Architecture Review

Architecture and Environment Review Committee
[AERC]

One thing to remember is that all permanently fixed projects, such as a deck, fence or addition, or removal of trees above a certain size, need to be approved by the AERC before you begin the project. In fact, most contractors today won’t even begin your project until they’ve received a letter from the RFHOA granting approval. So before you begin, simply submit your proposal in writing using the AERC request form to any board member, or you may send it directly to the chairman of the architectural committee for approval. Then you can pick up that hammer and electric drill, and get building!

As established by the Ridge Forest Bylaws and Covenants, the Architectural and Environmental Review Committee is composed of three (3) or more natural persons designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. The AERC is responsible for ensuring that building standards are maintained throughout the community and in that capacity, board authority has been delegated to the committee to adopt or promulgate any rule or regulation, or to make any finding, determination, ruling or order, or to issue any permit, consent, authorization, approval or the like pursuant to the authority contained in the RFHOA Covenants and Bylaws.

To submit a request for approval, please complete this form, attach required supporting documentation (if any), and mail to:

Ridge Forest Homeowners Association
P.O. Box 611
Hanover, MD 21076-0611
Attn: AERC

AERC Request Procedures

This section briefly describes the review procedures that each homeowner and the Architecture and Environmental Review Committee (AERC) shall follow regarding any changes and/or improvements within residential properties in the community of Ridge Forest. 

Please note that an AERC Approval form is not required when performing routine landscape maintenance to your property, such as planting flowers, trimming bushes, etc. 

Ridge Forest AERC Review Process Steps :

  1. Homeowner: Review the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions; arrange for required County permits (if any).
  2. Homeowner: Complete the approval application form and gather the required support documents. At this point you will describe/include:
    – What you intend to do,
    – If a contractor is used, identify the person or company performing the work
    – Plot plan, in rough form, with dimensions,
    – Elevation, in rough form, with dimensions,
    – Description of all surface finishes (if applicable)
    – Desired construction start and end dates
    – Photocopy of approved County permit(s)
    – Stain / paint chip of finishes. (if applicable)
  3. Homeowner: Submit your application and support documents to the AERC.
  4. Board/AERC: Contact homeowner and acknowledge receipt of application package within 5 days of receipt of the package. If the package is incomplete, request additional information/documents from the homeowner.
  5. Board/AERC: Review submitted applications at the monthly board meeting. Homeowner may attend the board meeting to participate in the review of the application. Following review by the Committee, either approve or disapprove the request.
  6. Board/AERC: Notify homeowner of the decision in writing within fourteen (14) days of the board/AERC meeting. If disapproved, a complete explanation of the decision must be provided to the homeowner.
  7. Homeowner: If the decision is unsatisfactory, you may contact a board member and request that an appeal of the decision be placed on the next board meeting agenda.

Under no circumstances does approval by the Homeowners Association indicate full authorization. In addition, it may be necessary to obtain building permits and structural approval as required by Anne Arundel County, please verify this with the County Inspections and Permits Division prior to beginning any work.

All improvements are subject to local building regulations and restrictions of record. If a homeowner proceeds without all necessary approvals, he / she may be subject to legal proceedings as well as having to remove all unauthorized improvements.

Currently the list of improvements that require both AERC approval and a County permit include:

  • Shed – detached, more than 64 sq. ft
  • Shed attached to building or carport
  • Basement entrance – erect or alter
  • Carport – build or enclose
  • Door or Window – different size replace
  • Dormers
  • Patio – erect cover
  • Patio or deck – above grade (more than 8 inches above grade)
  • Porch – screen in existing porch
  • Stairs- relocate or add exterior
  • Antenna TV, radio, or satellite dish – erect freestanding
  • Brick or block privacy walls – build
  • Gas barbecue, outdoor – install
  • Heating system, solar – install
  • Outdoor Hot tub / spa – install v – Retaining walls – build
  • Swimming pool – install
  • Fences (required for fences over 6-feet high and for fences erected on a corner-lot property)

This list is not intended to be comprehensive or complete. Please check with the Anne Arundel County Inspections and Permits Division for up-to-date requirements.
(See http://www.aacounty.org/IP/PAC/PermitRequired/Index.cfm for more information)