Overview

Renovations increase your property value, but also pose an opportunity where the building may be damaged by careless contractors, and neighbors disrupted by noise.

Renovations start with an architectural request, followed by processes we encourage to communicate clearly and minimize disruptions to the community.

How do I submit an Architectural Request?

• Step 1: Determine if your modification requires an architectural request.

  • When in doubt, feel free to reach out for consultation

  • Typically the following do not require approval:

    • Minor kitchen remodels (e.g. swapping-out countertops, sinks, faucets, dishwasher, freestanding refrigerators, under-the-counter lighting, installing water filters)

    • Minor bath remodels (e.g. swapping out a toilet or a sink where pipes are not modified)

    • Carpet replacement with carpet

    • Minor electrical modifications (e.g. swapping out switches or plugs, canister-to-canister replacements in the ceiling)

  • Typically the following do require approval (more details provided below)

    • Floor modifications 

      • Installing/replacing existing hard surface flooring

      • Replacing carpet with hardwood, hardwood with carpet

        • Carpet with hardwood is prohibited in certain areas (consult the CC&R)

    • Wall modifications (both load bearing and non-load bearing)

    • Plumbing modifications

    • Electrical modifications (consult the CC&Rs)

    • Please note that modifications to fire sprinklers are no longer allowed, due to past incidents where approved modifications led to false alarms and flooding.

• Step 2: Prepare your architectural request packet

  • Sign in to the site (see homepage) and download the architectural application.

• Step 3: Send your materials to the property management company

  • Submit it at least 14 days prior to the next HOA monthly board meeting

  • If something does not require architectural approval, you'll be notified

  • Always confirm receipt

• Step 4: Review in Board meeting, decision is made

  • Reviews are done in open meetings and voted upon by the Board (the vote can be an acceptance, need more information, or a rejection).

  • Note: YOU MUST BE PRESENT OR HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE

Detailed items requiring approval:

• Install new or replace existing hard surface flooring: All flooring installations with hard surface in living areas require HOA approval. There is a form and policy for this change. In general, floors that were installed by the developer, even when done so against the rules they put in place, are allowed to remain except for certain situations. Hard surface is always allowed in bathrooms, kitchens, etc.

• Replace carpet with hardwood floors: same as above. All hard surface flooring in living areas requires prior approval from the Board.

• Move/remove/install new walls or partitions: Load bearing walls cannot be moved or removed without significant documentation and approval from the Association. Non-load bearing wall modifications require prior approval from the Board. This has been allowed in the past but the owner must submit full architectural plans and diagrams. There are also major issues with fire suppression system and alarm system components. Approval from a fire inspector and the city are always required.

• Move/remove/modify plumbing that is within the walls, ceilings or floors; - requires Association approval prior to work. plans and diagrams are required for moving fixtures. A licensed and insured plumber is required. Plumbing within the walls is considered common area.  

• Move/remove/modify electrical components within the walls; - generally this is the same as plumbing. BUT penetrations into the walls and ceilings is prohibited due to sound transmission issues. so things like recessed lighting or installing new fixtures is prohibited unless it is in a lower “bulkhead” ceiling.

• Penetration of any shared wall, ceiling or floor (i.e. to install recessed lighting or electrical) – prohibited except as noted above.

What should I do once my architectural request is approved?

1. Communicate to your neighbors

• Inform them of your proposed hours of renovations and whether the hours are disruptive to them

2. Coordinate with Victor for elevator and hallway liners

3. Understand disposal expectations

• No dumping in the trash room - contractors must haul their debris away

• No leaving debris around in common areas

Other unit modification reminders: Any modification that is visible from the exterior or common areas requires prior Board approval. This includes replacement of front door hardware.