation of Henson Park Homeowners Association, Inc.), all exterior changes must be approved by the Architectural Control Committee (currently the Board of Directors). Exceptions are noted in these guidelines. Residents must complete and submit in writing the Architecture Review Board Modification Form. Requests will be considered at regularly scheduled meetings. The Board will reply to requests as soon as possible thereafter. Requests may be considered sooner if the change is standard and copies of the request are delivered to each committee member. You must get written approval before the work is started.

Criteria for Approval

The following criteria will be used to judge each application:

1. Conformance with guidelines. The proposed project must be within the guidelines outlined in the document. 

2. Design compatibility. The proposed change must be compatible with the applicant's house and the community. 

3. Scale. The size of the alteration must relate well to the house and surroundings. 

4. Property values. The effect of the project on property values is an important consideration. 

5. Aesthetics. Aesthetic values are subjective and will be applied fairly in the framework of the other criteria. 

6. Individual rights. The right of individual homeowners to use their property as they desire is important. Every effort will be made to help homeowners submitting proposals to comply fully with the guidelines or to develop acceptable alternatives. 

7. Materials. In order to ensure continuity, materials used for each project should be the same or compatible to those used in the original design. 

8. Safety. Consideration will be given to the potential safety hazards presented by each project. 

Penalties 

The Board of Directors takes these guidelines very seriously and will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that they are enforced. Compliance with these guidelines is the homeowner's responsibility. Any modifications needed to bring a project into compliance with these guidelines will be at the homeowner's expense. To further ensure compliance, fines may be levied by the Board after 30 days’ notice. Please note that it is common for your mortgage holder to require the homeowner to comply with rules and regulations imposed by the HOA. The Board will not hesitate to report violations to your mortgage holder to enforce these rules. 

Amendments 

These guidelines will be amended by the Board as necessary, and homeowners will be notified immediately of any such amendments. 

Exceptions 

Owners may apply in writing for appropriate exceptions. Such exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by the Board in writing before any work can proceed. 

Guidelines 

Fences 

1. The committee must approve all fences in writing. 

2. Fences are restricted to rear and side yards. 

3. Fences must be of natural, treated wood and match existing fences erected by the builder in materials, style, height, and color. Metal or chain-link fencing is prohibited. 

4. Gates are optional. If erected, they must match fencing in material, design, and color. 

5. Proposed fencing can be no higher than that erected by the builder. 

6. No fence or gate may be painted a color. Fences may be treated with a clear or neutral stain or protectant. Wood tone stains and protectants will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Any changes must be approved by the Committee.

7. Placement of fencing and additions thereto should follow the common walls between houses. 

8. All fences are subject to immediate owner repair. 

9. A building permit, where applicable and according to Arlington County regulations, must be obtained before construction begins. More information on Arlington County building regulations can be found on the county website.

10. All areas enclosed by fencing must be maintained by the unit owner. 

Sheds, Doghouses, and Other Structures 

1. The committee must approve in writing all exterior structures such as sheds, doghouses, or other outside enclosures. 

2. Yards must be fenced if any exterior structure is to be built. 

3. Maximum size of any exterior structure is 6 feet tall by 8 feet wide and may not be taller than the fence against which it is built. 

4. Materials and color should match or generally be compatible with the house, fence, or background with which it is most visually related or physically attached. 

5. Metal sheds will be considered if they are screened with a wood enclosure or plantings. Shrubs must be approximately the height of the shed when planted. 

6. Sheds should be placed as close to the building as possible. 

7. A unit owner must properly maintain all exterior structures. 

8. A building permit, where applicable, according to the Arlington County regulations, must be obtained before construction begins. More information on Arlington County building regulations can be found on the county website.

Decks 

1. The committee must approve all decks in writing. 

2. The committee must approve trim and rail design on new and existing decks. 

3. Decks must be located in the rear yard. 

4. Modifications to existing decks should provide continuity in detailing such as material, color, and design of railings and trim. 

5. Construction materials must be stored so that safety problems are minimized. 

6. Excess material and debris should be immediately removed after completion of construction. 

7. Decks should be made of natural treated wood. Wood composite decks will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

8. Decks may be stained with a natural wood stain. They may not be painted or stained a color. Wood tone stains and protectants will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Any changes must be approved by the Committee.

9. Size limitations:

   • Interior 18 ft units (two bedroom): Decks may not be more than 12 ft. wide by 10 ft. deep. 

   • Exterior 18 ft units (two bedroom): Deck may not be more than 14 ft. wide by 14 ft. deep.

   • Interior 20 ft. units (three bedroom): Decks may not be more than 14 ft. wide by 10 ft. deep. 

   • Exterior 20 ft. units (three bedroom): Decks may not be more than 16 ft. wide by 12 ft. deep. 

10. The Arlington County Building Code must be observed, including obtaining a building permit. More information on Arlington County building regulations can be found on the county website.

Patios 

1. The committee must approve patios in writing. 

2. Patios must be located in a rear yard. 

3. Materials should have weathering qualities, such as brick, wood, stone, and concrete. 

4. If changes in grade or other conditions affecting drainage are anticipated, they must be indicated. 

5. Construction materials must be stored so that safety problems are minimized. Excess material and debris should be immediately removed after completion of construction.

6. A building permit, where applicable, according to Arlington County regulations, must be obtained before construction begins. More information on Arlington County building regulations can be found on the county web site.

Storm doors, Windows, and Security Doors 

1. Storm doors and windows must be compatible with the general architectural design and colors of the house and the community. 

2. Application for storm windows need not be submitted if the windows are of a conventional type and are white. The committee, however, must approve storm and security doors. 

3. Storm doors must either be white or the same color as the trim of the house. Design must be plain. 

4. Plastic sheeting used for insulation must be placed on the inside of the windows rather than the outside. 

5. Security doors will be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the design of the door and its visibility from other houses. 

6. Security bars on windows will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

7. Owners who place security bars on the back-basement window or door must have a fenced back yard. 

8. Paper or fabric sheeting may not be used to cover windows, except on a temporary basis (such as during painting). 

Play Equipment 

1. The Committee must approve permanent/stationary play equipment in writing. 

2. The overall size of the play equipment should be proportional to the site. It should neither dominate the site nor stand as a primary feature of the lot. 

Woodpiles 

1. Woodpiles must be stored in rear or side yards and maintained in good order. Wood may not be stored in any common area. 

2. If termites or other vermin in your woodpile damage the fence between your property and the adjoining unit, it is your responsibility to repair the fence. 

Planting, Landscaping, Vegetable Gardens and Yard Maintenance 

Maintaining the landscaping on your property is your responsibility. You are required to keep the general appearance of your property in a manner satisfactory to the Board of Directors. Failure to do so will result in the Board taking action to bring the appearance of your property within compliance, at your expense. 

1. Applications are not required for planting trees and shrubbery on your property. Please be aware of the borders between the common area and your property when making planting plans. 

2. Vegetable plots must be located in the rear yards and must be well maintained. This includes removing dead plants, stakes, and temporary fences at the end of the season. 

3. Gardens should not be located in a place that will cause water to run onto adjacent property during periods of supplemental watering. 

4. Yards must be kept clear of animal waste and other debris. 

5. Planting on common areas adjacent to your property may be acceptable but must be approved by the Committee. 

Air Conditioning Units 

1. The Committee must approve window air conditioning units in writing. 

2. Exterior heat pump units may be added or relocated only when they do not interfere visually and acoustically with your neighbor's property and must be approved in writing by the Committee. 

Real Estate Signs  

No application is required for posting real estate signs. Realtors are permitted to use their logos, trademarks and color schemes. Acceptable placements of real estate signs follow: 

• Units on Glebe Road and 20th Court South: One sign on lot, one sign at development entrance on the island

• Units on 21st Street South: One sign on lot, one sign on 21st Street South

Storage of Boats/Recreational Vehicles 

Storage of boats and/or recreational vehicles or other large vehicles is not permitted in common areas or parking lots. See the parking regulations for further details. 

Exterior Painting 

1. Exterior painting requires approval only if the color is to be changed. 

2. To change the color of your trim, you must submit an application to the Committee. You must include a paint chip. Only colors currently existing in the development or ones similar to these will be allowed. The color of your neighbor's trim will be taken into consideration. 

3. Exterior paint must be well maintained. Faded or cracked paint must be repainted. The Committee will notify owners who do not maintain their exterior paint that repainting is required. If action is not taken the homeowner may be fined to ensure compliance, or the Board may contract to have the work done at the homeowner's expense. 

Electric Vehicle Charging 

1. No outdoor electrical outlet or electric vehicle charging equipment of any kind may be installed, temporarily or permanently, without advance written approval by the Board of Directors.  

2. To avoid a possible tripping hazard for you, your neighbors, and visitors, you may not install, temporarily or permanently, lay upon or under or extend over the sidewalk, driveway, or parking space, or in any other manner, an electric cable used for the charging of any type of electric vehicle.

3. The installation, maintenance, insurance, and removal costs associated with any vehicle charging equipment shall be the owner’s responsibility.  The electrical supply for any equipment must be associated with the owner’s property.

4. The charging infrastructure is limited to two outlets and must be located as closely as is practicable to the designated parking for each unit.

5. The charging equipment must be limited for the use of the owner or occupant of the home, and cannot be provided to the general public, for free or for a fee.

Other Exterior Building Alterations 

1. The original theme of the development should be maintained throughout. This includes items such as unit number and trim paint colors. 

2. All permanently attached shading devices must be approved by the Committee. Metal and canvas awnings are not permitted. 

3. New windows and doors should match the type and style used by the builder. 

4. Masonry chimneys must be used if new fireplaces are constructed and must be compatible in design, location, and color with the existing house. Metal chimneys may not be used. Changes and/or additions must be approved by the Committee. 

Other Exterior Items 

1. Portable outdoor grills must be removed from front walks and landings within eight hours of use. Grills may not be stored in front yards. 

2. No exterior signs, other than real estate signs, are permitted on either the house or the property. 

3. Exterior decorative objects such as bird baths, wagon wheels, sculptures, fountains, pools, television and/or radio antennas, large flags, plastic ornaments and other items are not permitted in front yards or in unfenced backyards.  

4. Television antennas, but not satellite dishes, must be approved by the Board in advance of their installation. 

Trash, Recycling, and Yard Waste

1. According to Arlington County regulations, trash cans, recycling bins, and trash/recycling in plastic bags may be placed curbside no earlier than 6:00 p.m. the evening before scheduled pickup. If you choose, you may leave your trash container and recycling bins near your unit's dedicated parking spot according to the same schedule. 

2. To avoid attracting animals or diminishing the aesthetics of the community, trash cans and recycling bins stored outside must be securely closed at all times. Bagged trash/recycling left out on pickup days must be securely closed. 

3. Trash cans and recycling bins must be stored on your property and must be removed from the curb or other common areas within 18 hours after a pickup. If stored outside, trash cans and recycling bins must be placed within fenced back yards, or in the case or unfenced back yards, up against the back wall of the townhouse or privacy fences. Trash cans or recycling bins may not be stored in front yards or side yards. If you fail to comply, the Board reserves the right to remove from the common area and discard the container.

4. All trash containers and recycling bins must be labeled with your unit number in a conspicuous location. Trash containers or recycling bins which are not labeled will be removed from the common area and discarded. 

5. Arlington County-provided trash containers and recycling bins are owned by the County. You may be responsible for paying for the County-provided trash container or recycling bin if it is discarded by the Board. 

6. To make the handling of trash containers easier, the following exceptions to items 1 and 3 have been adopted by the Board. The Board will consider additional exceptions on a case-by-case basis. You may request an exception by attending a regular Board meeting and requesting one. The following exceptions are temporary and may be rescinded at any time. 

Units Affected Location of Trash and Recycling Bins

2031-2033 S. Glebe Rd. Common wall, adjacent to 2031 S. Glebe Rd. reserved parking

2061-2071 S. Glebe Rd. Top of parking lot, between 2071 S. Glebe Rd. and 2041 S. Glebe Rd. reserved parking 

3001-3003 20th Court South Side yard, adjacent to 3001 20th Court  South

3005-3013 20th Court South Side yard, adjacent to 3011 20th Court South

If your unit is not specifically listed above, you must comply with item 3 (above) and store your trash container and recycling bins on your property. Failure to do so may result in the Board taking action as noted in item 5. Yard waste bins (i.e., green bins) may only be stored on your property. 

Revised, Adopted, and In Effect 

These Architectural Control Guidelines were revised and adopted by the Henson Park HOA Board of Directors on October 8, 2024, replacing all previous Architectural Control Guidelines. All owners of record are to have these updated Architectural Control Guidelines provided to them by the Henson Park HOA Board of Directors as part of the 2024 Annual Meeting mailing.