By Sylvia Robinson, Chair 

 

The Architectural Review Committee members are pleased to have our recently approved Community Policies and Guidelines document, which became effective Oct. 1. These guidelines are clear and comprehensive, and we believe the document will help homeowners and members of the ARC understand many of the questions related to the submission, review and approval processes for ARC applications.

 

We strongly encourage all homeowners to review the new guidelines carefully, particularly homeowners who are considering submitting ARC applications. Homeowners also should remember the importance of keeping paperwork for all past and future ARC applications. That documentation is essential, particularly for any future consideration and for ensuring there are no violations on their property.

 

The ARC also is excited to announce a transition in leadership. Mark Raker has agreed to serve as the committee’s next chair, and Jeff Davidson has agreed to serve as site visit coordinator. In addition, Gwen Bloom has generously agreed to continue to serve as administration coordinator. This transition process is underway, and will be effective as of Jan. 1, 2027, if not before.

 

 ARC members are continuing to review ARC applications and make recommendations to the HOA board. In July and August, we reviewed four new applications and recommended them to the board for approval. The board also approved eight existing applications.

 

Notes:

 

• The Architectural Request Form, also referred to as the ARC application, is available on the William Douglas Property Management website and the Courtyards at Southpoint Slack channel, and it can be accessed by clicking here. Completed applications and accompanying documents must be submitted to Casey Ferrara, our William Douglas representative, at cferrara@wmdouglas.com.

 

• Please note: No installation can begin without formal approval from the HOA board.

 

• In addition, please remember homeowners are responsible for making sure all utility lines are located and marked before any digging can take place. You can apply online by clicking here. This especially is important because timelines for location requests and some rules changed effective Oct. 1, 2025. Therefore, homeowners should check the website to ensure the rules and timing of your application will fit with your desired project.

 

Moreover, certain items are not marked — such as plumbing lines leading to and from the property or properties that may be impacted by your project. So, please be sure you take steps to locate any other buried infrastructure needing protection before you begin your project. This will help you avoid expensive mistakes, which would be the responsibility of each homeowner to fix.

 

• Also, please remember neither the HOA board nor ARC can provide advice or decisions as to whether a proposed application complies with all local ordinances or codes. The obligation for this — including responsibility regarding drainage and/or utilities easements, setbacks or encroachments — rests with the homeowner. 

 

In closing, I want to thank the ARC members, Gwen Bloom, Bruce Buley, Doris Alexander Buley, Art Chambers, Jeff Davidson and Mark Raker, and our HOA board liaison, Jill Pafford, for their diligent work and continuing contributions to this effort.