If you plan on remodeling your home’s exterior, you need to be aware of the covenants surrounding 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. We’ve compiled some helpful information about the covenants surrounding home renovations.
What are Covenants?
The covenants are legal documents that are part of your deed of ownership and transfer to future owners. These documents assure minimum standards for land use, architectural design, and property maintenance. The covenants also allow for the operation of the Town Center Community Association, Town Center Architectural Committee, and the Architectural Review Process. You should have received these documents when you purchased your home or from your landlord. Similar covenants exist for the other Columbia villages.
Inform the Architectural Committee of Your Plans
You might be nervous about taking on your home renovation ideas. To reduce those fears, contact the committee early and let them know exactly what you’re planning.
When deciding to perform any home alterations, it’s a good idea to touch base with the TCCA and find out precisely what requires approval. Bringing your renovation plans to the committee early on can also save you from wasting time and money if your ideas go against the covenants.
Submit Plans for Approval
If you’re doing exterior home renovations, it’s guaranteed that they will need approval; this usually requires filling out forms. Before starting your project, complete and submit the Town Center Community Association application. To ensure your application is reviewed as quickly as possible, please observe the following guidelines:
- Provide as much detail as possible about your project.
- Get signatures from 2 affected neighbors.
- Submit a site plan showing the location/configuration of the project.
- Submit a scale drawing of the project.
- Include color samples
- Include drawings or photos of the materials you are using.
- Sign and date the application; supply contact information, including email address.
- Attend the meeting at which your application will be reviewed to answer any questions the Architectural Committee may have.
Don’t Forget About Your Neighbors
In a close-knit community like Columbia Town Center, showing consideration and respect for your neighbors is important. If your remodeling project will affect your neighbors, such as cutting down trees, installing a deck, or re-paving your driveway, be sure to let them know your plans as well. The last thing you want is to deal with an unhappy neighbor because you didn’t warn them about upcoming construction.
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/