Things To Know When Submitting Applications For Changes To The Village Architectural Committee

* Check the Harper's Choice Guidelines that pertain to the changes you are proposing to make and contact the covenant advisor if you have questions before you submit your application, or at any time throughout the process. Guidelines are available on our website or at the village office.

* When completing the application, sign and date the front of the form and obtain the signatures of at least two (2) adjacent and/or affected neighbors. For additions, new construction, fences or in-home businesses please obtain the signatures of all adjacent and/or visually affected property owners.

* Include a plat or location survey for any alteration which will change the "footprint" of your house or lot. NEW or replacement doors, windows, siding, painting, etc., do not require a location survey.

* Include an elevation/scale drawing and/or pictures of the proposed alteration from ALL viewable sides, including dimensions, materials and colors that will be used. Samples and brochures should be submitted whenever possible. ANY change in color, material or style requires an application.

* When changing the direction or orientation of siding, such as vertical to horizontal, submit a current drawing or photo of your house. If you are replacing the existing siding but not changing color, material or orientation, no application is needed. Same rules apply for Roofing changes.

* A color chip, brochure or sample is required for all COLOR changes.

* If the alteration will be made of wood or similar material, such as composite, specify the type of material and note whether it will be left natural, stained or painted, as with a deck, privacy fence, or porch. A color chip is required for all changes in color.

* When submitting an In-Home business application, answer all application questions and attach any additional information you would like the committee to consider. In-Home Business applications are approved for a period of ONE year only, and must be re-submitted each year.

* Approval of any application by the Architectural Committee does not constitute approval of any Howard County building, zoning, or licensing codes. Homeowners must check with the County to see whether a permit is required. We do not require that you provide a copy of any permit and we recommend that you submit your application to us and your permit request to the county at the same time so the processes may run concurrently. If the county requires a change to the original submission, you would have to come back to the Village to modify your original request.

* Please be aware that once an application is received and accepted as complete, it must be reviewed within 60 days. Applications received by the deadline day will generally be reviewed in two weeks. An incomplete application may cause delays or result in an eventual denial of your application. If more information is requested, please provide it promptly.

* While not mandatory, residents are encouraged attend the meeting where their application will be reviewed. This is especially important with new construction or In-Home Business applications. Questions can be answered in a timely manner, enhancing the approval process. Meetings begin at 7:30pm, with sign-in available at 7:00pm. Residents will be heard in the order in which they sign in.

* Remember that alterations and businesses which require an application should never be undertaken without architectural approval. Owners who begin work or commence an In-Home Business without approval are doing so at their own risk, are in violation of the covenants and in the most egregious cases may face possible removal of their alteration or business at their own expense, pursuant to the Harper's Choice Village Covenants.

* If your alteration is not specifically addressed by the Guidelines, please submit an application. If you are not sure if you need an application, or have any other questions, always feel free to call the covenant advisor by phone: 410-730-0770 or email: hccovenants@columbiavillages.org.