All proposed patio expansions must be submitted to and approved by the Board of Directors of the Newtown Gate Townhouse Owners Association prior to the commencement of any construction. The Newtown Gate Townhouse Association considers the addition of a patio/patio expansion to unit owners lot to be a “landscape enhancement” and as such must be constructed in conformance with all municipal codes and regulations, and with Section A. Landscape Enhancement Guidelines.

In addition, the following guidelines pertain to patio construction:

1. In addition to requirements previously stated in this section, ALL requests for patio expansions must include:
   1. A copy of the “as built plot plan” (given to homeowner at settlement or available from the township offices).
   2. A detailed scaled drawing of the proposed expansion showing the location, dimensions, construction materials, including all base and surface materials, and any and all other pertinent information relating to the installation of the patio.
   3. If the patio project is to be installed by a contractor, a copy of the contractor’s certificate of liability insurance must be included in the request proposal.
   4. All incomplete requests will be returned for completion and resubmission.
2. NO DECKS WILL BE ALLOWED (wooden or any like material).
3. Materials and Colors
   1. Materials: All approved patios, such as individual bricks or pavers and stamped concrete must be installed over a proper support and drainage bed of crushed rock and sand. NO blacktop patios will be permitted.
   2. Colors: Only neutral colors of gray, white, terra cotta or beige/tan are permitted for the surface materials.
4. Construction
   1. No patio shall be constructed in any easement, or in such manner that it blocks any drainage or swale, or that it blocks or redirects the flow of storm water from the unit owner’s lot.
   2. All patios must be one level only. The Board may consider individual requests for two level patios where ground level conditions clearly do not allow for a single level patio.
   3. No new patio construction may be higher than eight (8″) inches from the existing patio elevation, and may not be higher at any point than the existing elevation of the first floor slab. All patios must slope away from the unit with a minimum pitch of 1/4″ per foot.
   4. Except where rain downspouts empty directly onto plant beds, downspout extensions of non-perforated rigid or flexible 4″ tubing shall be buried beneath the patio to a depth of 16″ and shall slope away from the unit with a minimum pitch of 1/4″ per foot. The buried extension beyond the outer edge of the patio shall extend well into the yard and shall be of perforated pipe. It is commended that a rock bed be placed beneath the perforated section to facilitate drainage.
   5. If a retaining wall is required for the patio construction, the height of the wall shall not exceed twelve inches (12″) above the existing lawn grade.
   6. If a privacy fence does not exist between the applicant homeowner’s unit and the adjoining unit, the applicant MUST construct a privacy fence identical to those supplied by the builder, or with extension approved by the Board (see “G”  PRIVACY FENCES).
   7. No patio (including surrounding plant beds) shall project past the end of the existing, new, or extended privacy fence or within fifteen feet (15′) of the rear property line. Maximum depth from rear house foundation to the edge of the patio may not exceed fourteen feet (14′), except that Essex models may continue the patio to the rear entrance setback, covering or replacing the builder-installed concrete patio.
   8. No patio shall be constructed in any side yard areas, nor may any patio project past the side wall of the house for an end unit installation.
   9. No patio shall be closer than three (3) feet to a side lot line with the exception of covering over or replacing an existing patio which already encroaches on the three-foot setback.
   10. Patios may not be constructed so as to leave any grass area between patio and foundation. However plant beds not to exceed three (3′) feet in depth may be used and must meet the requirements of “B. PLANTING BEDS“.
   11. Wood lattice covers used to screen air conditioning units must be approved by the Board. Covers shall be as small as possible, without blocking required circulation area at top and sides of air conditioning unit. Lattice air conditioner covers may not be designed to serve any other purpose, such as planters or serving bars. Wood lattice screens used in front of the townhome unit to shield meters must be approved by the Board and no other type of screens will be permitted. Lattice screens shall be small and in a size to meet screening needs, and shall not block access to meters by inspectors. Wood lattice covers and screens may be allowed to gray naturally, or shall otherwise be painted gray to match the privacy fence (See Exterior Components and Finishes).
5. Patios MAY NOT be screened in, enclosed, roofed or fenced. Retractable awnings must meet the requirements of I-IV-H. Awnings.
6. Patio approvals are valid for ninety (90) days after written notification of approval by the Board of Directors of the Townhouse Owners Association. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to comply with all municipal regulations that apply to patio construction.