Homes Association

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: I am building a new house or a large addition.

a. What do my fees cover? 3 preliminaries and a set of working drawings. 4th preliminary thru 6th preliminary will cost an additional $300.00; 7th thru 9th preliminary an additional $300.00, etc. 2nd working drawings are $300.00, as are 3rd, 4th, etc.

b. Can I visit in person and speak with the Art Jury to explain my plans? Only if the plan is being presented in a personal appearance hearing, which is not the normal procedure and may, depending on the circumstances, involve a fee.

Q. Does the Association have written materials available that explain the process for getting approvals from the Homes Association and the City for building changes?

a. Yes. A brochure, Guidelines for Building or Remodeling a House in Palos Verdes Estates, covers both city and Homes Association procedures in a step-by- step outline.

Q. If I live in Miraleste, which is part of Rancho Palos Verdes, do I need to follow the Palos Verdes Homes Association procedures regarding building approvals?

Yes. Plans need Art Jury approval and stamps prior to RPV Building Department procedures.

Q. Do I need permission to

a. run a drain line through my property into a neighbor's?

Yes. Please check with the Homes Association office for easement information.

b. get copies of my home's plans?

Yes. If you are the owner on our records, you can sign a release in our office with proper ID or fax the owner's notorized signature to our office. Two blueprint companies are bonded with us; you may contact either one and make arrangements to have your released plans and the sheets you choose picked up at our office and copied, with the original coming back to the Association and one copy to you.

c. make a copy of someone else's plans?

The owner must sign a release form obtained through our office. If not signed in this office, the release needs to be signed in front of a Notary.

d. take the plans and have them copied myself?

No; however, our office has tracing paper if you need to make a sketch.

Q. I just want to paint my home (or) I am painting the house the same color as it has been.

a. do I need to submit to the Art Jury?

Yes, this is a change to your plan on file. There is NO fee.

b. do I need to submit the new paint if I'm just doing trim?

Yes, this is a change to your plan on file. There is NO fee.

c. do I need to submit paint samples for the interior?

No. Only outside changes are required for review.

d. what do I bring to the office when I come to fill out the paint form?

Bring the paint brand names and color sample chips.

Q. Do I need to submit to the Art Jury for roofing?

a. Yes. We realize you are taking on one of the largest projects homeowners face, and we would like to be as much help as possible. Remember, the Association requires certain materials for your area. We have your plans on file to assist you in ascertaining that elevations and details, including gutter and down spout installations, are correct. If you and your contractor need to make any revision during construction, add a skylight, etc., either the contractor, architect, or you, the owner, may submit the proposed revision to the Art Jury for review. This may save you money and time, since projects cannot have final approval until the construction and all revisions agree with Art Jury approved plans on file. Remember, call the office (373-6721) for a final inspection when construction is complete.

Q. Do I need approval for gutters or downspout changes?

a. Yes. You need approval for anything that affects the outside.

Q. My neighbors have windows in their garage doors; Can I?

a. No. The Art Jury feels a garage should not be the focal point of a home. By putting windows in the door, you draw attention to the part of the structure you least want people to focus on. Any garage doors with windows in P.V.E. or Miraleste are in non-compliance and those having them face fines.

Q. Does my home have a certain style?

a. Yes. Each home has an individual architectural style and a set of property restrictions that can be given to you at the Homes Association office.

Q. May I post signs on my property?

a. No, except for authorized real estate signs and election signs, which are considered to be a First Amendment right. Business signs (such as contractors', painters', floor installers' signs) as well as garage or yard sale signs are prohibited.

Q. Do my plans need to go to the Art Jury for:

- a window?

- a garage door?

- sliding doors?

- front door?

- a gazebo?

- a driveway with bricks or pavers added?

- a trellis?

- fences?

- an antenna or satellite disk?

- a storage shed?

- a hot tub?

- a canvas awning?

- a fountain?

- a flagpole?

a. Yes, to keep your home in compliance with your CC&Rs, everything that is added or changed to the exterior of your home must be submitted to the Art Jury.