Planning a Home Improvement Project at Wickford Point? Here's What You Need to Know

Wickford Point is a community with a strong sense of character — the coastal cottage aesthetic, the natural wooded setting, the care that goes into how homes relate to one another and to the landscape. That character doesn't happen by accident. It's protected by a set of Architectural and Construction Guidelines that apply to every home in the community, and that means any improvement project — large or small — requires a little advance planning before work begins.

If you're thinking about a renovation, an addition, new landscaping, or even a fresh coat of paint in a new color, here's what you need to know before you pick up the phone and call a contractor.

Eye-level view of a well-maintained front yard with colorful flowers

Talk to the ARB First

The Architectural Review Board (ARB) must approve any construction, modification, or landscaping project before work starts. This includes not just building work but also staking, clearing, grading, and the planting or removal of trees and shrubs. Starting work without approval isn't just a procedural issue — it can require costly reversals. The earlier you engage the ARB, the smoother your project is likely to go.

What Needs to Be Submitted

For most projects you'll need to submit a site plan, building plans including elevations, and specifications covering the materials you plan to use. Landscaping plans should identify proposed plantings by name, size, and location. The ARB reviews submissions in two stages — preliminary and final — so building in time for that process is important when you're scheduling your project.

Exterior Materials and Colors

The guidelines are specific about what's allowed on the outside of your home. Approved siding materials include wood, cedar shingles, vertical siding, and wood clapboard. Vinyl and aluminum siding, masonry, stucco, and plywood are generally not permitted. Roof materials can be asphalt or fiberglass shingles, wood cedar shake, or slate. Paint and stain colors — for both siding and trim — must be approved by the ARB, so if you're planning a repaint, check before you buy.

Decks, Porches, and Outbuildings

Porches, verandas, and decks are all welcome where they suit the style of the house, but they require ARB review. Where the underside of a deck or porch sits within three feet of the ground, the space underneath must be screened — with lattice, an evergreen hedge, or another ARB-approved material — to conceal the structural supports. Any garage or storage shed must match the style and materials of the main house, and must be smaller in scale than the main structure.

Fencing and Landscaping

Fencing must be masonry, stone, or wood in natural or white tones — chain link, steel, plastic, and synthetic materials are not allowed (with limited exceptions for pool enclosures). Fence and hedge heights are generally limited to four feet, rising to six feet within twenty feet of the house. Any fencing at the front property line needs to be coordinated with adjacent properties to maintain a consistent street edge.

Lawn ornaments and decorative structures are permitted, but they need to be tasteful, in keeping with the style of the house, and shown on your landscaping plan for ARB approval.

A Note on Contractors

Before any ground is broken, your contractor must have certificates of insurance on file and approved by the ARB. Construction is restricted to 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. These aren't just formalities — they're there to protect you and your neighbors throughout the project.

When in Doubt, Ask

The full Architectural and Construction Guidelines are available on this site, and the ARB is there to help homeowners navigate the process — not just to enforce rules. If you're in the early stages of planning and aren't sure whether your project needs review, it's always worth a quick conversation before you commit to anything. A little upfront communication can save a lot of time and money down the road.