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Guidelines for Deck Maintenance, Repair, and Replacement
Previous HOA Guidelines Reviewed by Current CMHA Board: February 14, 2023
Current Board Corrected and Votes to Approve these Guidelines: February 14, 2023
Deck Width and Depth Requirements Confirmed by Swatara Township Zoning Department: February 21, 2023
In terms of general maintenance, repairs to the railings and/or repair or replacement of decking boards can likely be performed without a permit from Swatara Township. It is recommended, however, that you check with the Township in advance of ANY work.
Work outside of the above-noted maintenance projects will likely require a building permit from Swatara Township.
The Association has certain requirements for new decks, including:
• Decks must be built to current code standards (this is taken care of through the codes office/building permit process).
• Maximum width on a deck is 16 feet centered on the home.
• Decks cannot be built within 2 feet of the common wall between units.
• No decks are to be built on the sides of end units.
• Decks built against bump outs/overhangs must be built with both front and rear support legs.
In addition to the requirements above, you should be aware that the Association only restricts the width of the deck. The Township has building setback rules in place that will affect the depth of the deck. This should be addressed with township personnel.
The homeowner is responsible for obtaining a valid insurance certificate from their contractor, and for ensuring that the contractor does not operate a motor vehicle on ANY lawn in the development.
Following these guidelines, the approval process should proceed as follows:
Submit a photo of the rear of the home to the CMHA board of directors. This photo will allow the Committee to advise as to any applicable restrictions (i.e. deck width, placement, and support requirements as outlined above).
Submit details on intended materials and proposed stain colors, as well as a rough drawing of the deck for review. If the proposal is acceptable, you will receive "conditional" approval valid for 60 days.
Once you have conditional approval, you would need to obtain and submit a deck request packet (including detailed drawings) to Swatara Township. Your contractor will need to assist in this step as the Township requires detailed construction drawings. If the proposal meets the zoning regulations and the current building code, they will issue you a building permit.
Submit a copy of the building permit to the Association to verify that the Township has approved. Upon receipt of a copy of the building permit, the Association will notify you that your “conditional” approval has been changed to a full approval after which you can proceed with construction.