Written approval by the Meadows HOA Architectural Committee is required for all alterations to the dwelling, property or lot that change the exterior appearance.  Building alterations include, but are not limited to, paint and siding, storm doors and windows, construction or enlargement of porches, rooms, or other additions to the home.  Alterations also include grading, excavations, elevation, topography, and landscaping.  

In short, if you are making any change to any part of the exterior of your home or Lot, you must submit an Exterior Alteration Application seeking approval before any change is made.  Changes may not be made without express written approval of the HOA Board and Architectural Committee.

If you proceed with an alteration before obtaining written approval, you do so at your own risk and your property would be in violation of the Declaration.  In the event an Owner fails to obtain architectural approval, the Owner may be fined and the Owner will face the cost of removing or modifying the alteration to comply with the Architectural Committee's decision should the subsequent application not meet requirements.  In that event, following notice to the Owner of the violation and opportunity to cure, the Association may fine the Owner; or, following notice of opportunity to cure, the Association has the right to enter upon the Lot and abate the violation.  Any costs of abatement will be charged to the homeowner. 

Applications may be submitted via email to the Architectural Committee through Conway Management Co if they are scanned and attached as a PDF document.  If you prefer to mail your application, please forward your application to Conway Management Co., Inc on the address provided on your application.  The review process generally takes 30-60 days for final resolution.

You may download the Exterior Alteration Application HERE.   

Applicants are encouraged to read the following guidelines prior to submitting an application for exterior alteration or modification.  Questions regarding the application process or the review criteria may be submitted to Conway Management Co.

                                 REVIEW CRITERIA

The guidelines and criteria here are presented to assist all residents in maintaining high standards of design and compatibility.  The goal is to keep the community an attractive and desirable place to live.  They are not intended to be a set of inclusive regulations; they do not take the place of any requirements or bylaws in the HOA CC&Rs.  The Architectural Committee has no authority to allow you to do something that is prohibited by the covenants. 

The Committee evaluates all submissions on the individual merits of the application. Besides evaluation of the particular design proposal, this includes considerations of the characteristics of the housing type and the individual site, since what may be an acceptable design of an exterior in one instance may not be for another. Design decisions made by the Architectural Committee in reviewing applications are not based on personal opinion or taste. Judgments of acceptable design are based on the following criteria which represent in more specific terms the general standards of the Declaration.

RELATION TO THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. Fencing in particular can have damaging effects on the feeling of open space. Other factors such as removal of trees, disruption of the natural topography and changes in rate or direction of storm water run-off also adversely affect the natural environment.

CONFORMANCE WITH DECLARATION. All applications are reviewed to confirm that the project is in conformance with the Declaration.

VALIDITY OF CONCEPT. The basic idea must be sound and appropriate to its surroundings.

DESIGN COMPATIBILITY. The proposed improvement must be compatible with the architectural characteristics of the applicant’s house, adjoining houses, and the neighborhood setting. Compatibility is defined as similarity in architectural style, quality of workmanship, similar use of materials, color and construction details.

LOCATION AND IMPACT ON NEIGHBORS. The proposed alteration should relate favorably to the landscape, the existing structure and the neighborhood. When a proposed alteration has possible impact on adjacent properties, it is suggested that the applicant discuss the proposal with neighbors prior to making application.  The Architectural Committee can require signatures of neighbors depending on the scope of the project at their sole discretion.

SCALE. The size (in three dimensions) of the proposed alteration should relate well to adjacent structures and its surrounding. For example, a large addition to a small house may be inappropriate.

COLOR. Color may be used to soften or intensify visual impact. Parts of the addition that are similar to the existing house such as roofs and trim should be matching in color.

MATERIALS: Continuity is established by use of the same or compatible materials as were used in the original house. For instance, vertical wood siding on the original house should be reflected in an addition. On the other hand, an addition with wood siding may be compatible with a brick house.

WORKMANSHIP: Workmanship is another standard which is applied to all exterior alterations. The quality of work should be equal to or better than that of the surrounding area. Poor practices, besides causing the owner problems, can be visually objectionable to others. Poor workmanship can also create safety hazards. The Association assumes no responsibility for the safety of new construction by virtue of design or workmanship.

                                  IMPORTANT NOTES

>> An application will be processed by the Architectural Committee, provided (1) the application indicates that the proposed change will strictly conform with the Declaration and to appropriate guidelines and (2) the applicant expressly agrees to make the alterations in strict conformance therewith.

>> Submit a fully completed application to the address noted herein. When plans are required, they must be submitted with the application.

Rental property owners may only submit an application through the property owner.

>> At the meeting of the Architectural Committee, all comments with respect to the architectural concerns will be heard, and, in general, a decision will be rendered at that time.

>> Formal response usually follows within thirty (30) to sixty (60) of receipt of application. If the Architectural Committee requires additional information, the review period begins once again.

>> If an applicant disagrees with the decision, he has the right to request review by the Master Association’s Board of Directors, which request must be made within thirty (30) days by the decision of the Architectural Committee.

>> No alterations to land or buildings in accordance with these plans shall violate the Declaration nor any of the Building and Zoning Codes of Baltimore County. Approval of this application is contingent upon obtaining such governmental permit(s) where required.