HH Home - Design Review Committee - Section III –What Needs Approval?
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CAHH Design Review Guidelines
Section III –What Needs Approval?
All new construction
and all alterations of existing structures and topography requires
approval by the Design Review Committee. Since all such construction
must be approved "as to conformity and harmony of external
design with existing structures in the subdivision", it is
necessary that all alterations that affect the visual appearance of
the house and its topography should be reviewed. Although the
covenant refers to "building" and "structure"
this is interpreted to mean "that which is built or constructed"
(Fairfax Zoning Code).
Accordingly, fences, decks, detached,
accessory structures (sheds, carports, pool/tennis enclosures,
greenhouses, etc.) gazebos, trellises, awnings
and retaining walls and
free-standing walls should be included as constructions that require
approval. In-kind replacements of the parts of the structures do not
have to come before the Design Review Committee. However, when
considering, for example, replacement windows, the size and
proportion of original Hollin Hills windows should not be changed
without design review approval.
In addition to DRC
approval, there are Fairfax County Codes which relate to decks,
fences, sheds and other accessory structures which must be met. It is
the homeowners responsibility to be aware of such Code requirements
and to comply with them.
No DRC approval is
needed in matters of minor exterior lighting from incandescent
sources (normal bulbs). Satellite dishes and free-standing antennae
towers require approval.
Where minor
construction is occurring, the DRC Chairman may use his/her
discretionary authority to waive submission of an application for
approval. This authority to waive review should encourage applicants
to inquire prior to action if there is any question of applicability.
One purpose of
guidelines such as those contained in this report is to encourage
homeowners to meet and strive toward community design standards.
Obviously there are many examples in Hollin Hills of departures from
these recommendations. You don't need to feel compelled to tear down
all your ogee gutters or replace expensive doors, sheds, etc. But,
when the opportunity for replacement of gutters, windows, roofs,
fences does occur, you should move toward the guidelines. As these
improvements are made, the appearance of our community is maintained
and enhanced.
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