What are the Covenants? The Harper’s Choice Village Covenants are a set of legal documents that are part of your deed of ownership and represent a binding contract on homeowners in the Village. The Covenants establish the Architectural Review process and assure standards for land use, architectural changes and property maintenance. What are the Guidelines? The Harper’s Choice Architectural Committee (HCAC) has written a set of Guidelines for architectural changes, land use and property maintenance. These Guidelines were developed to keep our Community an attractive and desirable place to live. They also assist residents in the preparation of applications for Exterior Alterations to their property, In-Home Business and property maintenance. The Guidelines are designed to help maintain the architectural character of each neighborhood while allowing for individual freedom and flexibility when making changes or improvements to the exterior of one’s property. What is the Harper’s Choice Architectural Committee (HCAC)? The HCAC is composed of five resident volunteers appointed by the Village Board and the Columbia Association. The HCAC is responsible for: The HCAC meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 7:30PM in Kahler Hall. What does the Covenant Advisor do? The Village Covenant Advisor is an advisor to the Committee as well as the liaison between the Committee and the residents. The Covenant Advisor also assists residents in preparing and submitting applications, addressing inquiries and complaints, and performs all duties associated with covenant enforcement. What do I do if I think my neighbor has a violation? The first step is to report the violation to the Covenant Advisor. Once a violation is confirmed, the property owner will be contacted in writing and asked to correct the problem. Experience has shown that most problems are corrected in this manner. If this does not rectify the violation, there are other steps that may be taken which could include legal action. What is a Letter of Compliance? Most home buyers ask for a Letter of Compliance from the sellers prior to settlement on their new home. The Covenant Advisor will inspect the property to determine whether any maintenance or exterior alteration violations exist. If the homeowner is in compliance with the Covenants, then a Letter of Compliance will be issued. If the homeowner is not in compliance, then a non-compliance letter will be issued and we will work with the sellers, buyers, and/or their agents on a resolution. Asking for a Letter of Compliance prior to settlement prevents covenant violations from passing to a new homeowner without their knowledge. Please note, it takes approximately three weeks to receive a response to all requests for a Letter of Compliance. How do I apply for an exterior change to my house? Step 1 – Application Step 2 – Review Step 3 – Decision A copy of the application with the decision noted will be mailed back to the applicant. What if my application is denied? If your application is denied, then you have the right to ask for a Final Review. During a Final Review, two members of the Harper’s Choice Village Board, along with the five-member Architectural Committee, serve as the final review authority. Applicants who wish to appeal the committee’s decision may do so in writing within ten (10) days after receipt of the denied application. A Final Review Hearing will be scheduled for a mutually acceptable date, usually within 30 days for the request. The decision of this review authority is final and binding.. Is this the only approval I need? HCAC approval may not be the only approval required. It may be necessary to obtain approval from your townhouse or condo association and/or Howard County. Click here for Howard County permit information or call 410-313-2455. What if I don’t wait for approval? Exterior alterations begun without prior approval of the HCAC are in violation of the Covenants and are undertaken at the applicant’s own risk. The homeowner could be faced with the cost of modifying or removing the alteration or may be required to cease operating the business to comply with HCAC’s decision. Homeowners are encouraged to wait for AC approval.
Complete an Application for Exterior Alteration or In-Home Business form. These forms may be picked up at Kahler Hall or downloaded from this website. Submit completed form(s) with all applicable information to the Covenant Advisor at the Village Office.
The HCAC members review all applications and may visit your property as part of their review. The HCAC discusses the applications at a meeting where applicants are encouraged to attend; however, attendance is not mandatory. These meetings are open to the public.
The AC votes either to: