Architecture & Site Planning
Architecture
Below is a brief overview of the architecture and design criteria in the Three Lakes area. To view the entire Three Lakes Design Review Criteria document, use the link below.
View Three Lakes Design Review Criteria
Roofs
Allowed roofing materials include shake shingles and imitations, treated wooden shake shingles, earth-tone composition shingles, and dark non-reflective metal roofing.
Exposed Facades & Sidings
The building architecture is to be compatible with location and the pastoral environment, rustic in nature, rough-textured, and harmoniously colored to blend in the with the surrounding vegetative cover. In forested areas, all exterior materials shall be of deep earth hues such as dark browns, greens, and rusts. In grasslands or sagebrush areas, all exterior materials shall be of the same earth and vegetative tones as the predominant colors of the site. Highly reflective surfaces and colors are not allowed.
Windows
Outwardly reflective windows or coatings thereon are not allowed.
Lighting
Exterior lighting shall be minimized. Any outside lighting fixtures shall match the style of the structure it serves and shall be downward facing and hooded. Security lights on buildings or streets shall be of a subdued luminescence. No motion detector or spotlights shall be allowed.
Foundations
Foundations may be exposed no more than 36 inches above ground level.
Exceptions include foundations and building walls constructed of native stone. Exposed portions of poured or block concrete foundations must be painted an appropriate earth tone color or faced with native or imitation stone, brick, or wood.
Fences & Screens
Fences are to be constructed of stone or wood in a style appropriate to the building architecture and the surrounding natural environment. They shall maintain an open (as in split rail fence) appearance. Perimeter fences are not allowed except for a welded wire type material for dog pens not to exceed 75 perimeter feet per animal, and only when such pens are screened from public view.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls are intended to be an attractive addition to the overall design of the site plan and the structures on it. They should be made of natural wood or stone of low elevation. Retaining walls 4 feet or higher require a separate building permit and must be designed by a professional engineer.
Site Planning
Requirements
The proposed development shall be located, sited, and designed to protect and enhance the visual quality of the surrounding environment. Structures should be located so they do not tower above ridgelines, and do not compete with the visual dominance of the hillsides, open meadow, lake waters, or other features of the natural terrain.
Grand Lake
All structures (excluding boathouses on lands adjacent to a lake and boathouses extending over Grand Lake) shall be located no closer than 150 feet from the high water mark of any lake, stream, creek, river, or ditch way unless it can be proven that water quality will be protected. Berms and other devices must be used, but in no case will the setbacks be less than 30 feet.
Other Water Sources
All structures (excluding boathouses and boat docks) shall be located no closer than 150 feet from the high water mark of any lake, stream, creek, river, or ditch way unless it can be proven that water quality will be protected. Berms and other devices must be used, but in no case will the setbacks be less than 30 feet, and be maintained if located closer than 150 feet to said state highway.