Architecture Review Committee

Architecture Review Committee (ARC)

The Architecture Review Committee sets architecture and design standards for the Bella Beach community. It also reviews applications from homeowners for exterior changes to hot tub placement, fences, decks, etc.

Part of the governing documents for our community includes design guidelines called Architectural Changes. To ensure these guidelines are followed, your Board selects an Architectural Review Committee (ARC) that reviews and approves change requests. Approval pertains to such things as exterior paint, additions, landscaping, retaining or decorative walls, decks, fences, sheds, spas, and satellite dish locations. To put it simply: anything that constitutes change outside of your home must have an approved plan. To do this, you are required to submit an ARC application to the Committee for review. Please e-mail us at ARC@bellabeach.org.

ARC News

During our April 9, 2024 meeting, the ARC discussed Fence Strategy in Neighborhood: A recent homeowner application for replacement fencing along the Elderberry “Row” houses raised several concerns about how to maintain the aesthetic of the neighborhood. These houses are decorative and connected by fences and gates along the “front” South sides, and fences between the homes’ garages along the “back” North side at Elderberry St.

After extensive discussion, the ARC determined the following:

The fences and gates connecting the houses along the south sides must match each other at all six homes.
These fences at both the front and back of the homes are aged and starting to deteriorate significantly.
A communication will be sent to those homeowners to ask them to agree upon a fence style and design to use for the front fences.
- May ask a contractor to provide a consolidated quote for the work, with a recommendation to the homeowners to split the costs.
Homeowners will be asked to upgrade their front fences within a set time period.

With regard to the back fences along Elderberry Street, the ARC determined the following:

The height of the fences along Elderberry should remain consistent with current fence heights.
Aside from the fence height, the ARC accepts different fence styles along Elderberry.
Contiguous fences along Elderberry should be matched. In areas between garages, there are contiguous fences that are owned half by one homeowner and half by another. Homeowners wishing to replace fences shall coordinate with the neighbors whose fences abut theirs in order to select a matching style, and those fencelines shall be replaced concurrently.

With regard to other fences in the neighborhood, it has been determined that contiguous fences will be required to match.

Architectural Guidelines

It is the responsibility of the ARC to uphold the aesthetic guidelines for our neighborhood contained within the Bella Beach CCRs, as well as other written design guidelines. Please see this Guidelines document for the most up-to-date neighborhood standards. This version supersedes all previous versions.

Bella Beach Architectural Guidelines Rev 2

Specific Materials approved by the ARC aside from Cedar include:

Armadillo Composite Decking
- 50-year transferrable warranty, Eco-conscious material
- View at www.RicksFencing.com
Trex Decking and Fence
- View at www.trex.com
Hardiplank
- 6 and 8 inch textured or roughcut Hardiplank type siding in horizontal or vertical 4X8 sheets
- View at www.jameshardie.com

Other synthetic materials appearing as wood are likely to be approved by the ARC but on a case-by-case basis.

Why must my plans be reviewed?
The Committee reviews each set of plans for compliance with the community’s design guidelines, which keep a sense of equity and a certain quality of visual livability about the community. This helps assure property values and a neighborhood standard, which each homeowner agrees to follow when purchasing a home within the community.

When must my plans be reviewed?
Prior to making plans for exterior changes to your home or lot, the Committee must review and approve your changes. It is extremely important to submit your plan and receive approval before any work begins because if your changes are not compliant with the design guidelines, you may be required to make costly alterations or completely remove your changes at your own expense.

How do I submit plans for review?
The review process is very simple. Prior to beginning any project, fill out the ARC application form and attach a set of drawings of your intended plan. The drawings — which you can do yourself, if you wish — must include such things as the type of materials, colors, setbacks, and any valuable information you think would help create a clear understanding of your project. Send your completed application and attachments to the Architectural Review Committee at least 90 days before you plan to begin your process, as many times there are comments and changes needed by the homeowner. You will receive an answer within 30 days, once completely submitted plans have been accepted by the ARC, so allow plenty of time in your planning for this process and schedule accordingly.

Note: All applications for aesthetic changes should be submitted to the ARC. The Belle Mer Sigl Road District owns and manages property along HOA roads and has authority over proposed improvements to those areas. The ARC will receive all applications for work and will forward those under the jurisdiction of the Road District to them.

The ARC application form is available here in PDF format. Save the application form in pdf format to your computer. Open the file with Adobe Acrobat. Under Tools choose Fill and Sign though you do not have to sign the form itself. Save the form (or print and mail it if you prefer). Email the form as an attachment with any drawings or plans to any member of the ARC.

ARC@bellabeach.org

kim.brook@bellabeach.org (ARC Chair)