DESIGN & LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
4.1 Walls and Finishes
4.2 Roofs and Overhangs
4.3 Openings and Ironwork
4.4 Floors and Paving
4.5 Exposed Beams and Ceilings
4.6 Exterior Colors and Metals
1. PURPOSE AND VISION
Rancho Sol Dorado is an exclusive ranch community in San Miguel de Allende. These guidelines are meant to inspire architecture which feels timeless and cohesive, rooted in the vernacular and character of the region— stone, wrought iron, natural woods, exposed beams, handmade clay tiles—reinterpreted with a refined contemporary sensibility.
Our shared objectives are to
• Celebrate the ranch lifestyle and the beauty of open landscapes.
• Embrace longevity through local materials and artisanal craftsmanship.
• Encourage water-wise landscapes that highlight native and endemic species.
• Protect treasured views, star-filled skies and a spirit of tranquility.
While this document provides a framework for design and construction whether for a new home, landscape, or additions to existing structures, it is not meant to be exhaustive. Rather, it offers direction, clarity and inspiration.
Ultimately, the HOA, through the Design Review Committee (the Committee or DRC), is entrusted with interpreting these principles and guiding projects toward the shared vision. The HOA, through the Committee, always holds final authority over review and approval and may, when appropriate, grant exceptions or allow for creative solutions that are in harmony with the Ranch’s character.
The Committee’s role is to ensure that each residence or landscape contributes to a greater whole—supporting a community where architecture, land and lifestyle exist in harmony.
2. CHARACTER AND STYLE
The DNA of Rancho Sol Dorado design is simple, authentic and rooted in place.
Forms and Volumes Buildings should lean toward simple, additive shapes—rectangular barns, low pavilions, courtyard houses—where shadow and depth create beauty rather than surface decoration.
Rooflines Primary volumes are encouraged to feature pitched roofs with hand-laid clay tiles. Flat roofs are also allowed, and the combination of both is encouraged.
Materials Local fieldstone, plaster, solid natural woods, darkened or patinated oxidized iron, handmade brick and terracotta are preferred—always honoring craftsmanship and authenticity.
Structure as Expression Exposed beams, trusses and corbels should reveal the weight they carry; steel may be used where spans demand.
Outdoor Living Portals, hallways and verandas should frame courtyards and gardens, reinforcing the ranch lifestyle of seamless indoor–outdoor living.
Color Palette Soft earthy whites, straw, bone, sand, paired with accents in oxidized iron, charcoal, coffee and mezquite tones.
The Committee discourages stylistic movements which distract from authenticity such as false historical ornamentation, excessive decoration, glossy industrial finishes, synthetic colors, or imitations of stone and wood. No courts are permitted on individual lots, including basketball, volleyball, raquet, pickleball, Padel, etc. (No courts of any kind.)
3. SITE PLANNING AND BUILDING PLACEMENT
Every home at Rancho Sol Dorado should feel carefully placed within its landscape. Preserving existing trees and rock outcroppings is highly encouraged. When relocation is necessary, thoughtful rescue and replanting are expected.
Auxiliary structures—such as stables, tack rooms, workshops and garages—should be arranged as a coherent service courtyard, with aligned roof heights and modules creating a unified ensemble. Garages must have doors and must be enclosed. They must also be placed perpendicular to the road so that the contents of the garage are not visible from the road.
All Minimum Setbacks
A 5 meter setback is required for any vertical construction from the property line and any vertical construction from the fence line. If a boundary wall facing the trails is to be incorporated, it must be located at least 2 meters from the fence, with a landscaped strip provided between the wall and the fence. Maintenance of this strip will be the homeowner’s responsibility. Maintenance of this strip will be the homeowner’s responsibility.
Minimum construction footprint under roof:
• Minimum construction area: 232 sq m
• This includes one Main House and one Casita.
• Maximum construction area: 60%
• Maximum height: 8.5 meters to the ridge in main volumes (two stories) from the PAD level provided by the developer.
• Select lots may be restricted to a one-level design with no more than 5 meters maximum height above the pad level in order to preserve views.
Single-Story
Two-Story
As always, the Design Committee reserves discretion to evaluate proposed layouts, considering views, landscape character and the overall balance of the community.
4. ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS
The architecture at RSD should embody authenticity, durability and dialogue with the land. Materials and details are not just finishes—they are storytellers of tradition and craftsmanship. The following elements are offered as guiding principles, always subject to the Committee’s interpretation.
4.1 Walls and Finishes
Perimeter Walls Perimeter walls on the lots must have a minimum thickness of 30 cm and may not exceed 1.8 meters in height.
If the homeowner chooses to build perimeter walls instead of the fence provided by the developer, the wall must be placed exactly along the centerline of the property boundary shared with the neighboring lot.
The face of the wall facing the homeowner’s lot may be finished as the homeowner prefers, while the face facing the neighboring lot may be finished according to the neighbor’s preference. The first homeowner to build the wall will be responsible for its construction and full cost.
Permitted finishes for perimeter walls are stucco, stone (browns, greys) or adobe. The proposed shape, size and arrangement of the wall must be submitted to the Committee for approval. No outside wall, no matter its use, is permitted to be left unfinished, unless and apparent block type is pre-approved.
Other Walls
Apparent Block Used on the outside community perimeter walls.
Stonework Local fieldstone, with deep-set lime joints. Mixed sizes add depth and texture.
Plasterwork Hand-troweled lime or lime-cement mixes with a burnished or floated finish. Only natural mineral pigments are suggested.
Brick Handmade, for arches, lintels and floors.
4.2 Roofs and Overhangs
Pitched Roofs The permitted slope will be no lower than 12% and no higher than 25%.
Tiles Handcrafted curved clay or flat terracotta; no dark tones allowed, whether new or reclaimed. Solar panels should be discreet, placed only on flat roof sections and hidden behind parapets. Tiles must be submitted to the Committee for approval as well as the solar panel project.
Overhangs Generous (60 - 90 cm) with exposed beams or tails. Gutters may be made of copper or blackened steel.
4.3 Openings and Ironwork
Windows and Doors Wood, iron, or aluminum in dark tones. Divided-light glazing and thermal profiles may be used.
Shading Deep-set openings, portals, wooden or iron grilles and interior shutters provide both function and charm.
Ironwork Artisan-forged details for exposed hardware, lanterns and railings. Simple bars, diamond mesh and basket motifs may appear with restraint.
4.4
Floors and Paving
Exteriors Compacted gravel, tezontle (red volcanic rock), local stone, cantera, handmade brick, cobblestone
4.5 Exposed Beams and Ceilings
Solid wood beams (or structural equivalents where needed). Ceilings in wood boarding, Catalan vaults, or exposed brick.
4.6 Exterior Colors and Metals
A restrained palette of off-whites, sands and warm neutrals. Dark iron and bronze tones for accents. The Committee will evaluate all materials and finishes, ensuring that they are consistent with the spirit of the Ranch.
5. EQUESTRIAN COMPONENTS
The equestrian lifestyle is central to Rancho Sol Dorado. Facilities should feel authentic, functional and visually tied to the residences.
Stables and Corrals Shall be built inside the setback limits. Materials should harmonize with the home and the maximum height allowed is 6.5 meters Lighting should be low, warm (3,000K) and directed.
Arenas / Riding Rings Fenced with dark-stained wood, stone or black steel tubing. Sand or rubber-sand footing. Lighting should be low, warm (3,000K) and directed. It is expected that the homeowner will maintain the sand, keeping it clean and in place.
Tack and Wash Areas Hot/cold wash bays with drainage. Tack rooms ventilated and dust-controlled, inside setback limits.
Manure Management Covered containers and composting systems and fly control is required. Manure must be removed from the property daily and the manure container must be placed within setback to avoid being immediately adjacent to neighbors.
All equestrian elements are subject to Committee approval, ensuring that utility and aesthetics remain in balance and within the proper setbacks to ensure neighbor harmony.
6. FENCES AND GATES
Boundaries at Rancho Sol Dorado should feel natural, handcrafted and respectful of views. The developer will provide a fence on each side of the lot and at the rear of the lot. Maintenance of lateral fences will be the homeowner’s responsibility and must be done every six months, while rear fences will be maintained by the HOA.
Perimeter Fences The design and color of the fence are not to be changed. Height must remain the same. Chain-link fencing is not permitted in visible public areas. If enclosing the lot is necessary, a rectangular wire fence may be placed with prior authorization from the Committee.
Restriction Fence
Rear Gates Solid wood (board-on-board) or steel frames with vertical bars. Gates toward the trail at the fence line must copy the design provided in this guideline. A gate on a wall toward the trail must be submitted for approval and the design should remain simple and discreet.
Front Gates Simple or classic designs are encouraged, wood or steel. No excessively ornamented steel gates will be allowed. House numbers and discreet warm lighting may be integrated and also require Committee approval.
The Committee will guide each homeowner in choosing designs that reinforce the identity of the community.
7. WATER, DRAINAGE AND SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability is part of Rancho Sol Dorado’s luxury — living beautifully but responsibly.
7.1 Rainwater Cisterns integrated under courtyards or clad in stone are required. First-flush filters that are reusable for irrigation and washing are also required.
7.2 Gray Water Showers and laundry should feed infiltration trenches or subsurface irrigation.
7.3 Black Water Septic tanks will be required for all lots with drainage systems.
7.4 Permeability Driveways and courtyards should be permeable. Bioswales planted with native grasses provide added resilience.
7.5 Energy Solar panels may be placed only on flat roofs behind parapets, with tilt restricted to parapet height. Solar water heaters, reflective coatings, low-E glass, cross ventilation, and ceiling fans are encouraged. Generators are allowed inside setbacks if soundproofed and not adjacent to neighboring lots.
Sanitary and Stormwater Drains Stormwater drainage surfaces shall not flow into adjacent private units or toward open spaces, except as established by natural drainage patterns. The design of drains and the location of septic tanks must be carefully evaluated, considering the potential for landslides and the safety of site drainage, based on slope percentage and direction, soil type and vegetation cover.
The Committee will review all sustainability measures, balancing technology with aesthetics. No wells are allowed within the lots.
8. SERVICES
Service Areas All equipment, service areas and noisy equipment must be placed within the setback limits and hidden from view from roadways. They shall not impact pedestrian walkways or the interiors of adjacent lots.
Utilities All utilities must be underground and connections must be hidden from view*.
*Roof starlink atennas are permitted.
Water & Electric Supply
Water meter connections must be located within an approved architectural element of the main facade, subject to board approval. Potable water pipeline diameter will be defined by the developer and must be followed. Any changes may result in a fine. All residences must have underground electrical service, with meters placed at the front of constructed low walls (no front walls) and integrated into the overall design of the home.
Telephone, Television and Internet Antennas Telephone and television antenna connections must be located in underground compartments with covers at ground level. Standard antennas and satellite dishes must not be visible from the exterior. Any type of satellite receiving antenna must be hidden from view by walls or landscaping.
Gas Tanks All LP gas tanks or similar storage facilities must be hidden from view of neighboring private units, streets, or common areas by means of walls or structures.
8.1 Exterior Lighting (Dark Skies)
Rancho Sol Dorado treasures its night skies. Lighting should be discreet, warm and functional—never intrusive.
Exterior Lighting
Site lighting refers to lighting installed on the lot, directed toward trees or site walls to provide security, decorative accent, or functional illumination for outdoor spaces.
Building-mounted lighting is defined as lighting integrated into walls, ceilings, eaves, soffits, etc.
The following guidelines apply to residential lighting in order to reduce the impact of light pollution:
• All exterior lighting must be properly shielded to ensure that light sources and lamps do not disturb neighboring lots. Unshielded lamps or bulbs will not be permitted.
• Lamps or bulbs may be incandescent, energy-saving, or LED, and must provide warm yellow light. Under no circumstances shall lamps or bulbs that emit cool or white light be installed.
• Lighting in landscaped areas and retaining walls must be in warm yellow tones.
• Fixtures in desert landscaped areas may not be colors other than green, brown, or stainless steel. Green fixtures will only be permitted where they blend with tropical vegetation.
• Solar garden lights may be installed provided they are approved by the Committee.
• Recessed lighting installed in soffits, eaves, or exterior ceilings may not protrude beyond the plane of the ceiling.
• Only lamps with a maximum rating of fifty (50) watts will be permitted unless specifically approved by the Committee. Low-voltage lighting is recommended, as these types of fixtures are generally smaller and safer.
• Motion-sensor luminaires installed for security purposes may not operate as general lighting, and when activated, must not illuminate adjacent properties. If permitted by the Committee, such lights may remain on for a maximum of five (5) continuous minutes. Security lighting must also comply with shielding requirements and must not cause disturbance to adjacent Private Units or project light onto streets.
Sensitivity settings must be adjusted to prevent activation due to vegetation movement or wildlife. If such lighting creates issues, the Committee reserves the right to require that the fixtures be disconnected, removed, modified, or relocated.
• Light strips will be permitted solely as decoration during holidays or festive periods and must be removed at the Committee’s request. Excessive decoration that causes disturbance to adjacent Private Units is not permitted.
• A 110-volt electrical outlet must be provided, routed through a 1” conduit with a 4” x 4” junction box and cover, located at some point between the vehicular access and the metering wall, and as close as possible to the concrete curb, in order to allow for the future installation of a lantern-type fixture for roadway lighting. The location must be validated by the Committee.
• Fixtures should be 3,000K and fully shielded.
• Light spill at property lines should not exceed 0.5 footcandles.
The Committee may request adjustments to any proposed lighting to preserve the shared night sky.
9. POOLS, WATER AND FIRE
Water and fire elements should be designed as quiet luxuries, not spectacles.
Pools Equipment rooms must be soundproofed and not adjacent to neighboring lots.
Fountains / Troughs Stone or galvanized steel, always with recirculation systems.
Fire Features Wood or gas, contained by stone or iron surrounds. Spark guards are required near paddocks.
All such features are to be reviewed by the Committee to ensure harmony and safety.
10. LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
The guiding intention is to create a “high desert grassland” landscape: water-wise, naturalistic and deeply rooted in local ecology. Built lots are expected to maintain their landscape up to the community standard. If a raw landscape is desired, the height of grass and weeds should not exceed 2 ft
• Native and endemic species are preferred: rhythmic grasses, agaves, cacti, yuccas, hardy shrubs and shade-giving trees.
• Biodiversity, seasonal blooms and low-maintenance strategies are celebrated.
• Furniture, irrigation and wildlife-supporting design (pollinators, birds) should all reinforce this ethic.
The Committee will review each landscape plan to ensure landscapes remain authentic and sustainable and should be approved.
11. DESIGN COMMITTEE | REVIEW PROCESS
The Committee will review each project, verifying that the design is compatible with the Rancho Sol Dorado Development as a whole and in particular with the private unit.
The Design Review process consists of:
1. Preliminary design review.
2. Final design review.
3. Final design approval (issuance of a Certificate of Project Approval).
4. Construction and verification.
The process concludes with the completion of construction.
Once the required documents are received, the Committee will notify the owner of the meeting at least five (5) business days in advance.
The Committee will issue written Final Design Approval within five (5) days from the approval vote in the Final Design Review meeting.
If the Committee decides to reject the application, a written statement outlining the reasons for rejection will be sent to the owner so that they may modify or redesign the project in order to obtain approval.
In the event that the final submission is not approved by the Committee, the owner shall follow the same procedures for a subsequent submission as if it were the first. No additional fee will be charged for Design Review or for subsequent submissions.
The owner may request Construction Permits and Work Licenses from the Municipality only with the written Final Design Approval issued by the Committee and may begin construction only after receiving that approval.
During construction, the Committee will verify compliance with the approved construction to ensure the final design is followed. If any changes or alterations are found that have not been approved, the Committee will issue a Compliance Warning.
Thirty (30) days prior to completion of the work, the owner must request a Certificate of Compliance to release the performance deposit and request the Notice of Completion from the Municipality. The Committee, or any of its members or employees, shall not be held liable to any person for any action or omission related to any matter of the work, provided such action was taken in good faith and without fraud.
12. DESIGN COMMITTEE | REVISION COSTS
1. Preliminary Design Revision $500 USD + TAX
2. Final Design Revision $500 USD + TAX
The costs above include one possible revision submittal in addition to the original one.
13. DISCLAIMER
All guidelines herein are subject to change at any time.
[16'-5"]
TWO-STORY BUILDING SECOND FLOOR
SINGLE-STORY BUILDING
P E D E S T R I
N G A T E
P E D E S T R I A N G A T E SCHEMATIC ELEVATION
[6"]
[4 1 2 "]
[3'-4 1 2 "]
RanchoSolDorado.com
Info@RanchoSolDorado.com MX: 011.52.415.101.3858
