Landscape Patterns
The landscape in Charleston Place is intended to complement the natural environment. Preserved pines and hardwoods will serve as the backdrop to each homeowner’s personal garden. Preserving existing vegetation, planting native or adapted species, and thoughtfully placing hardscape elements are all ways to contribute to the inherent beauty of the community.

Preservation zones, setbacks and lot type delineations can assist in the development of each lot. These guidelines are flexible enough to assist the homeowner in meeting the original goals of the master plan, while still allowing for individual expression.
Gardens and Natural Landscapes
The community of Charleston Place is enhanced by the natural beauty that surrounds it. Development of common areas and each homesite should respond to the existing native vegetation and topography. Careful preservation of trees and existing understory plants will help the houses blend into the environment and protect the land from unnecessary erosion or habitat loss. The use of native or adapted species in planted areas will further blend each lot into the landscape, require less maintenance, and save water. Other supplemental plant materials can add character and interest to homes and reflect the regional culture. Common southern heritage plants, such as camelias and azaleas, fit well with the natural landscape and complement the garden quality.

The Charleston Place residential landscape is intended to complement the natural environment, not harm or replace it. The landscape development of a homesite should never degrade the existing ecosystems at work on the land. Some landscape features and materials can actually protect the environment. The developers of Charleston Place incorporated a filtration system into the stormwater collection from the streets that eliminates oil and sediment from the runoff before it reaches Lake Greenwood. At the lot scale, rain gardens can be utilized for the same effect. Rain gardens capture excess stormwater runoff from roofs and other impermeable surfaces before it reaches the lake. These planted features remove toxins, prevent erosion, replenish the ground water supply, and can be a beautiful addition to any residential landscape.
Homeowners should strive to follow the basic principles outlined in the Design Guidelines in order to blend each lot back into nature after the construction of their homes, but this does not mean that each lot needs to look the same. Residents are encouraged to create outdoor spaces that reflect their own lifestyles and tastes. Outdoor spaces can be developed as play spaces, wooded preserves, outdoor rooms, formal flower gardens, patios or lawns.

In addition to the landscape on their lots, homeowners are responsible for the planting and maintenance of the right of way (ROW) directly in front of their lots. Plans for this area may be submitted to the DRB with the lot landscape plans and may be a simplified version of the lot landscape design including trees and sod. Hardwood street trees are especially encouraged for this area. All park and trail areas will be planted and maintained by the community HOA.

Lot Landscape
Residential lot landscaping in Charleston Place is greatly influenced by the natural setting of the community. Native plants blend in with the surroundings and regional, adapted species add to the laid-back southern character of the neighborhood.
Sod can be used to define edges and create open play spaces, but should be accented along the edges by trees and shrubs to help blend the lot back into the wooded setting. Ideas for supplemental plant material can be found in the plant palette on the following pages.

Outdoor Lighting
Exterior lighting may be used to enhance the community as a whole. Path lighting and landscape lighting can add interest to the residential landscape, but should be done conservatively. Over lighting the landscape can create unnecessary light pollution that may disturb nocturnal wildlife or intrude into adjacent lots.
Low illumination levels should be used along paths, at entrances, or on trees and architectural features. Lights should only utilize the
illumination needed for the desired effect. Homeowners may want to consider down lighting or solar lights. High voltage flood lights are highly discouraged.
           

Hardscape
Pathways and driveways are hardscape elements that connect the house to the landscape, complementing the architecture of the home and welcoming residents and guests. They should be carefully planned and designed to minimize disturbance of native vegetation and follow the site’s natural contours.
Pathways can be pervious or impervious, although pervious surfaces are encouraged. Limiting the amount of impervious cover on the site plan will help minimize unnecessary stormwater runoff. Recommended pathway materials include: granite fines; crushed shell; concrete; mulch; cobble; and brick, stone or concrete pavers.

Driveways should be a finished surface (no loose particles) and must have an apron to connect them to the street. Recommended materials include: concrete, brick and pavers. Paved wheel strips can also be used to minimize impervious cover, but a 15’ wide apron is required at the street and at the entrance to the garage.
           

Exterior Features and Details
Porches are encouraged in Charleston Place. Front and back porches add to the feeling of community by creating more opportunities
for residents to interact. They create an intermediate space between the interior and exterior of the home where residents can enjoy outdoor views and conversation with passing neighbors. Decks and patios can extend this space. These features should match the architecture of the home and be approved by the DRB.
Vertical elements, such as trellises, fountains or arbors may be used in the residential landscape but must be thoughtfully located
and complement the architecture of the home. Any garden elements or vertical structures taller than 10’ are highly discouraged. DRB approval may be required for any ornamental garden feature that can be seen from the road, lake, or adjacent lots.

Fencing
Charleston Place is an open community of neighbors. Privacy fencing is highly discouraged. Open views through the landscape should be maintained wherever feasible. Fences are not required, but homeowners can achieve a feeling of privacy and enclosure through landscaping or fences that don’t create a harsh visual barrier. Decorative iron fences or open wire mesh fences accented by planting are both appropriate alternatives to tall, solid barriers. Fence locations and styles require prior approval from the DRB.

Docks
The construction of personal docks in Charleston Place is prohibited. Docks on Lake Greenwood will be provided by the developer and are the property of the community. Homeowners may lease the docks for their personal use.