Architectural Review

The Architectural Committee (the "AC" or "ARC") reviews and approves exterior changes. Until Declarant transferred appointment authority, Declarant appointed AC members; thereafter the Board appoints them (Source: Declaration Article VII § 1; Bylaws Article X).

Composition

• After Declarant's delegation, the AC consists of at least three persons (Source: Bylaws Article X § 1).
• AC members need not be Members of the Association (Source: Declaration Article VII § 1).
• If the Board has assumed responsibility for appointing AC members but fails to make appointments, the Board serves as the AC (Source: Bylaws Article X § 1).

When approval is required

No improvement may be commenced, erected, or maintained on the Property, and no exterior addition, change, or alteration may be made, until plans and specifications showing the nature, kind, shape, height, color, materials, and location have been submitted to and approved in writing by the AC (Source: Declaration Article VII § 1; Handbook Architecture).

This includes (non-exhaustive list from the Maintenance Resolution and Handbook):

• Any structural exterior change.
• Any Owner-performed repair or replacement of components on the exterior of the building (the ARC may request evidence that the work won't adversely impact weatherproofing of the building envelope) (Source: Maintenance Responsibility Resolution).
• Landscape lighting installation (Source: Handbook — Landscape Lighting).
• Window box A/C / fans extending past the window frame: prohibited entirely (Source: Handbook — A/C/Fans).
• Central A/C units must be on the side or backside of the house where designated wiring is available; exceptions require ARC review (Source: Handbook — A/C/Fans).
• Exterior antennas and satellite dishes (Source: Declaration Article VII § 2.G; Handbook — Antennas).
• Movement or replacement of street trees (also requires City approval) (Source: Declaration Article IX § 2).
• Owner plantings on Common Properties (only with prior landscape-plan approval) (Source: Declaration Article IX § 2).
• Signs (other than political and pre-approved Mt. Park-style For Sale/Garage Sale signs) (Source: Declaration Article VII § 2.C; Handbook — Signage).
• Outdoor Living Areas — modifications to Outdoor Living Areas require AC approval (Source: Declaration Article I.L).

Process

1. Complete an Architectural Request Form (a template is in the Rules and Regulations bundle).
2. Submit to the Architectural Committee.
3. ARC reviews the application.
4. ARC has up to 90 days from the date a complete written application is submitted to respond to the unit owner.

(Source: Handbook — Architecture.) The Declaration provides: if the AC fails to approve or disapprove within 90 days after plans and specifications have been submitted, approval will not be required and Article VII is deemed fully complied with (Source: Declaration Article VII § 1).

Specific design rules

• Satellite dishes: the operative size limit is 24 inches in diameter (Source: Handbook — Antennas). The 2025 Declaration permits up to one meter (Source: Declaration Article VII § 2.G), but the Board's Handbook sets the stricter community standard at 24 inches; that is the rule Owners should follow. The 1999 CC&Rs had set an even smaller 18-inch limit (Source: 1999 CC&Rs Article VII § 2.G).
• Location must be approved by the AC and may not interfere with a neighbor's view or enjoyment (Source: Declaration Article VII § 2.G).
• Service yards (garbage, fuel tanks, clotheslines, etc.) must be completely screened such that the elements are not visible at any time from the street or any adjoining property (Source: Declaration Article VII § 2.F).
• Utility lines: no outdoor overhead wire/service drop or supporting pole/tower for electric or telecommunication may be erected; all purchasers must use underground service wires (Source: Declaration Article VII § 2.I).
• Interior shared walls: Owners must ensure walls separating dwelling units within the same Building Structure are not punctured or breached by Owner, lessees, invitees, contractors, or household members (Source: Declaration Article VII § 2.H).
• Building Structures cannot be moved to or placed on the Property except with written Association approval (Source: Declaration Article VI § 1.C).
• Garages: must conform generally in architectural design, exterior materials, and finish to the dwelling. May not be used for dwelling purposes (Source: Declaration Article VI § 1.A).
• Outhouses, tents, sheds, trailers, temporary dwellings, garden sheds, tool sheds: may not be erected (Source: Declaration Article VI § 1.A).

Right of entry for inspection

Any agent or officer of the Association may, at any reasonable hour during construction or remodeling, enter and inspect any Property to determine compliance. This is not deemed a trespass. The Association may issue a Certificate of Completion and Compliance for any property so inspected (Source: Declaration Article VII § 3, § 4).

Records as evidence

Records of the Association as to compliance are conclusive evidence. After one year following issuance of a building permit by a municipal authority, any structure/work/improvement/alteration is deemed compliant unless a notice of noncompliance is recorded in Multnomah County, or legal proceedings have been instituted to enforce compliance (Source: Declaration Article VII § 4).

Enforcement

For violations, see Enforcement and Fines. Architecture-specific Handbook escalation (Source: Handbook — Enforcement Procedures, Architecture):

• First Offense: request to remove infraction (warning); remedy within 24 hours.
• Second Offense: letter of violation; remedy within 10 days.
• Third Offense: letter of violation plus fine of $10.00 per day, starting on the 11th day of the infraction.

Notes

• Satellite dish size: 24 inches is the operative community standard (Handbook). The Declaration permits up to 1 meter, but the Board has set the stricter Handbook rule as the community standard.
• AC vs. ARC: Documents use "Architectural Committee", "Architectural Review Committee", and "ARC" interchangeably — they refer to the same body.

Sources

• source/2025.07.07_summitridge townhomes_amended and restated declaration.md — Articles I.L; VI; VII
• source/590 Summitridge Bylaws.md — Article X
• source/2026-0304-SRTHHOA-Rules and Regulations.md — Architecture; Architecture Request Form
• source/590 Welcome Handbook and Resolutions.md — Architecture; Architecture Request Form
• source/590 Maintenance Responsibility Resolution 11.01.2016.md