Architectural Committee Tips

The "contemporary" design of our homes means that in addition to the main attic space where trusses span the width of the house, there are also odd attic spaces here and there, depending on the house model.  In these spaces the builder also used trusses, called mono-trusses.

There have been instances in Lake Christopher when home owners have cut trusses to make use of attic space for storage, or to incorporate some of the attic over the garage into the second floor living space.  When truss sections are cut without adding precise reinforecment elsewhere, the structure of the home is compromised and problems can arise over time.  

Homeowners should never assume that attic spaces can be repurposed as storage or living space simply by clearing obstacles (cutting out webbing) and putting down a floor.  Impact to the structure of the home must be taken into account.  Consider that a garage ceiling designed to support empty attic space above may not have the capacity to support the loads of a second floor living space, especially if trusses have been compromised.  Consideration to structure must also be given before installing heavy objects like hot water heaters in spaces not designed for them.

What it all means:  Should a decision be made to repurpose an attic space or to modify a truss, it is essential that you consult an engineer beforehand so the modification can include proper reinforcement.  It is also worth noting that obtaining permits and inspections for these structural alterations will help ensure the modification is done properly (to code), and is documented when it comes time to sell your home.

Note:  An AC Review Request is required by the LCHA only if the project impacts the exterior of the house.

The City of Virginia Beach Code:  The placement of a basketball goal and pole in the City right-of-way, whether it is portable or permanent, is an encroachment in violation of Virginia Beach City Code Section ‘33-113.1(c), and constitutes a nuisance under the provisions of the Virginia Beach City Code Section ’23-46(c-e)

What it all means:  City streets, including cul-de-sacs, are in the city right-of-way.  We cannot place portable basketball poles in the street; they must be in the driveway.

The City of Virginia Beach Code:  Sec. 31-28. - (a) Privately owned residential refuse receptacles, including automated refuse receptacles and containers for recyclables, … shall be placed on the curb line of a city right-of-way no earlier than 5:00 p.m. on the day before collection and by 7:00 a.m. on the day of collection. All receptacles must be removed out of view of the public after collection on the day of collection

What it all means:  Trash cans are necessary, but unsightly.  They are to be out of public view except during the pickup window (between Thursday evenings and after pickup on Friday).

What it all means: One commercial vehicle or trailer is allowed on a residential lot if two conditions are met:  First, it must be within the city’s size limits, and second, it must be stored /parked per AC guideline 8.3 (i.e.: in a garage or behind a 6-foot-high solid fence).  If a commercial vehicle or trailer exceeds one ton in carrying capacity, or exceeds seven feet in height, or exceeds 20 feet in length it is not to be parked per city code.

It must be noted that not all lots in lake christopher have sufficient room in their side yards for trailers, and lakefront homes have additional guidelines pertaining to fencing and obstructing lake views.