QUAIL VALLEY HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL GUIDELINES - Revised October 15, 2009
Section
4: Architectural Review
Review Criteria
The Architectural Control Committee reviews all submissions for
exterior changes on the individual merits of the application. Review criteria
must take into account the type of structure and the property characteristics.
The Architectural Control Committee's design decisions are not
based on any individual's personal opinion or taste. The committee will base its decision on the
following criteria which represent, in more specific terms, the general
standards of the covenants.
1) Relation to the Quail Valley
Common Areas. Fencing, in particular, can have damaging effect on open space.
Other factors, such as removal of trees, disruption of the natural topography
and changes in rate or direction of storm water run-off may also cause an
adverse effect.
2) Design
Compatibility. The proposed improvement must be compatible with the
architectural characteristics of the applicant's house, adjoining houses and
the neighborhood setting. Compatibility is defined as similarity in
architectural style, quality of workmanship, similar use of materials, color
and construction details.
3) Location and
Impact on Neighbors. The proposed alteration/addition should relate favorably to the
landscape, the existing structure and the neighborhood.
4) Scale. The size (in three
dimensions) of the proposed alteration should relate well to adjacent
structures and its surroundings. For example, a large addition to a small house
may be inappropriate.
5) Color. Color may be used to soften or
intensify visual impact. Parts of the addition that are similar to the existing
house such as the roof and trim must be matching in color.
6) Materials. Continuity is established by
use of the same or compatible materials as were used in the original house.
Aluminum or vinyl siding on the addition must be consistent with the original
house. On the other hand, an addition with siding may be compatible with a
brick house.
7) Workmanship. Workmanship is another
standard which is applied to all exterior alterations. The quality of the work
should be equal to or better than that of the surrounding area and comply with Montgomery county
building codes and/or prevailing trade practices. Poor workmanship can create
safety hazards and can be visually objectionable to others. (The Architectural Control
Committee assumes no responsibility for the safety of new construction by
virtue of design or workmanship).
8) Timing. The majority of alterations
may be constructed or installed by residents themselves rather than a
contractor. However, projects which remain uncompleted for long periods of time
are visually objectionable and can be a safety hazard for neighbors and the
community. All applications must include an estimated start and completion
date. Projects must be commenced within six (6) months and completed within six
(6) months after commencement, or within such longer period of time as may be
specified by the Architectural Control Committee.
Architectural Change Application
The Architectural Change Application (ACA) that the Architectural Control
Committee will use to review all proposed architectural changes is shown in
Appendix A. This Architectural Change Application must be properly completed,
submitted and approved prior to construction start.
Note: It is the owner's
responsibility to obtain a Montgomery County Building Permit and to comply with
all county building code requirements. The Architectural Control Committee does
not review applications for building code requirements.
Review Procedures
All properly completed Architectural Change Applications should be
mailed or faxed to the management agent at the following address:
Quail Valley HOA
c/o Comsource Management Inc.
3414 Morningwood Drive
Olney, MD 20832
Fax – 301-924-7340
The property manager will review the application to verify it is
complete within seven (7) days of submission and will forward all complete
applications to members of the Architectural Control Committee. If information pertinent to the review of the
Architectural Change Application is missing, the application will be marked
"incomplete" and returned. If the application is complete, the review
process will then begin.
The Architectural Control Committee is required to respond to the
homeowner requesting the change within thirty (30) days from receipt of a
properly completed ACA by the management agent. The Architectural Control Committee
review decision will be either sent by letter to the address of the homeowner
listed on the Architectural Change Application or verbally through face-to-face
contact with the management agent.
It is not acceptable for a member of the Architectural Control Committee
to communicate the answer to the homeowner via the telephone. If thirty (30)
days lapse without notification, the homeowner's Architectural Change Application
is considered approved as submitted.
Enforcement Procedures
The management agent, a member of the Architectural Control
Committee or a designated representative will conduct periodic inspections of
the project while it is under construction to insure compliance with the
approved application. Any unapproved deviation from the Architectural Change Application
renders the project non-compliant and will be dealt with by the Architectural Control
Committee. On completion of the project, the homeowner is required to contact
the Architectural Control Committee within fifteen (15) days to conduct the
final approval inspection. Final approval requires full and complete compliance
with the stated specifications of the approved Architectural Change Application.
If the homeowner proceeds with any exterior changes not approved
by the Architectural Control Committee, the Architectural Control Committee has
the right to initiate legal action by the authority of the covenants and/or the
Maryland Property Owners Association Act. If a homeowner fails to complete an
Architectural Change Application and proceeds with the architectural change
anyway, then the Board of Directors has the right to initiate administrative
and/or legal action by the authority of the covenants and/or the Maryland
Property Owners Association Act.
Appeal Procedures
A homeowner that does not receive approval for a proposed
architectural change has the right to appeal the decision. The homeowner appeal
process is through the Board of Directors. The management agent must receive
the appeal in writing from the homeowner within fourteen (14) days from the
denial of a proposed change. The homeowner is entitled to a hearing before the
Board of Directors. Two-thirds (2/3) of a quorum of the Board of Directors must
vote in favor of the homeowner to reverse the decision of the Architectural Control
Committee.