Architectural Review

All changes and projects that are associated with a home’s exterior or exterior property, with very few exceptions (+), must be reviewed and recommended for approval by the Architectural & Environmental Review Committee (AERC) BEFORE beginning project work.

( (+) for exceptions, see the list elsewhere in this document)
(this Architectural Review page is not included in the site menu)

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“The purpose of the AERC is to regulate the exterior design, appearance, use, location, and maintenance of PFHOA and improvements thereon in such a manner so as to preserve and enhance values and to maintain a harmonious relationship among structures and the natural vegetation and topography.”
– Architectural Guidelines and Review Procedures, 1998

Obtaining Approval for your Home’s Exterior Project

  1. Complete and submit an Architectural Change Request Form with project details to:
  2. Respond to and address any issues that the AERC members ask/send you about your project.
  3. Your Architectural Change Request will be scheduled for review at an AERC meeting. These meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 8pm and are open to all PFHOA homeowners. For an Architectural Change Request to be reviewed at an AERC meeting, the request must be received at least twelve days before the AERC meeting to allow the change request to be included in the AERC meeting agenda. Access to the meeting agenda will be available at the top of the PFHOA Announcements web page (*) ten days before each meeting in conformance with Montgomery County Government directives. The meeting location details will be available there a few days before the meeting. Other homeowners may attend with questions about and possible objections to your project.
    • (*) The PFHOA website password is shown in each distributed PFHOA newsletter and notice but, for security reasons, is not given here.

You are encouraged to attend the AERC meeting at which your project is reviewed.

You are encouraged to submit complete details about your project. If the AERC determines that necessary information is missing from your application and you are unable to provide it prior to or at the AERC review meeting, your application may be denied or the decision may be postponed until the next scheduled AERC meeting.

Details about recently addressed and approved change requests are available in Architectural & Environmental Review Meeting Minutes that are available on the PFHOA Announcements web page (*). Pending change requests may be listed in these Minutes and also may be listed in the agenda for upcoming AERC meetings, accessed at the top of the PFHOA Announcements web page (*). PFHOA homeowners can obtain further information about change requests at the AERC meetings or by contacting the AERC at potomacfarmsmdhoa@gmail.com.

  • (*) The PFHOA website password is shown in each distributed PFHOA newsletter and notice but, for security reasons, is not given here.

Requirements for your Home’s Exterior Project

  1. Your Architectural Change Request project should meet PFHOA architectural guidelines.
    These guidelines are contained in a separate document, Architectural Guidelines and Review Procedures, also available from the Documents page of the PFHOA website (*).
    • (the PFHOA Declaration of Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions document’s Section VIII contains less detailed architectural guidelines that also must be met by PFHOA exterior home projects; it too is available from the Documents page of the PFHOA website (*) )
    • (*) The PFHOA website password is shown in each distributed PFHOA newsletter and notice but, for security reasons, is not given here.
  2. Some projects may require you to obtain one or more permits from the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (MCDPS). You are expected to obtain county building permits and to meet other county requirements for your projects – these tasks are your responsibility, as the homeowner. Often you may be able to ask the contractor for help in addressing county code and permit issues. The AERC may request proof that you have obtained these permits.

Exterior Project Exceptions Not Requiring AERC Review and Approval

(see the PFHOA Architectural Guidelines and Review Procedures for additional details)

  • Attic Ventilators – Attic ventilators and turbines must match the siding of trim of the house if mounted on a gable end. Ventilators mounted on the roof should be in harmony with the existing units in the community. All roof-mounted ventilators must be installed on the rear portion of the roof. No Committee approval is required.
  • Flower Boxes – Flower boxes on the window sills of the ground level of a dwelling unit are permitted. The color must be the same as the house trim. Flower boxes are permitted on decks and patios. No AERC approval is necessary.
  • Flowers & Shrubbery – The Committee encourages planting of flowers, trees, and shrubbery provided they are properly maintained by the owner. Such landscaping does not require Committee approval. Hedge fences must be approved by the Committee.
  • Holiday Lighting – Holiday lighting is permitted between December 1st and January 31st and does not require Committee approval
  • Mailboxes – Mailboxes and mailbox posts should be well maintained and kept in good repair. They should be located so as to not obstruct sidewalks or sight lines and must be in accordance with postal regulations. Replacement does not require Committee approval. Deviation from neutral colors or materials or from conformity with the colors and materials of the dwelling unit require Committee approval.
  • Repainting Using the Existing Color – Repainting a structure the existing color does not require Committee approval. To match existing color, most paint stores provide computer matches if you provide a chip sample from the existing material.
  • Storm Doors – Full view storm doors whose frame color matches either the front door or door trim need no approval.
  • Temporary Child Wading Pools – Temporary child wading pools not exceeding twenty-four inches (24″) in depth are permitted provided the pool remains beyond the rear-most wall of the dwelling unit. No other above ground pool shall be permitted.

Other Pertinent Documents

  • Work is in progress to gather information about the existing architecture in PFHOA. The AERC expects to include some its findings and guidance here.

Objections to an Exterior Home Project

  1. Homeowners who have objections to a proposed exterior homeowner project may submit their objections in the following ways:
    • Send written objections to the AERC at potomacfarmsmdhoa@gmail.com before the date of the AERC meeting at which the project is scheduled for review clearly stating your objections and the reasons for them. Please include your name and PFHOA street address. Written objections will not be read until the meeting.
    • Attend the AERC meeting at which the exterior homeowner project is being reviewed and clearly state your objections and the reasons for them.
  2. Efforts will be made at the AERC meeting to address and resolve any objections by other homeowners to approval of an Architectural Change Request. However, if the homeowner objections cannot be resolved at the meeting, the Request will be referred to the PFHOA Board of Directors which will consider the request at an open meeting and make a final decision.

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