Committee Corner Architectural Review Committee (ARC)
We need to be good neighbors and follow the approved Cresswind Rules & Regulations when developing our home projects. Here are a few Frequently Asked Questions of the ARC.
When do I need to request approval for something I want to do outside of my home? What is the general guidance on requesting approval from the ARC for a project?
Can I improve the Community Common Property around my home? Cresswind Rules & Regulations Manual 5-3.1. General: (h) Under certain circumstances, improvements may be made to Community Common Property with approval of the Architectural Review Committee and/ or the Landscape Committee and the Association Board of Directors. It is the intent of the Association to allow residents to landscape and hardscape (excluding fences) berms and slopes which are adjacent to certain lots in the Community. Before any improvements can be made, homeowners must submit requests to the Architectural Review Committee and/or the Landscape Committee for review and approval.
If your project grows, the Landscape Committee is responsible for the approval. For all other items, the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) is responsible for the approval. Forms for both projects can be found online at the Cresswind Website/Info/Committees then select ARC Committee or Landscape Committee. Complete the form and submit the form to the Cresswind Front Office Desk. This form needs to be completed and approved prior to starting the project. The ARC Committee has been busy processing an increased number of requests in 2021. We have a great group of volunteers that visit each home to discuss the project and submit the project to the ARC Committee for approval. As you can see by the number or requests listed below, Cresswind has been busy beautifying our great neighborhood.
Changes to the exterior of a home require ARC approval in advance of starting the work. In most cases, you should not start work until you receive approval from the Community Manager. The Cresswind at Lake Lanier Rules and Regulations Manual states, “Any modification, alteration, or addition of ornamentation of any type or size to a home in Cresswind, that is, anything that can be seen by you, a neighbor, or pedestrians requires advance approval from the ARC. This includes statues, metal or concrete sculptures, bird baths, flowerpots, wind chimes, swings, benches, arbors, trellises, etc.” This list is not all-inclusive, and to be on the safe side you should reach out to the ARC for clarification if you have any questions on whether or not approval is required. How does the ARC process work, and what is the process for closing out an ARC request?
I’m confused, do I submit my request to the Landscape Committee or Architectural Review Committee (ARC)?
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by Louis McClure
The ARC process starts when you submit your request for approval for a project to the Cresswind Community Manager by email or to the Cresswind Front Office Desk. The request is logged and emailed to our ARC Chairman, who distributes the requests out to one of the ARC members (there are 9 members total including the Chairman). Your assigned ARC member will contact you to discuss/review your request. The ARC makes every effort to do this within one week of the ARC receiving your request, although we have a goal of 30 days and a limit of 60 days to do so. Once this review is complete, the ARC member makes a recommendation to the ARC Chairman to approve or deny the request. The Chairman sets up an electronic vote (e-vote) on the request and a majority vote decides the result. The results of the e-vote are transmitted to the Cresswind Community Manager, who sends an official approval or denial letter to the resident. It is important for the resident to keep a copy of this letter in their home file to answer any potential future questions or in the event they sell their home. Once an approval letter is received the work can commence!
The WATERFALL
May/June 2021
