Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Cohousing-L Digest, Vol 274, Issue 6

[Ruth Hirsch (heidinys]

Hi, Anita, congratulations to you all at Berkeley Moshav!  We know this 
represents years of plowing and planting.

I may have sent this previously:
We decided some years ago to change our Committee to Architectural Preview.  We 
realized these decisions are much much better made as previews……..  rather than 
after the fact. 
You’ll figure it all out!

May the coming time be filled with your hearts desire----- with moments of 
peace,  joy, and delight .   And vibrant good health.  
And may goodness ripple out around the world.
May the hearts of our leaders and many around the world be softened.  Soon.



Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2026 11:33:23 -0500
From: Sharon Villines <sharon [at] sharonvillines.com>
Subject: Re: [C-L]_ Setting Up An Architectural Review Committee

In addition to Katie?s excellent list below, have good discussions about 
architectural review well before you need to make a decision. 

Do rounds of people sharing previous experiences of being subjected to the 
standards of others. Some people will have no experience living with the mural 
or hanging a neighbor thinks is wonderful. Or listening to a neighbor?s wind 
chimes 24/7, plus when the wind blows before a storm. Windows plastered with 
political signs can be festive during an election, but how do you feel next 
spring?

People who have never lived in attached dwellings may not understand what they 
own and do not own. And have not a clue how close their ?own? front porch is to 
a neighbor's. Generational and cultural differences can be irritants of which 
others are totally unaware.

Define words ? what does ?temporary? mean? In life, everything is temporary. 
Does that mean anything goes any time?

Sharon
----
Sharon Villines
Riderwood Village, Silver Spring MD
Founding member and 25 year resident in Takoma Village, Washington DC


> On Oct 19, 2026, at 4:25?PM, Katie Henry via Cohousing-L <cohousing-l [at] 
> cohousing.org> wrote:
> 
> 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
> 
> 
> ------------------
> 
> 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