The legal documents for the Wicksfield homeowners association contain covenants and use restrictions, including those pertaining to design standards, which are part of the deed for each home in our community. The primary purpose of design covenants is to maintain environmental and architectural design standards for the entire community.
The enforcement and protection of architectural standards not only enhances the physical appearance of a community, but it also protects and preserves the property values of the homes within that community.
Applications for proposed improvements and modifications must be submitted in writing (address on the top of the design application form) by the property owner using the application form below. Applications must be complete in order to commence the review process. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant with a statement of deficiencies which must be remedied in order to be considered for a review again by the committee.
The application must include a complete and accurate description of the proposed improvements. Examples may include: a site plan showing the location and dimensions of the proposed improvement; architectural drawings or plans, as applicable; landscape plans; material and or color samples, etc. The design guidelines and application form provide guidance with respect to the supporting documentation required for various types of improvements.The design guidelines and application form provide guidance with respect to the supporting documentation required for various types of improvements.
The Architectural Review Committee is required to approve or disapprove any proposed improvement within 60 days after the receipt of a properly completed application. However, the review. Will only commence upon the receipt of a complete application form, including any required exhibits. It is therefore advisable for homeowners contemplating substantial improvements to first ensure that they are aware of all required supporting documentation prior to submitting a design review application. In the event that the committee fails to approve or disapprove any plans within the 60 day period, such plans will be deemed approved.
Homeowners who have submitted design review applications will be given written notice of the decision of the Architectural Review Committee.
A homeowner may appeal a decision of the architectural review committee by submitting a written request to the board of directors. This request should include any new or additional information which might clarify the requested change or demonstrate its acceptability. A special meeting will be scheduled within two weeks after the receipt of the applicants appeal.
The decision upon review shall be communicated in writing to the applicant within 30 days after they review meeting, and the failure of the architectural review committee to give written notice of such decision within said 30 days shall be construed as a rescission of the initial rejection.
While most requests do not take that long, The Architectural Review Committee has 60 days to respond to an applicant who has submitted a completed application for review. It is important that the applicant reads and reviews the application to ensure it is COMPLETE. Only completed applications will be reviewed.
Construction or alterations in accordance with the approved plans and specifications must commence within 6 months of the approved date of application and must be completed within 12 months of the approved date of the application.
No. Per the owner’s acknowledgements section of the design review application, no proposed changes shall begin until the applicant receives written approval from the committee. If the application is denied you may be required to return the property to its former condition at your own expense and may be required to pay any legal expenses incurred.
Yes. The Architectural Review Comittee is simply reviewing the proposed changes against The Wicksfield Homeowners Association’s Architectural Standards Manual. (Located above) This process does not exempt the applicant from filing any required paperwork with the state or county required for their project, such as permits.
The legal documents for The Wickfield Homeowners Association contain covenants and use restrictions, including those pertaining to design standards. Legally, these covenants are a part of the deed for each hone and are binding upon all initial homeowners and their successors in ownership, irrespective of whether or not the owners are familiar with such covenants.
We recommend starting with the Architectural Standards Manual, which will most likely answer and additional questions you may have regarding your proposed changes. If you still have questions or need additional clarity, please reach out to us at archreviews@mywickfield.com
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