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FAQ - General

1.  How often does  the ARB meet?
2. I have a concern I would like to discuss with the ARB.  May I attend a meeting?
3. There are ribbons around the trees on the lot near my home.  Will  these  trees be removed?
4. The lot adjacent to my  home  has been sold.  Can I review the plans?
5.  Is it possible to be granted a variance to the guidelines?
6. Why does the ARB need a construction deposit?

FAQ – Existing Homes

 

1. What is required to submit to the ARB for an improvement I am planning for my home?
2.  How long does it take to get ARB approval for an improvement to my house?
3. What is required when changing exterior colors on my home?
4. I have a pine tree in my yard that I’m worried might fall on my  house.  Can I have it removed?
5. Why does the ARB charge a tree removal permit fee?
6. I want to build a pool in my back yard.  How far into the setback can it be built?
7. I want to add a fence. Is there a height requirement?

FAQ – New Homes

1.  How long does it take to get ARB approval for my new home?
2. What does the new home review process entail?
3. I want to make a change to my  home’s design after Final approval.  What do I do?
4. I am finishing up my new home.  When can I move in?

1.  How often does the ARB meet?
The ARB meets twice a month, on the first and third Tuesday at 8:30AM

2.  I have a concern I would like to discuss with the ARB.  May I attend a meeting?
Although the review portion of the ARB meeting is closed to visitors, a portion of the meeting is reserved for appointments with property owners and architects.  Please contact the ARB Administrator to schedule a time.

3.  There are ribbons around the trees on the lot near my home.  Will these trees be removed?
These ribbons indicate trees have been surveyed.  This is one of the requirements in the review
process. Evaluation of which trees must be preserved occurs during the site analysis and continues throughout the home review.

4.  The lot adjacent to my home has been sold.  Can I review the plans?
Plans can be reviewed in the ARB office only.  This can only be done after receiving written approval from the Architect.  It is the architect’s proprietary product and cannot be shown without permission.

5.  Is it possible to be granted a variance to the guidelines?
Variances can be approved by the ARB during the review process.  If a variance is being considered by the ARB, a copy of the variance will be mailed to neighbors next to and across the street from the home site.  Responses received will be considered in the final decision.  Variances will not be approved after construction begins.  Surveyor or contractor error cannot be considered a “hardship” that supports a variance.
Why am I charged a review fee?
The review fee is to compensate the ARB staff and the Consulting Architect, and Landscape Architect for time spent reviewing, processing, and inspecting each project.

6.  Why does the ARB need a construction deposit?
The construction deposit, whether for new home, demolition, or improvement construction, insures that work in Belfair complies with the ARB Standards and Guidelines.

 

FAQ – Existing Homes

 
1.  What is required to submit to the ARB for an improvement I am planning for my home?
Any exterior modification or additions to an existing home must follow the same procedures as for a new home.  Prepare a submittal package outlining the scope of the work, including an application, color board, a new site plan and elevation plans showing all changes.  Pay fees and deposits as required.
 
2.  How long does it take to get ARB approval for an improvement to my house?
Most projects can be approved within a few weeks.  Most projects are approved at one meeting if the proper submittal is made.

3.  What is required when changing exterior colors on my home?
Complete the ARB Exterior Change Request Form with color name and sample square attached.
Submit with a check for the ARB non-refundable fee of $50.  Upon approval of the ARB a $250
Refundable deposit is submitted prior to a permit being issued.
 
4.  I have a pine tree in my yard, I’m worried might fall on my house. Can I have it removed?
Yes it can be removed.  The first step is to complete the ARB Application for Tree Removal form.  Our
Belfair Arborist will inspect the tree.  If the tree is to be removed, a list of Tree removal  companies  will be sent to you.  Upon notification of the Tree company to be used a $25.00 fee will be charged to your
member account.  Mitigation may be required.
 
5.  Why does the ARB charge a Tree Removal  Permit fee?
The fee amount is added to the POA Tree Mitigation Fund to be used to plant various
“Significant Trees” on POA Common ground.
 
6.  I want to build a pool in my back yard.  How far into the setback can it be built?
Location of the pool must be inside the setback.  Design should allow for a possible fence that might be required by an insurance company.  This height requirement would normally be 48”with lockable gate.
The fence must be within the setback.
 
7.  I want to add a fence.  Is there a height requirement?
Fence plans must be drawn on a previously approved site plan and will include an elevation of one section of the fence.  Maximum fence height is 4’ above grade if located within the setback.  Locating the fence outside the setbacks mandates that the tallest portion of the fence be under 36” and must b installed no closer to the property line than 10 feet.  All installed fencing must be screened with evergreen shrubbery that covers 50% of the height and the entire width of the fence at the time of installation.  Landscaping must cover 75% of the fence by the end of one year.

 

FAQ – New Homes

1.  How long does it take to get ARB approval for my new home?
The length of the new home review process depends on a variety of factors.  These may include design,
construction, or landscaping concerns, your architects schedule, and other related factors.  We work closely with builders and architects to facilitate this process.  We suggest allowing three to four  months for your construction schedule.
 
2.  What does the new home review process entail?
 The new home review process begins with a Site Analysis followed by three reviews with the Board – Conceptual, Preliminary, and Final. Once final approval is received, the architect and/or builder should address any outstanding concerns prior to submitting for a permit.

3.   I want to make a change to my home’s design after final approval.  What do I do?
If you wish to make changes that would result in the drawings/building plans not representing the as built construction, then  the changes shall be submitted to the ARB for approval before implementation.
A fee for every change will be a minimum of $100.00.
 
4. I am finishing up my home.  When can I move in?
 Once the contractor or owner provides the ARB office with a copy of a Certificate of Occupancy, a final
Inspection will be made by the ARB .  The inspection is to insure that the building is complete according to plans, color and material and that the house is ready for occupancy.  Once the final approval is done, the homeowner may move into their new home.