We’ve compiled some helpful information about the covenants surrounding home renovations.
One of the many benefits of living in Columbia Town Center is the cohesive, uniform aesthetic of the neighborhood. To maintain this harmonic appearance, homeowners must follow specific rules about what changes they can and can not make to their home’s exterior. These rules are called covenants. 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 Town Center Village Covenants, which establish the authority for the Architectural Committee, are a binding legal contract between the Village of Town Center and all property owners.
The Covenants give the Architectural Committee of the Town Center Residential Community Association Board the responsibility to set rules and procedures for architectural controls. There are similar Covenants for each of the other Villages.
What is the Approval Process?
The property owner is responsible for obtaining all required Howard County approvals. Applicants should contact the Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits (410-313-2455) to verify and obtain the required permits before beginning any work.
Applicants who live in a townhouse or condominium community with a Homeowners Association (HOA) may need to obtain approval for exterior alterations. Check with your HOA to determine if this is the case. Approval by the Town Center Architectural Committee is independent of HOA approval and does not imply or supersede HOA approval, nor does HOA approval substitute for Architectural Committee approval.
Typically, the stricter criteria will apply and may result in further applications needing to be submitted to satisfy the requirements of all applicable entities, such as the village, an HOA, and/or the county. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to comply with all covenants, laws, and regulations.
How to Submit Plans for Approval
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.
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/