Article III, Section 4 of the Covenants explicitly states that all exterior alterations, permanent or temporary, require the approval of the ARB.  Article VI, Section 1(c) states:

No improvements, alterations, repairs, change of paint colors, excavations, changes in grade or other work, which in any way alters the exterior of any lot or common area or improvements located thereon from its natural or improved state, existing on the date such property was first subject to this Declaration, shall be made or done without the prior approval of the Architectural Review Board.  No building, residence or other structure, fence wall or landscaping in lieu thereof shall be commenced, erected, maintained, improved, altered, made or done on such property without the prior written approval of the Architectural Review Board.

It is important to understand that ARB approval is not limited to major alterations, but includes such items as changes in color, materials, etc., as well as the removal of existing items.  In accordance with Article III, Section 4 of the Covenants, once a plan is approved it must be implemented as approved.

Note:  Changes/modifications made within fenced-in yards are not excluded from the ARB review process. 

Structures, which are offered as builder options and are shown on original site plans, do not require ARB approval. These structures, if built to exact builder option specifications, have already been approved by the New Construction Panel and therefore do not require an application for review by the ARB.  However, these structures, installed by individual builders, will not serve as standards for the entire community.

ARB Review begins with the submission of an Exterior Alteration Application by the property owner proposing the project.  Each application for a change or modification is reviewed on an individual basis.  There are no “automatic” approvals, unless provided for specifically in these Architectural Guidelines.  A homeowner who wishes to construct a deck, for example, that is identical to one already approved is still required to submit an application.  What may be an acceptable design for one exterior may not be for another.  In short, evaluation of the design proposal includes the close review and consideration of the housing type and the individual site.

Design decisions made by the ARB are not based on any individual’s personal opinion or taste.  Judgments of acceptable design are based on the following criteria.

Relation to the Ashburn Farm Open Space Concept

Fencing, removal of trees, disruption of natural topography, and changes in storm water run-off that may cause damaging effects.

Validity of Concept

The basic idea must be sound and appropriate to its surroundings.

Design Compatibility

Proposed improvements must be compatible with the architectural characteristics of the house, adjoining houses and the neighborhood setting.  They must be similar in style, quality of the workmanship, materials, colors and construction details.

Location and Impact on Neighbors

Proposed alterations must relate favorably to the landscape, on existing structures and the neighborhood.  Of primary concern are access, view, sunlight, ventilation, noise, odors, vehicular and pedestrian traffic, privacy, and drainage.

Scale

The size (in three dimensions) of the proposed alteration should relate well to adjacent structures and surroundings.

Color

Color may be used to soften or intensify visual impact.  Parts of the addition that are similar to the existing house, such as the roof and trim, must be matching in color.

Materials

Continuity with the original house is established by using the same or compatible materials. For example, vertical wood siding on the original house should be reflected in an addition. The ARB realizes that options may be limited by the design and the materials of the original house.

Workmanship

The quality of work shall be equal to or better than that of the surrounding area or original construction.  Construction methods and materials are expected to comply with current industry standards.  Ashburn Farm Association assumes no responsibility for the safety or structural validity of new construction by virtue of design or workmanship.

Timing

All applications must include a start and completion date.  Projects that remain uncompleted for long periods are visually objectionable and can become a safety hazard.  Thus, the ARB has the right to disapprove a project whose time period is considered unreasonable.

Permits

It is the responsibility of each applicant to obtain a Building Permit where required and comply with Loudoun County codes and regulations.

Exterior Alteration Application (EAA) and Procedures

The ARB has designed an Exterior Alteration Application that must be completed and submitted prior to start of construction. You can obtain this application via the Association Website, or at the Association Office located at 21400 Windmill Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147.  The application should include:

• A full description of the exterior change or modification including, when applicable, drawings, pictures, color swatches, catalog illustrations, and lists of materials.  (Please include any of the worksheets specified under the “Application Requirements” noted in this document).

• A start and completion date.

• The signatures of four (4) property owners most affected by your change because they are adjacent to the property or can view the project.  

• A site plan (or plat) which is a scaled drawing of a lot (or plot) that illustrates the dimensions of the property, adjacent properties if applicable, and all improvements including those covered by the application.  Contour lines may be required where drainage is a consideration.  More complex applications may require a larger scale (10 to 20 feet to the inch scale) enlargement of the site plan (or plat) of Loudoun County approved development.

• Read and sign the back of the application.  The application is not complete until signed.  Submit the completed application to the Association Office.  FAX copies of the application are acceptable provided all information is clearly legible and complete.  In addition, another tool that can be used to submit the completed application is Adobe.  The application can be scanned and sent as an email attachment to the Association Office.  This form of submission is also acceptable. 

Review Procedures

Completed applications are accepted at the Association Office. The staff is available to answer questions and assist you with the process.  An incomplete application will be returned.  The review procedures are as follows:

• The first five (5) days after receipt, the application will be open to the public for review and comment.  The application will be referred to a member of the ARB for review, but the ARB will not act on the application during this period.

• On the sixth day the application may be approved or held for review by the entire board.

• Applicants with special cases that require review by the entire ARB will be notified and asked to attend the monthly ARB meeting.

• An ARB decision is required on all completed applications within 45 days after receipt.

• The applications are returned to the Association Office and a letter is sent to the applicant with the ARB decision.

• Applicants are responsible for notifying the homeowners who are most affected by the application because they are adjacent to the property or have a view of the project for all modifications to the original application contents, and any changes as a result of the ARB review of the application.