Architectural Review Committee

The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) is dedicated to preserving the aesthetic integrity and property values of Nowland Estates. Our primary goal is to ensure that all modifications and improvements to homes and properties align with the community’s guidelines and enhance the overall appeal of our neighborhood.

Committee Responsibilities:

Review Proposals: The ARC reviews all submitted plans for modifications, including home additions, exterior renovations, fencing, landscaping, and other significant changes. This process helps maintain a cohesive look and feel within our community.
Guidelines and Standards: We operate under a set of established guidelines that detail acceptable materials, colors, designs, and placement for various types of projects. These guidelines are designed to uphold the quality of our community while allowing for individual expression.
Communication: We strive for open communication with homeowners throughout the review process. After submitting a proposal, homeowners will receive confirmation of receipt and any necessary feedback or requests for clarification.
Decision Making: The committee works diligently to provide timely decisions. Final approval will be granted once all requirements are met, ensuring that both the committee and the homeowner agree on the project details.
Community Engagement: We encourage all residents to participate in community meetings and provide input on architectural guidelines. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the future of our neighborhood.

Important Note: Before starting any project, please review the Architectural Guidelines and submit your proposal to the ARC for approval. This step is crucial to ensure compliance and prevent any potential issues.

Nowland Estates HOA Architectural Review Committee

The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) is here to assist homeowners with compliance and guidance regarding modifications to their properties. It’s essential to consult the ARC before making changes to ensure alignment with community standards as outlined in the Declaration of Covenants & Restrictions. Specific reasons for approval and disapproval of plans can be found in Article V; Section 5 of the DC&R.

This ARC is authorized by the Declaration of Covenants & Restrictions, Article V.

The ARC, together with Canton Ordinances and Ordinance Officer support, strives to meet the objective of maintaining a consistent, high-quality neighborhood appearance.

The ARC reviews plans supplied by the Owner for changes in the exterior appearance of the house, landscaping, or lot to ensure all proposed changes meet the guidelines of the Declaration of Covenants & Restrictions and it’s ammendments.

Project Proposal Process

Step 1: Review Covenants and Restrictions
Before starting your project, familiarize yourself with the HOA’s covenants and restrictions. These documents outline the guidelines for construction and renovations in our community. They can be accessed on our website or by request from the board.

Step 2: Prepare Your Project Proposal.
Your proposal should include the following details:

Project Description
Explain what the project entails (e.g., new deck, fence installation, home addition).

Time Frame
Provide estimated start and end dates for the project, including any construction phases.

Visual Documentation
Include images that represent the desired outcome of your project. This could be photos of similar projects, inspiration images, or design concepts.

Planned Schematics
Provide detailed schematics or blueprints showing the project’s layout and design. This will help the committee visualize the proposed changes.

Detailed Measurements
Include accurate measurements of the proposed project area (e.g., dimensions of a new structure, height of a fence).

Final Finishes
Specify the materials, colors, and finishes you plan to use. This includes paint colors, roofing materials, and any other relevant details.

Step 3: Submit Your Proposal
Submit your completed proposal to the Architectural Review Committee via the Contact Us page form or submit it via email addressed to contactus@nowlandestateshoa.org. Ensure that all required documents are attached.

Step 4: Confirmation of Receipt
After submission, you will receive an email confirmation from the committee acknowledging the receipt of your proposal. This email will include a reference number for tracking your submission.

Step 5: Review Process
The committee will review your proposal in accordance with the community’s guidelines. If any clarification or additional information is needed, the committee will email you for further details.

Step 6: Committee Decision
Once the committee has reviewed your project and any necessary adjustments have been discussed, they will provide feedback. Final approval will be granted once both the committee and the homeowner reach an agreement on the project details.

Step 7: Notification of Approval
You will receive an official email notification confirming the approval of your project. This email will include any conditions or stipulations that must be met during the construction process.

For more details about the ARC, see the Declaration of Covenants & Restrictions: Article V.

When To Seek ARC Approval

Below are key items to consider when deciding whether to contact the ARC:

1. Change in Grade:
Any changes in the grade of your lot that may affect storm drainage must be reported to the ARC. Proper drainage is critical for the health of our community and to prevent flooding issues.

2. Exterior Colors:
If you plan to change the exterior colors of your roof, siding, trim, or windows, you are required to submit accurate color samples to the ARC for approval. The ARC recommends maintaining the original “as-built” appearance, but it is also acceptable to use colors from other approved schemes, provided they comply with Article VI, Section 6 regarding similar elevations. Color schemes that deviate from these standards will be considered only if they fall within neutral, earth-tone palettes (excluding bright, vibrant, or loud colors, or colors that do not occur in nature).

3. Trees:
Before adding or removing trees from the right-of-way (the area between the sidewalk and the street), you must inform the ARC. This helps maintain the community’s landscaping standards and protects our natural environment.

4. Regular Maintenance and Repair:
If your maintenance work does not alter the exterior color, appearance, or grade of your home, you do not need ARC approval. However, if you are uncertain whether your project requires approval, it’s always best to check with us.

If you have any questions or need clarification regarding your plans, please don’t hesitate to contact the ARC. We are here to help ensure that your projects enhance the beauty and value of Nowland Estates while adhering to our community’s standards!

Canton Township Supervisor's Announcement

Regarding Building and Inspection Permitsand Association Covenants and Restrictions

Last year, Canton made changes to its residential permitting process and no longer requires HOA approval prior to issuing any permits from our Building and Inspections Services Division. Although Canton adheres to property ordinances adopted by the governing body of the township, they do not override covenants and restrictions established by each HOA.

Canton has over 230 HOAs, and each have their own covenants and restrictions that require specific regulations for things like solar panel placement, swimming pools, fences, and other exterior modifications/enhancement. It is important that residents first check with their HOA to make sure a project meets all subdivision requirements. Unfortunately, Canton cannot issue permit refunds for permits reviewed, issued, and then canceled due to violations of HOA requirements.

We have attached a letter explaining this process change that we are asking you to share with your HOA members. If you have any questions, please call the Building and Inspection Services Division at 394-5200 or email us at municipalservices@cantonmi.gov.

Link to the Letter from Canton Township