Introduction
Hickory Nut Forest is a conservation development that is planned and designed to protect and celebrate the property’s unique ecology. A 35-acre conservation easement area (referred to as the “Nature Preserve”) joins the homesites and permanently protects the forested, mountainous terrain from future development. The homesites are situated to provide easy access to this easement area with its hiking trails through the forest and along two cascading mountain streams.

Statement of Intent
The intent of the Design Guidelines is to maintain the visual character of the property by (1) encouraging homesite development that creates environmental and visual harmony with the surrounding landscape and (2) incorporates time-tested, regional architectural design concepts. The Design Guidelines convey the intended development design concept by illustrating appropriate design character and elements to assist property owners, landscape architects and architects, and building contractors prior to the beginning of the homesite design.

While the guidelines are not comprehensive in scope, they will be used by the Design Review Committee (DRC) to determine a minimum standard for building and landscape elements. The DRC will have the authority to define and interpret the applicability of any design element contained in the Design Guidelines. The DRC will maintain the authority to grant variances or waivers for any of the Design Guidelines, provided the design is compatible to the intended character of Hickory Nut Forest. Each homesite owner will be required to enlist a professional team to provide the DRC with a preliminary conceptual plan, prior to the design of the detailed plans, illustrating the main design elements of the proposed homesite development.

The main design elements to be addressed for review for all homesites include:

Community Design Concept
The Hickory Nut Forest Community Design Concept focuses on (1) protecting the property's natural features and resources, (2) minimizing construction impact through appropriate road design, (3) utilizing innovative stormwater management techniques, (4) recycling of tree lumber and debris resulting from construction.

The Homesites
Each homesite is located adjacent to or in close proximity to the Nature Preserve, the nature trails and one of the two mountain streams running through the property. The homesites offer seasonal views and privacy within a forest environment. The plan calls for careful placement of the home and use of appropriate building materials to achieve harmony within the forested setting. The forest is an Oak-Hickory Forest containing a mix of hardwoods trees such as white oak, red oak, white pines, tulip poplar, rhododendrons, hemlocks and over 15 other varieties.

Site Planning
Locate homes to minimize site disturbance, giving consideration to topography, existing vegetation, drainage patterns, viewsheds and solar orientation. Avoid alteration of natural drainage patterns, tree removal and construction on slopes greater than 20% grade.

Driveways
Design driveways to complement the lot's natural features. Gently curve the drives to accommodate existing topography and vegetation. Driveways cannot be constructed within 20 feet of the side and rear property lines and cannot exceed 18% grade. Driveways on steep grades shall be built to parallel contours when possible. Utilize plantings and low retaining walls to minimize the view of the driveway within the Landscape Zone.

Paving
Chip-N-Seal (BST) paving is required for all driveway pavement.

Utilities, Utility Equipment & Refuse Storage
All utility lines shall be buried underground from the street to the house. Electrical/gas utility meters and A/C compressors will be located at the rear of the house. Trash receptacles, wood piles, compost bins, etc. will be stored out of view from streets.

Signs
All signs shall conform to the pre-formatted Hickory Nut Forest template.

Other Site Issues
Satellite dishes, antennae, and play equipment must be placed in an inconspicuous location. Cellular towers are not permitted. Propane and oil tanks shall be buried below existing grade. Window mounted air-conditioning units are not permitted. Holiday lighting shall be permitted from mid-November to mid-January only.

Site Disturbance and Clearing

Disturbance zones have been developed to control the amount of impact on the land.

Limited Disturbance Zone: removal of trees must be approved by the DRC. See diagram for extents.

Owner Discretion Zone: Trees may be removed at the Owner's discretion as required for construction up to 20' beyond the building footprint. See diagram for extents.

10' Buffer: No clearing is permitted within 10' of the property boundary.

Driveway and Landscape Zone: All efforts should be made to protect existing vegetation. See diagram for extents.

Trees damaged or removed without approval from the DRC or the Guidelines may result in fines of $10,000 or more depending on the size and age of the tree affected.
Temporary tree protection fencing shall be used to delineate the boundary between the Owner Discretion and Limited Disturbance Zones.

Site Design

Tree Protection & Removal
Young canopy trees (roughly 16" in diameter or less) found within 20 feet of the footprint of the house should be protected. As well, all Oak, Hickory, Sourwood, Red Maple, & Hemlock trees should be protected with tree protection fencing whenever possible. Leave snags (dead standing trees) and cavity trees that are 40' or further from the house for wildlife habitat value, except those trees that could damage the house by falling.

Within the Limited Disturbance Zone there are various issues that the DRC will consider when approving trees that can be removed. The following conditions illustrate appropriate reasons for tree removal: any Invasive Exotic Plant found anywhere on the homesite; trees with 50% or more of the area under the drip line disturbed; trees with 40% or more of the root system removed due to construction, trees that show signs of disease or decay; fallen and dead trees; trees leaning more than 15% (except Sourwood); trees greater than 24" in diameter within 5' of the house; large Virginia Pine, White Pine, Silver Maple, Tulip Poplar, and Black Cherry if growing within 25' of the building footprint.

Erosion & Sediment Control
Builders and homeowners will utilize sediment and erosion control measures that prevent stormwater runoff from entering streams, creeks, other water bodies and neighboring properties. During construction, streets must be kept clean of soil and debris. These measures will comply with all local and state regulations. Immediately following construction, all disturbed areas must be reseeded and replanted.

Stormwater Management
Measures must be taken to limit disruption of natural drainage patterns, to increase stormwater filtration, and to reduce water flows into the streams. Stormwater measures include the use of pervious surfaces, rain gardens, dry creek beds, infiltration trenches, level spreaders and energy dissipaters. Driveways will be designed to minimize stormwater runoff and erosion.

Viewshed Enhancement
Viewshed pruning is prohibited until completion of the house frame so that the main viewing areas can be determined. Viewshed pruning will be limited and subject to the prior approval of the DRC. Viewshed pruning should not increase the house visibility from the trail system, roads or neighboring properties.

Architectural Patterns

Approved architectural patterns will be limited in an effort to establish and maintain the community identity.

Architectural Styles and Exterior Materials
Log homes, timber frames, and post and beam homes are preferred. All homes are required to have natural wood exteriors, but may also use stone and glass. These wooden exteriors may be either logs, cedar shakes or some kind of natural wood siding,designed to visually blend into the forest and be unobtrusive from the roads and the conservation easement area.

Prohibited exterior materials include cast stone products, vinyl, aluminum/metal siding.

Size and Height
Houses shall be not less than 2,000 finished sq.ft. or more than 3,500 finished sq.ft. without DRC approval. Guest houses, poolhouses and other detached buildings shall not exceed a footprint of 800 sq.ft.
Building heights shall be limited to 30 feet above grade.

Roofs
Roof materials will complement the style and color palette. Approved roof materials include architectural asphalt shingles, natural and synthetic slate, metal and wood shingles. Prohibited roof materials include galvanized metal, three tab asphalt shingles, roll roofing, and visible built-up roofing. Roof colors shall be tones that will blend into the natural forest canopy.

Colors
Stains may be applied to the natural wood exteriors.

Gutters/Downspouts/Flashing
Material will be copper or prefinished or pointed aluminum. Gutters and downspouts will be located inconspicuously. Colors will complement the natural wood exterior color scheme.

Landscape Patterns & Materials
The landscape design should use native plantings and materials that reflect the natural patterns, character, forms and colors of the Blue Ridge Mountain region. Materials and structures should also blend into and reflect the rustic, natural qualities of the property. Use of a pre-approved landscape architect/designer is required.

Plants
Use native plants and avoid using invasive, exotic and introduced plants. An approved plants list is available from the DRC. Lawn areas, if desired, will be permitted adjacent to the house, and shall not exceed 900 sq.ft.

Retaining Walls. Paths. Patios
Appropriate organic materials include wood rounds, mulch, decomposed granite, and natural stone. Inappropriate materials include decorative pavers, colored mulches, and keystone pavers.

Decks. Fence & Arbors. Gazebos Appropriate materials include stained wood, locust (and other natural insect/rot resistant wood) and recycled materials. Fence design, layout and color shall be submitted for DRC approval. Chain link and picket fencing are not appropriate. Fencing may be used in the backyard only and may not exceed 5' in height.

Pools
Swimming pools may be approved by the DRC on a case-by-case basis. Each should be inconspicuously located, screened from all neighbors, be a dark natural color and have limited lighting.

Landscape Lighting
Light fixtures may be used along driveways and paths shall not exceed 24" in height and shall be spaced a minimum of 25 feet apart along driveways. The use of non-shielded "security" type lights and floodlights will not be permitted. Gas lanterns may be used.

Landscape & Garden Art
Garden and yard art shall fit within the context of the community and may be subject to DRC approval.

Sustainability/Green Building Recommendations
The growth and development of our communities affect our natural environment. How and where we build are two of the most important factors that impact our future. The manufacturing, design, construction, and operation of the buildings in which we live and work are responsible for the consumption of many of our natural resources. However, simple design and construction techniques can be applied to considerably reduce the negative effects of construction and development.

Sustainability is defined as a process that can be continued indefinitely without degrading the environment. This holistic, long-term approach balances economic, social, and environmental influences on a local, regional, and global scale. Sustainable design, also called "green building", is a broad term for the design and construction of energy and resource efficient, durable, healthy buildings that have minimal impact on the environment. There are three primary issues to consider with sustainable design:

Environmental Consequence
Analyze natural systems and surrounding infrastructure that affect growth and development
Identify sensitive habitats and areas of protection

Resource Sustainability
Utilize readily available resources
Consider the life cycle assessment of products and materials
Use energy, water, and materials efficiently

Humanistic Response
Design with a sense of when and where we are (Sense of Place)
Connect inhabitants with various light stages of the day and visual connection with outdoors (N, S, E, W and time of day) Create a healthy indoor environment
Design for humanity and the individual

GREEN BUILDING TECHNIQUES
Green building techniques must be an integral part of the overall design and construction process. Various factors that influence this process should be taken into consideration including functional requirements, existing site conditions, availability of resources, and other local, regional, and global environmental issues, A systematic approach that incorporates these factors into the entire decision-making process allows for a more environmentally conscious building and landscape.

Building Design
Orient building appropriately for topography and solar
Use efficient space planning
Design for renewable energy use

Site Design
Protect trees and topsoil during sitework
Filter storm water on site
Employ sediment and erosion control techniques
Incorporate permeable surfaces
Use native plants and existing landscape

Building Envelope
Use high insulation values
Install high performance windows
Use air sealing construction techniques
Performance Testing

Energy Efficiency
Use high efficiency mechanical equipment
Install high efficiency lights and appliances
Provide appropriate overhangs and sun-shading devices
HVAC ductwork should be properly sealed

Materials & Resources
Use local and regional sources
Incorporate durable, low maintenance materials
Choose low embodied energy materials such as stone and wood
Minimize construction waste
Use certified or reclaimed wood
Use recycled and recyclable materials

Indoor Environment
Create a healthy indoor air quality
Provide ventilation and fresh air supply
Use least-toxic finishes and materials
Incorporate natural light throughout the building

SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE
A sustainable landscape should improve water quality, lower energy use and resource consumption, reduce waste, provide wildlife habitat, and produce food. While many principles of "sustainable” landscape design are imbedded within the previous required guidelines such as the use of native plants and limiting the amount of lawn, the following recommendations expand and build upon the concepts of sustainability.

Edible Landscapes
Producing food by using native edible plants and a garden containing vegetables, vines, and fruit trees can provide homeowners with a supply of fresh food. These plants can be integrated into the landscape and do not have to be planted in a traditional square vegetable garden but can be interplanted among native perennials, shrubs, and trees.

Water Collection
Storing rainwater in rain barrels and underground cisterns to irrigate the landscape and vegetable garden can significantly reduce the usage of well water. "Graywater" is water collected from showers, washing machines, dishwashers, and air conditioning systems and can also be collected and reused for landscape irrigation. Graywater systems should meet all state and county regulations.

Energy Conservation
Energy conscious design can reduce heating and cooling costs and create comfortable environments that are buffered against harsh weather. Solar heat gain, wind speed, and wind direction are affected by topography and therefore vary from one homesite to another Each homesite has a unique setting and the following strategies should be evaluated for their effectiveness on a case-by-case basis. They include solar orientation, placement of trees to block winter winds and summer sun, and placement of trees to help cool a house. In addition, a significant energy savings may result in shading the AC unit of the home. If solar panels are being used on roofs, do not block solar access to the photovoltaic system. If landscape lighting is desired consider using solar, halogen, and other energy efficient lights.

Limited Disturbance Zone: (medium green) Begins 20’ beyond the building footprint

Owner Discretion Zone: (light green) Perimeter: 20’ around footprint

Required clearing for construction shall be permitted within 20’ of the building footprint. All efforts shall be made to locate the building to
accommodate existing vegetation.

Construction staging area shall be located within the Owner Discretion Zone when possible. Show staging area and dumpster location on site plan submittal.

Driveway Disturbance Zone: 10' total, distributed on either side of the driveway. All grading and impact shall be contained within this zone. Driveway width: 10' max

Property Line

Driveway shall curve to minimize view of paved area. More curvature is preferred at steeper grades.
Landscape Zone:
15'x 15', each side of the drive at street access

* All specimen trees shall be located by survey,