Covenant Guidelines

Residents should be aware that a legally binding set of restrictive covenants applies to all property in Edmondson Heights. These restrictions were initiated by the developer solely for the protection of property values within the development – not to hamper the expression of personal tastes except where these tastes may be offensive to neighbors or depreciate property values in the area. It has been found that in developments such as our own, composed of groups of homes not individually styled, a certain amount of conformity must be accepted by us all in order to best preserve the sizable investment we have made in our property.
The EHCA has adopted the following guidelines to help homeowners who are considering alterations or improvements to their property understand if their changes comply with the covenants. These are not exhaustive or meant to be a complete listing. Any deviation from these written guidelines will require submission of a written plan to the EHCA Board of Governors, who retains the sole right to approve or disapprove any plans. Please note that residents are also responsible for obtaining all necessary permits for any alterations or changes, and for complying with all state and county regulations. Below is the map of the boundaries of the Edmondson Heights community, if you live within the boundaries these covenants / guidelines apply to you. The only exception is a few homes on Ingleside Ave.

IF YOU ARE IN VIOLATION AND WANT TO DISCUSS THE VIOLATION, YOU MUST DO SO IN WRITING AND MAIL IT TO THE ASSOCIATION. THIS INCLUDES ANYONE ACTING ON YOUR BEHALF, SUCH AS REAL ESTATE AGENTS, ETC.

Awnings

Only canvas awnings, either in green canvas or green canvas with white trim, are allowed on the front of homes or on the side windows of end-of-group homes. METAL OR RETRACTABLE AWNINGS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THESE WINDOWS. Canvas awnings MUST BE REMOVED FOR WINTER MONTHS. Rear awnings may be of any type or variety desired, but shall not extend beyond the house line where they would be visible from the front street.

Front Doors, Storm Doors, and Frames

Frames must be replaced in the same style as the original design and either constructed of wood or of aluminum, Fypon, or vinyl covering or capped in aluminum or white vinyl. Frames must be white only. Front doors (not framework) may be painted any color desired, although white is preferred. Storm doors must be of painted white wood, white baked-on aluminum or aluminum. NO BLACK STORM DOORS ARE PERMITTED ON THE FRONT OF HOMES. FORMSTONE IS NOT ALLOWED.

Security Doors

Security doors may be installed to replace storm doors. The security door shall be white only in color.

End-of-Group Homes

Facing boards running to the peak of the house shall be painted white or covered with white aluminum, white vinyl, or similar material. Also white shingles may be replaced or covered with white aluminum, white vinyl, or similar material.

Fences

Fences shall not extend forward of the chimney on any property. Any deviation will require written permission of the Board of Governors. Fences are permitted at rear of property only. Chain link fences are preferred.

Gutters, Down Spouts, and Facing

Replacement and maintenance of gutters and down spouts must be of white, brick red, dark brown or copper. However, maintenance (painting) of down spouts and gutters must be done in white or brick red only. Facing boards under gutter may also be covered with white aluminum.

Painting

All exposed woodwork on the front, side, and rear of a house is to be painted white (Exception is rear porches). Front porches and the concrete wall below brickwork must be painted the color of the original concrete. Front railings shall be painted black or dark green only. Conformity within the group is encouraged.

Porches

Front porches are to be replaced in the original design and of concrete. However, steps may be of poured or prefab concrete, quarry stone or brick. Steps cannot be constructed of visible concrete blocks or cinder blocks. Rear porches may be of wood, concrete or metal.

Roofs

Roofs must be replaced in the same style as the original, and must be in a neutral color, preferably ranging form light gray to black. Attic fan installation must be in the back or side of the roof.

Satellite Dish Antennas

Satellite dish antennas exceeding 24 inches in diameter must be installed in a location least visible from the front of the home.

Windows

Replacement windows must imitate original construction and design. That means double hung windows consisting of an upper outside sash and a lower inside sash, both sashes able to be moved up or down. Replacement materials must be white or painted white. Casement windows operated by a crank that opens the window outward are not allowed. Also not allowed are sliding windows which move from side to side along a track. Only square or rectangular panes and/or grids are allowed. Exterior shutters are not allowed. Security bars or grills are permissible on basement windows only. Glass block windows are permissible on basement windows only.

Wood Stoves and Fireplaces

Exposed exhaust piping must be bricked-in unless coming through the roof. If coming through the roof, exposed exhaust pipes must be stainless steel in color. Chimneys or exhaust pipes are prohibited from extending up the front or the side of the house.

These guidelines have been adapted from the covenants and are in effect as of September 1, 2002. If you wish to make any change or alteration to your property that is a deviation from the above guidelines, or if you wish to make a change to your property that is not listed in the above guidelines, please submit your plans in writing to the Association, outlining the type of work to be done and the materials to be used. Address correspondence to Edmondson Heights Civic Association, P.O. Box 21158, Baltimore, Maryland 21228, or deliver your plan to an Officer or Board Member at a regular monthly general membership meeting. If you have any questions, contact the chair of the EHCA Covenants Committee by calling 410-227-4641.

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