Architectural Change

Any change you make to the exterior of your home may require that you file an architectural change request with the Board. Article V, Section 1 of Declaration of Covenants for Fishing Creek Farm requires the review of specific information as part of the approval of an Architectural Committee Application.  It states that “No building, fence, wall or other structure shall be commenced, erected or maintained within the Properties, nor shall any exterior addition to or change or alteration therein be made until the plans and specifications showing the nature, kind, shape, height, materials, color and location of the same shall have been submitted to and approved in writing as to harmony of external design and location in relation to surrounding structures and topography by the Declarant or its assigns.”

Please note that you may see various references to: Architectural Committee, Architectural Control Committee, and Architectural Review Committee among the FCF documents. These all refer to the same committee although the current name for the committee is Architectural Review Committee. Changes in the name reflect the date the document was created and will change to the current name over time, as the document is updated. 

Please note that all projects must comply with FCF Materials Guidelines. Access that document HERE.

The Maredith Management system makes filing an application easy to do.  Once you have filed it, and it has been reviewed by the Board and our Architectural Committee (AC), you will be notified if the change has been accepted or denied, or if additional documents are needed.

The instructions below regarding the types of documentation to be submitted for each different kind of improvement is designed to allow the Board, with the input of the Architectural  Committee, do its work in an orderly and prompt fashion, to verify that the improvement complies with the Covenants, and to allow the homeowner to improve his or her property in accordance therewith.

Important Note: If you do not find your project type from the list below, fill out the form at the bottom of this page. The Architectural Committee will get back to you with the list of document requirements your particular application will need.

The application and support documents need to be submitted and approved before your contractor begins work.

To make this easier to do, we have listed below the typical documents you will need for various architectural changes.  If you do not see your project type, contact the Board for clarification by writing to our AC at architecture@fishingcreekfarm.org.

STEP 1: Fill out the basic Architectural Change Request Form

The first step in making your application is to fill out the basic Architectural Change Request Form. (Access and Download HERE.) Then you will need to determine what support documents you will need to submit, such as site plans, vendor contracts, photographs, etc. along with your application.

STEP 2: Determine the Required Documents you need to submit with your application:

Choose from the lists below to see if you need to submit an application and if so, what documents are required.

Projects that do not need an AC application

  1. Roof replacement (like-kind color and material)
  2. Garage door replacement (like-kind style and material)
  3. Window replacement (like-kind style and material)
  4. Exterior home painting (same house color)
  5. Walkway replacement (like-kind replacement)
  6. Driveway repairs (seal coating or in-kind replacement)
  7. Minor landscaping changes (dead bushes, plants, sod, etc.)
  8. Dead tree removal in non-critical area.

New Construction and additions

  1. New House and Significant Exterior Modifications
  2. Garage addition
  3. Porch new or enclosed
  4. New deck or addition
  5. Trellis / pergola
  6. Swimming Pool
  7. Gazebo

Note: If changes in the plans or specification for the new construction or addition (including changes in the nature, kind, shape, height, materials, color and location of the new construction or addition) are planned after an application has been approved, re-submit a new application detailing the proposed changes.

Fencing, walls, and screening

  1. Fencing
  2. Trash, fuel tank, HV/AC, generator, and pool equipment enclosures/screening. Please note that all these items must be screened or enclosed.

STEP 3: Submit Your Application

When you have all your required support documents in hand, and are ready to make your application, submit your documents and application electronically on the Maredith Management website HERE . Please note all applications must include a Basic Application (Step One above) as well as the documents specified above under the project-type you are undertaking.

Steps to Upload your documents on the Maredith website:

  1. Sign into the Maredith site.
  2. Click on either “Documents” or “Back to Portal”
  3. Go to “My Items” in the Dashboard.
  4. Click on “Submit a Request” and then “ARC Request”.
  5. Fill in the necessary information including Estimated Start and End Dates
  6. Upload your documents

Important Note: If you do not find your project type from the above project type list, fill out the form below. The Architectural Committee will get back to you with the list of document requirements your particular application will need.