Architectural Guidelines

Introduction

 

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Introduction

**Printable Version**

1. Welcome
  We are delighted to welcome you to the Wolf Laurel community of families.  Like you, we have a strong emotional tie to the remarkable natural beauty that lies within and around Wolf Laurel.  Because of this love of our natural setting, any development at Wolf Laurel must be planned and designed to blend with the environment and to take advantage of the natural assets of views, topography, vegetation, geology, and social context.  It is an obligation of the developers, new homeowners, general contractors, and subcontractors to protect, preserve, and enhance these precious and irreplaceable features that define Wolf Laurel. 

The Architectural Review Board (ARB) has been established to provide consistency, compliance and equity in the implementation of policies, plans, conditions, covenants and restrictions, and other documents pertaining to the physical development of Wolf Laurel.  The ability to maintain Wolf Laurel as an attractive community in which to live depends upon continuous design excellence and sensitivity to the environment.  The ARB will serve to ensure compliance with protective restrictions, and the compatibility of construction, design and maintenance of homes on the mountain. 

The ARB members have a desire and an appropriate background to review applications.  The ARB member may have backgrounds in the fields of architecture, construction, planning and development, engineering, landscape design, and other related areas.  Some members are homeowners at Wolf Laurel and have a keen understanding of the Wolf Laurel community and our goals for growth at Wolf Laurel.

The ARB shall consist of three to five members.  Members will be selected to create a balance of lay people and professionals experienced in architecture, landscape architecture, engineering and construction.  Each member of the ARB shall have an equal vote, and the majority shall constitute a decision for approval or denial.  The management of Bald Mountain Development Corporation shall have review powers of all denied applications that are properly appealed in writing.  Meetings of the ARB shall occur as needed to review applications in a timely fashion (generally within 2 weeks of receipt of an acceptable application).

The ARB Coordinator acts as a liaison between the homeowner and the ARB.  They work with homeowners during the review process and strive to provide adequate information to the ARB on each application.  The ARB Coordinator is available by telephone at the Wolf Laurel Office to answer any questions.  The ARB Coordinator may or may not be a voting member of the ARB.

Property owners of Wolf Laurel have agreed, pursuant to the duly recorded Wolf Laurel Declaration of Protective Covenants, Restrictions & Reservations, that the ARB may adopt reasonable architectural standards, rules and regulations.  Accordingly, all owners have agreed to be bound by these Architectural Guidelines. 

Set forth in these Architectural Guidelines are policies and procedures to assist the ARB and property owners through the architectural review process.  The guidance of an effective Architectural Review Board is a key element in the success of every "private" community such as Wolf Laurel.

Owners are advised to contact the Wolf Laurel ARB Coordinator prior to filing an ARB Building Application to be sure that you have the latest revision of the Wolf Laurel Architectural Guidelines.  The ARB Coordinator will answer any questions you have concerning the architectural review process.

The Wolf Laurel ARB seeks to ensure that the review and control process is effectively administered, and that individual property owners and the community are treated equitably.

 

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2. Purpose of Architectural Guidelines
  The purpose of developing a set of Architectural Guidelines is to establish a framework of standards to help guide homeowners in the design, construction and ongoing environmental management of their mountain home.  Our goal is that homes on Wolf Laurel enhance its natural beauty.  As Wolf Laurel grows, we will learn, and through the learning experience these guidelines will be updated on a continuing basis.  Everyone's enthusiastic participation and input is encouraged and welcomed in this process. 

In order to maintain the architectural character and aesthetics of Wolf Laurel, it is necessary that modifications of structures and materials be compatible with the dwellings and overall architectural style of the Wolf Laurel community.  This process assures the continuity of character and appearance of our community, and enhances the overall value of every property.

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3. Types of Construction Requiring Approval
  Every new home requires approval from the Wolf Laurel ARB before ANY modifications to the property are begun.  Approval from the ARB is also required for all additions or alterations that meet any of the following criteria:
 

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Any alterations which are visible from streets, trails, walkways, greenbelts, and parks (e.g. any changes to exterior colors or finishes, exterior lighting, room additions, storage sheds, driveways, retaining walls).
 

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All exterior structures that exceed three (3) feet above the ground level of the owner's lot (e.g. patio covers, planters, play structures, storage sheds, retaining walls).
 

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All outdoor pet houses, kennels, animal exercise areas and so forth, whether permanent or temporary.
 

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All mechanical equipment (e.g. air conditioners, spa/swimming pool equipment, waterfall pumps, gas tanks).

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4. Failure to Obtain Approval from the ARB
Failure to obtain the necessary approvals prior to construction may:
 

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Constitute a violation of the Wolf Laurel Declaration of Protective Covenants, Restrictions & Reservations

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Result in a fine being levied against the property.

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Require modification or removal of unauthorized work at the expense of the homeowner.
  NOTE:  Building permits issued by the Yancey or Madison County Building Departments or other governmental agencies do NOT assure or replace the approval of the Wolf Laurel ARB.

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5. Indemnity
  The Wolf Laurel ARB, Bald Mountain Development Corporation, and any of their employees or consultants are not responsible for any design engineering or sale-ability of the approved home.  Review is for aesthetic and site layout consideration only.  All architectural guidelines are subject to review and revision annually or as needed by the ARB.

For any matters concerning the enclosed information contact the ARB Administrator at 828-689-5000.

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6. Definitions

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ARB Administrator:  An individual designated from time to time by the ARB to assist the ARB with its administrative duties.  The ARB Administrator shall have NO AUTHORITY to negotiate, to make concessions, or to make decisions on behalf of the ARB.

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Architectural Plans:  A set of drawings which describe the building to be constructed. AT A MINIMUM your Architectural Plans must include:
¡ Foundation Plans (including any structural engineering data required by the County Inspector)
¡ Floor Plans (including any interior and exterior walls, doors and windows, porches and decks, and so forth)
¡ Elevations (including all doors and windows on view side, curbside, and left/right sides)

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Boundary Survey A survey prepared by a Land Surveyor licensed to practice in North Carolina.  AT A MINIMUM, the Boundary Survey must show distances and bearings of all property lines forming the perimeter of the proposed building site.

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Color & Material Specifications:  Manufacturer's catalogs, photographs, actual samples, and so forth which describe the color and type of materials you plan to use for:
¡ Exterior siding
¡ Roofing
¡ Exterior paint, stain, and any pre-finished materials, including trim and doors
¡ Foundation finish (e.g. rock, stucco)

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Construction Footprint The land area actually occupied by: 
¡ Approved building(s) plus 20' in all directions from the building PERIMETER
¡ Approved driveway plus 10' in all directions from the driveway CENTERLINE
¡ Approved septic tank, lines and drain field plus 10' in all directions from the CENTERLINE

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Developer:  The Developer of Wolf Laurel Resort is Bald Mountain Development Corporation, 63 Village Lane, Mars Hill, NC 28754.  Telephone 828-689-9212.

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Site Plan:  A drawing showing AT A MINIMUM the perimeter of the Construction Footprint and its location with respect to the Boundary Survey, as well as the following:
¡ North arrow
¡ Streets and right of way
¡ Utilities and easements
¡ Setbacks

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Structure:  For purposes of this document, "structure" shall mean any three-dimensional object larger than a regulation basketball which is produced by manual or machine-assisted human effort. 

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