Architectural Review Process
 

Does anyone know how to navigate the ARC process when an application has been denied? I wanted to add a 4 foot extension (bird cage which was to have a waterfall and pond in it) and the ARC denied it unless I put a slab of concrete inside. What's with that? I have seen the same project in many places in The Villages. Is this just some of my fellow Villagers on the committee flexing their muscles? I have been told that many more things get denied since the local districts took over the review.

I am pretty sure that concrete flooring inside bird cages here in TV has always been part of the rules.(south of 466) I am not sure why. I can't think of any birdcages that I have seen without concrete but I have seen some pretty ponds and fountains inside some birdcages, and some streetlight looking pole lamps.


I don't know if you have chosen the contractor who will do your birdcage, but usually they are familiar with the rules and restrictions.

My point is that there will be no concrete showing as it will all be rock dirt plants and a pond so what is the point. I will have to pay a visit to ARC and hope for the best.

add on
 

just show the concrete and get your approval and when you build it leave the conc out. if you had to put it in later it would not be a big deal

The idea of intentionally deceiving the ARC just seems like the wrong thing to do. Not to mention that it puts the contractor in a bad position. And what happens when the inspector comes and the concrete in the plan is missing.

We had a neighbor whose plan was denied initially, but approved on appeal.

I probably would have gone with the suggestion that prompted your post - just leave the concrete out and see what happens; however, you make some valid points - particularly about the inspector. I am quite sure what the OP has in mind would be beautiful and only hope those on the board don't have tunnel vision.

Rules are important to keep things in line, but someone should have the foresight when an excellent plan comes along to allow for some diversion from said rules. A committee should be wise enough to look at the plan and determine if it enhances the community and take it from there.

Not a good idea! IMHO

This is a smart idea. Its always possible that the ARC did not fully understand what you were requesting. Doing things right, and going in with a smile on your face may just work.

You say that you have see this same project in many places in The Villages, knock on the door and ask what steps they took.

It is a good idea. A friend of mine has a huge bird cage that includes a pool with concrete deck and another portion that is a garden with walkways all without a concrete pad. But he is not in TV. Fight for your plan.

The ARC is one of the most screwed up governing agencys. I had a lot of experience dealing with these folks.. Basically (in most parts of the Villages) you can do almost anything that is not SPECIFICALLY in the covenents. My problem with them was their use of the words athestically conforming. I was finally told this word is uninforcable and athestically pleasing is "in the eye of the beholder"..Meaning: what you think is ugly, I might think is beautiful. You do have an option and i suggest you use it. You can appeal the decision before your CDD board. This board is made up of elected members from your neighborhood. Good Luck !!

Your assumption is incorrect, I have friends who have a fish pond and waterfall within a portion of their bird cage. There is no concrete slab in that area. Your disclaimer (south of 466) might be true in that portion of the Villages.

"Not a good Idea" was directed at the suggestion of being intentionally deceptive when applying for approval. There are instances in TV where homeowners have been required to redo based on compliance with the approval as granted. Could be expensive.

That is true. Our neighbors have some grass and earth. I just always thought that there had to be mostly concrete flooring. I can't argue with you because I don't know. We don't have a birdcage.


I hope the OP gets what makes him happy and does it within the comfort of permission. Read below, I have to be me. I am a rule follower.

I would hope for the sake of the future of The Villages that committees such ARC hold tight on covenants rules etc and that especially applies to the rules concerning renting. If you disagree ride around to other housing developments to see what happens when rules are not enforce

I will play by the rules and try to resubmit. The contractor is reputable and will not do the work without the approval. Will post pictures if and when this ever gets done

So the end of the story got written today. Went to the ARC Office and showed a picture of what I proposed and they immediately approved it. The contractor just did not explain what I was going to do properly. ARC assumed I was putting just grass to have someplace for my dogs (which I do not own) to run around. I promised them that as the coi died I would dispose of them properly before they started to smell.

ARC not really the bad guys as some portrayed. Good for OP!:)

I agree. It is good for us all if plans are reviewed.

I didn't want to sound negative toward ARC but as it turned out fighting for the OP's plan was the thing to do. ARC has a lot on their plate so somethings get and need a second look. Happy for the out come the plan for the bird cage sounds very good to me.

I call that type of treatment in the Bird cage as bringing the indoors out and outdoors in.

Your Issue May Be Structural
 

Believe it or not, those birdcages are highly engineered to resist wind damage. The screens will blow out first, long before the metal structure fails--at well over 100 mph winds. But their engineering requires very precise construction of the metal pieces and particularly fastening to the concrete pad and turnbuckles placed at precise places. By trying to build the birdcage over dirt, you may be substantially weakening the entire structure because it would not be fastened to the concrete pad.

That may be a possibility.

By the way, I don't think residents have anything to do with approvals of ARC requests. They are handled by full-time professionals and are based on the authority you agreed to in the deed of the residence you purchased.

Spot on VK. A committee that holds applicants to their demands will do great harm to this community

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[B]By the way, I don't think residents have anything to do with approvals of ARC requests. They are handled by full-time professionals and are based on the authority you agreed to in the deed of the residence you purchased.[/[/B]QUOTE]
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I seemed to recall that the ARC was staffed by residents, so I sent an email to Community Standards; this is the response I received back;

Thank you for your e-mail regarding the members of the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). The ARC primary and alternate members are all residents, they represent the specific area in which they reside and are appointed by their respective Board of Supervisors. When there is an opening on the ARC, a notice is placed on the website and in the local newspaper requesting interested parties apply for the position. Once we have received the applications, the respective Board of Supervisors interviews the candidates, makes a determination and appoints the candidate to the ARC. .

I have a small garden in my bird cage which was installed during construction of the home. T&D had to get approval for the garden and the size was limited to less than I originally requested.

I agree.

Birdcage will be attached to concrete footing all around but no slab inside. All's well though. They were very polite and accommodating once they heard the plan from the horses mouth.