Design Guidelines
The goal of the Design Guidelines is to maintain the historical integrity of the ranch; create consistent and valuable design and construction of homes at River Ranch, McCall; incorporate the natural elements of the land into the built environment; protect the environment for future generations; preserve the privacy of the residents, and create long term economic value for the owners. The Payette River frontage of more than 2.5 miles and the lakes and waterways on the Ranch are to be maintained and protected in their current pristine conditions for the enjoyment of future generations. The long-term success of this vision will be evidenced by residents feeling secure in their homes and enjoying the peace and serenity of this unique community.
What are the design criteria for River Ranch homeowners?
River Ranch has professionally prepared Design Guidelines to maintain the beauty and the privacy of all River Ranch home sites. You will be provided with a copy of the Design Guidelines by your real estate agent.
Who reviews my home design?
River Ranch has a design committee and is available at your earliest stage to facilitate working with you and your architect. All plans are subject to design approval prior to building permit application to the City of McCall.
Do I have to only use a River Ranch architect and builder?
Owners have the option to use any licensed architect and builder. River Ranch is happy to provide owners with a list of pre-approved architects, engineers, and landscape designers and to work with your experts.
Are two buildings required on each home site?
A primary residence and an accessory building is suggested in a cluster in order to preserve the openness of the ranch. A garage as the second structure may be attached to the main house by a breezeway.
Where can I build my house?
Homesites average 4 acres, within which, a defined building envelope is identified. Construction within this designated envelope ensures openness, separation from neighbors, privacy, and preserves your view corridors and water access.
Is there a time requirement to begin the construction of my home?
Homeowners are under no time constraint to begin construction. However, once the building has begun, it should be completed within 24 months.
What is the maximum size home?
Homes are a minimum of 2400 ft and a maximum of 10,000 ft. The architectural design should be consistent with the Design Guidelines. The Design Committee is happy to meet early and often to facilitate your dream home.
Are utilities already installed?
Yes, underground utilities are installed to the home site property line and already paid for and debt-free. These include City of McCall water, Idaho power electricity, and cable.
How about septic?
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has tested and preapproved each home site for a septic treatment system.
Is a landscape design plan required?
Yes, a landscape design, consistent with the Design Guidelines and using the recommended native trees, plants, and shrubs is requested for each home site.
What are the requirements for driveways?
All River Ranch roads are hard-paved, all-weather asphalt. Driveways should be hard-paved and a minimum of 10 feet wide, a maximum of 14 feet wide. All driveways should be curvilinear and landscaped to preserve the open ranch feeling.
Who maintains the acreage outside of the landscape envelope on my property?
The River Ranch Association is responsible for maintaining all community landscaping and the portions of the home site, outside of the predetermined construction building and landscape envelope, also known as the Association Envelope.
As a private gated community how about police services?
Yes, River Ranch is a private, gated community, where security and privacy are important. The City of McCall provides police, fire, and emergency medical services to River Ranch. The newly constructed St. Luke Medical Center is 2 miles from River Ranch.
What about Hospital Services?
St. Luke provides 24-hour emergency care, ambulance, orthopedics, surgical care, laboratory, maternal and childbirth services in a modern 15-bed hospital.
