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WHEN DOES THE ARC MEET?
We meet on a Wednesday each month. We will give a minimum of 48 hours posted notice. Whether you've got an upcoming project, have questions about the process, or just want to see a meeting in action, feel free to join us!
WHAT, EXACTLY, IS AN ARCHITECTURAL MODIFICATION?
An architectural modification is any change made to the exterior of a home, such as: painting your home a different color, adding a swimming pool, replacing your roof, planting trees, or adding a screened lanai, just to name a few.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO GET STARTED WITH HOME IMPROVEMENTS?
Any exterior modification or any structural changes must have prior written approval from Delasol ARC. You should note that this approval process generally may take up to thirty days, therefore, do not schedule any construction work or purchase any equipment until written approval has been received.
WHY DO WE NEED PROCESSES AND GUIDELINES TO MAINTAIN ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS?
Most importantly, Delasol needs a basis for treating all homeowners fairly and reasonably. Written guidelines allow homeowners and the ARC to work from the same criteria. The ARC wants the paperwork to be as simple as possible for everyone. Guidelines take the guesswork out of the application and ARC’s decision making. In fact, guidelines not only provide criteria for the current committee to make appropriate decisions, but for successive committee members to make consistent decisions in the future. Without guidelines, applications approved today may result in things deemed unacceptable by new committee members in the future.
SO I'VE GOT TO SUBMIT A PLAN WITH MY PAPERWORK. WHAT DOES THAT ENTAIL?
Plans must be clear, complete, drawn to scale and prepared in accordance with applicable building codes. Plans shall show all dimensions, sizes, materials, finish colors, plant species, drainage, grading, etc. to provide a full representation of the proposed improvement.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES?
Failure to submit the required plans and application and to obtain the necessary approval from ARC - for any alteration, modification, or new construction - may constitute a violation of the CC&Rs. Such violation could result in the Association's requiring the modification or removal of the work (regardless of whether it has been completed) at the expense of the owner. All residents have the right and the responsibility to bring to the attention of the Architectural Committee any violations of any provision or standard that the Association's Board of Directors or the Committee has adopted.
BE AWARE: If a homeowner fails to submit an application or submits an application after the initiation of a project, they will be required to cease work on the project; file an ARC Request for Modification, along with a non-refundable LATE FEE of $100.00 per project; and not resume work until approval is granted and Delasol's management company issues a letter approving the request for architectural change.
WHO IS DELASOL ARC?
The Delasol ARC committee was appointed by the Delasol Board of Directors. Tunisia Penta, Jim Etz, and Jim Keating are responsible for maintaining the aesthetic and structural integrity of the association. The purpose of a review committee is to administer the community’s guidelines by overseeing changes and modifications to property through an application and appeal process designed to balance the interests of individual homeowners and the community, ensuring that guidelines are met, and property values are protected. Ultimately, a review committee has a duty to put the interests of our Delasol community above the interest of individual homeowner members.
WHAT CAN THE ARC DO FOR YOU?
While it may seem arbitrary from an individual homeowner’s standpoint, ARC looks out for the entire community. Aside from stopping residents from painting pink polka dots on their houses, ARC’s job is to make sure that the size and style of the project, the type of building materials being used, and the overall look of the new structure all adhere to Delasol’s design requirements.
Not only does this keep the community looking cohesive, but it also helps to keep property values up by preventing individual structures from standing out. It’s also important to note that unapproved projects might legally have to be removed/redone at the owners’ expense, so it’s better to just have approval in the first place.
So, when a homeowner is ready to start a new project, or if the design of a current project changes midway through, plans must be sent to ARC first to make sure they’re in compliance with the Association’s design standards. If ARC does find any issues, they will let the homeowner know and try to help come up with other options.
The HOA appreciates all the hard work residents do to make their homes and community beautiful. Keeping ARC in the loop keeps the Association looking great!
WHERE CAN I FIND DELASOL'S OFFICIAL DECLARATION, COVENANTS, CONDITIONS, AND RESTRICTIONS AS IT RELATES TO ARC?
Delasol’s governing documents with regard to architectural oversight and controls can be reviewed in their entirety at: https://www.delasol.org/folder/governing-documents/
Please note that separate from our Bylaws, Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions and Easements, Delasol maintains official Rules & Regulations that have an impact on what ARC reviews as well.
A key clause in our Declaration that governs various community aspects related to ARC reads as follows:
No improvements, including, by way of example and not of limitation, accessory structures, exterior lighting fixtures, brick pavers, stamped concrete, concrete flatwork, basketball goals, buildings, fences (including invisible fencing), walls, pools, roofs, gutters or rain spouts, antennae, aerials, microwaves, reception devices, mailboxes, external enclosures (including entry screen and patio screen enclosures), or landscaping (including hedges and massed plantings) shall be commenced, erected, installed, altered, modified, painted, planted, or maintained on the Committed Property, including the Lots, nor shall any canopy, shutters, or window coverings be attached to or placed upon outside walls or roofs of any Home or building by any Owner other than Declarant.
CAN YOU PROVIDE MORE DIRECTION ON THE SPECIFIC PROCESS I SHOULD FOLLOW FOR MY PROJECT?
Step 1: Do your research
Before you start planning your renovations, take a look at Delasol's Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CCRs). This will help you understand what guidelines and restrictions exist before you bring your written request to the ARC.
Step 2: Meet with an architect or designer
Sit down and go over the community’s CCRs with them before submitting your proposal. Highlight the sections that relate to your plans to make sure your design falls within the guidelines from the beginning.
Step 3: Submit a Request for Architectural Modifications
This should be completed and sent to Anchor Associates, Inc.: Email Anchor with the completed request and they will make sure everything is in order before they send it along to us, your friendly neighborhood ARC, for our approval.
Please note: While the stated guidelines may appear to be open to interpretation, in order to preserve the overall desired look of the community, the guidelines must be followed explicitly. Even if you think your plan doesn’t seem like it entails a big change, your neighbors and potential buyers may not have the same opinion. Variances are only allowed under extreme conditions. The governing documents may provide for variances in extraordinary circumstances or cases of severe hardship. Homeowners have a right to appeal an ARC decision and may do so by contacting the Board within 30-45 days after the Board issues its decision based on the recommendation of ARC.
Step 4: Speak with your neighbors
Each situation is unique, but it may be a good idea to talk to someone who's gone through this process before. They might have insight into what did and didn't work with the HOA’s ARC.
Step 5: Be patient!
The ARC meets monthly to discuss and review applications for architectural modifications and, like you, we live in Delasol and want to make sure it develops as beautifully as possible. We are volunteering our time to ensure our community maintains its beauty and evolves with the times. If your request gets denied, take it in stride. Try to work with the committee to amend your proposal for acceptance.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE MINUTES FROM THE RECENT ARC MEETINGS?
You can view our minutes online at: https://www.delasol.org/folder/architectural-review-information/