Questions

Read the Oakland Mills Architectural Guidelines that pertain to your application. You can contact the Covenant Advisor at any time in the process if you don’t understand something.

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Restrictions

In addition to approval by the Architecture Committee, your proposed project may also be subject to additional association covenants or restrictions. Generally, the more restrictive criteria shall apply. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable restrictions.

 

Plat/Location Survey

Include a plat or location survey for any alteration which will change the “footprint” of your house or lot. New doors, windows, siding, painting, etc., do not require a location survey.

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Elevation/Scale Drawing and/or Pictures

Include an elevation/scale drawing and/or pictures of the alteration from ALL viewable sides. Please be sure to include dimensions, materials, and colors that will be used. Samples and brochures may be submitted and are always welcome. Avoid requesting a color change without a sample. Any change in color requires an application.

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Siding

In the case of siding, please submit a drawing of your house if you are changing the direction/orientation—for example, from vertical to horizontal, etc. Please note if you are not changing color, direction, or material, no application is needed.

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Wood or Similar Material

If the alteration will be made of wood or similar material, such as composite, specify the type and color, and if it will be left natural or painted, as with a deck, privacy fence, or porch.

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Licensing and Inspections

It is not necessary to provide licensing or inspection information for construction or in home businesses that require it. Approval of this application does not supersede any provisions of the Howard County building and zoning codes. For information regarding building permits, call 410-313-2455.

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Project Compliance and Changes

Projects shall be completed in exact compliance with all terms and conditions of the approval. Changes to an approved project will require a new application.

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Project Completion Deadline

The entire project must be completed within 180 days from the time construction begins. If additional time becomes necessary, please advise the Covenant Advisor.

 

Review Timeline

Please be aware that once a completed application is submitted and accepted, it must be reviewed within 60 days. Applications received by the deadline day will generally be reviewed in 16 days.

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Applicant Attendance at RAC Meetings

While not mandatory, it is highly recommended that residents attend the meeting in which their review will occur, especially with new construction. Questions can be answered, enhancing the approval process. Meetings are now held virtually via Zoom (link posted on the homepage three days prior to the meeting) and will begin at 7:00 p.m. with sign-in starting at 6:30 p.m. Residents will be heard in the order in which they sign in.

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Changes Made Prior to Approval

Remember that alterations and businesses which require an application should never be undertaken without architectural approval. Owners who begin work or commence in-home businesses without approval are doing so at their own risk, are in violation of the covenants, and face possible removal of their alteration or business at their own expense, pursuant to the Oakland Mills Covenants.

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Property Lines

Projects shall be approved only within the lot owners’ property lines. Approval does not allow for encroachment on neighboring property.

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Encroachment on CA Property

If this application involves the placement of a structure on a portion of the applicant’s property adjacent to Columbia Association (CA) property and any portion of the structure is placed on CA property, applicant disclaims for himself/herself and his/her successors any interest in CA’s property, agrees to indemnify CA against any costs it incurs to protect its property rights, and agrees to remove the structure from CA’s property.

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Need more information?

If you are not sure if you need an application or have any other questions, please email the Covenant Advisor for applications at applications@oaklandmills.org. Email is preferred due to a hybrid schedule, but if needed, please call 410-730-4610.