HOA Architectural Reviews In Chatham Park And Chapel Ridge

Thinking about adding a pool, repainting, or building a fence in Chatham Park or Chapel Ridge? Projects like these often need HOA architectural approval, and timing it right with county permits can make or break your schedule. If you are buying or selling, these steps can also affect closing. In this guide, you’ll learn how architectural reviews work in both communities, what needs approval, how long it can take, and how to avoid surprises. Let’s dive in.

Why architectural review matters in Pittsboro

In Pittsboro, most exterior projects follow two tracks: community design approval and public permits. Your HOA or Architectural Review Board (ARB) enforces private design rules set in covenants and guidelines. North Carolina’s Planned Community Act recognizes these private rules alongside public codes and zoning. You still need county or town permits where required. See the statute for background in the North Carolina Planned Community Act.

County and town reviews are separate from HOA approvals. Building permits, inspections, and Certificates of Occupancy are issued by public authorities. For permit questions, visit Chatham County Central Permitting and Inspections. If you are in Chatham Park, the Town maintains a helpful overview on its Chatham Park page.

Chatham Park design basics

Chatham Park uses a comprehensive set of Design Guidelines that shape building forms, materials, colors, porches, fences, landscape, lighting, signage, and more. These Guidelines are intended to work with the Town’s UDO and the Chatham Park Master Plan. You can review the current document in the Chatham Park Design Guidelines.

What needs approval

You can expect review for most exterior changes, including fences and walls, exterior color changes, decks and porches, pools, accessory buildings, major landscape work, and driveway or hardscape changes. The Guidelines include dimensional and material standards. For example, residential front yard fences are generally limited in height with material and transparency guidance.

How to submit

Chatham Park includes a Builder Submittal Process and checklists in the appendix of the Guidelines. Follow the required documents listed there, including site plans, elevations, materials, and landscape details. Many neighborhoods within Chatham Park also have their own covenants or ARCs. Always confirm neighborhood-level rules and any supplemental steps before you begin.

Chapel Ridge ARB essentials

Chapel Ridge, a golf-course community in Pittsboro, uses an ARB to review new homes and most exterior modifications. The ARB may consider aesthetics to promote cohesive, high-quality design. See the full process and forms in the Chapel Ridge Architectural & Site Design Guidelines.

What the ARB reviews

The ARB typically reviews new construction, additions, exterior repainting, accessory buildings, fences, decks, pools, signage, major landscape plans, and tree removals. Reviews often occur in stages: concept review, site and architectural plan review, and landscape plan review. Plans must meet County and State codes but still require ARB approval.

Fees and deposits

The Guidelines list example figures: full plan review at $2,400, existing-structure review at $300, landscaping revision at $100, and a construction deposit at $2,500. Fees are nonrefundable and may change, so confirm current amounts with HOA management. You can find management resources on the Chapel Ridge covenants and restrictions page.

Certificate of Compliance

Before applying for the County Certificate of Occupancy, Chapel Ridge requires an ARB Certificate of Compliance or a Pending Certificate. Missing this step can delay a closing and may risk your construction deposit. The ARB outlines inspection timing and includes a checklist and forms in the Guidelines.

Enforcement and variances

Unauthorized work can lead to fines, corrective orders, or removal at the owner’s expense. If you need relief from a standard, you can request a variance. Variances are case by case and do not set precedent. Keep all approvals and conditions in writing.

Common projects and approvals

• New homes and major additions: full ARB/design review in both communities.
• Fences and walls: approval typically required for height, materials, and placement.
• Exterior repainting or color changes: often requires review.
• Pools, decks, hardscape, and driveways: usually reviewed for siting, materials, and drainage.
• Accessory buildings and sheds: typically require approval and screening.
• Tree removal and grading: often regulated due to stormwater and landscape standards.
• Interior-only work: may not need ARB review if it does not change the exterior. Still check permit thresholds with Chatham County Inspections.

Step-by-step to avoid delays

1. Read the current community Guidelines and your neighborhood’s covenants. Start with the Chatham Park Design Guidelines or the Chapel Ridge ARB Guidelines.
2. Email or call the HOA/ARB to confirm what your project needs, current fees, and the expected turnaround time. Use the Chapel Ridge covenants and restrictions page for contacts.
3. Prepare a complete packet: site plan, elevations, materials and colors, drainage/erosion notes, and landscape plan. Follow the checklists in the Guidelines.
4. Submit your application and pay fees and any construction deposit. Keep dated copies of everything.
5. After ARB approval, apply for building permits with Chatham County Central Permitting. Coordinate inspections and keep approvals visible onsite.
6. For Chapel Ridge, schedule the ARB inspection and secure the Certificate of Compliance before seeking the County Certificate of Occupancy.

Tips for buyers and sellers

• During due diligence, request the CC&Rs, current Guidelines, and any pending ARB violations or open inspections for the property.
• If you plan improvements after closing, confirm the approval process, fees, and typical timelines in advance. Build ARB review time into your project schedule.
• Sellers should address unapproved exterior changes before listing or disclose them and clarify options. Missing approvals can impact negotiations or closing dates.
• If an application is denied, you can often revise and resubmit or request a variance. Keep all ARB correspondence in writing.

If you want a smooth experience buying or selling in Chatham Park or Chapel Ridge, or you need a plan for ARB approvals with your move, connect with Margaret Sophie for calm, knowledgeable guidance rooted in the Triangle’s lifestyle communities.

FAQs

Do I need approval to repaint or build a fence in Chatham Park or Chapel Ridge?

• Yes, both communities list exterior repainting and fences as items that typically require review under their published Guidelines.

Are HOA approvals the same as building permits in Pittsboro?

• No, HOA or ARB approvals are private design approvals, while county and town permits and inspections are separate public requirements. Most projects need both.

What are the typical Chapel Ridge ARB fees and deposits?

• The Guidelines list a $2,400 full review fee, $300 for existing-structure reviews, $100 for landscaping revisions, and a $2,500 construction deposit. Confirm current amounts with the HOA.

Can an ARB decision be appealed in Chapel Ridge?

• Yes, you can revise and resubmit, request a variance, or follow the association’s appeal process as outlined in the Guidelines.

Could ARB timing affect my closing in Chapel Ridge?

• Yes, the ARB must issue a Certificate of Compliance before you apply for the County Certificate of Occupancy, so outstanding inspections can delay closing.