Crystal Mountain Club Association Architectural Committee

Review of Building Application Procedures

Owners Weekend – Spring 2009

Chris Shirk – Presenter(representing the Architectural Committee)

This information is for reference only

Purpose

• Introduce the Committee

• Review the building application process

• Review “Facts & Myths” about the Restrictive Covenants

• Make a motion to update the Application to Build or Remodel form

Architectural Committee

• Members– Craig Derks– George Griffin– Tom Huber– Chris Shirk

• Objectives– Serve our fellow Association members by providing consistent oversight of

building and remodeling projects– Uphold the integrity of the Association’s Restrictive Covenants and Bylaws– Protect and preserve the quality and environment of our properties– Provide necessary legal approvals to allow the Land Use and Building Permit

processes to move forward

• Goals– Facilitative and helpful approach– Fast response time– Notification of members when necessary to point out non-conformities and

propose remedies

When do I need to involve the Architectural Committee?

• Before you start any project that will affect the exterior appearance of your lot or structures. This includes:– New construction– Exterior remodeling– Exterior maintenance (including painting/roofing)– Major landscaping/tree removal

• Your main point of contact is through the Application to Build or Remodel within the Crystal Mountain Club Association form.– Available at www.crystalmtnclubassoc.com

How does the process work?

• We must follow the Restrictive Covenants– Also available on the web site– Read them– they are not very scary or complex!

• Start with the Application

• Follow with Land Use and Building Permits as necessary

Building Process Flow ChartProperty Owner

Submits Application

New construction or changed footprint?

Land Use Permit(Weldon Township

Craig Meredith)

Architectural Committee Approval

Building Permit(Benzie County Building Dept)

Project requires Building Permit?

Yes

No

YesNoNo

YesYes

Yes

April 11, 2008 Dear Architectural Committee, We are in the process of planning the addition of a single-car garage at our property on Chippewa Ct (Club #34), and would like to seek your approval for the following scope of work. This proposed improvement will give us much-needed storage space, and will compliment the exterior appearance of the existing dwelling, as well as the overall look of the property. We believe that this improvement is within the confines of the Crystal Club Covenants (including set-backs), and we are not seeking any variance from those rules. The work we are proposing is as follows:

Remove five (5) red pine trees from the property. Relocate underground electrical service to the cabin if necessary (Cherryland Electric). Construct a 14’ X 20’ block foundation and slab floor for the garage. Construct a 5’ X 10’ slab apron in front of the garage. Construct 14’X20’ garage, stick built with 4-12 shingled roof, sided with pine siding to exactly

match cabin. Garage door will also be made of pine siding to give a rustic look. Add gravel and re-grade the driveway to match the garage slab elevation and fix the existing

sunken driveway. Add sidewalk between existing side porch and garage and perform minor landscaping as necessary.

Please note that we are aware that the Crystal water system runs in the proximity of this addition. We have discussed the project with Crystal and have reviewed the registered easement with the Benzie County Building Department (Paula). There is no restriction in the easement for this construction, and the depth of the water main is well below the necessary depth of the footings for this structure (as shown in the drawings). We will work with Crystal (Mike Cutler) as necessary to ensure no disruption to the water system.

Example Cover Letter

Vacant Lot (Caswell)

Abby

Chippawa Ct

HOUSE Kessler

(approx homelocation)

= Large Red Pine Locations

25

35ft

Heavily Wooded

Heavily Wooded

11.5 ft10.0 ft

26.0

26.0 ft

New Garage

Gravel Driveway

Crystal Mountain Water MainDepth @ approx 48" below grade

Cherryland Electric ServiceDepth @ approx 30" below grade

Septic Field

SepticTank

14'-0"

18'

-0"

20.0 ft

12.0 ft10.0 ft

5.0 ft

Slab

Propane

Sidew

alk

Vacant Lot (Dawson)Heavily Wooded

Example Plot Plan

Crystal Club #34 Current Exterior Appearance

Proposed Garage Location

Example Picture to Show Changes

Tips to Speed the Process

• Completely fill out the application!

• Provide a cover letter documenting what you are doing and that it complies with the Restrictive Covenants.

• Mail check with hard-copy of application and plans to one Architectural Committee member.

• We recommend you also use e-mail whenever possible; e-mail all Architectural Committee members simultaneously.– E-mail PDF files of drawings, etc.

Truths & Myths about the Restrictive Covenants(not exhaustive)

• The Architectural Committee must approve all projects affecting the exterior of a dwelling (including maintenance)

• Lots may not be further sub-divided

• One home and one detached garage are allowed on each lot

• The home must have a minimum of 600 sq ft

• Other outbuildings, such as sheds or gazebos are not permitted

• Structures must be set-back: – 25’ from street (front or side) – 25’ from rear lot line – 10’ from side lot lines

• Fences are not allowed – With approval

• Fire pits are not allowed• Trees cannot be removed• Driveways must be paved• A lot cannot contain both an

attached and detached garage• Attached carports are not allowed• Boats or RV’s cannot be stored on

a lot – Not in an unsightly manner

A comment on garages…

• Building a small garage is a good way to provide storage on your lot

– Complies with Restrictive Covenants

• The Benzie County Building Department has minimal requirements for a garage:

– Big enough to fit a single car (12x16)

– 7x7 door, minimum– Reasonable access from a

driveway (improved or unimproved)

– Foundation and slab in compliance with building code (mono-pour is OK)

• Several members have done this recently with good results

Example: Lot 34 Garage * 14’x20’x9’h * Carriage-style door * Mono-pour foundation

Improved Building Application Form

• Why the recommended change?– Simplify the form and instructions– Make the form more e-mail friendly– Make the signature process simpler

• Architectural Committee can use e-mail to arrive at consensus and document this on the form electronically

• Only one actual signature is required from the final reviewing member to satisfy legal requirements

• Motion– The Architectural Committee moves that the Crystal Mountain

Club Association adopt the revised Application to Build or Remodel within the Crystal Mountain Club Association form. This new form will be effective from this date forward and will be posted on the Club Association website.