Q. Who can submit requests to the Architectural Control Committee (ACC)?
A. Any Forest Hills homeowner may submit a request to the ACC. Renters or property management professionals should work through the homeowner to submit requests.
Q. How do I request approval for an architectural action or change?
A. Homeowners seeking review and approval of a proposed project should submit details the Chairman, Architectural Control Committee at acc.fhva@gmail.com
Examples of actions requiring ACC approval include, but are not limited to:
The request to ACC should be as specific as possible regarding the scope of the proposal. It should include a detailed drawing of the finished design and provide a descriptive list of the materials that will be used. If the request addresses a major exterior change, the application’s level of detail should be the same as that required for a building permit request required by Arlington County. Homeowners are encouraged to include a statement that the immediate neighbors are aware of the proposal.
Q. What types of actions do not require ACC approval?
A. Homeowners must notify the ACC before beginning any project involving a change in external appearance and are encouraged to notify the Committee even if no appearance change is contemplated. In cases where the finished work will result in no alteration of the final appearance of the property, the ACC will review the proposed action to ensure that replacement items are the same design, appearance, and color; and the material equal or better quality than the original. The notification will also be recorded in the permanent file for the relevant property.
Q. What is the ACC’s review process?
A. The ACC screens all requests upon receipt. Simple projects are reviewed by email and normally approved within one week. Complex projects often require additional information, input from neighbors, and discussion at an ACC meeting. The ACC meets routinely every other month and can schedule additional meetings if needed for presentations by a homeowner and timely responses.
Q. Why do I need to contact the ACC?
A. The Forest Hills governing documents require that homeowners seek ACC approval when making an exterior change covered by the covenants. Article VIII of the Forest Hills Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions states that covered alterations need to be reviewed by ACC for quality of workmanship, design, colors, materials, and harmony. The requirements of the covenants are binding on all owners. The homeowner remains ultimately responsible for complying with the architectural requirements of FHCA governing documents. To avoid having to do the work twice, homeowners are strongly encouraged to consult ACC before beginning any project.
Q. What is the purpose of the Covenants and the ACC?
A. The covenants provide a framework for protecting the beauty, value, and harmonious appearance of the Forest Hills community. The ACC mission is to work with homeowners to maintain the quality and high standards of the original architectural design. Taken together, the covenants’ purpose is to protect your investment in your home and the overall desirability of the community.
Q. Can I appeal an ACC decision?
A. Yes. The Forest Hills Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions and By-laws are silent on the issue of an owner’s right to appeal an ACC decision. However, the Board allows interested and affected homeowners to appeal ACC decisions. Any appeal of an ACC decision needs to be filed in a timely manner (normally 10 days after a meeting or receipt of a letter) to the President or another Association officer. Every effort will be made to address the appeal at the next scheduled board meeting.
Q. May I attend ACC meetings?
A. Interested homeowners are welcome to attend ACC meetings. The Virginia Property Owners Association Act requires that committee meetings be announced in advance and be open to all homeowners. ACC meetings for 2020 are currently scheduled for May 11, July 13, September 14, and November 9 at 7PM. If you would like to attend a meeting, please contact the Chair at acc.fhva@gmail.com for the location.
Q. What difference does it make if I don’t seek prior approval and don’t comply with architectural rules?
A. Prior to selling your home, the Association prepares a disclosure package, as required by the Virginia Property Owners Association Act. The disclosure package contains information about the Association and your home, including architectural changes that do not comply with the protective covenants. You or the new owner will be required to bring the home into compliance in order to finalize the sale.
Information on Specific Projects
For questions or comments, please contact acc.fhva@gmail.com or any ACC member.
Revised by the ACC January 2020 and approved by FHCA Board of Directors
South Rolfe Street
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.