Welcome to the ACC web page ! Weâre Here to Help! đĄ
In Edgewater, weâre all about creating a welcoming and beautiful community, and the Architectural and Covenants Committee (ACC) is here to ensure we maintain that charm. Our ACC team is made up of your neighborsâfamilies just like yoursâwho volunteer their time to keep things running smoothly. Weâre here to support you through the modification process and make sure your home improvement projects fit seamlessly into the community.
That said, the ACC is a volunteer-based team, so we ask for your patience as we review your Modification Request (MR). We strive to make decisions within 2-3 weeks, though it may sometimes take a bit longer depending on the complexity of the request. The covenants allow up to 60 days for approval, most time its a lot sooner, you can email Ashley if you feel its been to long. If your request is denied, we will provide feedback so you can resubmit with the necessary adjustments.
We want to ensure that everyone in Edgewater has a positive experience when upgrading and beautifying their home, so please take note of the guidelines and consequences outlined in the following information. By working together, we can maintain the beauty and integrity of our community
Planning an Exterior Modification? Check with the HOA First!
Before making any exterior changes to your home, please submit a Modification Request (MR)for approval. Your request should include current photos, drawings or images of the proposed work, and details on paint colors and materials.
Common Projects That Require Approval:
Painting or replacing mailboxes and posts (check approved colors and vendors).
Adding or resizing flower beds.
Replacing or extending driveways.
Using non-standard mulch. (anything other than woodchips and pine straw)
Replacing front or side lawns. (including grass or sod type River rock, mulch, stepping stones, pavers etc.)
Installing outdoor lighting.
Replacing windows, doors, shutters, or garage doors (refer to approved color list).
Adding or removing trees.
Building new decks, gables, pergolas, sheds, gutters, roofs, or shingles.
Home additions such as fences, solar panels, enclosed decks, in-law suites, garages, new living spaces, or sunrooms.
Installing a pool.
For questions or to submit an MR, please visit our website or contact the HOA management team.
Paint Colors:
Are you thinking about painting your home? If so, please check out the new paint colors, as some older colors may have been phased out and are no longer on the list. We’ve added some wonderful new and modern colors that bring a fresh and vibrant look to our community. NEW PAINT COLORS LIST
To answer the question, “If I want to paint my home the same color, do I need to submit a Modification Request?“Yes, you do! We’ve removed some older colors from the list, and in some cases, Sherwin-Williams has also discontinued them. We’ve selected similar colors to keep and completely removed some that made our neighborhood look dated. Please help Edgewater stay current and maintain our classic look.
Edgewater: A Community Among the Trees đł
Edgewater isnât just a neighborhoodâitâs a community built within a forest! We love our trees and strive to keep as many as possible to preserve the natural beauty that makes our neighborhood so special. We understand that homeowners have different preferences when it comes to tall trees, but maintaining Edgewaterâs lush, wooded charm is a top priority.
Yes, you can remove trees, but before doing so, please submit aModification Request (MR)with a plan. Our guidelines require that any removed tree stump must be ground down, and the area must be restored with grass, a flower bed, or another tree. Failure to do so will result in a fine.
As you plan your landscaping, consider ways to enhance your propertyâs natural beautyâmaybe a corner of magnolias in your backyard, a natural privacy fence of Green Giant Arborvitaes, or a thicket of holly bushes along the property line. Looking for seasonal color? A majestic sugar maple will bring stunning autumn hues, while a dogwood in the front yard adds classic Southern charm.
Letâs work together to keep Edgewater green, vibrant, and beautiful for generations to come! đżđĄâ¨
Fence It UpâThe Right Way!
Thinking about adding a fence? Great! A well-designed fence not only enhances your privacy but also adds to the beauty and value of your home. At Edgewater, we offer several approved styles to fit your personal taste while keeping our community looking cohesive. You can choose from traditional side-by-side, shadow box, or modern horizontal designs, and customize your look with dog-eared, positive scallop, or negative scallop toppers. Want to add a little extra flair? Copper or wood caps on the posts are a great touch!
Before installation, let us know your fence placementâwill it sit right on the property line or be set back 6 inches to a foot? Also, decide whether youâll stain the wood or keep it natural. Keep in mind, the maximum height allowed is 6 feet, which can be a fun challenge on hilly terrain! You can stair-step the panels or follow the natural slope to maintain that clean, polished look.
đ To help us review your request quickly and avoid delays, please include the following in your Modification Request (MR): Select one preferred fence style for the entire backyard â provide fence details including height, layout, and stain/finish â confirm property boundaries using survey pins/markers or a survey if needed (fence should follow the property line and align with the rear corners of the home) â submit a drawing/blueprint showing where the fence will be installed (a professional site plan or blueprint drawn to scale is ideal, especially if a fence company is involved; however, a clear handwritten sketch is acceptable even if not perfectly to scale) â include an image of the fence design along with materials and basic dimensions â if there is an existing fence, indicate whether it will be removed or if the new fence will be installed offset (typically 6 inches to 1 foot); please note that any space between two fences (âno-manâs landâ) must be accessible and maintained by the homeowner.
Here is our Fence Guide to help you through the processâjust submit a Modification Request (MR)before getting started. Letâs build something great together! đĄâ¨
Edgewater loves Brick! Limewashing could be a new twist!
At Edgewater, we appreciate the timeless beauty of brick, which is why painting brick is not allowed in our community. However, weâre excited to introduce limewashing as an approved alternative! This classic technique gives brick a fresh, updated look while allowing it to breathe and maintain its natural texture.
Limewashing is currently being tested as an option for homeowners until 2028, at which point weâll reevaluate its long-term use. If youâre considering limewashing your home, be sure to submit a Modification Request (MR)before starting. We canât wait to see how this process enhances the character of Edgewater while keeping our communityâs aesthetic intact!
Exciting NewsâSolar Panels Are Now Allowed in Edgewater! âď¸
We heard you, and weâre happy to announce that solar panels are now permitted in our community! This is a big step toward sustainability, energy savings, and increasing home value. Solar panels not only help reduce electricity bills but also lessen our environmental impact and provide greater energy independence.
To keep Edgewater looking its best, weâve established new guidelines for solar panel installations. Before getting started, be sure to submit a Modification Request (MR) for approval. Weâre excited to support this eco-friendly improvement and canât wait to see our community shineâliterally! đąâĄđĄ
Retaining Walls: Time for an Upgrade? đĄâ°ď¸
Edgewaterâs beautiful, hilly landscape means many homes were originally built including wooden railroad tie retaining walls, especially around daylight basements and driveways. Now, 30 years later, some of these walls are showing their age or starting to fail.
If youâre planning to replace or repair a retaining wall, you must submit a Modification Request (MR)first. Please note that all ground disturbance activitiesâincluding clearing, grading, filling, or building retaining wallsârequire ACC approval prior to starting, in accordance with our community covenants.
In addition, Gwinnett County regulations may require a building permit depending on the height and function of the wall. Generally, retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from the footing) require a permit, and any wall supporting additional load (such as a driveway or structure) may require a permit regardless of height.
When submitting your Modification Request (MR), please include a site plan or drawing showing the location, height, and layout of the wall, along with details on materials, drainage, and how the project will impact grading on your property. Proper drainage and structural design are critical to prevent failure and protect neighboring properties.
As always, we recommend consulting with a qualified contractor or engineer and verifying requirements with Gwinnett County before beginning your project.
Letâs work together to keep Edgewater safe and beautifulâone retaining wall at a time! đĄâ¨
Need to Replace or Expand Your Driveway or Sidewalk? đđ¨
Is your driveway or sidewalk crumbling? Have your teenagers grown up, and now youâre squeezing in 5 cars where there used to be room for 2? We understand the need for more space, and weâre here to help!
If youâre planning to replace or expand your driveway or sidewalk, please submit a plan along with your Modification Request (MR) from your concrete contractor. Weâll review your request to ensure it aligns with our communityâs guidelines, including:
The distance from the property lineâit cannot encroach on your neighborâs space.
The expansion cannot extend past the back wall of your houseâwe want to maintain the aesthetic of the community.
How wide you plan to expand, especially in the front or side yard.
Weâre excited to help you create a functional and attractive space while keeping Edgewater looking beautiful. Letâs work together to make it happen!
Iron Doors Are Here! A Stylish New Option for Edgewater â¨đŞ
Great news, neighbors! Iron doors are now an approved option for homes in Edgewater, bringing a fresh touch of modern elegance while staying true to our communityâs timeless charm. These doors add incredible curb appeal and durability, and weâve carefully selected a few classic styles that blend beautifully with Edgewaterâs existing aesthetic.
If youâre thinking about upgrading to an iron door, weâd love to see your vision! Just submit a Modification Request (MR) so we can ensure it complements the neighborhoodâs look. Weâre excited to see how these elegant additions enhance our communityâone stylish entryway at a time! Click here for more details and examples!
đď¸ Excavation & Grading â Guidelines Many homeowners are looking to create those beautiful, lush backyard spacesâand we love that! đż However, Edgewater was built in a naturally hilly, wooded environment. When trees are removed and land is reshaped, excavation and grading are often requiredâand that can directly impact drainage and neighboring properties if not done correctly. For that reason, all excavation and grading projects require an approved Modification Request (MR) before any work begins. In addition, Gwinnett County may require a permit, especially when significant grading or drainage changes are involved. To ensure compliance and protect surrounding homes, you will need a qualified contractor or engineer to develop a site plan and drainage plan. This is critical to ensure that water runoff is properly managed and does not negatively impact adjacent properties.
đ What to Include in Your MR Submission Provide a site plan or drawing showing the area to be excavated and overall layout â include grading changes and how the land will be reshaped â clearly show how water will drain across your property (this is required) â identify property lines and distances to boundaries (based on survey pins or a survey if needed) â include any retaining walls if applicable, with height and materials â submit photos of the current area, including slopes, trees, and nearby structures.
đ Simple Example (What Weâre Looking For) You donât need to be an engineerâwe just need a clear visual of your plan. A professional drawing is ideal, but a neat sketch is acceptable. Your drawing should show: House and lot layout Property lines Area being excavated or graded Direction of water flow/drainage (arrows are fine) Any added features (retaining walls, patios, etc.) Distances between structures and property lines đ Think of it as a simple âmapâ of your backyard with labels.
âď¸ Example Sketch (Text Layout)
Back Property Line ———————————– | â Drainage Flow | | [ Graded / Excavated Area ] | | | | | | Backyard | | | | House | | [ ] | ———————————– Front Property Line
â ď¸ Important Notes Improper grading can cause water runoff issues for your neighbors, which is not permitted Drainage planning is required, not optional Larger projects may require engineering plans and county permits Projects that significantly alter slope or impact surrounding properties will receive additional review
Violation letters can be a big surprise!
Covenant Violations, Fixing Issues & How Fines Work
In Edgewater, our first goal is always to help neighbors correct issues quickly so the community stays beautiful and well-kept. If something falls out of compliance, youâll receive a courtesy notice with 10â14 days to fix it. Most issues are simple corrections, and weâd much rather see them handled early than escalated.
If you notice something at your own home that might be out of compliance, we kindly ask that you take the initiative to correct it. You can also log into your FrontSteps account regularly to check for any violation notices. We follow a two-step notification process:
Initial courtesy letter, and
Registered mail if the issue continues â to ensure every homeowner is aware.
Your complete violation history is posted on your FrontSteps portal “My Violations” Section, which helps both you and the HOA track what has been addressed over time and what may still need attention.
However, if a violation isnât corrected, fines will begin:
$750 after 30 days
$1,500 after 60 days
$3,000 after 90 days (legal action or collections may begin)
Please keep in mind: paying a fine does not resolve the violation. The underlying issue must be corrected to stop additional fines from accruing. We truly hope it never gets to that point.
If you believe a fine was issued incorrectly, or youâd like to request a waiver, send a formal email to Alexis Goins (cm4@associationmgt.com) and the Edgewater Board of Directors. We will review your situation and determine whether the fines can be reduced, waived, or upheld. Repeat issues or making exterior changes without an approved Modification Request are far less likely to qualify for waivers.
Weâre your neighbors, too. We arenât here to collect fines â our goal is to protect property values, maintain our high standards, and keep Edgewater the beautiful, welcoming community we all love. When we work together, most issues get resolved quickly and never need to be escalated.
