5/10/2005

The devil is in the details when it comes to sheds
By Bob Adair
The Ocean Pines Association (OPA) ad hoc committee appointed to review the OPA Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Guidelines devoted the entire fourth meeting to the subject of sheds in Ocean Pines.

The committee reviewed some of the data discussed in the previous meeting. Terms such as structure, shed, attached and unattached sheds, etc were addressed until agreement was reached. But it would be premature to say these definitions are etched in stone because other facets of the guidelines may require slight shifts in the wording. This article contains some of the more significant changes that will be recommended by the committee.

Because the committee members found themselves moving from one subject to another Skip Carey, chairman of the group, said the subjects under consideration had to be dealt with in a certain priority. First he wanted a definition of a shed, then a definition of a storage container. After these items were defined, the next step would be to determine the number to be allowed on each lot.  The color and texture of the material for the sheds and containers would then be addressed.  Once size, number, color and material were identified then discussion could be keyed to the question of enforcing the new guidelines.
The information that follows is the findings of the committee.  Mr. Carey repeatedly told the attendees the agreements reached by the committee would become recommendations to the OPA Board of Directors who would make the final decision on the changes.

The term “attached sheds” will be eliminated. Attached sheds will be incorporated in the footprint of the house, thus becoming a part of the larger structure and governed by the rules and regulations applicable to the construction of the house.  The maximum self-standing shed footprint is 120 square feet; the minimum size is 20 square feet. Only one of these can be placed on a lot and must be sited at least six feet from the house.

Storage containers or storage cabinets will have a footprint of 19 square feet or less and a maximum height of 78 inches. Three containers are allowed on each lot commensurate with all applicable codes and regulations.  At this point these containers are not allowed on decks, however, they can be located against the wall of the primary structure (house).

Sheds and storage containers can be made of wood, metal or polyresin material. If approved this will be a major change in the guidelines. The committee understood that matching the shed material to the house covering was more difficult today because some of the older construction material is no longer available in the building industry.

The most difficult subject to address was the question of color.  Committee members Pam Wadler and Jim Walter both made cases for not requiring sheds to match the house.  Mr. Carey pointed out that in the interest of staying with “earth colors,” Ocean Pines had brown fire hydrants; a very hard object to locate at night on wooded lots. The group recognized that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” but also recognized there was a limit in the color spectrum that had to be maintained.  Wording about color was presented and included in the recommended changes to the guidelines but it appeared more evaluation of this subject would occur.

With reference to the roof pitches and design for the sheds the committee agreed to eliminate this section of the guidelines with the exception that flat roofs would not be allowed.

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• Delegate Norm Conway outlines his position on the Fair Share Health Care Fund Act.
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