A Reminder About Home Modifications

As a Point Hope property owner, you should be aware that the community’s governing documents (the CC&Rs) require that you obtain approval from the Point Hope Design & Use Review Board (DURB) before making any modifications to the exterior of your home or property. Whether you’re considering a new fence, updating your landscaping, adding hardscape, refreshing your home’s exterior colors, or installing a pool, it’s important to understand and follow Point Hope’s Residential Design Principles and review process.

Point Hope’s Design Principles and community standards are designed to help encourage and maintain a cohesive neighborhood appearance in a way that is fair and consistent for all property owners. To support this, a comprehensive review, approval and inspection process has been developed and will continue to be administered as the community evolves. Unauthorized modifications to any property without prior approval from the DURB may result in fines and/or mitigation. 

The Home Modification Approval Process:

1. Review the Residential Design Guidelines and DURB application requirements.

Before making any exterior changes to your home or yard, visit livepointhope.com/design-review-board to access the Residential Design Principles and supplemental rules and guidelines to make sure you are familiar with them. You can also access the Modification Applications with specific requirements for each type of modification on this page. 

2. Fill out the appropriate Modification Application for your project.

You will need to complete the Modification Application specific to your modification type. The applications can be found at the bottom of this page, and each application outlines the specific requirements for each type of modification. Please keep the following important information and guidelines in mind:

Paint and Stain Modifications

• If you want to change any of the exterior colors on your home, you’ll be required to submit paint samples that are clearly labeled with information about where each will be used - siding, trim, shutters, doors, etc. No approval will be granted without samples. Even if you are simply refreshing paint or stain using the exact same colors, you still must complete an application form and pay the necessary fee and deposi before work can begin. Click here to review the modification application for paint color changes.

Landscaping Changes or Additions

• For proposed landscaping changes, you must submit a detailed plan on an actual plot plan for your property that includes plant types, sizes and locations, path or walkway plans and hardscape material specifications. Keep in mind that there are minimum planting requirements - including for canopy trees in front yards - that must be maintained. See Section 5 of the Residential Design Principles for details about these requirements. Click here to review the modification application for landscaping changes.

Fences

• All fences require DURB review. Please see page 3 of the Residential Design Principles for specific information about fence requirements. Your plans must be submitted on an actual plot plan of your property with measurements that show the placement of all elements of the design. You are also required to provide details about the color and materials that will be used. Click here to review the modification application for fences.

Pools

Pools must be located beyond the 20’ rear building setback and be surrounded by approved decking and fencing. The DURB is looking for plans that provide adequate privacy screening and adequate spacing from property lines. You’ll need to provide detailed schematics that include drainage plans to show there will be no impact to neighboring properties and details about how dirt will be removed without disturbing neighboring properties. Other requirements include marking the location for the pool equipment and details about all materials being used. Click here to review the modification application for pools.

Structural Modifications

Structural modifications include sheds, garages, sunrooms, screened porches and any additions to the existing footprint of your home. The Board will need to review a detailed plot plan that shows the location of the proposed changes and detailed elevations and plans for the proposed project. Click here to view all of the requirements for structural modifications to your property.

Other Modifications

Examples of other modifications that require review and approval in advance include any changes to driveways or hardscape, the addition of solar panels, shutters, gutter installation, etc. For these and other requests, please use the Miscellaneous Modification Application.

3. Submit complete Modification Application package and payment(s) to the POA office.

Please ensure your application submission is complete and includes all of the required items for the type of modification you are planning. Complete packages should be sent via email to durb@pointhopecharleston.com. The review fee and refundable construction deposit (if applicable) are payable via check(s) made out to “Cainhoy Town Association” and must be received by the POA office prior to review.

4. Wait for notification of review status.

The DURB meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month. It typically takes up to five business days following the meeting for review correspondence to be sent. If your submission is not approved, the letter will explain why and what changes or additional information are needed in order to get approval. If your submission is approved, it will explain next steps. Note that work must begin within 60 days of the receipt of the approval letter. If the project is delayed further, additional review may be required.

5. Talk to your neighbors.

Whenever you’re making a change that will impact adjacent properties, it’s always a good idea to keep the lines of communication open with your neighbors. Make them aware of your plans, the potential impact (if any) that there might be on their property, and how you plan to address any destruction to their property that results from your work. 

6. Schedule an inspection & deposit return.

Once work is complete, contact the POA office to schedule an inspection and to request the return of your Construction Deposit.

Bookmark livepointhope.com/design-review-board for easy access to the latest information and downloadable forms associated with the property modification process at Point Hope.