Reminder!

Before starting any building projects, please submit building plans to Bob Cloutier via Email at FoxcroftBH@gmail.com
(prior to submitting plans to Bloomfield Twp.)

Foxcroft Architectural and Building Guidelines

Table of Contents

I. Introduction
II. Foxcroft Architectural Character
III. Foxcroft Building and Architectural Guidelines
A. Definitions
B. Foxcroft Review and Approval Process
C. Design Standards
D. General Design Criteria
E. General Building Form and Heights
F. General Exterior Finished
G. New Construction and Additions
H. Accessory Structures and Uses
I. Deviations
J. Construction Code of Conduct
IV. Violations:
A. Default Remedies

FOXCROFT
BUILDING AND ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES

I. Introduction

The purpose of the Foxcroft Building and Architectural Guidelines is to provide current and prospective Foxcroft property owners and residents with information to maintain Foxcroft’s attractive quality and character. This document contains certain guidelines for maintenance of existing dwellings, lots, and for new building projects or projects involving the renovation, remodeling or replacement of residential structures in the Foxcroft subdivisions. These guidelines define restrictions, building standards and explain the process for approval of building plans as established in Paragraph Seventh of the Foxcroft Deed Restrictions associated with each Foxcroft Lot and applicable to all Foxcroft residents and property owners. Foxcroft residents should be familiar with the Deed Restrictions and Foxcroft Improvement Association Bylaws. The Bloomfield Township building code and building permit processes must also be adhered to by the Owner.

II. Foxcroft Architectural Character

Foxcroft encompasses one of the oldest and most established neighborhoods in Bloomfield Township, and is well known for its unique charm and character. The architectural style of Foxcroft is varied throughout the subdivision and represents a cross section of some of the more respected American styles, each of which reflects a building style contemporary with the time of development. Foxcroft was developed in several sections. The first section, known as Foxcroft (Lots 1 – 26) and Foxcroft I (Lots 27-62), is comprised primarily of New England-style two story and Ranch-style homes. Foxcroft II (Lots 63 –118) is characterized by greater variety and in some cases, larger homes. Foxcroft III (Lots 119-157) and IV (Lots 158 – 223) contain the most recent construction with several contemporary-style homes. Together these sections are collectively referred to as “Foxcroft”.

III. Foxcroft Building and Architectural Guidelines

Foxcroft has been developed under a general plan of building restriction control to be administered by an Advisory Board of Restriction Control, referred to herein as the Foxcroft Building Committee. These Building and Architectural Guidelines are intended to assist the Foxcroft Building Committee in enforcing the Deed Restrictions, in implementing its authority under Paragraphs Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth of the Deed Restrictions, and in maintaining the Foxcroft Architectural Character as reflected in the general plan of building restriction control under which Foxcroft was developed. However, to the extent these Building and Architectural Guidelines expressly conflict with the Deed Restrictions, then the Deed Restrictions will control.

In addition, each request for review will be considered on a case by case basis. A decision by the Foxcroft Building Committee in one instance will not set a precedent for all other cases. Since each lot is unique the outcome of a review pertaining to one lot may differ from the outcome of a similar review to a different lot. Further, these Building and Architectural Guidelines are intended as a guide, and, if strict application of these Building and Architectural Guidelines will result in the denial of a request that would otherwise be both in harmony with the architecture, structures and landscaping within Foxcroft and in compliance with the Deed Restrictions, as determined by the Foxcroft Building Committee, then the Foxcroft Building Committee may still approve such request.

A. Definitions
The following definitions shall apply to these Foxcroft Building and Architectural

Guidelines:
structure or landscape other than temporary repair.

ALTERATIONS shall mean any construction or renovation to an existing

ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER shall mean the basic detailing, architectural rhythm, appearance and historic period of a building, or group of buildings or structures, including site and landscape development.

ARCHITECTURAL STYLE shall mean the characteristic form and detail, as of surrounding structures.

ASSOCIATION shall mean the Foxcroft Improvement Association, Inc.

BUILDING AND ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES shall mean these Building and Architectural Guidelines as adopted pursuant to Paragraph Sixth of the Deed Restrictions.

DEED RESTRICTIONS shall mean the Deed Restriction of Foxcroft dated March 17, 1955, and recorded in Liber 3313, page 34, Oakland County Records.

EMERGENCY shall mean any and all repairs necessary to create an intact building or structure due to a fire, a recently occurring natural disaster, including but not limited to a flood, tornado, lightning, or hail, or such other cause.

FAÇADE shall mean the portion of any exterior elevation on the building extending from grade, eaves or roof and the entire width of the building elevation.

FOXCROFT BUILDING COMMITTEE, or the BUILDING COMMITTEE, shall mean the committee of the Association formed for the purpose of serving as the Advisory Board of Restriction Control as referred to in the Deed Restrictions.

SCALE shall mean a proportional relationship of the size of parts to one another and to the human figure.

TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE shall mean the applicable ordinances and codes of Bloomfield Township, Michigan.

B. Foxcroft Review and Approval Process

Foxcroft residents must ensure that building plans are submitted for review by the Foxcroft Building Committee prior to review by Bloomfield Township. The Foxcroft Building Committee will then review with the Board for approval. Work may not commence before written approval is obtained from both the Foxcroft Board of Directors and Bloomfield Township. In addition, Foxcroft residents are responsible for making sure that their building projects follow the approved building plans. Building projects that proceed without Foxcroft Building Committee approval or that do not follow approved plans are subject to the remedies outlined in the Bylaws, as amended, and Deed Restrictions.

The Foxcroft Review and Approval Process is as follows:

1. Contact the Foxcroft Building Committee Chairperson to schedule a preliminary review of the building project.

2. Following the preliminary review, submit two copies of plans and specifications showing the proposed improvements to the Building Committee Chairperson

3. One copy of the approved plans will be provided to the homeowner for submittal to the Township indicating Foxcroft approval of the project. The other copy will be retained by the Committee Chairperson in order to monitor the Owner’s compliance with the plans.

4. Any post approval modification to the approved plans must receive advance approval by the Foxcroft Building Committee Chairperson using the above process before such modifications commence.

5. As a courtesy, discussion of potential plans with surrounding neighbors is encouraged along with three of the plans.

C. Design Standards

New homes and Alterations to existing homes shall be respectful of the Architectural Character of Foxcroft as described in Foxcroft Architectural Character above. The below design standards are intended to guide Lot owners in determining whether a proposed future project is expected to comply with the Deed Restrictions and receive Building Committee approval.

a) Only a single private residence, or dwelling house, and necessary appurtenant garage shall be erected on any residential lot. Prior to construction, plans and specifications for a structure are to be submitted to the Committee for review and approval in accordance with the Foxcroft Building and Architectural Guidelines.

b) Play structures are permitted with approval of the Committee and in compliance with any applicable municipal ordinance or permitting requirement. Any such structures shall be of an architecture and construction in harmony with the main residence.

c) Permissible fencing includes wrought iron, wooden picket or wooden rail, or fencing of a compatible style to the home. Height and location restrictions are governed by the Township Ordinance.

d) Driveways (new or replacement) shall be constructed of asphalt, concrete, pavers, or loose gravel provided that it is contained so as not to flow onto adjacent roads, drives, or landscaped areas. Wood, mulch, or other organic materials are not permitted.

e) Existing trees shall be preserved and maintained. When a tree dies or is beyond repair it shall be removed as soon as possible and replaced. The prior written approval of the Foxcroft Improvement Association Board of Directors shall be obtained for the removal and/or replacement of any tree greater than six (6) inches in diameter. If replacement is not possible, the Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, approve the donation of a tree to the park within Foxcroft.

f) New or replacement post lighting and other installations shall be in character with the neighborhood, and lighting fixtures shall be focused specifically on walks, entries, and drives. Supplemental lighting and security lighting fixtures shall utilize non-colored lightbulbs and be mechanically shielded to prevent light from reaching nearby lots and structures. Any deviation to the non-colored bulbs must be approved by the Building committee.

g) Turf grass, gardens, bushes, and trees shall be the predominate landscaping material. Natural rock, stone and gravel shall be used as an accent element and not as the main focus. The use of colored stone or other such materials or those of artificial composition are not permitted.

h) Set back requirements are governed by the Deed Restrictions and Township ordinances and must be followed for any proposed project.

i) Windows, roofs, siding, doors, and trim are to be replaced with new product and material comparable in design and material to that being replaced and in keeping with the original architectural character of the house and that portion of the Subdivisions in which the house is located.

j) The use of florescent or neon paint colors as a primary or trim color on the exterior of any building is prohibited.

k) Additions to buildings shall be compatible in appearance by coordinating style, materials, scale and detail with the original buildings.

l) All building designs shall be compatible with the historical architectural character within Foxcroft; all remodeling or rehabilitation of exteriors shall ensure the visual integrity of the building, and be compatible with the overall architectural character of the section of Foxcroft where the home resides.

m) Mechanical or electrical equipment shall be hidden or screened from street view and soundproofed per the Township code. This includes emergency power generating equipment.

n) Campers, boats, trailers, dumpsters, temporary storage units and recreational vehicles and commercial vehicles shall not be parked anywhere in the Subdivision, except for loading and unloading not to exceed 48 hours. Commercial vehicles are defined as any vehicle that has any one of the following characteristics: (a) more than two (2) axles; (b) gross vehicle weight rating in excess of 10,000 pounds; (c) visibly equipped with or carrying equipment or materials used in a business; or (d) carrying a sign advertising or identifying a business.

o) Satellite dishes no larger than one (1) meter (39.37”) in size may be placed on a lot or dwelling structure. Satellite dishes may not be placed in the front yard or on any street facing façade, including building roofs, unless the Owner has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Board of Directors that such limitation would unreasonably prevent or delay, or unreasonably increase the cost, of the installation, maintenance or use of any such antenna. Antenna and or masts may not exceed the roof line and must be of the types and sizes noted, unless otherwise approved by the Board or where prohibition of such antenna or mast would unreasonably prevent or delay, or unreasonably increase the cost, of the installation, maintenance or use of any such antenna. The antenna and/or mast that supports the antenna must be of the type(s) and size(s) described in 47 CFR 1.4000(a) of the Federal Communication Commission’s Over-the-Air Reception Devices Rule (the “FCC Rule”).

p) Solar panels may be installed so long as they are in harmony with the architectural character of the home on which they are to be installed and receive the prior approval of the Building Committee.

D. General Design Criteria

These criteria apply to all situations involving existing dwellings, new construction, additions and renovations for residential uses:

a. The orientation of the front of the primary structure shall be oriented in a manner that allows the main entrance to be clearly identified from the street.

b. Where entrances are placed perpendicular to the street, the entry point shall be clearly denoted through the use of walkways and porches.

c. Porches shall be oriented toward the primary street frontage in an architectural style and scale compatible the primary structure.

d. Decks, when utilized, shall be adjacent to the façade of the primary structure and not facing a public street. Decks shall be of wood or composite material that accurately simulates wood.

e. Windows and doors shall maintain the architectural character of the structure. The proportions of windows shall be similar to those already utilized in the structure.

f. Permanent wheelchair accessible ramps, when needed, shall be attached to the primary structure and shall include landscape screening.

g. Deteriorated or damaged architectural features shall be repaired or replaced with like materials and design.

E. General Building Form and Heights

a. The size, height and appearance of the primary structure shall be generally consistent with residential structures in the area of Foxcroft in which it is located.

b. Roofs shall be compatible with adjacent homes.

c. Sloping roofs such as gables and hips shall be complimentary to Foxcroft.

d. Dormers shall be used when appropriate to the building style and scale.

e. Eaves shall be complimentary to eaves found in the area of Foxcroft in which it is located.

f. Preferred roofing materials include wood or composite shingles.

F. General Exterior Finished

a. All siding shall be wood and shall have a weather-protective finish. Synthetic materials such as aluminum, vinyl, or fiber-cement siding are allowed provided that the siding conveys a scale, texture, and lap dimension similar to that traditionally found in Foxcroft. The use of EIFS systems or those of highly reflective material are not allowed.

b. The use of masonry materials is allowed provided use of these materials is historically appropriate to the style and character of the residence.

c. Brick shall have a modular dimension and have texture and scale similar to those traditionally used in Foxcroft. The use of jumbo bricks is not allowed.

d. Natural stone shall be used when historically appropriate to the style and character of the building. Stone shall have qualities similar to those traditionally found in Foxcroft.

e. Tile and stucco shall be used only as secondary materials and when historically appropriate to the style and character of the building.

f. Alternative materials may be allowed provided they are similar in scale, proportion, texture and finish to those traditionally found in Foxcroft.

G. New Construction and Additions

a. New construction and additions shall meet setback requirements that comply with Township requirements and the Foxcroft Deed Restrictions.

b. Dormer additions must be in character with the primary structure design.

H. Accessory Structures and Uses

a. Detached garages are prohibited unless connected to the primary structure with a “breezeway”, which is a common feature documented in many early Foxcroft designs.

b. Garage additions shall not have a garage door visible from the front facade of the building.

c. Porte cocheres are allowed and shall be designed to fit with the architectural style and scale of the primary structure.

d. Carports shall be set back from the front facade of the main structure and must be compatible with the general architectural character of the primary structure.

e. Signage:

1. A small residence address sign may be attached to a lamp post or individually mounted on a landscaped area.

2. Commercial or political signs of any type are prohibited. “For Sale”, “For Rent”, or Realtor-placed signs are permitted.

3. Illumination of signs is prohibited.

I. Deviations

Any proposed deviation from the building and architectural guidelines set forth in this document must be submitted to the Building Committee for the prior written approval by the Board of Directors prior to construction or implementation.

J. Construction Code of Conduct

Foxcroft adheres to the Bloomfield Township ordinance regarding work hours, construction site maintenance, noise restrictions, construction vehicle parking, material storage, and the location of portable restrooms. Residents are responsible for familiarizing themselves and adhering with these ordinances.

A. Default Remedies

IV. Violations:

In the event of a default by an Owner, lessee, tenant, nonowner resident and/or guest in its compliance with any of these guidelines, as may be amended, the Association may pursue the remedies set forth in the Bylaws, as amended, and as provided in this part IV, and any other Subdivision Documents. The Association may commence and prosecute against the Owner, lessee, tenant, nonowner resident and/or guest, as applicable, an action to recover sums due for damages, injunctive relief, or any combination thereof.

These Building and Architectural Guidelines have been adopted by the Board of Directors of Foxcroft Improvement Association, Inc. on ___________________.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
FOXCROFT IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED

By:___________________________ Its: President

ATTEST: By:_____________________________ Its: Secretary______

November 28, 2022