Thinking About a Backyard Playset This Fall? What Anniston Homeowners Should Know First

If a new swing set or play structure is part of the plan, homeowners will want to check Anniston’s community guidelines before making a purchase or beginning installation.

Anniston allows one free-standing play structure per lot, but prior written approval from the Architectural Review Authority, or ARA, is required.

What Are the Rules for Play Structures in Anniston?

Under Anniston’s governing documents and Residential Improvement Guidelines, an approved play structure:

• Cannot exceed 10 feet in height
• Cannot have a platform more than 5 feet above the ground
• Must be located in the rear yard
• Must comply with applicable side and rear building setbacks
• May have a canopy, but it must be a single color approved by the ARA
• Cannot have a multicolored canopy

For corner lots, the play structure must also be at least 20 feet from the side property line adjoining the side street.

Homes next to a common area may have additional placement requirements if the ARA determines the structure should be farther from a property line to reduce its visibility.

Homeowners can review Anniston’s broader community requirements on the Anniston Policies & Procedures page. 

Get Approval Before Installing

Homeowners should submit an ARA request before installing a play structure.

The application is available through the KRJConnect Portal or Anniston Community website. The submission should include information such as the proposed location, dimensions, measurements, colors, materials, photos and a sketch or lot plan.

Completed applications and attachments should be sent to smile@krjcares.com.

The standard ARA review fee is $75, and the committee has up to 60 days to review a modification request. An expedited review is available for $125, with a decision within seven business days. The review begins after both the completed application package and administrative fee have been received. 

After review, the homeowner will receive a formal notice indicating whether the project has been approved, denied or requires additional information.

Planning Ahead Can Make a Fall Backyard Project Easier

For families picturing children on the swings while the weather finally becomes comfortable enough for longer evenings outside, checking the rules first can save time later.

Before ordering a playset, homeowners may want to measure the available backyard space, check property setbacks and compare the structure’s specifications with Anniston’s requirements.

Residents can find additional information about architectural requests and other common neighborhood questions on the Anniston FAQ page and review community documents on the Anniston Policies & Procedures page. 

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more Anniston homeowner information, neighborhood updates and helpful community resources.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.