Hello and welcome to the Architectural Review Committee webpage!

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Please check back on a regular basis to review newly added information as well as updates to existing content.  Of course, if you have any questions or concerns about this webpage, or would like to make a suggestion about new content, please contact the Architectural Review Committee by sending an email to Chris Ciupinski.

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Committee Members (to email any with questions, simply click on their name):

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Rob Reichelmann, Chair       Chris Ciupinski      Joe Sharpe       Scott Reiter        Josh Farside                               

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Project Approval Request Forms

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In an effort to simplify the project approval process, the Architectural Review Committee has created a Simplified and Common Approval Request forms for all projects.  To initiate the project approval process, residents are to download the form and complete it with the information being requested about their project.  To assist the Architectural Review Committee with its commitment to make project approval decisions in a timely manner, residents are encouraged to provide detailed information about their project and avoid answering questions with “yes” and “no”. 

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Completed Project Approval Request forms should be returned to the Architectural Review Committee by emailing them to chris.ciupinski@gmail.com. In the subject of the email please  include ("ARC REQUEST", Your Address, Last Name) This will enable tracking of requests. After receiving and reviewing a completed form and supporting documentation the Architectural Review Committee will make a fair and unbiased project recommendation to the Belden Maintenance Corporation, which is responsible for all final project decisions.  Once made, the Belden Maintenance Corporation’s project approval (or denial) decision will be conveyed to the requesting resident.

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Forms

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• Simplified Project Approval Form (ALL PROJECTS) v2.0 

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Decision Deadlines

The Architectural Review Committee makes a concerted effort to review and act on all project requests within ten (10) business days; however, the covenants by which the committee must abide specify that it has thirty (30) days from the date on which a project request is received to act on said request.  Requests not acted on within the thirty (30) day period are deemed to be approved; unless the committee extends the approval deadline because information needed to make an informed decision about a project is insufficient or has not been provided.

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Note:  The Architectural Review Committee is STRICTLY PROHIBITED by the deed restrictions on file with the New Castle County Recorder of Deeds from considering any project requests from any residents whose maintenance corporation assessments are NOT paid in full.

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More Project Information

Projects that need approval include, but are not limited to:

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• Alterations and Additions (changes to the “footprint” of a structure)

• Decks/Screened-in porch

• Driveway (change to size- not resealing)

• Façade (including color)

• Fences (excluding invisible pet fences)

• Front Door Changes (new style or color)

• Fire Pits

• Garage Doors (change in appearance)

• Garbage Can Enclosures

• Gazebo/Pavilion/Pergola

• Koi Ponds

• Landscaping (extensive)

• Lighting (exterior)

• Outbuildings (sheds)

• Outdoor Kitchens

• Patios

• Pools

• Roofing Changes/Solar

• Satellite Dishes

• Screen/Storm Doors

• Shutters (change in color)

• Swing/Playground Sets

• Walkways

 

 

Projects that do NOT need approval but are subject to deed restrictions include, but are not limited to:

• Gardens (no larger than allowed in current deed restrictions)

• Holiday decorations

• Landscaping (simple)

• Residential “For Sale” signs

• Sprinkler systems

 

Things NOT allowed:

• Above ground pools

• Antennas (i.e., radio, television)

• Clotheslines (Including temporary clothing racks)

• Furniture on front lawn

• Garbage cans stored outside without enclosures

• Gardens (in excess of deed restrictions)

• More than one (1) outbuilding (shed)

• Outdoor pet houses

• Signs (excluding residential for sale signs)

• Window air conditioning units

 

Before beginning your project, please review the following important information:

• Under no circumstances are the private open spaces of the community to be used to access any project site without the written approval of the Belden Maintenance Corporation.

• Approval of a project by the Belden Maintenance Corporation does not exempt your project from having to be in compliance with all applicable New Castle County codes and regulations.

• Approval of a project by New Castle County does not exempt your project from having to be approved by the Belden Maintenance Corporation or from having to comply with all applicable deed restrictions.

• Project must be completed within six (6) months of the approval date; otherwise you are obligated to notify the Architectural Review Committee.

• You are required to notify the Architectural Review Committee of all changes, revisions and/or modification to an approved project plan. Such changes, revision and/or modifications may require additional review and approval. If your project is completed in a manner that is inconsistent with the approved project plan, you may be required to take corrective action at your own expense.

• You are responsible for the condition, including cleanliness, of all streets, sidewalks, curbs and storm water drains which may be adversely impacted during the completion of your project.  Failure to repair broken or damaged sidewalks, curbs and storm water drains may result in fines/fees being levied by the Belden Maintenance Corporation, New Castle County or DelDoT.

• You are responsible for contacting Miss Utility of Delmarva before breaking ground on your project.  You can contact Miss Utility of Delmarva by calling 800.282.8555 or visiting www.missutilitydelmarva.com.

   

   

   

   

   

   

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