Planning A Home Project? Fairway Cove’s Updated ARB Form Makes the Process Easier

Making improvements to your home should be exciting, not confusing or stressful.

The Fairway Cove Board of Directors recently updated the community’s Architectural Review Board Project Form, commonly called the ARB Project Form. The changes were made with input from ARB members and are intended to make the review process clearer, faster and easier for homeowners.

Vista will upload the new form this week, which homeowners can access via the Vista Portal.
1. Log in to the Vista Portal
2. Select Documents
3. Click on Architectural Request (ARC)

Fairway Cove wants homeowners to invest in, maintain and improve their properties. Those improvements benefit individual homeowners while supporting the appearance and value of our entire neighborhood.

The ARB process helps make that possible in a coordinated way. As a reminder, there is NO COST to submit ARB requests, which are reviewed by a three-member volunteer ARB Board.

What Is the ARB Project Form?

The ARB Project Form is used when a homeowner plans certain exterior projects or changes to a property.

The updated form asks for basic information about the proposed work, such as:

• The type of project.

• Where the work will take place.

• The planned materials, colors or design.

• The company or contractor performing the work, when applicable.

• The expected project schedule.

• Any temporary accommodations that may be needed.

This information allows the ARB to confirm that the project follows Fairway Cove’s existing architectural standards and community rules.

The purpose is not to make home improvements difficult. It is to identify potential concerns before work begins, when they are usually easier and less expensive to address.

A Clearer and More Helpful Process

The updated form reflects feedback from the people who regularly review homeowner projects. It is designed to reduce unnecessary questions, repeated requests for information and uncertainty about what must be submitted.

Providing complete information at the beginning helps the ARB understand the project and respond more efficiently.

The process also gives Fairway Cove advance notice of work that may temporarily affect the appearance or normal operation of a property. That coordination can help prevent a homeowner from receiving an unnecessary courtesy notice for an approved project that is actively underway.

ARB Approval Does Not Replace City Permits

Homeowners should understand that Fairway Cove’s approval and City of Orlando approval are separate requirements.

An ARB approval confirms that a project complies with Fairway Cove’s community standards. It does not confirm whether the work complies with building codes or whether a City permit or inspection is required.

Before work begins, homeowners are responsible for contacting the City of Orlando and determining whether their project requires:

• A building permit.

• An electrical, plumbing or mechanical permit.

• A zoning review.

• A City inspection.

• Any other government approval.

A homeowner should not assume that ARB approval means no City permit is needed. Likewise, receiving a City permit does not replace the need for Fairway Cove approval when the Association’s governing documents require it.

Homeowners Are Responsible for Their Vendors

Homeowners are responsible for the actions of contractors, installers, delivery companies and other vendors working at their property.

Please make sure vendors:

• Follow Fairway Cove’s community standards.

• Park legally and do not block sidewalks, driveways or traffic.

• Protect neighboring property and common areas.

• Keep equipment, supplies and debris contained.

• Work during appropriate hours.

• Remove construction materials and waste promptly.

• Avoid causing unnecessary disruption to neighbors.

Any damage or violation caused by a vendor remains the responsibility of the homeowner who hired that vendor.

Projects Must Be Completed in a Timely Manner

Fairway Cove understands that home projects can be affected by weather, material delays and contractor schedules. However, homeowners are responsible for ensuring that approved work moves forward and is completed within a reasonable period.

Properties should not remain indefinitely in an unfinished condition. Materials, debris, equipment and temporary structures should also be removed as soon as they are no longer needed.

If an unexpected delay occurs, homeowners are encouraged to contact the Association. Keeping the ARB and management informed can help avoid confusion and unnecessary notices.

Temporary Accommodations Are Available

Some projects require temporary arrangements that would not normally be permitted.

For example, a homeowner may need:

• A large dumpster placed in the driveway.

• A temporary storage container.

• Construction materials delivered before installation.

• Special access for contractors or equipment.

• Another short-term accommodation needed to complete the work.

Fairway Cove can provide reasonable temporary accommodations when they are requested and coordinated in advance. Homeowners should include these needs with their project information or contact the Association before the equipment or materials arrive.

Advance notice allows the Association to understand what is happening, establish a reasonable timeframe and avoid issuing notices for an approved temporary condition.

Plan First, Then Improve

The updated ARB Project Form is meant to help homeowners begin projects with a clear understanding of the requirements.

A little coordination before work starts can help:

• Prevent avoidable delays.

• Reduce stress for the homeowner.

• Give contractors clearer expectations.

• Avoid unnecessary courtesy notices.

• Protect neighboring properties and common areas.

• Ensure completed improvements meet community standards.

Most importantly, it supports homeowners who want to invest in and enhance their properties.

Fairway Cove welcomes responsible home improvements. By submitting the updated form, checking City requirements and communicating throughout the project, homeowners can help make the process smoother from the first plan to the final result.

Community standards and project information are available at FairwayCoveHOA.com/standards. Homeowners with questions or unusual project needs are encouraged to contact the Association before work begins.