We’ve compiled some frequently asked questions about the covenants surrounding home renovations.
A lot of the appeal of living in a community like Columbia Town Center is the uniformity of the neighborhood. If you’re planning a house renovation, you will need to navigate the rules and regulations of the Town Center Community Association. If you plan on remodeling your home’s exterior, you need to be aware of the covenants surrounding renovations. Here are some frequently asked questions about Town Center covenants.
What are Covenants?
The Covenants assure minimum standards for land use, architectural design, and property maintenance. They allow for the operation of the Town Center Community Association, Town Center Architectural Committee, and the Architectural Review Process (Section 7.01). You should have received these documents at settlement when you purchased your home or from your landlord.
Why Do We Have Covenants?
The Covenants empower the Town Center Architectural Committee to establish criteria for architectural changes and property maintenance through Architectural Guidelines (Section 7.05). These Guidelines are designed to prevent excesses or abuses, while allowing individuals flexibility in property use. Based upon the policies and previous decisions of the Architectural Committee, the Guidelines will tell you what is most likely to be approved in typical circumstances and also give you essential information on how to prepare your application.
What is the TCAC?
The Town Center Architectural Committee (TCAC) is responsible for setting rules and procedures for architectural control, reviewing, and finally approving all exterior alterations to existing property and new construction. The TCAC comprises village resident volunteers, with the majority appointed by the Columbia Association and the minority by the Village Board. It is the final appeal body for all architectural decisions in the Village.
What if I Have a Complaint?
Anonymous complaints should be brought to the attention of the Covenant Advisor, who will investigate the situation. If a violation exists, the property owner is notified and given a specific time to correct the violation either by removal, submitting an acceptable application, or repairing a maintenance problem. Most problems are resolved at this stage.
However, if no action is taken to correct the violation, a formal notice is sent to the owner stating that legal remedies may be initiated. If the problem is still not corrected by the owner, the TCAC may then take further action or submit the violation to the Columbia Association Architectural Resource Committee (ARC), which may recommend that the Columbia Association and the Village take further measures, including legal action, to enforce the Covenants.
Who Do I Contact About the Covenants?
You can contact the Town Center Community Association at 410-730-4744. Or the Howard County Dept. of Inspections, Licenses & Permits (410-313-2455), Miss Utilities (1-800-257-7777), or the Columbia Association Land Management Office (410-381-0194).
THRIVE AT COLUMBIA TOWN CENTER
Town Center is one of the ten villages of Columbia, Maryland. Our Village offices are located in Historic Oakland, one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Howard County. In the heart of Columbia, Town Center’s residents enjoy living in an urban community in a suburban setting with close proximity to all Columbia amenities, attractions, and cultural activities. Visit us to learn more about our community at 5430 Vantage Point Road, Columbia, MD 21044. Call us at 410-730-4744 or visit our website https://www.columbiatowncenter.org/