Close-up of a brown shingle siding wall.

ARCHITECTURAL CONTROLS

Bridle Estates is a Craftsman-style 55+ villa community, and our architectural controls help preserve the look, feel, and long-term value of every home in the neighbourhood. These guidelines ensure that exterior changes are completed in a way that supports our community’s overall design, protects property values, and keeps the neighbourhood cohesive and well-maintained.

All homeowners are required to obtain approval before making any exterior changes to their property.

A two-story brown house with a garage, front steps, and a small porch area, with a snow-covered yard and leafless tree in front on a cloudy winter day.

Our Commitment to Architectural Standards

Bridle Estates is a community built on consistent design, thoughtful upkeep, and a shared commitment to maintaining the neighbourhood’s appearance. The Architectural Controls and Enforcement Policy ensures that all exterior changes support the long-term value, harmony, and integrity of our community.

This policy explains what requires approval, how the review process works, and what steps are taken when changes are made without proper authorization.

A row of townhouses with balconies viewed from a snow-covered park or yard. The trees in the foreground are leafless, and there is a patch of brown grass showing through the snow.

Purpose of the Architectural Controls Policy

The Architectural Controls Policy exists to
• guide homeowners on which exterior changes need approval
• support the Board of Directors in making fair and informed decisions
• protect the architectural integrity and standards of Bridle Estates

The Board is responsible for reviewing all exterior change requests with reasonable judgment and, when needed, consulting the community before making a final decision.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Homeowners must receive written approval before beginning any exterior modification.

    Examples include:
    • awnings or exterior blinds
    • deck extensions or revisions
    • permanent gates on porches or decks
    • lattice work
    • concrete patios
    • skirting on rear decks or front verandas
    • changes to exterior trim, windows, doors, roofing, siding, or railings
    • safety railings on porch or garage steps
    • gazebos or pergolas
    • exterior or screen doors
    • decorative kick plates
    • design or colour changes to driveways and porch floors
    • garage doors
    • exterior lighting
    • exterior painting
    • solar panels

    Hot tubs are not permitted outside the basement envelope or in contact with a shared party wall.

    Homeowners should avoid preordering any materials or booking contractors until written approval is received.

  • Exterior painting falls fully under the Architectural Controls Policy.
    The HOA provides official colour guidance for body, trim, garage door, decking, and all exterior details. Homeowners must maintain their original builder colours when repainting.

    Any repainting or replacement of verandas, deck rails, spindles, or posts also requires approval. If original materials are unavailable, alternate selections must be presented to the Board for review.

  • Homeowners can request approval by following these steps

    1. Complete the Exterior Change Request Form on the website and submit it to the property manager at SIMCO with all necessary details.

    2. The Board reviews the request and may consult the Architectural Controls Committee.

    3. Additional information may be requested if needed.

    4. Unusual or first-time requests may be shared with the community for input.

    5. The Board makes a final decision based on policy and community feedback.

    6. SIMCO provides the homeowner with written confirmation of the decision.

    7. If a homeowner chooses to appeal, they may email the property manager outlining their reasons. The Board will meet with the homeowner to hear the appeal.

  • If a homeowner makes an exterior change without approval or does not comply with established architectural controls, the Board will take the following steps

    1. Contact the homeowner directly to discuss the issue and agree on a plan and timeline to correct it.

    2. Provide written documentation summarizing the agreed plan.

    3. If the homeowner does not take action within the agreed timeline, the Association may begin legal proceedings under the Land Titles Act to enforce Restrictive Covenant E, which may include requiring removal or modification of the unapproved change.

  • The Bridle Estates Restrictive Covenants, registered with Alberta Land Titles, provide the legal basis for Architectural Controls.
    Restrictive Covenant Schedule E states that the exterior of all homes, including decks, privacy walls, materials, and colours, cannot be changed without written approval from the Homeowners Association.

    The Board may approve alternate materials only if the originals are no longer available.

    Landscaping changes do not require approval as long as the 400 square foot garden limit is respected.

  • Architectural controls exist to ensure that every home contributes to the consistent and well-cared-for appearance that defines Bridle Estates. Your cooperation helps preserve the value, character, and pride of our community.

    If you have questions about a proposed change or would like guidance before submitting a request, we are always here to help.

If anything about Architectural Controls is unclear, or you would like guidance before starting a project, please get in touch. Connect with the HOA anytime, and we will gladly help you navigate the process. GET IN TOUCH →