Architectural Review Committee

Download the Architectural Review Application Form

The value of our neighborhood and your home is determined by many things. A well maintained, clean neighborhood can have a huge impact on your home's value. So out of respect for your neighborhood please remember these things:

• Seek approval for any project that might impact the exterior appearance of your property BEFORE signing any contracts or performing any work. The approval process is described below.
• Trash, yard debris, or recycle containers are not to be viewable from the street with the exception of collection days. (CC&Rs 4.72)
• A/C condensers are not to be visible from the street. Due to limited locations they may be screened in order to reduce visibility. Contact the ARC if you have questions. (CC&Rs 4.L4)
• Satellite dishes, antennas, solar panels, etc, are not to be visible from the street directly in front of the house (or side in the case of a corner lot). (CC&Rs 4.15)
• All landscaping on homeowner lots shall be kept free of weeds, diseased, or dead lawn. All lawn areas shall be fertilized and neatly mowed on a regular basis. (CC&Rs 5.5)

Why is there an Architectural Review Committee?

Residents of Orenco Meadows and their properties are governed by Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions (CC&Rs). The CC&Rs are set forth in a Deed and Agreement pursuant to a subdivision and sale of Orenco Meadows. The CC&Rs generally are designed to maintain certain community standards for architecture and appearance and to promote the beauty and desirability of the Orenco Meadows neighborhood.

How can we all help to make Orenco Meadows more beautiful?

We ask every resident to take this opportunity to look around your property and see what you can do to make this special neighborhood even more beautiful. If you have trash, construction materials, or yard clutter on your property, please remove it. If your lawn or greenery has been poorly maintained, please improve them. If your paint is deteriorating, consider a fresh coat. In general, look at your home and yard with the eyes of your neighbors. If you see anything about the exterior appearance of your property that might seem troubling or unsightly to your neighbors, please do what you can to remedy the situation.

How can the Architectural Review Committee help?

If you have a specific concern about the appearance of something in the neighborhood, please bring it to a Committee member's attention. The ARC members will contact residents about situations that require attention. If we all work together, we can keep this to a minimum. Self-policing of compliance with our CC&Rs and neighborhood standards works best for everyone. Where enforcement of the CC&Rs is required, however, the task falls to the ARC, as explained in more detail below.

Where can we find the CC&Rs?

Every homeowner should receive a copy of the CC&Rs from their real estate agent when the home is purchased. Whether a copy was received or not, the CC&Rs are available on the documents page.

What requires ARC approval?

It is impossible to summarize the CC&Rs in a few sentences. As a rule of thumb, however, the CC&Rs grant the Association broad discretion over any modifications or additions to the exterior of the property. Common modifications or additions requiring approval include landscaping, paint colors, fences, roof work, additions, sheds, screen/security doors, playhouses, swing sets, satellite dishes or other structures. The CC&Rs also provide numerous setback and "free space" restrictions that govern how close to property lines structures may be.

What is the approval process?

Before beginning any work or sign any contracts, complete and submit an application. Submission instructions are on the application. Plans requiring approval must be submitted in writing, with a sufficient description or sample of colors, materials and specifications to allow meaningful evaluation. A site inspection by a Committee member may be necessary. The ARC has 21 days to evaluate, so please provide as much advance notice of a proposal as possible. A written record of projects, approved or rejected, is maintained by the Committee.

What other responsibilities does the ARC have?

The Committee is charged with ensuring that all properties are maintained in good order and in a manner consistent with the character, traditions, and good reputation of the neighborhood. By way of example, this includes responsibility for addressing paint deterioration, poorly maintained lawns, shrubbery, trees, failing sheds, fences, trash, unsightly yard clutter/ or any other condition that, in the judgment of the Committee, adversely impacts the aesthetic values of the Orenco Meadows neighborhood or otherwise runs afoul of the CC&Rs.