FAQs for Covenants
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions pertaining to covenants.
Recap Information
Q: What is the process for making changes or exterior alterations to my property?
A: To find out about the specific architectural requirements of your village, call your village Covenant advisor. You may need to complete a Request for Exterior Alteration form. The Village Resident Architectural Committee will review your request and return the form to you with its decision and any qualifying remarks. Be sure to tell your Covenant advisor if you live in a town house or condominium association. You may also need to get their architectural approval.
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Q: Do I need Architectural Committee approval for a home-based business?
A: Yes, and in some villages, in-home businesses require annual re-approval.
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Q: Do the architectural guidelines ever change?
A: Every village reviews and revises its guidelines periodically and invites community input in the process. A copy of the current guidelines is available at your village community association.
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Q: When I buy a house, am I responsible for the previous owner's Covenant violations?
A: Yes. Make sure that you receive a Certificate of Compliance from your builder or seller during the settlement process. This certificate, issued by the Village Architectural Committee, assures that the home has met the committee's standards.
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Q: Who administers the Covenants?
A: The village community associations administer the Covenants through Covenant advisors and residential architectural committees. The Covenant advisor answers questions and handles the day-to-day requirements of the approval process.
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Architectural Committee Information Recap:
The Architectural Committee is comprised of qualified, interested citizens of Columbia who volunteer their time as a community service. The functions and powers of the committee are established by the protective Covenants applied to each village, including industrial and commercial parcels. The architectural committees have the authority to make the final decision regarding architectural issues. Members of the architectural committee are appointed by the village board and the Columbia Association.
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Exterior Alternations Information Recap:
The village Architectural Committee has guidelines for exterior alterations. These will be helpful in obtaining approval for nearly any exterior alteration. Residents need to complete a Request for Exterior Alteration form and return it to the address on the form. The application is processed, recorded and sent on to the appropriate architectural committee. The committee of your village will review the request, make its recommendation and return its decision to you with any qualifying remarks.
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In-Home Business Information Recap:
Architectural Committee approval is required for conducting a profession, business or industry in a residence. Application forms are available from your village office. Many townhouse communities have a homeowners' association, which may also have Covenants on in-home businesses that are different and more restrictive than those of the village.
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Letter or Certificate of Compliance Information Recap:
At the time of settlement, the resident should request a Letter or Certificate of Compliance from the builder or seller who should get the document from the Architectural Committee upon its inspection and approval of the property. It is the builder's or seller's obligation to furnish this certificate or to give a written indication that he/she will satisfactorily complete or correct all items required by the Architectural Committee so that a certificate can be issued. This certificate is the buyer's assurance that the home has met the applicable standards of the architectural committee. Note that this certificate is necessary in addition to the Use and Occupancy Permit required by Howard County. For resale of properties, current owners should request the document from the village architectural committee to pass on to the prospective buyer, assuring that the home complies with architectural guidelines.
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