Home Exterior Guidelines Edit page

Seaside’s first cottage was built over 43 years ago with its master plan and building code still in use today. For Seaside to continue to age gracefully we remind all owners ANY AND ALL changes to the exterior of your property must be submitted for approval. These changes include but are not limited to:

Adding or changing exterior lighting - Up lighting is not allowed by code. Outdoor string lights are strongly discouraged due to their unlimited contribution to light pollution. Any allowable string lights must not exceed the total lumen count allowed per property.   

Remodel of the exterior - (If interior changes or remodel affect the exterior, submit for review.)   

Replacing roofs - 5-V crimp, corrugated, and standing seam with flat panel between ribs are the only approved metal roof patterns. Tough rib roofs are NOT approved. Please contact SARC to verify approval of replacement roofing profile. The only approved finish for aluminum roofs is metallic (e.g. weathered galvalume or silver) All colors are prohibited including shades of gray.       

Altering roof details when reinsulating or redecking

Adding or replacing awnings or gutters

Installing exposed cable, electrical wiring, or HVAC connections on exterior walls or in conduit is prohibited.  

Adding storage or an outside shower with decks or enclosures

Change of exterior color of body, trim, or doors

Replacing or adding windows or doors . Contact SARC for a list of approved windows and doors.

Adding screen to porches

Adding shutters or hurricane protection

Relocating or adding A/C units or adding exterior tankless water heaters - Location to be approved.

Paving driveways, walkways, or patios or adding or replacing decks or walkways

Adding outdoor whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, trash enclosures, fences, gates, arbors

Change in landscaping including removal or addition of trees – alterations of the landscape around gulf front homes’ south porches require a DEP permit.

Adding satellite dishes or solar panels - location to be approved.

Many maintenance items do not require approval but can evolve to include changes that require approval. To prevent any misunderstanding, please submit a letter of intent outlining your project’s scope.  

Below are a few common examples of preventative maintenance that should be considered in our gulf-front community:

Replace the plastic fitting connecting the copper line to the bottom of the toilet tank. Several older homes experienced major flooding when the fitting failed.

Once per year have exterior caulking of the entire house checked for shrinkage or separation which allows water penetration.

When replacing siding or trim, prime the back and ends of each piece of wood.

Annually check tank water heater for rusting around connections or at base.

Have your HVAC system on a routine maintenance program. Condensation lines should be flushed twice per year to prevent backup and water damage.

Washing salt from underside of exposed metal roofs on porches and rafter tails may extend the life of your roof.     

If replacing your HVAC system consider replacing with geothermal. For information on the benefits of Geothermal visit- https://www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal. Other owner benefits to consider are less rusting, elimination of noisy air compressors thus improving the quality of life in Seaside.   

If your remodel requires a licensed general contractor, they must be approved. If you are using a home maintenance repairman we recommend you verify they are insured and bonded. 

• For information to submit changes, additions or for a list of approved contractors contact the Seaside Architectural Review Committee at (850) 231-6111 / [email protected] or the Seaside Town Council at (850) 231-1551.