Seaview Property Owners Association

Architectural Review Committee Process


The Architectural Review Committee (ARC)

All residents benefit from the planning and design of Seaview.  A logical extension of this community planning and design effort is the assurance that high residential design standards will be maintained through the establishment of design controls to assure that continued high design standards protect property values and enhance Seaview’s overall environment and livability.

The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) ensures continued quality development at Seaview by reviewing plans for all new construction and exterior alterations by builders and property owners  subject to the Protective Covenants.   The ARC is comprised of four members:

1.Bob Miller - Chairman
2.Greg Null
3.Greg Chambers
4.Frank Frederico


The ARC evaluates all submissions on the individual merits of the application. Besides evaluation of the particular design proposal, this includes consideration of the characteristics of the housing type and the individual site, since what may be an acceptable design of an exterior in one instance may not be for another.

Design decisions made by the ARC in reviewing applications are not based on personal opinion or taste. Judgments of acceptable design are based on the following types of criteria that are detailed in the Seaview Protective Covenants, Conditions, Easements, and Restrictions. 

Validity of Concept. The basic idea must be sound and appropriate to the Seaview vision as described in the Protective Covenants.

Design Compatibility. The proposed construction/improvement must be compatible with the architectural characteristics of the applicant's house, adjoining houses, and the Seaview style. Compatibility is defined as similarity in architectural massing and style, quality of workmanship, similar use of materials, color and construction details.

Location and Impact on Neighbors. The proposed structure/alteration should relate favorably to the landscape, the existing structure and the neighborhood. The primary concerns are access, view, sunlight, ventilation and drainage.

Scale. The size (in three dimensions) of the proposed structure or alteration should relate well to adjacent structures and its surroundings, as well as conform to the standards set forth in the covenants

Color. Color may be used to soften or intensify visual impact. Primary parts of the structure such as roofs, facades, and trim should be matching or complementary in color.

Materials. Continuity is established by use of the same or compatible materials. For instance, vertical wood siding on the main portion of the structure should be reflected in an adjacent element or addition. On the other hand, an addition with wood siding may be compatible with a brick house.  Owners should refer to acceptable building materials in the Seaview Protective Covenants.

Timing. Projects which remain uncompleted for a long period of time are visually objectionable and can be a nuisance and safety hazard for neighbors and the community . All applications must include estimated completion dates. If the construction period is considered unreasonable, the ARC may not approve the application.  All new construction should demonstrate continued progress towards completion.

Items Required for Submission by Property Owner

The following items are required by the ARC in order to review and approve submittals:

[A surveyed plan by a licensed surveyor, at a scale of 1"=20’ indicating all proposed changes to the existing site - including grading, tree removal and "limits of construction" lines. The site plan must show the exact location of the building with dimensions from property line to the proposed building. The alignment of the driveway and location of utility lines, drain field, well and equipment must be shown and dimensioned. Any outbuilding (garages, sheds, etc.) must be included on the plans.

[A set of building architectural plans at ¼"=1’-0" scale showing entrances, floor layout and window locations, must be submitted. The plan(s) must include overall dimensions of rooms.   Also included in the set of architectural plans are elevation drawings of all sides at 1/4"=1-0" scale.

[Construction Materials Sample Board -- showing actual samples of major materials, finishes and colors, along with photographs, xerox copies/product literature of external site furnishings (external light fixtures,  etc.) and architectural fixtures.


Property Owner - Builder Submittal/ARC Review Procedure

The homeowner or authorized representative (architect or contractor) must submit 2 sets of required plans, drawings and documents, along with a construction materials sample board to the ARC.   The ARC shall meet as necessary to review all submittals. The ARC will decide if any additional meetings are necessary.

The ARC will inform the responsible party of the results of the review in writing  no later than 60 days after the submittal of all of the required items which constitute the application. . If the submittal is approved, a set of submittal documents shall be stamped "approved" and mailed to the homeowner or the authorized representative. If a submittal is rejected, the ARC will notify the responsible party by letter. The ARC shall indicate what items are not in character with the design guidelines and covenants.

The homeowner may submit a revised submittal package with changes that satisfy the ARC concerns. The ARC will review resubmittals upon receipt and make approvals or rejections. The ARC will inform, by written letter, all approvals or rejections of resubmitted applications within 30 days of receipt of  resubmittal.


Seaview ARC Review Process



























Actions Required Prior to Start of Construction

[Appropriate construction entrance put in place

[All proposed construction must be accurately staked out on the site, including all building corners, out buildings, major decks, terraces and driveways. In addition, snow fences must be erected along the perimeter of the limits of construction.

[The homeowner is responsible for obtaining all required local building permits.

[All alterations to the approved documents must be submitted to the ARC for approval before construction of those alterations begins.

[The construction site (including adjacent road) must be kept in a clean and orderly manner. At the end of each working day the construction site must be policed to remove all debris and all materials stored on site kept in an orderly fashion.

[No open burning on the construction site.

[A portable toilet facility must be provided on the construction site.

[Copy of all approved local building permits




 
on Virginia's Eastern Shore