Architectural Review

For projects involving trees, fences, additions to existing structures, decks and patios, sheds, pools, driveways, paint, antennas, exterior lighting, landscapes, woodpiles, common areas, and other property usage, the homeowner must submit a project request to the ARC for review prior to commencing work. The Peachwood Estates HOA Architectural Review Committee Directives and Submittal Guidelines dated November 17, 2005 provide details on each of these project areas, and the information you’ll need to include in the required request . Please provide your Architectural Review Committee requests in sufficient time to receive ARC approval before you start work on the project. ARC approval is in addition to any Montgomery County approval that you may need for your project. ARC approval keeps your project in compliance with the HOA’s governing documents. If you have already started or completed work on an outdoor project for which you did not have ARC approval, you still must submit a request to the ARC for review of the project.

Larry Collier is current the ARC Chair and can be reached at (301) 236-4389, or at lcollier168@yahoo.com.

Peachwood Estates HOA
Architectural Review Committee
Guidelines Updated 2015

Purpose

The purpose of the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) review process is to help maintain property values and community architectural harmony by reviewing and approving submissions from homeowners for exterior additions and/or changes to buildings, structures, landscaping and other improvements to properties in our community.

The ARC may also recommend appropriate action to the board of directors whenever it becomes aware of inadequate maintenance of properties in our community such as damaged trees, missing shutters, broken downspouts, lawns in need of mowing, etc. The review process will put particular emphasis on the portion of properties visible from the street.

The formation of the ARC is authorized by Article IX of the By-Laws of the Peachwood Estates Homeowners Association. Article V of the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions outlines intent and responsibilities of the ARC.

Submittal Guidelines

In general, the following information is necessary for submission:

  • Cover letter to explain the nature of the request.
  • Exact position on lot, and relation to existing structures. Most people have simply photocopied the land plat that they received when they moved in and then sketched in the needed information. The exact dimensions can be included in the accompanying description.
  • Description of materials to be used (i.e., the type of wood, color of materials or paint to be used, etc.)
  • Name, address, phone number and email address of homeowner.
  • For further information regarding Montgomery County structural guidelines, refer to their website at: http://permittingservices.montgomerycountymd.gov
  • For restrictions on residential parking and surfacing, refer to http://montgomerycountymd.gov/goodneighbors/
  • Upon obtaining a building permit from the county, submit copy to the ARC.
  • Drawings and plans must be provided to the ARC for no-building permit projects.

Note: Photographs are recommended.
Please send all submittals for review, by letter or email, to the ARC Chair (the current ARC Chair is listed along with address, telephone number, and email address, on the front page of each newsletter).

For Fences

  • Design of fence (i.e., estate, picket, etc.)

For Additions to Existing Structures

  • Either prior to or concurrently, submit to the ARC, a duplicate of the package required by the county in order to obtain a building permit.

For Decks & Patios

  • Either prior to or concurrently, submit to the ARC, a duplicate of the package required by the county in order to obtain a building permit.

For Sheds

  • Size (height, width, length)
  • Design of roof
  • Color

For Pools

  • Either prior to or concurrently, submit to the ARC, a duplicate of the package required by the county in order to obtain a building permit.

Directives

Fences

  • All fences must have prior approval of the ARC.
  • No fence may extend beyond the front of the house on either side.
  • Split-rail type fences are recommended for overall natural appearance.
  • No chain-link fence may be constructed.
  • No fence may be constructed over a maximum height of six feet, unless otherwise approved by the ARC.
    (See Article VII, Section 2)

Additions

  • All above ground additions to the house/garage or extensions from the house/garage must be approved by the ARC in advance of construction start.
  • Upon obtaining a building permit from the county, submit copy to the ARC.
    (See Article V)

Decks & Patios

  • All deck and patio construction must have prior approval of the ARC.
  • If a building permit is required by the county, submit a copy to the ARC.
  • Drawings and plats must be provided to the ARC for non-building permit projects.
    (See Article V)

Sheds

  • All sheds must be erected in rear of home and not visible from the street if possible.
  • All sheds must meet county building code and zoning ordinance.
  • Shed footprint should not exceed 144 square feet.
  • All sheds must be approved by the ARC in advance of the start of construction.
    (See Article V)

Driveways or Front Walkways

  • No alterations of existing driveways or front walkways shall be made without prior approval of the ARC.
  • Any modification must be in conformance with Montgomery County zoning.
    (See Article V)

Exterior Color and Trim

  • Any modification or change to exterior trim, siding or color must be approved in advance by the ARC.
    (See Article V)

Antennas

  • All exterior antennas must meet covenant regulations. In general, antennas intended for residential use should be acceptable.
    (See Article VII, Section 10)

Exterior Lighting

  • Any modification to existing lights or the addition of exterior lighting (such as floodlights, spotlights) to the front, sides or back of house or garage, must not in any way be considered a nuisance to the neighborhood or infringe upon neighbor’s comfort.
    (See Article VII, Section 3)

Landscapes

  • Any change to the existing landscape must meet regulations as stated in the covenants.
  • Submit your reason for removing any tree four inches in diameter measured two feet above the ground.
  • In general, dead, diseased, or damaged trees may be removed.
    (See Article VII, Section 3)

Woodpiles

  • All woodpiles in excess of 1/2 face-cord must be stacked to the back of the house.

Common Areas

  • Homeowners with property immediately adjacent to common areas may, at their option and with prior approval of the ARC, clean and maintain such areas.
    (See Article VII, Sections 9 & 11)

Other Property Usage

  • Vegetable garden plots must be located in the back of the house.
  • No animal pen of any type may be constructed or housed on the property. All dog houses must be put in the rear of the house.
  • All play equipment (i.e., swing set, sandbox, jungle gym, playhouse, etc.) must be located in the back of the house.
  • Any outdoor clothes drying devices must be located in the back of the house.
  • Any RV, trailer, camper, boat or inoperative vehicles should be housed in the garage or outside the community. An exception may be made for small items that can be stored in the backyard as long as they are not visible from the street. The items need to be stored in such a way as to not cause an “eyesore” to the adjacent neighbors. Approval must be received in writing from the adjacent property owners.
  • Parking for Heavy Commercial and Recreational Vehicles must conform to the Montgomery County zoning laws. See General Submittal Guidelines above.