CaptJohn
11-21-2011, 04:12 PM
I was just reading the sad story on Landscape Talks about a villager losing $8500. on a project due to subdivision restriction violations in that it was not permitted, so I thought I would share some thoughts from my experience that might help someone in the future. This will apply to newbies and oldies alike! Save some money, do it right.
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As a former Chairman of an Architectural Review Committee of an island community, I can tell you the most important thing to remember is that the homeowner is always responsible for the actions on the property. I would suggest that if you're a new owner to be sure and obtain your subdivision restrictions at the closing and then BE SURE TO READ THEM. If you're a long time owner, read them!
In most cases, they will list things you can and cannot do but the part many miss is that just because something specific is not named does not mean you can avoid the permitting process. People often try to skirt the process but it always catches up in the end. If you have any questions, call the ARC for clarification. They will usually try to help if you approach them before a project rather than trying to fix a problem after. When in doubt, ask!
Another thing is to NOT trust your contractor if he says he's obtained a permit as part of the particular project you've hired him to do or if he says a permit is not needed. If he says it's included and he will obtain the permit, insist you see the APPROVED permit BEFORE you let him start work. They (the bad ones) are usually in a hurry to finish a job and get paid and don't want to wait for the permitting process. Yes, I know there are good ones who do it right and they're much appreciated. Better yet, get the permit yourself and you'll know it's OK.
ARC are usually hard working and under appreciated and catch a lot of flack from novices who are not familiar with the process. Just do your due diligence. When in doubt, ask the ARC.
That committee is the reason TV remains such a nice place that is so desirable.
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Found this since posting: https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44389
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As a former Chairman of an Architectural Review Committee of an island community, I can tell you the most important thing to remember is that the homeowner is always responsible for the actions on the property. I would suggest that if you're a new owner to be sure and obtain your subdivision restrictions at the closing and then BE SURE TO READ THEM. If you're a long time owner, read them!
In most cases, they will list things you can and cannot do but the part many miss is that just because something specific is not named does not mean you can avoid the permitting process. People often try to skirt the process but it always catches up in the end. If you have any questions, call the ARC for clarification. They will usually try to help if you approach them before a project rather than trying to fix a problem after. When in doubt, ask!
Another thing is to NOT trust your contractor if he says he's obtained a permit as part of the particular project you've hired him to do or if he says a permit is not needed. If he says it's included and he will obtain the permit, insist you see the APPROVED permit BEFORE you let him start work. They (the bad ones) are usually in a hurry to finish a job and get paid and don't want to wait for the permitting process. Yes, I know there are good ones who do it right and they're much appreciated. Better yet, get the permit yourself and you'll know it's OK.
ARC are usually hard working and under appreciated and catch a lot of flack from novices who are not familiar with the process. Just do your due diligence. When in doubt, ask the ARC.
That committee is the reason TV remains such a nice place that is so desirable.
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Found this since posting: https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44389