Essentially, all changes, permanent or temporary, to the exterior appearance of a building or lot are subject to review and approval by the Covenants Committee. The review process is not limited to major additions or alternations, such as adding a room, deck or patio. It includes such minor items as changes in color and materials. Approval is also required when an existing item is to be removed.
There are a number of exceptions:
- Building exteriors may be repainted or restained provided that there is no color change from the original. Similarly, exterior building components may be repaired or replaced so long as there is no change in the type of material and color.
- Minor landscape improvements will also not require an application. This includes foundation plantings, or single specimen plantings. In general, landscape improvements of a small scale which do not materially alter the appearance of the lot, involve a change in topography or grade and which are not of sufficient scale to constitute a natural structure will be exempt from the design review process.
If there is any doubt as to whether or not a proposed exterior change is exempt form design review and approval, homes should first seek clarification from the Covenants Committee before proceeding with the improvement. A complete copy of the Design Guidelines can be found in the Documents & Forms section under the Residents tab on the Home page, as well as the ARC application form.