An Exterior Alteration Application must be submitted for all dog houses and dog runs. This includes all dog runs and any temporary or permanent structure for housing a dog or other animal otherwise allowed by Howard County and the River Hill Covenants. The application will most likely be approved if the following criteria are met:

The roofing material and color of the dog house roof are the same as the roof of the owner's house. Additionally, the sides of the dog, house must match the color of the owner's house.
The size of the dog house does not exceed 4 feet in any direction (height, length, width), and the dog house is Iocated in the rear of the house and within 20 feet of the house, but not closer to any property line than one half the distance from the house to the property line. The doghouse must be adequately screened from view of adjacent properties. The impact on neighboring properties will be considered.
Dog runs will be considered on a case by case basis.
NOTE: Maintenance of structures and surrounding areas is of prime importance! Waste must be removed daily.

Application Requirements:

Submit a site (plat) plan and elevation drawings detailing the location of the proposed dog house and/or dog run, including the dimensions, materials, and color; include details of proposed screening, if applicable. Include a manufacturer's drawing or photograph, if available.