Merrill Pines Condominium Association

Committee Spotlight: ARB

Aug 30, 2007

One of the most active committees established is the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). The function of this committee is to determine whether or not proposed changes to a condominium are consistent with the aesthetic standards of the community. Written Board approval is required before any changes are made to the exterior of any home.
This approval process sounds troublesome, but it is simple. A homeowner will request an ARC Application from the property management office. The request will then be forwarded to the ARC members to review and discuss the proposal at a scheduled meeting. As with full Board meetings, the meetings will be publicly-posted and open to all homeowners.
Applications will be approved unless the requested change conflicts with the standards of the community. If the application is denied, the homeowner has the right to appeal the decision to the Board of Directors for approval.
However, the current Board of Directors is also serving as the ARC due to lack of volunteers in the association. A special Review Committee will be formed to hear appeals if necessary.
Architectural guidelines are not intended to arbitrarily control property, but rather are an additional means of fulfilling the association?’s duty to provide a beautiful community and protect property values.