HomeMy WebLinkAbout20200186 Ver 2_Covenants and Restrictions_20200215Apple Creek Corporate Park
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EXHIBIT B
DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR
APPLE CREEK CORPORATE PARK
GASTONIA, NORTH CAROLINA
INTRODUCTION
Pursuant to the Declaration to which these Design Guidelines (the "Guidelines")
are attached, the Declarant and the Architectural Review Committee have adopted these
Guidelines in connection with the planning and development of the Properties. These
guidelines are designed to establish several ways and means of providing for the orderly and
attractive development of the Properties that are intended to aid in the preserving and
enhancing the value thereof.
The Architectural Review Committee is the reviewing body that interprets proposals
for Plans and compatibility of various Owners’ Plans with the overall general plan of
development of the Properties. It is concerned with aesthetics, maintenance, and operational
aspects of the Properties and it is the responsibility and purpose of the Architectural Review
Committee (ARC) to administer the development criteria and procedures, including these
guidelines.
PURPOSE
The primary objectives in establishing these Guidelines are:
• To protect property values and enhance each Owner's investment by ensuring a
well- planned and maintained development within the Properties;
• To provide a harmonious relationship among all structures and other
improvements located within the Properties;
• To minimize disturbing influences on adjacent or neighboring properties; and
• To contribute to a favorable environment for the Properties and the Owners or
occupants of the Properties.
These Guidelines are designed to be both general and specific so that a set of
standards can be identified for each lot.
Not with standing anything to the contrary, nothing contained in these guidelines shall
take precedence over requirements imposed by federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and
regulations applicable to the Properties and the development thereof.
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DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR
APPLE CREEK CORPORATE PARK
GASTONIA, NORTH CAROLINA
The Design Guidelines for the Apple Creek Corporate Park have been established to implement
the intent, purpose, and provisions of the Development Master Plan. These guidelines establish
criteria for site planning, architectural design, landscape design, signing, and lighting. These
guidelines will be used by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) established by the
CC&Rs to evaluate proposed developments. They are intended to provide uniform criteria by
which each proposal may be evaluated.
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DESIGN GUIDELINES / TABLE OF
CONTENTS
1.0 Approvals and Submittals
1.1 Plan Review Process
1.2 Schematic Plan Submittal
1.3 Preliminary Plan Submittal
1.4 Construction Document Submittal
2.0 Site Planning Guidelines
2.1 Building Site Coverage
2.2 Interior Landscape Coverage
2.3 Building Heights
2.4 Street Setbacks
2.5 Side Property Line Setback
2.6 Rear Property Line Setback
2.7 Site Access and Traffic Flow
2.8 General Parking Requirements
2.9 Sidewalks
2.10 Grading and Drainage
2.11 Roadways
2.12 Storage, Service, and Loading Areas
2.13 Refuse Collection Areas
2.14 Screening of Exterior Mechanical
Equipment
2.15 Screening of Exterior Electrical
Equipment and Transformers
2.16 Fences and Walls
2.17 Utilities and Communication
Devices
2.18 Mailboxes
3.0 Architectural Guidelines
3.1 Objectives
3.2 Site Planning Design
3.3 Building Exterior Wall Materials
3.4 Building Roofs
3.5 Color and Texture
4.0 Landscape and Irrigation Guidelines
4.1 Landscape Standards
4.2 Interior Landscape Coverage
4.3 Landscape Easements
4.4 Parking Lot Requirements
4.5 Areas Between Building Facades and
Parking
4.6 Tree Save Zones
4.7 Street Trees
4.8 Irrigation
4.9 Installation and Maintenance within
the Right-of-Way and Setback
4.10 General Maintenance Standards
4.11 Maintenance of Unimproved Sites
4.12 Plant Materials
4.13 Acceptable Plant Materials List
5.0 Signage Guidelines
5.1 Objectives
5.2 Submittal
5.3 General Standards
5.4 Prohibited Signs
6.0 Lighting Guidelines
6.1 Objectives
6.2 Submittal
6.3 General Standards
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1.0 APPROVALS AND SUBMITTALS
1.1 Plan Review Process
In order to ensure that the design standards
for Apple Creek Corporate Park contained in
these guidelines are achieved, a series of plan
submissions will be required at different
stages of the design process. The number of
plan submissions will vary depending upon
the complexity and timing of a proposed
development. Plan submissions will also be
required for significant revisions, alterations,
additions, or changes of use for approved or
existing developments. All buildings shall be
designed by an architect registered in the
state of North Carolina and shall bear the
license number and seal when submitted for
design review.
The plan submission for each new
development and each significant revision,
alteration, addition or change of use shall
include the following:
• PDF Digital Copy and
• Four (4) sets of plans and specifications
• Rendered architectural building elevations
• Rendered site plan
• Architectural review fee
All submitted plans are viewed by the
Architectural Review Committee for
acceptability of design in compliance with the
CC&R's and the Design Guidelines. Upon
completion of review by the Architectural
Review Committee, one set of submitted plans
is to be returned to the applicant along with a
letter summarizing
comments, recommendations, requirements,
and findings. The returned plans will be
marked “Approved," "Approved Subject To
Conditions," or "Not approved."
1. "Approved"- Approved documents
permit the applicant to proceed to the next
stage of the approval process.
2. "Approved Subject To Conditions" -
Documents so marked permit the
applicant to proceed to the next stage of
the approval process, provided the
applicant complies with the conditions
specified by the Architectural Review
Committee. If the applicant takes
exception to the specified conditions, the
applicant must do so in writing by
certified mail within 15 days from the
date of the applicant's receipt of the
returned documents. Unless such action is
taken, it is assumed that all conditions
are acceptable to and approved by the
applicant.
3. "Not approved"- These documents
will be returned to the applicant with
comments, describing the basis for
disapproval. Revised documents must
be resubmitted if approval is sought.
4. Architectural Review Committee
approval of the applicant's plans and
specifications shall not constitute an
implication, representation, or
certification by the Architectural
Review Committee that the above items
are in compliance with applicable
statutes, codes, ordinances, or other
regulations. The applicant shall have
the sole responsibility for compliance
with all applicable statutes, local codes
and ordinances, or other regulations for
all work performed on the premises by
or on behalf of the applicant.
1.2 Schematic Plan Submittal
The Schematic Plan submittal is required to give
an indication of the site plan, architectural
character, and extent of the proposed develop-
ment. The schematic plan is to be submitted and
approved before preliminary plans are
submitted. Schematic plan submissions shall
show an indication of:
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1. All major buildings and structures
including:
a. Building floor plan
b. Sketches or architectural design
concept including intended character
and materials
c. Building coverage
d. A brief description of the use of each
building or structure including an
estimate of the number of employees
2. Site plan including:
a. Site layout
b. Vehicular circulation
c. Total parking provided
d. Boundary survey
e. Tree save areas and buffers
f. Setbacks for building and parking
3. Loading and service areas:
a. Truck service and loading dock
areas
b. Truck and service vehicle circulation
areas
c. Trash enclosure areas
d. Location and configuration of
screening devices for truck and
service areas
4. Landscape and pedestrian circulation
concept including any major site design
features.
5. Interfaces with off-site circulation
concept including the location and
design of all curb cuts and driveways.
6. Interfaces with adjacent properties,
conceptual grading, drainage, and
utilities.
7. Phasing plan
1.3 Preliminary Plan Submittal
The preliminary plan submission is
required to convey specific information
about the site plan and architectural
design of the proposed development.
The preliminary plan package should be
submitted to the Architectural Review
Committee prior to or concurrent with
submission of plans to the Gaston
County or City of Gastonia and other
governing agencies. Preliminary plans
are to be submitted and approved by the
ARC before construction documents are
submitted. The preliminary plan
submission requires each of the
following exhibits:
1. Site Plan indicating the following:
a. Building footprints and dimensions
b. Building roof overhangs
c. Configuration of parking and vehicular
circulation areas
d. Location of parking lot lighting
e. Truck service, loading area, trash
enclosures
f. Lines of setbacks and easements
g. Locations of on-site transformers,
electrical switch gear, etc.
h. Adjacent roadways including curb lines,
medians, and driveways.
i. Development Data Tabulation of:
• Parcel area
• Total building floor area
• Site coverage
• Building coverage
• Total parking provided
• Total parking required
• Number of employees
• The anticipated number of shifts.
j. Rendered site plan
2. Grading and Drainage Plan indicating:
a. Existing and proposed grades
b. Site drainage systems
c. Grades of existing streets
d. Stormwater detention facilities
e. Roof drain locations
3. Landscape Plan indicating:
a. Areas to be landscaped and irrigated
b. List of proposed plant materials
c. Walkways and paved areas
d. Other landscape design features
e. Existing and proposed utilities
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4. Building elevations of all buildings
indicating:
a. Wall and roof materials, textures, and
colors
b. Location of signing and lighting
c. Roof parapet heights above ground-floor
line
d. Architectural rendering of building
elevations
5. Building Floor Plan
6. Building Roof Plans indicating:
a. Roof elevations above finish floor
b. Heights and locations of roof-
mounted mechanical equipment and
associated screening
c. Roof materials and color
7. Outline specifications of all building
materials
8. Site utility plan showing:
a. Storm drainage system
b. Site lighting
c. Water and sewer lines
d. Backflow prevention devices
e. Fire line and fire hydrant(s) locations
9. Signage
a. Type
b. Locations
c. Designs & materials
d. Colors
e. Illumination
f. Typography
1.4 Construction Document Submittal
All applicants are required to submit
copies of the same construction
documents to the Gaston County or City
of Gastonia for approval in order to
demonstrate the precise construction
details for implementing the approved
preliminary plans. The construction
document submission to the Architectural
Review Committee requires four sets of
the following:
1. Final Comprehensive Site Plan
2. Final Grading and Drainage Plan
3. Architectural, structural, mechanical,
plumbing, and electrical drawings
4. Construction Specifications
5. Complete Utility Plan
6. Final Landscape and Irrigation Plan
7. Building elevations of all walls
8. Color and finishes of all exterior
walls
9. Final signage package
10. Color and type of all exposed roof
materials.
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2.0 SITE PLANNING GUIDELINES
The following Site Planning Guidelines
are established in order to ensure that
The Apple Creek Corporate Park is
developed as a high-quality corporate
park. The Site Planning Guidelines are
intended to implement the intent and
purpose of The Apple Creek Corporate
Park Master Plan.
2.1 Building Site Coverage
The maximum building footprint coverage
of all buildings, including accessory
buildings but not including parking
structures or surface parking, shall not
exceed 50 percent of the gross lot area.
The maximum site coverage by building,
parking lot, and all site circulation shall
be limited to 75 percent of the gross lot
area, excluding public street.
2.2 Interior Landscape Coverage
A minimum of at least 10 percent of the
lot gross area shall be devoted to interior
landscape planting. These areas shall
consist of parking lot interior landscape
islands, landscape planting around
buildings, and tree save areas interior to
the developed portion of the site, and five
(5) feet strips parallel to the outside edge
of the parking lot. Setbacks, buffers, and
future development areas shall not be
considered when determining the interior
landscape requirements.
(See exhibits).
2.3 Building Heights
Structures up to 50 feet in height are
permitted in accordance with the
provisions of the plan. Structures may
exceed 50 feet provided that a site
development plan is first submitted by the
applicant and approved by the Gaston
County or Gastonia Planning Commission.
2.4 Street Setbacks
1. No building, parking, or other structures
shall be permitted to be constructed
closer than 50 feet from the right-of-
way of The Applewood Road Parkway.
2. No building, parking or other structure
shall be permitted within 30 feet of the
corporate park exterior property line
and 50 feet along all other streets,
public or private, existing and proposed.
3. Planters, walls, and sign elements not
exceeding three feet in height may be
permitted in the setback area with
written approval of the Architectural
Review Committee.
2.5 Side Property Line Setbacks
No building, parking, or other structures
shall be permitted to be constructed closer
than 20 feet from any interior side property
line, 30 feet from an external lot abutting a
residential zoned district and 25 feet in the
Highway Overlay District. Interior Side
setback may exceed 20 feet when a buffer
or grading slope is required.
2.6 Rear Property Line Setbacks
No building, parking, or other structures
shall be permitted to be constructed closer
than 30 feet from a rear property line. Rear
setback may exceed 30 feet when a buffer
or grading slope is required.
2.7 Site Access and Traffic Flow
1. Direct access onto Applewood Road
Parkway for individual sites is not
permitted unless approved by the
Architectural Review Committee, Gaston
County or City of Gastonia, and NCDOT.
All new driveways within the corporate
park shall be connected to the new
interior private and/or public roadway
network.
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2. Two-way driveway shall be minimum
26-foot wide (minimum, face of curb to
face of curb) curbed driveway with a
concrete apron.
3. One-way driveways shall be minimum
16-foot wide driveways.
4. All driveways shall have 20-foot
minimum radii.
5. Drive-through facility shall allow for
sufficient vehicle stacking distance and
adequately screened from the public
view.
6. Access drives to each site shall be limited
to two (2) unless approved by the
Architectural Review Committee.
7. Lots with 150 linear feet of street
frontage or less are allowed 1 curb cut
per street front. Lots with greater than
150 linear feet of street frontage are
allowed 2 curb cuts per street front.
8. Separation between curb cuts on the same
lot shall be 50’ minimum.
2.8 General Parking Requirements
1. Adequate off-street parking shall be
provided to accommodate all parking
needs for the site. Required off-street
parking shall be provided on the site of the
use served, on a contiguous site, or within
500 feet of the subject site.
2. No driveway or street connection to a
public street shall be constructed,
relocated or modified without an approved
driveway permit. All driveway permits
shall be approved by either by Gaston
County or City of Gastonia and NCDOT.
3. Parking lots and drives shall be paved with
asphalt or concrete. Gravel lots are not
permitted.
4. No dead-end parking is allowed for
multiple bay parking lots.
(See exhibits).
5. No parking allowed within setbacks.
6. Parking areas and drives located in the
front or side of the building structure
shall be separated by 15 foot
(minimum) landscape area.
7. Parking lots shall be landscaped and
screened from the road right-of-way
and adjacent property line(s).
8. For multiple bay parking lots, a
continuous interior landscape medians
with a minimum width of eight (8) feet
from back of curb to back of curb shall
be provided between all parking bays
(See exhibits).
9. For single and multiple bay parking
lots, interior landscape islands with a
minimum width of eight (8) feet shall
be provided at 125-foot on center and
250-foot on center, respectively.
(See exhibits)
10. Perimeter of parking lot, median,
landscape islands, and traffic islands
shall have 18-inch concrete curb and
gutter.
11. No curbs shall be closer than 15 feet
from any building to back of curb to
allow for landscaping between parking
area and building. (See exhibits).
12. Each parking space within a surface
parking lot, not including Parallel
Parking or Accessible Parking Spaces
shall be rectangular in nature. These
spaces shall be 19 feet in length by 9 feet
in width, with a 24’ wide two way drive
aisle. Alternate drive aisle dimensions
may be reviewed and approved by the
Architectural Review Committee.
13. Parallel parking spaces shall be not
less the 22 feet in length by 9 feet in
width.
14. Parking lot stripping shall be white in
color and four (4) inches in width.
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15. Off-street parking lots shall be designed
to facilitate safe and efficient movement
providing appropriate access by service
vehicles, emergency, etc. without posing
a danger to pedestrians or impeding the
function of the parking area.
16. Circulation areas shall be designed so
that vehicles can proceed safely without
posing a danger to pedestrians or other
vehicles and without interfering with
parking areas.
17. Off-street parking lots shall be designed
to allow pedestrians to safely move from
their vehicles to on-site buildings. Lots
containing more than 100 off-street
parking spaces on any one side of the
building shall be designed to have at
least one designated and readily
identifiable corridor that channels
pedestrians from their vehicles in that
parking area to a nearby on-site building.
2.9 Sidewalks
1. A five-(5) foot wide concrete sidewalk
shall be installed along back of curb of
parking lot to provide pedestrian
circulation from parking lots to
buildings and between parking bays.
2. On-site pedestrian circulation systems
shall be provided to meet the
circulation needs of on-site users,
adjacent lots, and overall development.
3. On-site pedestrian circulation systems
shall be designed to provide pedestrians to
safely move from their vehicles to on-site
buildings. Parking lots shall provide at
least one designated and readily
identifiable corridor that channels
pedestrians from their vehicles in that
parking area to a nearby on-site building.
4. Where usage dictates, connections should
be made between on-site and off-site
perimeter pedestrian circulation systems,
existing sidewalks, adjacent buildings, and
future sidewalks and buildings.
5. Sidewalks shall be provided along public
streets in accordance with zoning and
subdivision ordinances.
2.10 Grading and Drainage
1. Parking lots and drives shall have a
minimum slope of 0.5% and
maximum slope of 5.0%.
2. Embankment slopes facing public
streets of future development areas
shall be graded no steeper than 3:1
stabilized and fully landscaped with
evergreen shrubs and trees, and
irrigated. (GRASS ???)
3. Embankment slopes not facing public
streets or future development areas
shall be graded no steeper than 2:1,
stabilized and landscaped with
ground cover and trees, and irrigated.
(GRASS ???)
4. Storm drainage shall be handled
through underground drainage
system(s). Open ditches are not
permitted without prior approval
from the Architectural Review
Committee.
5. Storm drainage system(s) shall be
designed and sized to handle runoff
for adjacent sites after development.
This may require the over sizing of
drainage pipes and extension of the
drainage system to the property line
to facilitate future extensions.
6. The purchasers of property in the park
are required to meet permitting
standards for Storm Water Detention,
Water Quality and Total Suspended
Solids removal as required by Gaston
County or City of Gastonia and State
of North Carolina Department of
Environmental Quality.
If the park developers build a common
storm water detention facility users may,
or could be required to connect to this
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system. All storm water management
plans must be submitted to the
Architectural Review Committee in the
addition to the State.
7. Temporary stockpiling of topsoil or
surplus cut materials shall not be
permitted without prior approval from the
Architectural Review Committee.
Permanent stockpiling is not permitted.
Excess topsoil may be placed in berms
with Architectural Review Committee
Approval.
8. All necessary erosion control measures
shall be installed and maintained per
NCDEQ standards to avoid siltation onto
adjacent properties, streams, and drainage
systems.
9. Developers of individual sites are required
to save large maturing trees within their
development when possible. This may
require special grading considerations,
retaining walls, etc.
2.11 Roadways
1. Design and construction of roadways
proposed within The Applewood Road
Parkway is subject to Gaston County or
City of Gastonia and NCDOT
approval.
2. Right-of-way for all new public
roadways shall be a minimum of 60
feet. These roadways are 33 to 40 feet
wide (face of curb to face of curb) with
curb and gutter, sidewalks, landscape
treatments, and lighting.
3. Private joint access drives shall be
wide enough for two-way traffic with
2' 6" curb and gutter, sidewalks,
landscape treatments, and lighting. For
setback purposes, right-of-way is
assumed to be 50 feet wide.
4. All roadways shall be paved with
heavy duty asphalt or concrete
pavement to meet Gaston County or City
of Gastonia and NCDOT Standards.
2.12 Storage, Service, and Loading Area
l. Service, maintenance, and loading areas
must be constructed, maintained, and used
in accordance with the following
conditions:
a. No materials, supplies, or equipment,
including trucks or other motor vehicles,
shall be stored upon a site except inside,
closed building and or behind a durable
material wall 8’ feet in height, screening
such materials, supplies, or vehicles from
adjacent sites so as not to be visible from
neighboring properties, streets, and
buildings. Outside storage is not permitted
unless written request is approved by
Architectural Review Committee.
b. All uses that store heavy equipment
outdoors on a regular basis (eg backhoes,
skid steers, graders, loaders, etc. shall be
screened from adjacent properties.
c. Buffering for storage areas 1 acre or less
in size shall consist of any one or more of
the following: (#1) 8’ wall of durable
weather resistant material or opaque fence.
Both options shall meet the requirements
of the underlining Uniform Development
Ordinance ‘Standard For Walls and
Fences’, or (#2) a Type C Buffer or
greater. Outside storage screening
proposal shall be submitted in writing and
shall be reviewed and approved by
Architectural Review Committee
d. If the storage area is greater than 1 acre in
size, screening shall consist of Type D
Buffer or greater in addition to the fence
or wall as described above. Such planted
strip shall be on the exterior of the wall or
fence.
e. Provisions shall be made on each site for
any necessary vehicle loading/ unloading,
and no on-street vehicular loading or
maneuvering shall be permitted.
2.13 Refuse Collection Areas
1. All outdoor refuse containers shall be
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DG-11
screened with in a durable minimum eight
(8) feet, or higher as required to totally
screen, noncombustible enclosure so as
not to be visible from adjacent lots or
sites, neighboring properties or streets. No
refuse collection areas shall be permitted
between a street and the front of a
building.
2. Refuse collection enclosures shall be
designed of durable materials with
finishes and colors that are unified and
harmonious with the overall architectural
theme. Chain link fence with slats is not
an acceptable material.
3. Refuse collection areas should be so
located upon the lot as to provide clear
and convenient access to refuse collection
vehicles.
4. Refuse collection areas should be
designed to contain all refuse and located
at the rear of the lot and shall not be
visible from neighboring properties,
streets, and buildings
2.14 Screening of Exterior Mechanical
Equipment
1. In the case of roof mounted mechanical
equipment, the building parapets must be
of such a height that roof-mounted
screening devices not be required. If
building parapets do not provide an
unobtrusive screening device that will
appear as an integrated part of the overall
architectural design shall screen the
required screening, mechanical
equipment.
2. Any devices employed to screen exterior
components of plumbing, processing,
heating, cooling, and ventilating systems
from direct view shall appear as integrated
parts of the architectural design and, as
such, shall be constructed of
complementary and durable materials and
finished in a texture and color scheme
complementary to the overall architectural
design.
3. Any exterior components of plumbing,
processing, heating, cooling, and
ventilating systems and their screening
devices which will be visible from upper
floors of adjacent buildings shall be kept
to a visible minimum, shall be installed in
a neat and compact fashion, and shall be
painted such a color as to allow their
blending with their visual background.
2.15 Screening of Exterior Electrical
Equipment and Transformer
1. Transformers that may be visible to public
view shall be screened with either plantings
or durable noncombustible enclosure.
Where possible, it is recommended that
refuse containers and
transformers be integrated into the same
enclosure.
2. Transformer enclosures should be designed
of durable materials with finishes and
colors that are unified and harmonious with
the overall architectural design.
3. Exterior-mounted electrical equipment shall
be mounted on the interior of a building
wherever possible. When interior mounting
is not practical, electrical equipment shall
be mounted in a location where it is
substantially screened from public view. In
no case shall exterior electrical equipment
be mounted on the street side or primary
exposure side of any building.
4. Exterior-mounted electrical equipment and
conduits shall be kept to a visible minimum,
where visible shall be installed in a neat and
orderly fashion, and shall be painted to
blend with their mounting backgrounds.
2.16 Fences and Walls
1. No fence or retaining walls exceeding three
3 feet in height shall be constructed closer
than 50 feet from the curb line of any
fronting street and outside the required
setback.
2. No fence or wall shall exceed a height of 8
feet unless otherwise approved in writing
by the Architectural Review Committee.
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3. Walls and fences between building and
fronting streets are discouraged but when
necessary will require written approval of
the Architectural Review Committee.
4. Retaining walls between building and
fronting streets are discouraged but when
necessary written approval of the
Architectural Review Committee will be
obtained. All exposed faces of retaining
walls in this category must be
architecturally compatible to the exterior
walls of the building. Timber or block
retaining walls are not permitted.
5. All fences and walls shall be designed
as integrated parts of the overall architectural
and site design. All materials
shall be durable and finished in textures and
colors complementary to the overall
architectural design.
6. Chain link, hog wire, split rail or other security
fences shall not be permitted within the
development.
2.17 Utilities and Communication Devices
1. All on-site utilities, including but not limited
to drainage systems, sewers, gas lines, water
lines, and electrical, telephone, and
communications wires, and equipment, shall
be installed and maintained underground.
2. On-site underground utilities shall be
designed and installed to minimize the
disruption of off-site utilities, paving, and
landscape during construction and
Maintenance.
2. No antenna, satellite, communication tower, or
device for transmission or reception of any
signals, including but not be limited to
telephone, television, and radio, shall require
approval from the Architectural Review
Committee, and Gaston County or City of
Gastonia.
3. Installation of all electrical and
telecommunication equipment shall require
the approval of the Architectural Review
Committee.
4. Temporary overhead power and telephone
facilities are permitted during construction.
5. All temporary structures must be
disconnected and removed upon receiving
Certificate of Occupancy.
2.18 Mailboxes
Individual outdoor mailboxes or newspaper
boxes are not permitted on any tract within the
development without Architectural Review
Committee Approval. All boxes must conform
to the type and size specified by the guidelines
to be provided by the Architectural Review
Committee. General mailboxes and overnight
boxes, such as FedEx, shall require the
Architectural Review Committee's approval.
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DG-13
3.0 ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
3.1 Objectives
To provide an overall high quality and
uniformity within The Apple Creek
Corporate Park Special emphasis is placed
upon methods that end to reduce the large-
scale visual impact of buildings-to
encourage tasteful, imaginative design for
individual buildings while retaining an
overall sense of propriety-to create a
complex of buildings compatible with each
other and the existing buildings of Gastonia
Technology Park and Gaston College. All
future property owners are encouraged to
explore the creative possibilities of their
sites and building programs to achieve a
consistency of basic architectural elements.
All buildings are to be modern and
progressive in design and shall reflect
institutional character.
3.2 Site Planning Design
1. Facility’s entrance drive shall be readily
observable to the first-time visitor.
2. Minimum conflicts should exist
between service vehicles, private
automobiles, and pedestrians within the
site.
3. Visitor building entries shall be readily
identifiable and accessible to the first-
time visitor.
4. Building entries shall be highlighted by
such features as:
a. Ceremonial entry porte-cocheres
b. Plazas
c. Special planters and plantings
d. Architectural walls
3.3 Building Exterior Wall Materials
1. Architectural Review Committee shall
require materials used in connection
with the exteriors of buildings or other
structures to be of high quality, compatible in
design and materials with all other structures
within the development, and of makeup that
will convey premium manufacturing-type
building.
a. One dominant exterior building material
should be selected and expressed with its
own natural integrity. Exterior building
materials shall convey permanence,
substances, timelessness, and
institutional character.
b. Materials shall blend with those existing
in the adjacent area of the park.
c. All exterior building materials shall be of
brick, stone, architectural pre-cast
concrete, glass in predominance, or other
materials subject to the Architectural
Review Committee’s approval.
d. Pre-engineered metal, concrete block,
split-faced block, stucco, tilt up, metal
panels, and corrugated metal-sided
“Butler” type buildings are prohibited in
connection with the construction of the
exterior of any structures or other
improvements.
e. All roof drain pipes on buildings must be
on the interior of the building and
connected onto an underground storm
drainage system.
f. Submittal of proposed exterior elevations
noting building material includes
samples and colors is required for prior
review and approval by the Architectural
Review Committee
2. Exterior walls of all buildings shall have a
continuous and uniform parapet to fully
conceal roof materials, mechanical
equipment, and all other materials and
equipment.
Apple Creek Corporate Park
DG-14
3. Exterior canvas and metal canopies are
not permitted. All other materials for
fascia treatment require prior review and
approval of the Architectural Review
Committee.
4. Canopy attached or unattached to the
building for the purpose of providing
shelter to patrons or automobiles or as a
decorative feature shall be subject to the
same architectural requirements as the
building.
3.4 Building Roofs
1. In instances where flat roof areas can
be viewed from above, care should be
taken that all roof vents, roof-mounted
mechanical equipment, pipes, etc. are
grouped together and painted to match
roof color to reduce their appearance.
2. Pitched roofs with asphalt shingles,
cedar shingles, standing seam metal,
aluminum, or any other roof material
are not permitted.
3. All roof mounted mechanical
equipment shall be screened from
view by parapet walls or special
screening. Screens shall be attractive
in appearance and compliment the
architectural theme of the building.
All screening shall be of height of the
mechanical equipment and
consideration will be given to the
view plane of the adjacent
developments.
3.5 Color and Texture
1. Simple and uniform texture patterns
are encouraged to create shadow
patterns that will reduce the high
visibility of the building.
2. Variations in color shall be kept to a
minimum
3. Colors shall be subdued in tone.
4. Accent colors may be used to express
corporate identity.
5. All colors used for building exteriors shall
be submitted for prior review and approval
by the Architectural Review Committee.
Apple Creek Corporate Park
DG-15
4.0 LANDSCAPE AND
IRRIGATION GUIDELINES
The intent of these guidelines is to provide
design criteria which will fulfill aesthetic
considerations and help insure an image that
is distinctive and understandable, and that
unifies the whole development. Landscaping
shall also meet the requirements of the
Gaston County or City of Gastonia's
Landscape Ordinance and be approved by the
Architectural Review Committee.
4.1 Landscape Standards
All landscaping shall be installed to
accepted commercial planting procedures
by qualified persons using the quality and
type of plant materials indicated in the
landscape plan as approved by the
Architectural Review Committee. All plant
materials shall meet or exceed the minimum
requirements of the American Standard for
Nursery Stock, latest edition. The following
minimum size requirements and specifications
shall be required for all plant material:
1. Evergreen Tree: 6-8 Feet High (Min), Ball
and Burlap, Full Canopy
2. Canopy Tree: 3” Caliper (Min), 10-12 Ht,
Ball and Burlap, Full Canopy.
3. Understory Tree: 8-10 Feet High (Min) ,2”
Caliper (Min), Ball and Burlap.
4. Shrub: 3 Gallon and 3 Feet Height at
time of planting, Full Canopy.
4.2 Interior Landscape Coverage
A minimum of at least 10 percent of the lot
gross area shall be devoted to interior
landscape planting. These areas shall consist
of parking lot interior landscape islands,
landscape planting around buildings, and tree
save areas interior to the developed portion of
the site, five (5) feet strip parallel to the
outside edge of the parking lot. Setbacks,
buffers, and future development areas shall
not be considered when determining the
interior landscape requirements.
1. Street Trees required. Canopy and understory
trees shall be planted, where required,
as follows:
a. One canopy tree for each 40 linear feet of
frontage; or,
b. One understory tree for each 30 feet of
frontage; or,
c. A combination of canopy and understory
trees at the rate of one per 35 feet of
frontage.
d. For interior roads only, any combination
of canopy trees so long as the type and
spacing of trees placed can be expected
to form a substantial canopy within 20
years of initial planting.
2. Internal Road Landscaping. Any internal
road two hundred fifty (250) linear feet or
greater in length which is used as an
entryway into a parking lot for a
commercial development shall be planted
(on both sides) with any combination of
canopy trees so long as the type and
spacing of trees is such that the trees
touch each other at the date of maturity.
4.3 Landscape Easements
1. Fifteen (15) feet along each side of
Gastonia Technology Parkway's right-
of-way.
2. Fifteen (15) feet along both sides of all
other streets’ right-of-way.
4.4 Parking Lot Requirements
1. Tree Planting Requirements:
a. A minimum of one 3-inch caliper Canopy
Tree is required per eight 8 parking spaces,
plus one Understory Tree per 10 parking
spaces, plus one Shrub per 4 spaces.
b. Required trees shall be located within or
adjacent to parking lots as tree islands,
medians, at the end of parking bays, traffic
delineators or between rows or parking
Apple Creek Corporate Park
DG-16
spaces in a manner such that no parking
space is located greater than 75 linear feet
from a Canopy or Understory Tree on the
subject property. Such trees may be
existing trees, or proposed.
c. Trees shall be planted at the center of
median separating parking bays at 40-
foot on center.
d. Planting areas and islands shall be not
less than eight feet in width and shall
include a minimum of 140 square feet of
open planting area for Understory Trees
and 280 square feet for Canopy Trees.
Shrubs or Ground Cover may be planted
within the required open planting area.
e. Islands at the end of the parking bays
shall be landscaped with a combination
of trees and grass or trees and shrubs.
f. All landscaped areas called for in this
section shall be protected from vehicular
encroachment by concrete curb and
gutter. Landscaped areas shall be covered
with mulch or ground cover between
shrub and tree plantings.
g. Parking areas located in the front or side
yards shall be separated from the exterior
wall of a structure by a landscaped area of
at least 15 feet in width. Shrubs shall be
required within said area at a minimum of
one per 6 linear feet.
h. Wheel stops are not allowed in any area
without written request and approval by
the Architectural Review Committee.
i. The use of several tree species
throughout the parking area is
encouraged.
3. Screening:
The perimeter of all parking lot areas will
be screened with an evergreen hedges,
planted five-(5) feet on center, and at a
minimum height of three (3) feet at time of
planting.
4.5 Areas Between Building Facades and
Parking
1. Those areas between building facades, and
parking lot or paved areas shall be
completely landscape planted and irrigated.
Landscape plantings shall consist of trees,
shrubs, grass, and ground covers
appropriate to the building and site design.
2. The width of the planting areas between
pavement and building shall be at least
fifteen (15) feet, including the sidewalk.
3. Five (5) sidewalks shall be provided along
back of curb to provide pedestrian
circulation from parking lot to building
entrances.
4.6 Tree Save Zones
A reasonable effort should be made to save
existing mature trees located within the
setbacks of each site, and within the
development envelope. This may require
special grading considerations, retaining
walls. etc.
4.7 Street Trees
Developer is responsible for planting street
trees along both sides of all new public
collector streets within the development.
Individual site owners are responsible for
planting trees along existing streets to meet
Gaston County or City of Gastonia's
requirements.
4.8 Irrigation
1. Irrigation must be supplied to the
developed portion of any site including
the landscaped islands within each
parking lot, open lawn areas, lawn areas
within the setbacks and slopes.
2. Automatic irrigation systems shall be
installed for each site. A minimum
amount of water shall be allowed to over
spray on sidewalks or other pavement.
Apple Creek Corporate Park
DG-17
3. Irrigation plan shall be prepared by a
NC Licensed Irrigation Professional
and submitted and approved by the
Architectural Review Committee.
4.9 Installation and Maintenance with in the
Right-of-Way and Setback
1. All landscape improvements and
maintenance within the setbacks are the
responsibility of the individual site
owner(s).
2. The Association through a Common Area
maintenance charge will provide all
landscape maintenance for common areas.
3. Landscape and irrigation within the right-of-
way and setback will be installed as a
continuous linear system. Demolition of this
system at vehicular access points will be
necessary during installation of the access
drives. It is the responsibility of the property
owner to maintain the flow of the irrigation
system during construction, and to
reestablish the grading, planting, and final
irrigation layout that has been altered.
4.10 General Maintenance Standards
Each owner is responsible for maintaining
its lot in a neat, slightly, and well-kept
manner. Each lot may be subject to a lien in
the event its owner, after required notice,
fails to maintain the lot in accordance with
uniform standards promulgated by the
Architectural Review Committee
4.11 Maintenance of Unimproved Sites
The property owner shall maintain sites that
are not improved or built upon in a clean
and neat appearance. The Apple Creek
Corporate Park Association and its
representatives have the right to perform the
necessary maintenance and charge the
individual tenant or property owner as
required.
4.12 Plant Material
Plant material for each site (tree, shrubs, etc)
shall be selected for a list of acceptable plant
species that have been prepared for The Apple
Creek Corporate Park. Additional plant
material may be considered and approved by
the Architectural Review Committee.
4.13 Acceptable Plant Material List
See Plant List Exhibit #1
Apple Creek Corporate Park
DG-18
5.0 SIGNAGE GUIDELINES
5.1 Objective
1. To ensure that signs are designed
constructed, installed, and maintained so
that public safety and traffic safety are not
compromised.
2. To minimize the distractions and the
obstructing-of-view that contribute to
traffic hazards and endanger public safety.
3. To encourage a high standard for signs in
order that they should be appropriate to and
enhance the aesthetic appearance of The
Gastonia Technology Park and, further,
create an aesthetic environment that
contributes to the ability of the community
to attract sources of economic development
and growth.
4. To allow for the adequate and effective
sign for communicating identification
while preventing signs from dominating the
visual appearance of the area in which they
are located.
5.2 Submittal
1. All proposed exterior signs for each facility
shall be submitted to the Architectural
Review Committee as part of the
preliminary plan submittal.
2. Sufficient renderings to show copy, sizes,
and placements of proposed signs, materials
and colors sample boards, and preliminary
details of sign construction shall be
submitted to the Architectural Review
Committee for approval.
5.3 General Standards
1. All signs should comply with the design
guidelines and standards to be developed by
the Declarant for The Apple Creek
Corporate Park.
2. Real estate signs shall require prior approval
of Architectural Review Committee and meet
the design intent of the signage guideline.
5.4 Prohibited Signs
The following signs are prohibited unless
otherwise approved by the Architectural
Review Committee:
1. Banner and poster signs advertising
commercial products
2. Campaign and/or election signs
3. Permanent construction sign
4. Flashing sign
5. Non-conforming sign
6. Outdoor advertising sign
7. Pole sign
8. Window sign
9. Roof signs
10. Signs attached to building exterior or
windows advertising commercial
products.
Apple Creek Corporate Park
DG-19
6.0 LIGHTING GUIDELINES
6.1 Objectives The objective of this section is
intended to accomplish the following:
1. To contribute to the safe and efficient use of
a development site.
2. To contribute to the site security
3. To complement and reinforce the
architecture and site design character
4. To keep on-site parking-lot lighting fixtures
and illumination levels consistent
throughout the Apple Creek Corporate Park.
5. To prevent casting glare onto adjacent lots.
6. To encourage lighting design that is in
conformance with energy-saving guidelines.
7. Lighting site plan shall be provided
indicating type of fixture, height, and level
of lighting.
6.2 Submittal
1. All proposed exterior lighting fixtures shall
be submitted to the Architectural Review
Committee for review and approval.
6.3 General Standards
1. All lighting potentially visible from an
adjacent street, except bollard lighting less
than 42 inches high, shall be indirect or
shall incorporate a full cut-off shield type
fixture.
2. All fixtures must be either semi- cutoff or
full-cutoff fixtures. Full-cutoff light fixtures are
shielded or constructed so that no light rays are
emitted by the installed fixture at angles above
the 90 degree horizontal plane. For semi-cutoff
fixtures, no more than five percent of its light
rays shall be emitted above the 90 degree
horizontal plane.
3. Lighting fixtures for parking uses, assess
drives, and internal vehicular circulation
areas shall be a zero cutoff fixture.
4. The parking-lot illumination level shall
achieve a uniform level of lighting.
5. The maximum height of the light source
(light bulb), detached from a building, shall
be 20 feet. (Seems Low)
6. Service area lighting shall be contained
within the service yard's boundaries and
enclosure walls. No light spillover should
occur outside the service area. The light
source should not be visible from the street.
7. Building illumination and architectural
lighting shall be indirect in character.
indirect wall lighting or "wall-washing"
overhead down lighting or interior
illumination that spills outside is
encouraged. Architectural lighting should
articulate and animate the particular building
design, as well as provide the required
functional lighting for safety and clarity of
pedestrian movement.
8. Floodlights, spotlights or any other similar
lighting shall not be used to illuminate
buildings or other site features unless they are
an integral architectural element that is
designated on the development plan. When
approved, exterior lighting should be
integrated with the architectural character of
the building.
9. The unshielded outdoor illumination of any
building or landscaping is prohibited. To
avoid light spillage, only semi-cutoff or full
cutoff fixtures can be used.
10. External lighting fixtures used to illuminate
a sign must either be by directed ground
lighting sign or mounted on the top of the
sign.
Apple Creek Corporate Park
DG-20
11. All site lighting and building exterior lighting
fixtures and poles shall be of a decorative
type and uniform color and height.
12. All poles shall be of a decorative, fiberglass,
black in color, and installed flush with the
ground.
13. All light fixtures shall be of modern shoebox
style mounted at the appropriate height.
14. All exterior lighting shall be metal halide or
LED.
Apple Creek Corporate Park
DG-21
Plant List Exhibit #1
Large /CanopyTrees
Acer Rubrum Red Maple Cultivars: Autumn Blaze, Autumn Flame, October Glory,
Red Sunset, Brandywine, Sun Valley
Acer Saccharum Sugar Maple Cultivars: Green Mountain, Legacy
Betula Nigra River Birch
Celtis Occidentalis Hackberry
Fagus Grandiflora American Beech
Fraxinus Americana White Ash
Fraxinus Pennsylvanica Green Ash
Ginko Biloba Ginko (Male Only)
Gymnocladus Dioicus Kentucky Coffeetree
Liquidambar Styraciflua Sweetgum (Only Fruitless or Slender)
Liriodendron Tulipifera Tulip Poplar
Nyssa Sylvatica Blackgum
Quercus Acutissima Sawtooth Oak
Quercus Alba White Oak
Quercus Bicolor Swamp White Oak
Quercus Falcata Southern Red Oak
Quercus Lyrata Overcup Oak
Quercus Nuttalli Nuttall Oak
Quercus Phellos Willow Oak Cultivars: Hightower, Wynstar
Quercus Shumardii Shumard Oak
Quercus Virginiana Live Oak
Taxodium Distichum Bald Cypress
Tilia Cordata Little Leaf Linden
Ulmus Parvifolia Lacebark Elm Cultivars: Allee, Athena, Bosque, Drake
Small/Understory Trees
Acer Buergeranum Trident Maple
Acer Campestre Hedge Maple
Acer Griseum Paperbark Maple
Acer Palmatum Japanese Maple
Acer Truncatum Shantung Maple
Amalanchier Arborea Serviceberry
Amalanchier x Grandiflora Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry
Cercis Canadensis Eastern Redbud Cultivars: Forest Pansy, Eastern White, Oklahoma
Chionanthus Retusus Chinese Fringetree
Chionanthus Virginiana Fringe Tree
Cladrastis Kentukea Yellowwood
Cornus Florida Flowering Dogwood
Cornus Kousa Kousa Dogwood
Crategus Phaenopyrum Washington Hawthorne
Halesia Carolina Carolina Silverbell
Lagerstroemia spp. Crape Myrtle Cultivars: Tuscarora, Miami, Biloxi, Choctaw,
Muskogee, Natchez, Fantasy, Fauriei,
Apple Creek Corporate Park
DG-22
Small/Understory Trees
(Small/Understory Trees that may be planted under and within 25’overhead power lines,
final approval from owner of power line)
Lagerstroemia spp. Crape Myrtle Cultivars: Acoma, Comanchee, Lipan, Osage, Sioux,
Uma, Seminole, Tuskeegee, Potomac, Catawba, Conestoga,
Apalachee, Townhouse, Powhatan
Magnolia Liliflora Lily Flowered Magnolia
Magnolia Stellate Star Magnolia
Magnolia x Soulangiana Saucer Magnolia
Oxydendrum Arboretum Sourwood
Pistachia Chinensis Chinese Pistache
Prunus Cerasifera Purple leaf Plum
Prunus Flowering Cherry Cultivars: Okame, Snowgoose, Autumnalis Rosea,
Kwansan, Yoshino
Evergreen Screen/Buffer Trees
(* Indicates may be planted under and within 25’overhead power lines,
final approval from owner of power line)
Camellia Sasanqua * Camellia Sasanqua
Cedrus Deodara Deodar Cedar
Cryptomeria Japonica Japanese Cryptomeria
Cupressus Sempervirens Italian Cypress
Ilex Cornuta Burfordii Burford Holly
Ilex Vomitoria * Yaupon Holly
Ilex x ‘Nellie R Stevens’ * Nellie Stevens Holly
Ilex x Attenuata ‘Fosterii #2’ Foster’s Holly #2
Juniperus Virginiana Eastern Red Cedar
Loropetalum Chinense * Chinese Fringe Flower
Magnolia Grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ * Little Gem Magnolia
Pinus Taeda Loblolly Pine
Pinus Virginiana Virginia Pine
Podocarpus Macrophyllus Maki Podocarpus
Prunus Caroliniana * Carolina Cherrylaurel
Thuja Occidentalis Arborvitae Cultivars: Green Giant, Emerald Green
Tsuga Canadensis Eastern Hemlock
Osmanthus Fragrans * Tea Olives
Elaeagnus Angustifolia * Elaeagnus
Ligustrum Japonicum * Japanese Ligustrum
Ligustrum Lucidum * Waxleaf Ligustrum
Shrubs
Abelia Chinesis Chinese Abelia
Abelia Hybrids Abelia Cultivars; Edward Goucher, Little Richard, etc.
Abelia x Grandiflora Glossy Abelia
Berberis Julianae Wintergreen Barberry
Apple Creek Corporate Park
DG-23
Berberis Thunbergii ‘Atropurpurea’ Atropurpurea Nana Barberry
Berberis x Chenaultii Chenault Barberry
Callicarpa Americana American Beautyberry
Camellia Sasanqua Sasanqua Camellia
Camellia sinensis Tea Camellia
Deutzia Gracilis Slender Deutzia
Elaeagnus Angustifolia Russian Olive
Elaeagnus Pungens Thorny Elaeagnus
Forsythia Forsythia Cultivars; Beatrix, Lynwood Gold,Spring Glory, etc.
Forsythia x Intermedia Border Forsythia
Ilex Cornuta Chinese Holly Cultivars; Carissa, Burford, Rotunda, Needlepoint, etc
Ilex Crenata Japanese Holly Cultivars; Hetz, Helleri, Convexa, Stokes, etc.
Ilex Decidua Possomhaw Holly
Ilex Glabra Inkberry Holly
Ilex Latifolia Lusterleaf Holly
Ilex Vomitoria Yaupon Holly Cultivars; Condeaux, Schillings, Stokes, Nana,
Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens' Nellie Stevens Holly
Ilex x 'Emily Bruner' Emily Bruner Holly
Ilex x 'Mary Nell' Mary Nell Holly
Itea Virginica Virginia Sweetspire
Juniperus Chinensis (Dwarf Varieties) Chinese Juniper Cultivars; Procumbens Nana, Sargenti, Hetzi, etc
Juniperus Davurica Parsons Juniper
Juniperus Horizontalis Creeping Juniper Cultivars; Blue Chip, Wiltonii, Blue Rug, etc
Ligustrum Japonicum Japanese Ligustrum
Ligustrum Lucidum Waxleaf Ligustrum
Lindera Benzoin Spice Bush
Loropetalum Chinensis Loropetalum
Loropetalum Cultivars Loropetalum Cultivars; Plum Delight, Ruby, Fire Dance, etc.
Myrica Cerifera Southern Waxmyrtle
Myrica Pensylvanica Northern Bayberry
Nandina Domestica (Dwarf Varieties) Nandina Cultivars; Harbour Dwarf, Fire Power, Gulfstream, etc
Rhaphiolepis Umbellate Indian Hawthorn Cultivars; Yeddo, Gulfgreen, Minor, Snow White,
Majestic Beauty, etc.
Rhaphiolepis x Delacourii Indian Hawthorn Cultivars; Wilco
Spiraea Thunbergii Thunberg Spirea
Spiraea x Bumalda Bumalda Spirea
Viburnum Acerifolium Maple-Leaf Viburnum
Viburnum Tinus Laurustinus Viburnum
Apple Creek Corporate Park
DG-24
Apple Creek Corporate Park
DG-25
Apple Creek Corporate Park
DG-26