What is ARC?

The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) is here to serve the Village at Mountain Ridge. To keep our beautiful neighborhood beautiful and our happy neighbors happy. We are always looking for ways to streamline the review process so that homeowners can expedite their home improvement projects. We are also constantly evolving the standards by which approvals are made, to keep up with ever-changing aesthetics, trends in color and building materials, and new ways for homeowners to add value to their homes – with the objective that any improvements to one property won’t devalue neighboring properties or create tension among neighbors.

The overarching idea, which has been proven through best practice models in real estate development, is that a community earns its value not from holding strictly to its original covenants and color schemes but rather by taking on new character as it matures. That means giving back ownership of the community experience to the homeowners themselves – with guidance by ARC of course – to evolve the Mountain Ridge identity.

As one resident inspires another, and then two more, and so on, the neighborhood takes on a new vibrancy. Going for a walk through our streets becomes more interesting. And the charm of our community continues to grow. Here’s to moving forward!

– The ARC committee

When is ARC approval needed?

In short, anytime you have a project that involves new exterior construction or a noticeable change in your home or landscape’s appearance, it is subject to review by the Architectural Review Committee. For example, paint, stain, surface treatments, major landscaping, fences, decks, patios, patio covers, exterior stairs, balconies and other structures or design elements, should all be measured against ARC guidelines.

On the other hand, if you’re replacing or repairing an existing design element with something that is identical or nearly so, “like for like” as we say, it does not need to be approved by the Committee. This can include new plantings from previously approved landscape plans, upkeep on existing or previously approved structures, and reroofing with existing or better shingles. Of course, interior renovations are also exempt from ARC approval. We do advise that you go through the proper city and county permitting processes wherever applicable.

The goal is to maintain or improve upon the high standard of workmanship that has been established, with an eye on design compatibility. And fear not, most projects that come up for review get approved.

Xeriscape landscaping is a major landscaping change and requires ARC approval on plans. Xeriscape doesn’t mean to simply remove all of the lawn and putting rock down. Xeriscape is a diverse combination of low-water plants and materials that create a beautiful and water-wise landscape. To find out more on xeriscape, please learn more on the Colorado Water Wise Website.

For more information, download the complete Village at Mountain Ridge (VMR) Architectural Guidelines.

ARC Process

The Village at Mountain Ridge (VMR) Architectural Guidelines have been adopted to give direction to homeowners and their contractors in preparing plans and designs that reinforce the appearance of a high quality neighborhood. The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) recommends that each homeowner retain the services of a qualified architect or residential designer in preparing major designs.

Any work that has the potential to affect the exterior of a home within VMR is subject to Architectural Review. All items, including, but not limited to, design elements (including paint, stain or other surface treatment) of any residences, fences, trellises, decks, patios, patio covers, exterior stairs, balconies, other appurtenances and structures, permanent street or outdoor furnishings, landscaping, lighting and signage shall be submitted to the ARC for approval. This approval should be obtained prior to application for a building permit for, or any commencement of, such construction.

Your ARC application and any supplemental documentation can be submitted either via mail or directly through the VMR website to the VMR ARC and Management Company for review. The ARC may request some items be mailed or delivered (e.g., color samples) if the picture/scanned copy does not show sufficient detail.

Deadlines

All applications and supplemental documentation must be submitted the Thursday prior to the upcoming ARC meeting to be reviewed at that meeting. The ARC typically meets the first Wednesday of the month. Please see the VMR calendar to find out when the next ARC meeting will be held.

If hard copies are requested, or if you would prefer to submit hard copies, please mail or hand deliver two hard copies of the application and any supplemental documentation directly to the VMR HOA Management Company:

The Village at Mountain Ridge Homeowner’s Association
Architectural Review Committee
c/o Keystone Denver
2851 South Parker Road, Suite 840
Aurora, Colorado 80014

Response Times

The ARC will approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove all requests for approval within forty-five (45) days after the complete submission of all plans, specifications, and other materials and information which may be required. If an application is conditionally approved at a meeting, it may not be reviewed again until the next month’s meeting.

 

Pre-Approvals

Pre-approved projects may be started before submitting the form if they conform to the pre-approved list on the website. However, a pre-approved form needs to be submitted before, during, or after (within 1 month) of the pre-approved project being started.

Approval Form

You may either fill out and submit your ARC request online using the form below, or download, fill out and print the form and mail two copies to the address above for review:

Online Forms & Information
VMR ARC Request Form (Online Form Submission)
VMR ARC Request Form – PRE-APPROVED LIST (Online Form Submission)
VMR Pre-Approved Paint Colors

 

Download, Print and Mail-in Forms
VMR Architectural Review Committee Request Form (Download)
VMR ImprovementRequest Form – Pre-Approved List (Download)

ARC Contact Information

Main Contact: Matt Berlekamp, Keystone Denver