Architectural Standards
Page Last Updated: June 25, 2008
Application
Process, Review Process/Criteria, &
Appeals Process
Applications for alteration or
improvement must be submitted on the approved Architectural Improvement Request
Form. The application forms require information that will assist the
Architectural Committee in reviewing plans for your proposed alteration or improvement.
Specific information is detailed below. Action on applications
submitted without the required information will be delayed until all
information is provided. The required application information includes
the following:
DESCRIPTION - The form requires a complete description of the
alteration or improvement. This includes a complete listing of materials
to be used. Overall dimensions, height off the ground
as in the case of decks. Colors of existing
townhouse, trim and roof colors and colors of the proposed alteration or
improvement.
DRAWINGS/PHOTOGRAPHS - Complete drawings showing all dimensions, elevations and
details of the proposed improvement or alteration are required. Drawings
should show the relation of the improvement or alteration in relation
to the existing home. Drawings, which are illegible, take time to
review, slow the process, and may be returned to the applicant for
clarification.
SITE PLAN - A site plan is a scaled drawing of your lot (plat),
which shows dimensions of the property, adjacent properties if applicable, and
all improvements including those covered by the application. Contour
lines may be required where drainage is a consideration. A base for a
site plan for single applications can be the plat plan provided to you when you
purchased your home. More complex applications may require larger scale
(ten (10) o twenty (20) feet to the inch scale) enlargements of the plat plan
of county approved development or site plans.
SIGNATURES - The applicant is required to sign the application form.
In addition, the signatures of all adjoining or affected property owners
are required on all applications. The signatures do not constitute
approval or disapproval of the proposed project; rather they indicate that the
adjoining property owners are aware that an alteration or improvement is
contemplated. Applications received without signatures will not be
reviewed.
COMMENCEMENT/COMPLETION DATE - Applications must contain the proposed commencement and
completion date. All alterations or improvements must be commenced within
thirty (30) days and completed within ninety (90) days of approval.
All applications should either be
mailed or faxed to COPPERMILL's property management
company:
Dominion Management Company
(FAX) 703 771 6914
Each application will be reviewed
for complete information by the management company prior to the Architectural
Committee review. Incomplete applications will be returned to applicant
by the management company for further information. Once approved, the management company will
present the package to the Architectural Committee.
The Architectural Committee
evaluates all submissions on the individual merits of the application;
including the consideration of the characteristics of the housing type and the
individual site; since what may be an acceptable design in one specific
instance may not be for another. Design
decisions made by the Architectural Committee in reviewing applications are not
based on any individual's personal opinion or taste. Judgments of
acceptable design are based on the following criteria, which represents in more
specific terms the general standards of the protective Covenants:
·
Relation to THE TOWNES OF COPPERMILL Community's open space -- Fencing, in particular, can have damaging effects
on open space. Other factors, such as removal of trees, disruption of the
natural topography and changes in the rate or direction of storm water run-off,
also adversely affect open space.
·
Design Compatibility
-- The proposed improvements must be compatible with the architectural
characteristics of the applicant's townhouse, adjoining townhouses, and the
neighborhood setting. Compatibility is defined as similarity in
architectural style, quality of workmanship, similar use of materials, color
and construction details.
·
Location and Impact on Neighbors -- The proposed alteration should relate favorably to the
landscape, the existing structure and the neighborhood.
·
Scale -- The size (in
three dimensions) of the proposed alteration should relate well to adjacent
structures and its surroundings. For example, a large addition to a small
townhouse may be inappropriate.
·
Color -- Color may be
used to soften or intensify visual impact. Parts of an addition that is
similar in design to an existing townhouse, such as roofs and trim should match
or blend in color and composition.
·
Materials --
Continuity is established by the use of the same or compatible materials as
were used in the original townhouse. The options may be limited somewhat
by the design and materials of the original townhouse. For instance,
vinyl siding on the original townhouse should be retained in an addition.
·
Workmanship --
Workmanship is another standard that is applied to all exterior alterations.
The quality of work should be equal to, or better than, that of the
surrounding area. Poor practices, besides causing the owner problems, can
be visually objectionable. The COPPERMILL PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION
assumes no responsibility for the safety or structural validity of new
construction by virtue of an approved design.
·
Building Permits -- It
is the responsibility of each applicant to obtain a Building Permit where
required and comply with
·
Timing -- Projects
that remain uncompleted for long periods of time are visually objectionable and
can be a nuisance and safety hazard for neighbors and the community. All
applications must include estimated completion dates. If such time
period is considered unreasonable, the Architectural Committee may disapprove
the application. Typically, projects must be commenced within thirty (30)
days of an approval; and completed within ninety (90) days.
After Architectural Committee
review and action, the management company will mail a letter of the decision to
the applicant at the address provided on the application. Letters of
approval will be sent by first class mail; while letters of denial or those
with stipulations will be sent by certified mail. Letters of denial will
reference specific reasons for the denial and are always subject to appeal.
An appeals procedure exists for those
affected by an Architectural Committee decision who feel
that:
·
Proper procedures were
not followed during the administration and review process.
·
The applicant and any
other affected homeowner attending the meeting were not given a fair hearing.
·
The Architectural
Committee was arbitrary, or did not have a rational basis for a decision.
To initiate the appeal procedure, applicants must submit a
written request for an appeal within ten (10) days of receiving the
Architectural Committee's decision or their decision will be final. The written appeal must be sent to the
association's management company at the above address. Neighbors objecting to the proposed
construction shall appeal in like manner.
The Board of Directors shall conduct a hearing to resolve these
conflicts.