North Hill Architectural Review Committee (ARC)

Welcome from the North Hill Architectural Review Committee of the North Hill Homeowners Association!

We are excited to meet you and have you as our neighbor. The ARC consists of three homeowners who volunteer to review the landscaping applications for compliance with the North Hill Architectural Guidelines.

We encourage you to review the Architectural Guidelines before doing any type of work in your yard. Many people are eager to construct fencing (to contain dogs and/or children) and to eliminate the clay type dirt that will track all over your house! We understand, but ask that you submit your plans before beginning any work.

The North Hill Architectural Committee

To learn more about the ARC and the process click on the link below.

Find out more

WHat are the downloadable documents?

Approved North Hill Revised Architectural Standards Guidelines

This is the full guideline document that all homeowners must follow for exterior improvements.

2024 Initial Landscaping Request Form

This document should be used for initial landscaping and fencing requests

New Architectural Request Form - Exhibit A

This is the main Architectural Change Application for the ARC to review. Use this for exterior ARC requests other than initial backyard landscaping and fencing.

ARC Q&A

This document includes some common questions and screenshots of how to submit your ARC Request on the HOA Management Website.

Tips for submitting an initial landscape plan:

Your first landscaping plan (even if it is only concrete or a fence) must include the shade tree and the five plants. Your plan will NOT be approved without them.

Submit the following online as PDFs (upload documents) through the Management Trust

website https://my.managementtrust.com/Home_v2/Login

1. Plot plan copy. (Some people use this as a drawing, as it is already to scale.)

2. Drawing with shade tree, plants, and other item descriptions and respective dimensions.

3. ARC Application (from the HOA website under ARC request): completed and signed

4. NH Landscaping Design (from the HOA website under ARC request): completed and signed.

*At this time, the MANAGEMENT website instructs you to mail your plans. DO NOT MAIL YOUR ORIGINALS. Only mail your copies! THE ARC never sees these paper copies. They are kept as part of an official legal documentation process by the Management Trust Company.

HELPFUL HINTS:

1. REQUIRED SHADE TREE and SHRUBS

- The ARC expects you to meet the MINIMUM planting requirement. After that, we are not concerned about what you plant, as long as it is not on the NOXIOUS list (page 18)

- You can substitute grasses for the shrubs. If you decide to plant grasses, three grasses count as one shrub. EX: 9 heather grasses and two Miss Kim Lilacs would meet the minimum shrub requirement.

- Remember that this area has a water shortage, so plants requiring lots of water will be expensive to grow and maintain.

- If you have a landscaper already chosen, make sure you give them a list of the approved plants and trees, and the Noxious plant list.

- You cannot substitute a plant/tree that your landscaper likes better for one on the list. The ARC does not approve substitutions.

- ASPENS are not approved.

2. DRAWINGS (some suggestions)

- You do NOT need to pay a landscaper for a drawing. Some will do it for free as part of their quote.

- Draw it on a copy of your plot plan.

- Use graphing paper.

- Use blank paper to sketch it, but make sure to include measurements.

- Include a legend. Be as clear as possible about your plans.

- Please do not order landscaping items until your plans are approved

- Artificial turf requires an approved permit from the City of Thornton with your application (page 16).

- Grass/sod cannot be more than 50% of your landscape area. If it looks close and you didn’t provide measurements, the ARC will send your application back for clarification (page 16).

- Easements: A friendly reminder that putting permanent structures on easements is not advised. If the utility company needs access, and your structure is in the way, they have the right to remove the obstacle (page 33-34 in the Declaration of Covenants, ... of North Hill Homeowners Association).

Sheds, Gazebos, Pergolas, Hot Tubs & Playhouses

- There are size/height/material restrictions on sheds, gazebos, and pergolas. Make your details clear enough that we see that you are following them (page 5, 10).

- PLASTIC SHEDS ARE NOT ALLOWED (You may see them but they were NOT approved and are in violation) (page 12).

- Hot Tubs need ARC approval (page 10).

- NO playhouses allowed. There are restrictions on playground sets (page 11).

Solar Panels & House Lighting

- SOLAR PANELS: Provide a diagram indicating the location of solar panels when applying to the ARC. Critter guards are recommended (page 12-13).

- House lighting (like Jellyfish) does not require an ARC application at this time. Please be considerate of your neighbors when using them, especially later at night (page 7).

North Hill Architectural Review Committee (ARC)