Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Setting Up An Architectural Review Committee

[Katie Henry (katie-henry]

The membership of the team should be determined by what you are trying to 
manage, regulate, or protect. Since Berkeley is an urban multifamily project, I 
won't say anything about additions, permitting, etc.

If the goal is to maintain a certain level of exterior aesthetics (patios and 
porches, etc.), you need someone with acknowledged good taste and strong 
diplomatic skills. This person should be willing and able to help find 
solutions to what is often a financial issue (can't afford better outdoor 
furniture) or a storage problem (nowhere else to put excess belongings). 

If the goal is to protect the infrastructure, you need people who know what's 
underground and inside the walls. Members need to ask before digging or 
drilling or they might break a gas or water line.

You need to review any proposed changes to the building envelope since 
maintenance is an HOA responsibility. For example, if someone wants to install 
a skylight or mount something on an exterior wall, this could cause water leaks 
requiring expensive repairs and/or voided warranties. You need to make sure the 
work is done right.

The committee may need to get involved in landscaping decisions to help avoid 
drainage problems. Depends on where your community's expertise is located.

Has the community started looking into a reserve study? This can help you learn 
more about your new building, its vulnerabilities, and how to manage and 
protect it. It's never too soon. 

Katie Henry
Heartwood Commons - Tulsa


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Anita Hersch wrote:

Can anyone share their experience in setting up an Architectural Review 
Committee? Information about the criteria your community used to select 
Committee members and your selection process would be greatly appreciated! 
Move-in is approaching for our community, and we’ll need to have a Committee in 
place. 

In community,Anita HershBerkeley Moshav