Wolf Ranch is committed to exceptionally high development and building standards and to creating a quality community with long-term value for your home buying investment.
Wolf Ranch began with a thoughtfully conceived master plan that is designed to preserve and enhance the natural resources and topography of the area. More acreage than required by the City of Colorado Springs has been dedicated to open space, including miles of trails, and a parks and recreation amenities plan. Streets and roadways have been carefully planned to include broad, tree-lined parkways.
Each home builder adheres to the exacting standards contained in the Wolf Ranch Community Design Guidelines that outline specifications for all aspects of the home building process. The Guidelines describe specific considerations for preparing the building site, materials and architectural design requirements, landscaping guidelines and overall standards for creating and maintaining the integrity of each Wolf Ranch neighborhood.
The developer has established a Community Charter that includes architectural, landscaping and aesthetic standards; maintenance, repair and replacement requirements; and overall use and conduct codes to protect the homeowner.
If you’re like most people, your home represents your family’s single largest investment. The Community Design Guidelines and Community Charter are key to maintaining and enhancing your home investment.
As you begin the exciting process of owning a home in Wolf Ranch, you probably have questions about everything from choosing exterior colors to installing security lighting. We have prepared this informational piece to provide answers to some of the questions we hear most frequently from home buyers. This information is intended to provide a general overview only. Please refer to the complete landscape and architectural guidelines for your neighborhood before modifying the exterior of your home.
Yes. The Wolf Ranch Review Committee approves all site plans and elevations for home construction, as well as front and backyard landscape plans. Your home builder will work with the committee to complete the review and approval process for your new home. If you wish to make modifications or additions at any time, the architectural reviewer must be contacted and the plans submitted for approval before beginning any work.
Proposed landscape additions, site improvements and building additions must be presented to the Wolf Ranch Review Committee in the form of an illustrated plan that includes diagrams, sections, elevations and construction details. Homeowners are encouraged to use the owner/home builder plot plan as a starting point. The reviewer will respond in writing indicating approval, approval with modifications or denial. Resubmittals should follow the same procedure. A fee will be charged for the review of plans.
The repetitive color schemes that are prevalent in many communities are discouraged at Wolf Ranch. Colors of higher saturation and varying schemes are encouraged. Accent colors for trim and other special building features should be consistent with the overall design, but not monochromatic or drab. In some parts of Wolf Ranch, the goal of the architecture is to blend harmoniously with its surroundings, and color selection is key to achieving this goal. Naturally weathering materials such as cedar, redwood, copper and stone may be left in their natural state. If exterior stains are desired, they must be semi-transparent in subtle colors to accent or highlight the natural wood tones. The proposed color scheme for Wolf Ranch is part of the design review process.
Landscaping costs are incorporated into the construction of every new Wolf Ranch home, either through the builder or as a deposit collected at closing. Owners may complete landscape on their own and access the deposit retained at closing upon the completion of the approval and inspection process. Homeowners are encouraged to retain the services of a professional landscape architect who can analyze your site requirements and assist with design, installation and selection of plant materials. All plants must conform to current USDA standards and the American Standards for Nursery Stock. Your new home builder can provide details about submitting your landscape plan for approval and completion time requirements.
Homeowners must maintain their entire lot both seasonally and on a regular basis, including lawn cutting, tree and shrub pruning, removal of weeds and dead plant materials, and general removal of trash and lawn debris. Weather permitting, the landscaping must be installed within three months of occupancy.
All exterior improvements made subsequent to the originally approved plan must be submitted to the Reviewer for approval. Such improvements may include: changing or adding to your landscape plan, playground equipment, sheds, greenhouses, decks and patios. Submittal fees apply and will be due upon submitting a plan.
The design of these popular features should be carefully integrated into the home design and proportional to the building itself. On all elevated or walkout balconies, decks or porches, all materials exposed to view must be permanently painted or stained to complement the overall color scheme of the home. Deck posts must be a minimum of 12” in nominal width or diameter. Balconies, decks or porches that are supported more than four feet above the ground must incorporate a substantial base element of complementary building materials. The maximum height is 10 feet above ground. Stairs must be constructed as cantilevering or with additional columns and of similar materials to the deck and handrail. Railings should allow light and view to pass through.
Lot line fencing is generally discouraged in Wolf Ranch, and in some areas it is not permitted at all. Fencing requirements vary, depending on the Wolf Ranch neighborhood you choose, however, the following considerations apply throughout the community: No stockade cedar fences are allowed, except in Parkwood. Opaque or solid fences and front yard fences will be permitted in very limited areas. Lot line fencing is permitted in specified areas, but must be a three-rail concrete split-rail fence. Mesh treatment is permitted on the interior of the fencing along the lot line. Invisible electronic fencing is also permitted. Plant material is encouraged. The architectural reviewer must approve any fencing or landscaping on your home site. Vinyl fencing is generally not allowed.
Here’s a quick overview of typical add-ons.
- Accessory structures (equipment storage buildings, greenhouses, playhouses, etc): Maximum size is 80 square feet, colors and materials must be compatible with the home. No metal or pre-fabricated buildings. One structure per lot, screened by vegetation on all sides. Placement must take easements and setbacks into consideration.
- Air conditioners: No window or wall units allowed.
- Dog houses: Colors and materials must match the residence. Maximum size is 4’x4’.
- Commercial vehicles: Paragraph 2A of the Initial Community Rules and Regulations, attached to the Community Charter, addresses the question of commercial vehicles, mobile homes, recreational vehicles and boats, which must be parked in a garage at all times.
- Exterior lighting: Outside lights are limited to address signs and those dedicated to security and safety. Flood lights, sodium vapor, mercury vapor or other harsh HID light sources are not allowed. Decorative holiday lighting is allowed between November 1 and January 15.
- Mailboxes: All mailboxes are located in central, convenient locations.
Play and sports equipment: Must be located within the building envelope. Structures to cover recreational facilities are not permitted. Walls, fences or landscaping screens may be required. No approval is required for temporary play equipment provided it is stored out of view when not in use. No submittal is required for permanent play equipment provided the structure is less than eight feet high, has a footprint of less than 100 square feet and is located in the rear yard. Submittal must be made for larger structures. Trampolines are allowed, provided the impact of neighbor’s views and noise are considered. Basketball backboards/goals must be of a standard size, mounted on the house above the garage and be well maintained. Approval is required for freestanding goals. Permanent tennis courts are subject to review.
- Pools and spas: Should be designed as an integral part of the associated deck or patio and in harmony with home architecture. Must be located in the rear or side yard and screened from public view. Safety must be a key consideration. Above-ground pools are not permitted.
- Satellite dishes and antennae: Require approval with the exception of permitted devices installed in compliance with community guidelines. Generally, devices must measure one meter or less in diameter and must be installed in a location that is least visible from the street and other lots.
- Statues and sculptures: No approval is required for a reasonable number of compatible pieces if they are installed in the rear yard and not higher than three feet.
- Trash receptacles: Must be screened and/or enclosed from view and planned as part of the overall fencing/landscaping design.
- Vehicle storage: RVs, campers, boats or non-operational vehicles must be fully screened and may not be parked in a driveway or yard. A storage garage may be incorporated into
the home design in compliance with garage standards.
- Walks and drives: Should reflect the design of the surrounding area and constructed of native stone, brick or wood mulch. Unacceptable materials include brick pavers, marble chips and synthetic turf.
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