The ARB Design & Construction Guidelines Have Been In Effect Since January 1, 2022

As a reminder, the new ARB’s Design & Construction Guidelines have been in effect since January 1, 2022. This new version should make projects more understandable and approachable by both homeowners and professionals. After 9 months of exercising this new document, we have had very little pushback or challenges with these new Guidelines. This fall the ARB will take time to do a full review of the Guidelines and update as needed to ensure the desired result is achieved.

CLICK HERE FOR THE 2022 ARB DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES

Here were the more salient changes to these new Guidelines:

The new 70% buildable area within the building setbacks, and a clearer description for the 75% rule for 2nd floors, to control building massing.
Pools and spas will now be included as impervious when calculating the impervious to lot ratio.
Impervious to lot ratio will now be maxed at 35%.

What Requires An ARB Permit And What Does Not

Exterior work that changes the appearance (color, material, etc.) or footprint of the existing property requires an ARB permit. Examples of exterior work that require an arb permit, but are not limited to:

Adding gutters to a home that does not already have a gutter system in place
Repainting (even if the home will be painted the same colors)
Reroofing (even if the new roof will match the existing color/material)
Replacing/rebuilding a deck or patio (even if replacing it to the same color/material)
Extending a deck or patio
Replacing/changing a driveway (even if replacing it to the same color/material)
Addition ornamental features (such as exterior lights or skylights)
Extensive changes to landscaping where it alters more than 50%
Tree trimming/removal/bush hogging (for trees 6 inches in DBH or greater)
Replacing a window or door (even if the new door/window will be the exact style/color)
Pool maintenance for re-plaster or re-tile (even if replacing with the same color)
Interior remodeling if it affects the exterior of the house in any way or if a portable toilet or dumpster will be utilized

Routine maintenance, upkeep, and repairs to the exterior of a home and landscaping does not require a permit. The following are examples of work not requiring a permit:

Minor roof repair (due to a roof leak or missing shingles)
Wood rot and touch up paint after the repair
Pool cleaning
Power washing
Landscape maintenance (including pruning of palm trees; all other tree trimming requires a permit for trees that are 6 inches in DBH or greater)
Minor driveway repair due to cracking or lifting (seal coating, patching or overlay resurfacing to the affected section)
Replacing gutters to match existing gutters
Re-staining or re-sealing of a deck or patio
Removal of debris from a fallen tree
Minor stucco repair due to cracks

Any renovation requiring ARB approval also subjects the property to an overall ARB inspection to ensure the property meets current ARB standards. If deficiencies are found, issuance of the ARB permit may be contingent upon the owner’s agreement to bring the property into compliance with the current ARB Design and Construction Guidelines.

Changes To Approved Projects

Adherence to applications and plans, as they are submitted and approved, is required. Changes to any approved/permitted project must be submitted to the ARB on a Change Request Form (even if the change is considered minor). Revised documents/plans clearly showing the changes must be submitted and approved prior to site changes being made. No exceptions! Failure to adhere to this policy may result in a fine and/or retention of all or part of your compliance deposit.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Guidelines, if a permit is required for a specific project, and when does a change request need to be submitted for a project, please feel free to reach out to the Community Standards Manager, Monica Stites, at (843) 785-1109 or mstites@pdpoa.org or to the ARB Coordinator, Alexia Hannon, at (843) 785-1109 or ahannon@pdpoa.org.