Ten easy steps to follow to ensure an acceptable review of exterior house and property additions and changes:

1. Contact the Foundation to find out what requirements are needed to make the changes or additions you are considering.
By contacting the MVF Architectural Standards Department, it can be determined whether or not you need to fill out a Property Improvement Request application (PIR).

2.  Determine if a fee is required for the Architectural Review Board's review of your request.
The application (PIR) now requires a review fee for every application submitted. This requirement was implemented as of June 1, 2005.

3.  Completely fill out the PIR.
The PIR applications are available online at www.mvf.org. by fax, mail or at the Foundation office at 10120 Apple Ridge Road.

4.  Gaither the information you need to help   the ARB make its decision.
It is best to have all your documents together to present to the ARB before it meets. For instance, it is best to have any samples (siding, paint colors, etc.), specifications of the materials that are to be used, a plat (a drawing showing property lines, house measurements, and, at times, location of the lot in the community), photos, architectural drawings and other helpful information. Compile all of this information, the completed, signed and dated PIR application and a check for the review fee, and mail or deliver it to the Foundation office.

Any applications received without a listed required review fee will be returned to the owner. If you have not provided enough information, the Architectural Standards Department may contact you to request the additional information, or the application may be returned until all information is received. 

5.  Submit your PIR and materials by the deadline.
All submitted requests must be logged in at the Foundation office by Wednesday at 5 p.m. in order to go to the ARB meeting the following Wednesday.

6.  Attend the ARB meeting when your request for an exterior change is reviewed.
Owners may attend the ARB meetings held at the North Creek Community Center Board Room on the first and third Wednesday of each month. The meeting begins at 5 p.m. and is an open meeting.  A specific time is given for review of an application if the homeowner plans on attending the meeting.  Contractors, architects or other persons, designated by the owners as agents, may make a presentation on behalf of the owner provided an authorized agent affidavit is filed at the MVF office along with the PIR, plans and review fee. The affidavit is available at the Foundation office upon request. If neither the owner nor a representative of the owner is present at the ARB meeting, the application will still be reviewed; however, the ARB may have some unanswered questions. On occasion, if the PIR has been reviewed internally by the Architectural Standards Department and the request is approved, the Architectural Standards staff will notify the owner that the request has been approved so it will not be necessary for them to attend the meeting. Additionally, the ARB reserves the right to limit the amount of time for each property owner's presentation.  

7.  Wait to see if your request has been approved or denied.
Written notification of the ARB decision or any Architectural Standards Department internal decision will be mailed to the homeowner within ten days following the ARB meeting. Other material submitted with the application, but not suitable for mail, can be picked up at the MVF office by the owner or designated agent. Materials not picked up within a 30 day period will become the property of the AS Department.The ARB may approve a request, approve the request with modification (where certain changes need to be made by the owner) or deny the request.       

8.  Request that the ARB reconsider your  proposal if it is denied.
The owner may request the ARB to reconsider its denial of an application. The owner should explain the reason for reconsideration in writing and include any new supporting information concerning the request. The Architectural Standards Department will refer the letter to the ARB for consideration at its next scheduled meeting.

9.  Appeal an ARB decision.
An owner may appeal an ARB decision to the MVF Executive Committee. This committee meets once each month, and a letter of appeal must be submitted to the foundation one week in advance of the meeting. The Village News announces upcoming Executive Committee meetings. Owners should call 301-948-0110 extensions 355, 351 or 319 if they plan to appeal or if they wish to attend the Executive Committee meeting.      

10.   Taking the last step if you are unsatisfied with the Executive Committee's decision.
If an owner is unsatisfied with an Executive Committee's decision, he or she may request the dispute be resolved through a county agency established for that purpose. The Architectural Standards Department can direct an owner to the Montgomery County's Commission on Common Ownership Communities (CCOC).