WINDSTONE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE (ARC) GUIDELINES

In the following pages, please find the WindStone Architectural Review Committee (ARC) guidelines for determining “Owner” requests for an Architectural Review Decision. The guidelines consist of 2 sections:

Section 1: This section addresses maintenance/changes/enhancements such as painting, new roof, new windows, new mailbox, landscape changes etc. to existing homes. Please use form #1 for Section 1 requests. Section 1 guidelines also serve to augment Section 2 ---Builders Guidelines.

Section 2 (“Builders Guidelines”): This section addresses architectural review requests for additions/major changes to existing homes and for the construction of a new WindStone home. Please use form #2 for Section 2 requests.

WindStone Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Statement of Purpose and Policy

  1. Facilitate “Owner” requests for architectural review decisions for maintenance/changes/enhancements to existing “Owner” homes and for “Owner” requests to construct a new WindStone home.
  2. Protect and enhance the unique custom home and nature-based character of the WindStone Community.
  3. Assure the environmental quality of WindStone.
  4. The WindStone ARC will base all approvals on a fair and equitable basis but as changes to these guidelines are made, past approvals cannot always be a basis for current architectural review decisions.

To expedite the approval process and to avoid unnecessary costs, it is recommended “Owners” read the following guidelines in Section 1 and Section 2 and consult with the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) on a conceptual basis before plans are drawn or other costs are incurred.

The Application Process—please be completeso we can respond on a timely basis.

Martin County Permits ----Most changes will require a Martin County building permit. When a Martin County building permit is required, please secure ARC preliminary approval before applying for a Martin County building permit---following this advise will save “Owner (s)” valuable time and avoid unnecessary costs.

  • Permits can take up to 6 weeks depending on the backlog and the complexity of the change to an “Owner” home.
  • The Martin County Building Department is located on 900 SE Ruhnke Street, Stuart, Florida 34994, hours 8:00-4:30.
  • Martin County Building Permit Application is available on
  • On page 18 is a list of Martin County Building Department personnel with contact information.
  • On pages 19-21 is a sample Martin County Building Permit Application along with Owner Builder Disclosure Statement which is required if you plan to be your own contractor.
  • The ARC is not involved in decisions concerning electrical, irrigation sprinklers, plumbing, burglar alarms, gas tanks, air conditioning systems to name a few, however, all these items require a Martin County Building permit. “Owners” are responsible to secure permits for these listed items as well as any and all changes requiring a Martin County building permit.

When a Martin County Permit ISrequired---doors/windows, driveway, fencing/gazebo/decorative walls, pools, new roofs, major changes/additions to current homes, and new homes.

  1. Complete the appropriate form #1 or form #2 (additions/major changes and new homes) with the required information EXCEPT the permit information.
  2. Forward the form to Signature Property Management Company, 738 Colorado Avenue, Stuart, Florida 34994. (772-219-4474). Signature will accept hand carried, US mail, and fax delivery but will not accept electronic transfer.
  3. Please ensure all contact information is included ---address, lot number, email, and telephone number, as the ARC will be contacting you directly concerning your request.
  4. The ARC will work with an “Owner” based on the concept of the project and if the request meets the guidelines, preliminary approval will be given which will be the basis to secure a Martin County permit. Once the Martin County permit is secured, this information to be included in the original application and the completed application is sent to Signature Property Management, which results in a full ARC approval. In summary, a completed application must include the following:
  • “Owner” name, address, lot number, email and telephone number(s).
  • Complete description of project including specifications, plans, colors, placement, style, construction details etc.
  • Martin County Permit.
  • Contractor name, company name, address, email, and telephone number(s).
  • Contractor’s Martin County license and proof of insurance---your contractor must have the necessary license to do work in Martin County.
  • $5000.00 deposit if large trucks and equipment will be used.
  • Starting and completion dates.
  • Signed and dated.

When a Martin County Permit is NOT required---landscaping, mailboxes, painting

  1. Complete form #1 with the required information.
  2. Forward the form to Signature Property Management Company, 738 Colorado Avenue, Stuart, Florida 34994. (772-219-4474). Signature will accept hand carried, US mail, and fax delivery but will not accept electronic transfer.
  3. Please ensure all contact information is included---address, lot number, email, and telephone number(s), as the ARC will be contacting you directly concerning your request.
  4. If the request meets the guidelines and the application is complete, the ARC can consider the request. In summary a completed application must include the following:
  • “Owner name, address, lot number, email address, and telephone number(s).
  • Complete description of project including specifications, plans, colors, placement, style and the details of the “Owner” request.
  • Martin County permit.
  • Contractor name, company name, address, email, and telephone number(s).
  • Contractor’s Martin County license and proof of insurance---your contractor must have the necessary license to do work in Martin County.
  • $5000.00 deposit if large trucks and equipment will be used.
  • Starting and completion dates.
  • Signed and dated.

To expedite the approval process and to avoid unnecessary costs, it is recommended “Owners” read the following guidelines in Section 1 and Section 2 and consult with the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) on a conceptual basis before plans are drawn or other costs are incurred.

Index Page

WindStone Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Guidelines

Section 1: This section addresses architectural review requests concerning maintenance, enhancements, and improvements to existing homes. These guidelines also serve to augment the Builders Guidelines in Section 2.

Page Number

  • Doors and Windows 4
  • Driveways 4
  • Fencing, Gazebos, Decorative Walls 5
  • Landscaping 5
  • Mailboxes 6
  • Painting 6
  • Pools 7
  • Roof Materials/Roof Colors 7
  • Wetland Preserves/Canal/ Tortoise Preserve/WindStone Drainage 8

Section 2: (“Builders Guidelines”) This section addresses architectural review requests for additions/major changes to existing homes and for the construction of a new Windstone home.

Page Number

  • Introduction to Section 2 Builders Guidelines 9
  • Applicant and Builder/Contractor General Information 9
  • Application Process 10
  • ARC Construction Review/Compliance Review 11
  • General Design Considerations/Architectural Details 12
  • House Height Requirements/Square footage requirements 13
  • Sidewall Construction Requirements 13
  • Driveways 13
  • Exterior Equipment Systems 14
  • Garages 14
  • Landscaping 14
  • Mailboxes 15
  • Pools 15
  • Roof Details 15
  • Wetland Preserves/Canal/Tortoise Preserve/WindStone Drainage 16
  • Windows 16
  • Statement of Commitment and Responsibility 17
  • Martin County contact information 18
  • Martin County permit application sample 19-20
  • Owner-Builder Disclosure Statement 21

WindStone Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Guidelines

Section 1 Guidelines

Doors and Windows--Martin County Permitrequired

Who to Contact in Martin County for Doors and Window Information:

Building Department 900 SE Ruhnke Street, Stuart, Florida 34994

  • Building Permits 772-288-5916 Inspections 772-288-5489
  1. Windows in the front elevation must be divided lite unless architectural details absolutely dictate otherwise.
  1. Doors and windows must comply with Florida Building Codes as approved by Martin County.
  1. Door colors ---see Painting Guidelines page 6.
  1. Window frame colors must be white or bronze; however, special window colors coordinating or matching the trim will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  1. Mirror type glazing or films are not permitted.
  1. Door changes will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Driveway---Changes to Current Driveways/New Home Driveways-- Martin County Permit required

Who to contact at Martin County for Driveway Information:

Building Department 900 SE Ruhnke Street, Stuart, Florida 34994

  • Building Permits 772-288-5916 Inspections 772-288-5916
  1. Driveways must be placed within parameters established by Martin County.
  1. Pavers are the preferred surfacing material for all new driveways. Stamped and colored concrete driveways will be considered. Smooth/broom surface concrete, asphalt, and gravel driveways are not permitted.
  1. Paver colors must be in the earth tone family. Pastel colors or driveway designs with highly dissimilar colors are not permitted.
  1. If an existing driveway is not constructed of pavers, stamped and colored concrete, the existing material maybe used for a proposed change if the change represents less than 50% of the current driveway surface area. If the change represents 50% or more of the driveway surface area, the driveway must be constructed of pavers or stamped and colored concrete.
  1. All driveway change requests must be accompanied by a full landscape plan completed by a licensed landscape architect. Please do not remove currentlandscaping including trees before submitting a plan, securing plan approval, and receiving notification from the ARC to remove existing landscaping. Any shrubs, plants, or trees approved for removal must be replaced in like kind and quantity at the minimum. .
  1. All driveways must have miter end culverts (per Martin County Public Works drawing TYPE 1: Miter Ends) to facilitate proper WindStone drainage and the culvert ends must be encased in concrete and or concrete with approved decorative surface materials such as stone, stamped concrete. Culvert specifications are on the WindStone web site under Members/Documents/Culvert Specs link.
  1. Circular driveways may be approved but are dependent upon lot circumstances such as septic tank placement and possible egress safety issues. As with all driveway submissions, circular driveways must include a full landscape plan completed by a licensed landscape architect. Because of the large surface area of circular driveways, there are additional requirements for circular driveways as follows:
  • Hedge type shrubs that can mature into plantings must screen the surface of the driveway parallel to the street.
  • The driveway circular section must containlandscaping to screen the circular sections from the street and from traffic in both directions.
  • Two miter end culverts per Martin County Public Works drawing TYPE 1: Miter Ends---see #6 above.

Fencing, Gazebo, Decorative Wall ---Martin County Permit required

Who to contact at Martin County for fencing, gazebo, and decorative wall information:

John Tobey 772-288-5956 Engineering Department 2401 SE Monterey, Stuart, Florida 34956

Fencing, gazebos,and decorative walls must be placed on member properties per Martin County Regulations, which requires compliance with set back, property lines, height requirements, and environmental compliance (Wetland Preserves, Tortoise Preserve, and C-23 Canal).

  1. All fences must be aluminum or metal. The color of the fence must be white or in the earth tone family.
  1. Front yards may not be fenced. Fencing may not extend beyond the front elevation of the house.
  1. The following types of fencing are notpermitted.
  • Highly decorated fencing or fencing with figurines.
  • Two tone fencing.
  • Wire mesh fencing including chicken wire fencing.
  • Split rail fencing.
  • Wood fencing.
  • Chain link fences.
  • Vinyl fencing except as a child barrier for swimming pools to meet code requirements.
  1. Gazebos will be considered on a case–by-case basis under the following conditions.
  • Gazebos may be placed in the back yard only. Gazebos will only be approved if they are sized appropriately for the area chosen, are no offensive to neighbors, enhance the architecture of your home, and meet Martin County requirements for foundations and lot placement restrictions.
  • All requests must include a landscape plan, which must be approved by the ARC.
  • Per section 6.2 of the WindStone Covenants, “Owners” must paint and maintain the structure including the approved landscaping elements.
  1. Decorative Walls will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please submit the concept of your request and the ARC will consult with you on this request.

PLEASE BE COGNIZANT OF YOUR NEIGHBOR’S FEELINGS WHEN APPLYING FOR A FENCE/GAZEBO/DECORATIVE WALL---THE ARC WILL CONSIDER THIS FACTOR IN THE FINAL APPROVAL PROCESS

Landscaping Guidelines---NO Martin County Permit required

WindStone is a custom home communitywith canal and preserve views highlighted by generous landscaping. “Owner” is responsible for securing the services of a licensed landscape architect. General landscaping requirements are as follows:

  1. Each property will have a minimum of three (3) Oak trees that when initially planted must be a minimum of a 65 gal tree, with a height of 14-16 feet and a 4 inch caliper.
  1. The front yard and both side yards (along the perimeter) of the home must be landscaped. All back yards to have appropriate landscaping elements to support WindStone quality and lots that abut other properties must have more than the norm for back yard landscaping (details and quantity).
  1. Pool equipment must be hidden with an appropriate wall of the same type of construction as the house sidewall material and this wall must be landscaped.
  1. “Owner” must be cognizant of the shrubbery placement and height at maturity to facilitate the required periodic repainting of “Owner” homes as per Section 9.22 of the WindStone Covenants.
  1. Stone/rock accents where appropriate will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  1. Shrubs and plants should be chosen cognizant of the temperature extremes in our climate as replacement of dying and dead shrubs will be required as per Section 9.22 of the WindStone Covenants.

Mailboxes ---No Martin County Permit required

  1. There is currently only one mailboxapproved for WindStone. It is the Regency 101 and is available from the Beautiful Mailbox Company. The mailbox can be ordered via telephone 800-856-6983 and by email: If you are securing a replacementmailbox please send this company a picture of your current mailbox so there are no issues with the wrong mailbox. Similar designs from other vendors will be considered.
  1. The approved colors are white and black but a dark green color will be considered. The ARC would strongly encourage the purchase of a black/dark colormailbox, as irrigation water rust issues are an increased maintenance item for white mailboxes.

Painting ---No Martin County Permit required

As a canal/preserve based community, the colors that have been adopted for WindStone are labeled “earth tone colors”.

  1. House body color. The finish must be flat, eggshell, satin. Only one color may be used for the house body. Multiple tone house body colors are not permitted. The following color ranges will be considered for approval..
  • Whites/Off Whites/Cream Colors.
  • Brown/Taupe Colors.
  • Gray Colors.
  • Select Yellows---yellows that tend to the cream tone and not bright, bold yellow colors.
  • Light Greens---no dark or bold greens will be approved.

Teals, blues, pinks, salmon and pastel shades of colors are not in concert with the tone and character of WindStone and as such are not permitted for the house body color, trim color, or accent colors.

  1. Trim colors. The finish must be flat, eggshell or satin. Trim colors should be lighter than house body color except when the house body color is white in which case the trim color should be a light color.
  1. Accent Colors. The finish must be flat, eggshell, or satin. The following colors will be considered for approval.
  • Brick reds.
  • Black.
  • Dark greens.
  • Any of the trim colors or house body colors providing there is harmony of the color choices.
  • Wood tone faux finish for garage doors and front doors.
  1. Other Painting Guidelines
  • No more than 3 colors per house---one body color, one trim color, and one accent color. Brick, stone, or faux stone accents will NOT be counted in the total number of colors.
  • Color theme must be in the earth tone theme with all sidewalls being a continuous color except where trim elements break the continuity of the sidewall, then an approved trim color can be employed on these sidewall trim elements or this trim can be painted the color of the sidewall.
  • Semi-gloss and gloss finishes are notpermitted.
  • Gutters must be the same color as the surface on which they are installed.
  • Downspouts must be the same color of the surface on which they are installed.
  • Houses with the same or similar colors/color themes within 4 housesare not permitted.
  • Please be cognizant of roof and driveway colors in choosing house colors, as the ARC will consider these colors in the approval process.

Pools---Martin County Permit required

Who to contact at Martin County for Pool Information:

Growth Management (Zoning and Environmental) 2401 SE Monterey, Stuart, Florida 34956

  • Zoning Information 772-288-5501
  • Zoning Compliance/Code Enforcement 772-288-5505
  • Environmental Compliance/Wetlands/Uplands Preserves 772-288-5501

Health Department 3441 SE Willoughby Blvd, Stuart, Florida 34994

772-221-4000 #6 for Environmental

Building Department 900 SE Ruhnke Street, Stuart, Florida 34956

  • Building Permits 772-288-5916 Inspections 772-288-5489

Pools require ARC approval and Martin County permits.

  1. Pools per Martin County requirements require special safety measures.
  1. Pool equipment must be shielded from view by appropriately sized walls that are of the same construction as the house sidewalls and these walls must be landscaped.
  1. The pool must include an approved landscape plan.
  1. Pool fencing must be metal and meet Martin County requirements. Vinyl child fencing will be approved based on Martin County approval of these materials.

Roof Materials/ Roof Color---(New Construction - Re Roofing of Existing Homes)---Martin County Permit required