A Guide to Building and Making Improvements in Chickasaw Bluff Lakes
Planning to Build or Make Improvements?
Whether you’re planning a new home, an addition, a fence, a dock, or another improvement to your property, this guide will help you understand the Chickasaw Bluff Lakes Maintenance Association (CBLMA) requirements and prepare your plans for Board review.
Before beginning construction, plans and specifications must be submitted to and approved in writing by the CBLMA Board of Directors. Reviewing the requirements and preparing a complete submission before you begin can help prevent delays and keep your project moving forward.
Important: CBLMA Approval Is Required
Article X of the CBLMA governing documents requires written Board approval of plans and specifications before improvements are made to a lot.
Do not begin construction or installation of improvements before receiving the required CBLMA approval.
Please read the requirements for your specific project type before submitting plans.
Complete submissions help the Board review projects efficiently and avoid delays caused by missing or unclear information.
Quick Links
- Construction Project Approval Form
- What to Submit for Review
- Building Requirements & Setbacks
- The Approval Process & Review Period
Why Is CBLMA Approval Required?
The CBLMA covenants require written approval of plans and specifications before improvements are made to a lot in Chickasaw Bluff Lakes.
Article X – Lot Improvements, Section 1 – Approval states:
“In order to preserve a proper standard of design and to maintain a uniform quality of construction, no improvements to any lot in Chickasaw Bluff Lakes Subdivision may be made by the owner thereof without the written approval by the Board of Directors of the plans and specification, which must be submitted in duplicate.”
What Does This Mean for You?
Before making an improvement to your property, you should:
- Review the applicable CBLMA requirements.
- Prepare complete plans and specifications for the proposed project.
- Complete the CBLMA Construction Project Approval Form.
- Submit the required materials to CBLMA for review.
- Receive written CBLMA approval before beginning the improvement.
The purpose of the review is to determine whether the proposed improvement complies with the applicable CBLMA governing requirements and is consistent with the standards established for the subdivision.
Key Requirements at a Glance
The following are some of the key CBLMA requirements that may apply when building a new home or making improvements to a lot. These requirements are summarized from the CBLMA governing documents. Additional requirements may apply depending on the type of project.
| Requirement | CBLMA Standard |
|---|---|
| Residence size | Minimum 1,500 heated square feet |
| Building setback | Minimum 35 feet |
| Side setback — one side | Minimum 5 feet |
| Side setback — other side | Minimum 13 feet |
| Combined side setbacks | Minimum 18 feet |
| Residential structures | No more than one residential structure per lot |
| Fence height | No more than 6 feet |
| Pier/Dock extension | No more than 20 feet from the shoreline |
| Temporary structures used as residences | Not permitted |
| Board approval | Written CBLMA approval is required before improvements are made |
A Few Important Details
The 1,500-square-foot minimum applies to heated living area. Open porches, garages, and carports are excluded when determining the minimum required floor area for a residence.
Setbacks must be shown clearly on the submitted site plan. The Board needs to be able to determine the proposed structure’s location in relation to the lot lines and applicable setback requirements.
Piers/Docks require Board approval before construction begins. The covenant limits a pier/dock to no more than 20 feet out into the lake from the shoreline, except for piers constructed in lake access areas by the Maintenance Association.
These are only the key requirements at a glance. Be sure to review the detailed information below and the applicable CBLMA governing documents before preparing or submitting plans.
New Home Requirements
Building a new home in Chickasaw Bluff Lakes requires more than submitting a statement of the proposed square footage or a general drawing. The Board must be able to review the actual proposed residence, its location on the lot, and the information needed to determine whether it meets the applicable CBLMA requirements.
Minimum Heated Living Area
The minimum floor area of a residence is 1,500 heated square feet.
The 1,500-square-foot minimum is based on heated living area and is exclusive of:
- Open porches
- Garages
- Carports
When submitting plans, the qualifying heated square footage should be clearly identified so the Board can verify that the proposed residence meets the minimum requirement.
Important: If a garage or other area is included in the overall square footage shown on a plan, it should be clearly identified so that the qualifying heated living area can be determined.
The House Plans
Complete house plans should be submitted so the Board can review the proposed residence in sufficient detail. Plans should include, as applicable:
- The complete footprint and dimensions of the proposed home
- Floor plans for all floors
- Room and hallway dimensions
- The overall heated square footage
- Clear identification of garages, carports, porches, and other areas that are not included in the required heated living area
- All exterior elevations
- Exterior materials and other design information needed to understand the proposed construction
The plans should represent the actual home being proposed for construction. A general sketch, preliminary concept, or square-footage statement alone does not provide enough information for the Board to complete its review.
The Site Plan
The proposed location of the home on the lot must also be clearly shown.
The site plan should include:
- Lot boundaries
- The proposed location and footprint of the home
- Readable dimensions showing the distance from the proposed structure to the applicable lot lines
- The dimensions necessary to evaluate the required building and side setbacks
- The location of the driveway, when applicable
- The location of a garage or carport, when applicable
- Existing structures or improvements that will remain
- Other proposed improvements that are part of the project
Site-plan dimensions must be clear and readable. The Board needs to be able to determine from the submitted information where the proposed home will sit on the lot and whether the applicable setback requirements are being met.
The Plans Should Tell the Same Story
All submitted information should be consistent with one another and with the Construction Project Approval Form.
For example, the house shown on the floor plans, exterior elevations, site plan, and application should represent the same proposed residence. If information changes during the review process, updated plans or documentation may be required.
What the Board Needs to Be Able to Determine
For a new-home submission, the Board should be able to clearly determine from the materials provided:
- What is being built
- How large the qualifying heated living area will be
- Where the home will be located on the lot
- Whether the applicable setbacks can be verified
- What the exterior of the completed home will look like
- Whether the proposed construction meets the applicable CBLMA requirements
Providing complete, clear, and consistent information at the beginning of the review process helps avoid requests for additional information and can help keep the approval process moving.
What Must Be Submitted for Board Review
The information needed for Board review depends on the type of improvement you are planning. The sections below outline the information and plans CBLMA needs for the most common types of projects.
Please submit the information listed for your specific project type rather than relying on a general description or a basic sketch. The Board needs enough detail to understand exactly what is being proposed, where it will be located, and how it will be constructed.
If your project involves more than one type of improvement—for example, a new home with a detached garage, fence, or dock—please provide the information required for each applicable improvement on separate Construction Approval Forms.
New Home
A new-home submission should provide the Board with enough information to evaluate both the proposed residence and its location on the lot.
Submit:
1. Complete House Plans
- Complete floor plans for all floors of the proposed home
- Dimensions for all rooms
- Dimensions for hallways, closets, and other interior areas
- Overall dimensions and footprint of the home
- All exterior elevations
- Clearly identified heated square footage
- Clear identification of garages, carports, open porches, and other areas that are not included in the required heated living area
- Sufficient exterior details to show the general design and appearance of the home
2. Detailed Lot/Site Plan
- Lot boundaries
- Location and footprint of the proposed home
- Dimension from the proposed home to the road/right-of-way as applicable
- Dimension from the proposed home to each applicable side lot line
- Other dimensions necessary to evaluate the required setbacks
- Location of driveway and garage/carport, if applicable
- Location of existing structures or improvements that will remain
- Location of any other improvements being proposed as part of the project
Site-plan dimensions must be clear and readable. The Board must be able to determine where the proposed home will be located on the lot and evaluate the applicable setback requirements.
3. Exterior Materials and Appearance
- Intended exterior building materials
- General exterior color choices
- Roofing material/color, when applicable
- Other significant exterior design features that would affect the overall appearance of the home
4. Construction Project Approval Form
- Completed and current form
- Information on the form must be consistent with the submitted plans
Home Addition
An addition should be submitted with enough information for the Board to understand both the existing home and the proposed changes.
Submit:
1. Complete Plans for the Addition
- Floor plans showing the existing structure and proposed addition
- Dimensions for all rooms, hallways, closets, and other areas affected by the addition
- Overall dimensions of the proposed addition
- Clearly identified new/added heated square footage
- Exterior elevations showing the proposed addition
- Information showing how the addition will connect to and appear with the existing home
2. Detailed Lot/Site Plan
- Lot boundaries
- Existing location and footprint of the home
- Location and footprint of the proposed addition
- Dimension from the proposed addition to the applicable lot lines
- Dimensions necessary to evaluate applicable setbacks
- Location of other structures or improvements that may affect the project
3. Exterior Materials and Appearance
- Intended exterior building materials
- General exterior color choices
- Roofing materials/colors, when applicable
- Other exterior design details necessary to understand how the addition will look when completed
4. Construction Project Approval Form
- Completed and current form
- The form should clearly identify the project as an addition and be consistent with the submitted plans
Deck / Porch
A deck or porch submission should provide enough information for the Board to understand its size, location, relationship to the existing home, and general appearance.
Submit:
1. Plans for the Deck or Porch
- Overall dimensions of the proposed deck or porch
- Floor plan or drawing showing its layout and dimensions
- Location of stairs, steps, or other access points, when applicable
- Location and dimensions of any screened, enclosed, or roofed areas
- Exterior elevation or drawing showing the proposed height and appearance
- Information showing how the deck or porch will attach to or relate to the existing home
2. Detailed Lot/Site Plan
- Lot boundaries
- Location and footprint of the existing home
- Location and footprint of the proposed deck or porch
- Dimensions from the proposed structure to the applicable lot lines
- Dimensions showing its relationship to the existing home
- Location of other structures or improvements that may affect the project
3. Materials and Appearance
- Proposed decking and structural materials
- Railing materials and design, when applicable
- Roofing materials, when applicable
- General exterior appearance
- General color or finish choices
- Other significant design features, such as screening or enclosure
4. Construction Project Approval Form
- Completed and current form
- The form should clearly identify the project as a deck, porch, screened porch, or other applicable improvement
Shop, Shed, or Detached Garage
For a shop, shed, detached garage, or similar outbuilding, the Board needs to know both the size and location of the proposed structure and what it will look like when completed.
Submit:
1. Structure Plans
- Overall dimensions of the proposed structure
- Floor plan or layout
- Dimensions of rooms or interior areas, when applicable
- Exterior elevations or drawings showing the proposed structure
- Door and window locations, when applicable
- Intended use of the structure
2. Detailed Lot/Site Plan
- Lot boundaries
- Location of the proposed structure
- Dimensions from the structure to the applicable lot lines
- Dimensions showing the relationship of the structure to the existing home and other structures on the property
- Location of driveway/access, when applicable
- Location of other existing or proposed improvements
3. Exterior Materials and Appearance
- Intended exterior building materials
- General color choices
- Roofing material/color
- General appearance and design of the structure
4. Construction Project Approval Form
- Completed and current form
- The form should clearly identify the type of structure being proposed
Fence
A fence submission should clearly show where the fence will be located, how it will be constructed, and what it will look like.
Submit:
1. Lot/Site Plan
- Lot boundaries
- Location of the proposed fence
- The length and layout of the fence
- Dimensions showing how far the fence will be from the applicable lot lines
- Dimensions showing the relationship of the fence to the home and other structures on the property
- Gates and openings, when applicable
2. Fence Details
- Overall height of the fence
- General fence design and appearance
- Fence material
- Post and panel style, when applicable
- General color or finish
- Any significant features that affect the appearance of the fence
3. Construction Project Approval Form
- Completed and current form describing the proposed fence
Reminder: CBLMA covenants provide that no fence may be more than six feet in height.
Dock / Pier
A dock or pier submission should provide enough information for the Board to determine its location along the property’s shoreline, its relationship to the lot boundaries, and the proposed design and construction.
Submit:
1. Waterfront/Lot Plan
- Lot boundaries along the waterfront
- Location of the proposed dock/pier along the shoreline
- Dimensions from the applicable side lot lines to the proposed dock/pier
- Location of the shoreline
- Location of any existing dock, pier, or other waterfront improvement that will remain or be removed
- Any other dimensions needed to understand the placement of the proposed structure
2. Dock/Pier Plans
- Overall dimensions of the dock/pier
- Length extending from the shoreline
- Width and layout
- Shape/configuration of the dock
- Any sections, elevations, or drawings needed to show the proposed construction
3. Materials and Appearance
- Proposed decking and structural materials
- Railing materials/design, if applicable
- General appearance and design
- General color/finish, when applicable
4. Construction Project Approval Form
- Completed and current form describing the proposed dock/pier
Reminder: CBLMA covenants provide that a pier may not extend more than 20 feet into the lake from the shoreline, except for piers constructed in lake access areas by the Maintenance Association. All piers require CBLMA Board approval before construction begins.
Other Improvements
If your proposed project does not fall into one of the categories above, please provide enough information for the Board to clearly understand what you are proposing and where it will be located.
Depending on the project, this may include:
- Completed Construction Project Approval Form
- Lot/site plan showing the proposed location
- Dimensions and measurements
- Plans, drawings, or elevations
- Construction materials
- General appearance and color choices
- Relationship to the existing home and other structures
- Photographs of existing conditions, when helpful
- Product specifications or manufacturer information, when applicable
- Any other information needed to evaluate the proposed improvement
When in doubt, provide enough information that someone who has never seen the property or project could look at the submission and understand what is being proposed.
If you are unsure what information is needed for a particular project, contact CBLMA before beginning construction or installation.The 30-Day Review Period
Article X of the CBLMA covenants provides that plans not acted upon within thirty (30) days by the Board of Directors shall be deemed approved.
The 30-day period is based on the CBLMA governing documents. However, the 30-day review period does not begin simply because plans, drawings, or an application have been submitted.
When Does the 30-Day Period Begin?
The 30-day review period begins when CBLMA has received a complete submission containing the information and materials necessary for the Board to conduct its review.
Simply sending plans, drawings, photographs, or a partially completed Construction Project Approval Form does not begin the 30-day review period.
If required information is missing, incomplete, unclear, unreadable, inconsistent, or insufficient to evaluate the project, CBLMA may request additional information or revised plans before the submission can be considered complete.
IMPORTANT: The 30-day review period begins only after all required information and materials have been received and the submission is determined to be complete for review.
CBLMA’s Review Process
CBLMA makes every effort to review complete submissions and provide an answer as soon as reasonably possible. In many cases, the Board’s review and response will occur well before the 30-day period.
The 30-day period is included here because it is established in the CBLMA governing documents. It should not be understood to mean that owners should expect to wait 30 days for a response.
What Makes a Submission Complete?
A complete submission will contain the information needed to evaluate the particular project. Depending on the type of improvement, this may include:
- A completed and current Construction Project Approval Form
- Complete plans and specifications
- Floor plans and dimensions, when applicable
- Exterior elevations, when applicable
- A detailed lot or site plan
- Clear setback and location dimensions
- Heated square-footage information, when applicable
- Exterior materials and general appearance information
- Project-specific details described in the applicable section of this page
- Any additional information needed to understand and evaluate the proposed improvement
If additional information or revised plans are requested, the submission may not be considered complete until the requested information has been received.
How the Start of the Review Period Is Documented
Once all required items for review have been received, CBLMA documents the date the complete submission was received.
The Construction Project Approval Form includes an acknowledgment that the required items for review have been received. That date establishes the beginning of the 30-day review period referenced in Article X.
How to Help Avoid Delays
The best way to keep a project moving is to submit a complete, clear, and consistent package of information the first time.
Before submitting your project:
- Review the requirements for your specific project type on this page.
- Make sure all required plans and documents are included.
- Make sure dimensions are readable.
- Make sure the plans and Construction Project Approval Form agree with one another.
- Include the information needed to clearly show what you are proposing and where it will be located.
Submitting a complete package helps the Board review the project efficiently and reduces the need for additional requests or revisions.
Before You Begin
Before scheduling construction, ordering materials, applying for permits, or beginning work on your property, make sure you have completed the CBLMA approval process for your project.
CBLMA Approval Is Separate From County Requirements
CBLMA approval and DeSoto County permitting are separate requirements.
CBLMA approval does not replace any permit, inspection, zoning requirement, or other requirement imposed by DeSoto County or another governmental authority. Property owners are responsible for complying with all applicable county requirements in addition to obtaining CBLMA approval.
CBLMA’s governing documents and community requirements must also be followed regardless of whether a county permit is required for a particular project.
Do Not Begin the Improvement Before Approval
Plans and specifications for improvements must be submitted to and approved in writing by CBLMA before the improvement is made.
This includes, as applicable:
- New homes
- Home additions
- Decks and porches
- Shops, sheds, and detached garages
- Fences
- Docks and piers
- Other structures or improvements requiring Board review
Please do not begin construction or installation while your project is still awaiting CBLMA approval.
Changes to an Approved Project
If the project changes after CBLMA approval, contact CBLMA before proceeding with the change.
Depending on the nature of the change, updated plans, additional information, or further Board approval may be required.
Examples may include changes to:
- Location or dimensions
- Building footprint
- Square footage
- Exterior materials
- Exterior design
- Fence or dock configuration
- Other significant project details
Approval Applies to the Project Submitted
CBLMA approval is based on the plans and information submitted to the Board. Owners should construct or install the approved improvement in accordance with the approved plans.
If you are unsure whether a proposed change requires additional review, ask CBLMA before making the change rather than assuming it is acceptable.
Plan Ahead
Give yourself enough time to prepare a complete submission and address any questions or requested revisions before scheduling construction.
A complete submission from the beginning can help avoid unnecessary delays and make the review process easier for everyone.
Governing Documents & Forms
The information on this page is intended to help property owners understand the CBLMA construction approval process and prepare a complete submission. It does not replace the CBLMA governing documents.
Owners should review the applicable governing documents and forms before submitting a project.
CBLMA Governing Documents
Covenants & Restrictions
The CBLMA covenants contain the requirements governing lot improvements, building setbacks, minimum residence size, fences, piers, and other property requirements.
Bylaws
The CBLMA bylaws describe the organization and operation of the Maintenance Association and its Board of Directors.
Construction Forms
Construction Project Approval Form
Use this form when submitting a new home or other improvement for CBLMA Board review.
Construction Project Update Form
Use this form when updating a previously approved construction project, when applicable.
Additional Information
Owners should also review any applicable CBLMA rules, policies, or other community documents related to their project.
If a conflict or question arises between this website and the governing documents, the governing documents control.
Questions About Your Project
We know that every property and project is a little different. If you have reviewed the requirements for your project type and still have a question about what needs to be submitted, please contact CBLMA before beginning construction or installation.
Email: CBLMA.MS@gmail.com
When contacting CBLMA about a proposed project, please include:
- Your name
- Lot number
- Type of project
- A brief description of what you are proposing
- Any plans, drawings, or other information you already have available
Providing this information up front will help us better understand your project and respond to your questions.
Please remember: CBLMA approval must be obtained in writing before applicable improvements are made to your property. When in doubt, ask before you begin.