Structure
The Architectural Review Committee ideally consists of a chairperson and four members. We are always seeking dedicated volunteers to join our team and contribute to maintaining Montage’s architectural integrity. Homeowners with experience, training, or a strong interest in fields such as planning, design, or construction are especially encouraged to get involved. Volunteering is a great way to support your community, meet neighbors, and help preserve the beauty and character of Montage at Mission Hills.
Purpose
The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) is responsible for preserving the distinctive aesthetic and architectural character of Montage at Mission Hills by enforcing the community’s CC&Rs and Rules and Regulations. To support homeowners, the ARC maintains an online library of resources on its webpage, offering guidance on design standards and improvement processes. The Committee reviews Architectural Improvement Requests (AIRs) monthly to ensure compliance with established guidelines, either submitting recommendations to the Board or making final decisions if delegated that authority. Additionally, the ARC conducts periodic inspections of facade architecture, lighting, and front landscaping to maintain the visual continuity and aesthetic standards outlined in the original development plan. By promoting thoughtful design and consistent enforcement, the ARC helps protect property values and preserve Montage’s beauty.
Activities
Residential Exterior Inspections
The Committee conducts two annual exterior inspections for conformance to the Montage CC&Rs, Rules and Regulations, and Architectural and Community Standards. The Committee advises homeowners of non-conformance through personal contact, letters, or emails and suggests solutions to remedy conditions. The goal of the Committee is to encourage neighbors to keep Montage in optimum condition and appearance, which in turn maintains property values.
Public Area Inspections
The Committee, in conjunction with the Association’s landscape maintenance contractor, conducts monthly inspections of the perimeter landscaping and detention basin to assess their condition. The committee directs the contractor to ensure that exterior and interior public spaces are kept in optimum condition and appearance to maintain property values.
Plan Review
The Committee responds to Architectural Improvement Requests (AIRs) and then reviews all proposals to build, construct, alter, or change any structure or landscape in Montage. This includes the installation of louvers, sun sails, trellises, pergolas, solar panels, satellite dishes, gates, home and landscape lighting, large-scale landscape restorations and conversions, landscape walls and sculpture, house painting, as well as any other changes to the exterior of the residence. Architectural Reviews are completed by the Committee to ensure conformance with the Montage CC&Rs, Rules and Regulations, and Architectural and Community Standards.
The Committee reviews and responds to the Architectural Improvement Request (AIR) submitted by homeowners within 30 days. Architectural Improvement Request applications are submitted to the property management company and distributed to the Committee. The Committee responds in writing and either Approves, Denies, or Denies Pending Further Information. The Architectural Review Committee’s approval of the Architectural Improvement Request is required before work can commence on any improvement.
Budgeting and Finances
The Committee shall prepare an annual budget request for presentation to the Board in October based on committee programming needs for the upcoming year. The committee shall abide by all Association and Board policies related to the expenditure of funds.
Record Keeping
The Committee should keep agendas, minutes, and any resource materials used in researching, developing, and making recommendations relative to the committee’s activities in electronic file format, stored on the Association website or other suitable location, for future reference and use.
Reporting
The Committee is required to submit minutes, and those documents should be submitted (in draft or final form) to the Board of Directors within 30 days of a committee meeting.
The Committee shall provide a written or oral report, including Architectural Improvement Requests, to the Board of Directors at each meeting of the Board. The information shall be captured and described in the Board of Directors’ Regular Meeting Minutes.
The Committee shall periodically prepare brief informational updates for publication in the bimonthly Association newsletter to inform the general membership about the status of committee work.
The Committee shall prepare and present an annual committee report at the Association’s Annual General Membership Meeting. The information shall describe the activities and accomplishments of the Committee during the year. The report will be archived on the Association website.
Meetings
The Architectural Review Committee meets monthly to complete new business and review Architectural Improvement Requests and twice annually in the spring and fall to complete exterior property inspections. For more specific information about the Architectural Review Committee’s activities or about serving on the Committee, please contact the Architectural Review Committee Chair, who can be found on the Board webpage by Clicking Here.
Meeting Minutes
This is an archive of the minutes of the Architectural Review Committee. Minutes are organized tabs by year and listed chronologically within each tab. Click on the year tab to open the contents, and then click on the month link to open the approved minutes to read and or download.