F. POLICIES IN EFFECT AT THE TIME OF FINAL PLAN SUBMISSION
FCHOA Purchaser's Handbook - Revision Date: 2021-01-10
1. ARC policies may be amended or discontinued without notice and in advance of revising this handbook, provided such changes do not create an undue hardship directly on a homesite currently under construction. In such instances that policy changes directly impart a hardship on a homesite currently under construction, or final plans being reviewed within six months after preliminary approval, the ARC may grant a waiver or variance for that homesite, as necessary to cure the hardship. The ARC’s waiver or variance from any specific policy in this handbook, intentional or not, does not waive other policies as stated in this Handbook. Previous approvals will not be considered precedents for continued approval for items inconsistent with the ARC’s current interpretation of the development design intent and traditional design. Applications will be reviewed with the policies and procedures in effect at the time of final plan submittal. The dates of homesite purchase and sales presentations are not applicable to the ARC’s considerations or purpose.
2. It is not practical to include guidelines for every possible design situation. Most questions to the ARC concern the use of architectural elements in a non-traditional or eclectic style. Several conditions usually exist differentiating one house plan from another. An architectural element, such as a special window type, seen on some homes may not be appropriate in each house style or composition. Each plan submittal will be reviewed on its own merit and is subject to the ARC’s decisions respecting the individual application and adjacent area conditions.
3. Applicants are encouraged to seek preliminary review on any design or portions of a design. Preliminary plan approval may assist the Property Owner by reducing changes to final construction documents and final construction pricing as may be necessitated by ARC conditions for approval. The ARC will accept for review preliminary plans in advance of homesite purchase, without fees; so that prospective owners have the satisfaction of preliminary plan approval prior to financially committing to a lot purchase or construction contract. Preliminary approval will be valid for a period up to six months. Preliminary approval will assist owners in gaining assurance that the general design elements and site location are compatible with the development intent of the subdivision. Accordingly, preliminary house elevations and site plans should be as complete as feasible to enable the ARC to provide reasonable assurances. Construction not commenced, with foundations completed, within six months of final approval may be invalidated and a resubmission with fees may be required for ARC approval.