As the rainy season has passed and many homeowners in Woodbridge are now considering making improvements to their homes, the Community Relations Department has compiled the following list of frequently asked questions in an attempt to make the process easier for all homeowners.

Which improvements require prior approval from the Woodbridge Village Association Architectural Committee?
Virtually all exterior improvements, including improvements to your home or to your property itself require prior approval. Beside the standard items, permanent and portable basketball backboards, play structures, garage doors, screen doors, exterior lighting, and certain satellite dishes are all examples of improvements that require prior approval. Please refer to Section 3-100 (d)(1-5) of the Architectural Guidelines & Standards for more information. Interior improvements which do not affect the exterior of the home do not require approval from the Architectural Committee (homeowners living in Maintenance Associations should check with their Maintenance Association as to the need for prior approval for interior improvements).

Where and when can I obtain an application?
Applications are available in the Community Center at 31 Creek Road. We recommend that you pick up your application during business hours (9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday - Friday) so that your questions can be answered by Community Relations staff members. However, applications are available for pickup from 8 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week.

Is there a processing fee for having my plans reviewed?
There is a $50.00 Plan Processing Fee to review a Home Improvement Application. However, that fee is waived for homeowners who submit their completed application and any plans and receive written approval from the Architectural Committee prior to the commencement of construction/installation (except for room additions/remodels for which a processing fee is applicable).

I was assessed a $50.00 Plan Processing Fee. Why?
The Plan Processing Fee is not waived for homeowners who commence construction/installation of their improvement prior to submitting their application and receiving written approval from the Architectural Committee. The philosophy behind this policy is to encourage homeowners to submit their plans ahead of time to ensure they are in compliance with the Standards and to prevent future problems for homeowners. Please note that improvements completed without approval may require alterations or removal in order to be in compliance with the Standards.

What is “Neighbor Awareness?”
Neighbor Awareness is required for all Home Improvement Applications. Applicants must share their applications and plans with the homeowners who own property adjoining the applicant’s lot and with those who own property across from or directly behind the lot, depending on the location of the proposed improvement. The intent of neighbor awareness is to advise adjacent homeowners of the proposed improvement by requiring their signature on both the application and plans. Please note that applicants need not obtain the approval of their neighbors for their plans. Approval or disapproval of an application is solely at the discretion of the Architectural Committee. Neighbors who have concerns with proposed plans are to sign the application and plans and then submit their written comments/concerns to the Community Relations office immediately. Staff will then attach the comments to the application so that they may be evaluated by the Committee during their review. Disagreements between homeowners may necessitate attendance by both the applicant and the neighbor at a meeting.

What if my neighbor is an absentee landlord or won’t sign my application?
In that case, the Association will contact the adjacent owner in writing upon submittal of the application to the Architectural Committee. The adjacent owner will be allowed ten (10) days to respond with comments/concerns. The application will not be considered complete and submitted to the Committee until that ten (10) day period has elapsed.

What if I live in a Maintenance Association?
These homeowners must first submit their plans to their Maintenance Association Board of Directors for a property rights review prior to submitting their plans to the Woodbridge Village Association Architectural Committee. The Architectural Committee cannot review any application until a property rights review has been completed by the applicable Maintenance Association
.
What is a property rights review?
A property rights review is a legal review of the Maintenance Association’s governing documents to determine if the proposed improvement is within the applicant’s legal rights. For example, in some Associations applicants may not have the right to attach an object to or improve the common area or restricted use areas. Check with your Maintenance Association for more information as to the acceptability of your proposed improvement(s). Proposed improvements which are found to be within property rights are not considered to be approved. Once property rights are granted for your application by the respective Maintenance Association, it is forwarded to the Architectural Committee at which time approval will be considered.