Please Note: All answers below are summaries of answers given to people given to people in the neighborhood previously. Your answer for your home may vary based on your specific situation. The ultimate decision on Architectural Changes comes from what is written in the covenants and not this FAQ.
Q: When is a Arch Change Request required?
A: Whenever a change is made to the outside of the home. This does not include Landscaping. This also does not include repairs with the exact same materials or painting/staining something the exact same color. Example: If you have to replace a rotted 1 x 4 piece of trim with another 1 x 4 piece of trim and then paint it to match the existing trim, that would not require a change request. Things that always require a change request form submission include changing the color of the house, replacing the roof, adding a fence, and adding a swing set (for the homes where it is allowed.)
Q: Why are the requirements for my fence different than the requirements for another home in the neighborhood?
A: The covenants lays out different requirements based on the location of your home. Pond Lots, Perimeter Lots, Corner Lots, Village Homes, and Highly Visible lots are just some of the categories defined in the covenants. There are also some lots called out by lot number for special treatment. The best place to review this in the 2nd revision of the covenants.
Q: Why can’t I have a 6′ tall privacy fence on my lot?
A: Unfortunately for many/most homes in the neighborhood a 6′ tall privacy fence is not allowed. Pond Lots max out at 4′. All lots with special designations max out at various heights depending on the instructions in the second amendment to the covenants. All other lots max out at 6′. See the 2nd revision of the covenants to check if you are impacted by this.
Q: What has to be submitted in addition to the change request itself with my Arch Change Request?
A: 1) Drawing of the change or a marked-up Plat Plan 2) Photograph of a similar completed project. The ARC must be able to compare the existing structure with the planned change to the home. An example of this is a roof replacement would require a sample of the shingle to be submitted to Sentry or a picture of the planned shingles with enough detail to review what the impact to the appearance of the home would be or an image of a similar home that has already had the exact same shingle applied. 3) Copy of Blueprints and Elevations (if available) or working drawings (If blueprints and elevations are not avail)
Q: Are there color requirements for the color of any part of the outside of my house?
A: Yes and no. On the “Yes” side, the ARC is required by the covenants to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the real estate. Under the current conditions of the neighborhood, this means that the ARC could not approve something like a Neon Yellow house. On the No side, we do not have a list of colors that you are required to use. Provided the color does not diverge from the current neighborhood aesthetics the ARC does not particularly care what color you choose.
Q: Why does the ARC care what the changes to my home will look like and what materials will be used?
A: The ARC is required to verify that the materials used will be of a similar grade or better than the materials used during the building of the house. The ARC must have documentation to prove that this was done.
Q: Why hasn’t the ARC responded to my request yet?
A: The ARC is run by volunteers. The ARC must exist to comply with the requirements of our covenants and restrictions. At the current time, we do not have many volunteers and that slows down processing when life events occur (EX: the birth of a child.) The ARC is given 30 days by the covenants to respond to all requests, so please plan accordingly when you are planning your exterior projects.
Q: What am I allowed to do in my yard without a change request?
A: Any changes which are related purely to plants in your yards can be done without an ARC. All grading changes, excavation or filling of your yard will require an ARC. However, anything which makes the yard potentially appear “unsightly” will also require an ARC or you will likely be sent a violation letter. Please keep in mind that all changes to trees that are along the street require approval from the city of Fishers. Additionally, there are species that the City of Fishers does not allow for Trees, Shrubs, groundcover, and grasses. See http://www.fishers.in.us/DocumentCenter/View/480/Preferred-Planting-Guide?bidId=