Phone: (cell)
The article below, by Bill Page and reprinted from the Fall 2011 SMVE Newsletter, offers excellent guidance on easing the architectural review process with advance planning. We’ve seen this recently with prospective buyers asking questions about possible changes so they would not be surprised after buying. Bill’s article is just as timely now as when it was first published.
It has been heartening that many homeowners have sought the architectural committee’s advice in their advance planning. This has resulted in quick approval for such projects when the final plans are submitted. Our goal is to expedite your plans in a manner consistent with our neighborhood values (as spelled out in the CC&R’s, Rules and Regulations, and past practice).
It is important to submit photos, drawings, blueprints (where applicable), and in the case of extensions or any outdoor addition, a copy of your plot plan to permit the committee to see the entire picture. In some instances, in the pre-planning stages, an email or letter (with a photo or sketch) may allow us to provide suggestions you may not have thought of for your consideration.
As usual our concerns deal with the entire neighborhood and include:
- Will the project materially block a neighbor’s view?
- Will the contractor place all building materials off the street and behind the patio wall or in the garage?
- Will contractors remove all construction debris and vehicles by each days end?
- Will the contractor have too many vehicles or large vehicles effectively blocking the street or others driveways?
- Common walls are the joint property of two adjacent homeowners. Is there a common wall involved and if so do the neighbors agree to sign off on the project?
- Since colors evolve over time, is your painting contractor “up to speed” with the latest approved exterior colors?
- How tall may a flagpole be and where may it be placed?
- If a “port-a-potty” is to be used, is it some “less conspicuous color” and will it be placed behind the patio wall?
- As newer materials and more energy efficient products evolve, how may these be used in a manner to fit in with our neighborhood?
Please submit your pre-planning questions, requests, and final plans to ✉ Architecture Committee chair Guy Scharf ; (cell) or to ✉ Joe Steiner .