Tips to avoid architectural violations

The goal of the Architectural Standards staff is to help protect Village property values by preserving a harmonious look on residential homes and enhancing the overall appearance of Montgomery Village. Sometimes, we need to inform a resident of something that might be out of compliance and will need to be fixed.

To avoid getting a letter, what can homeowners do to be proactive?

• Apply before you buy! Homeowners are required to apply and receive approval for any exterior modification that is being made to their property before any work begins. It is free to apply, and we turn decisions around in 10 business days on average, depending on the complexity and completeness of the application. If modifications are made without prior approval, you will be cited for an architectural violation, charged a $25 review fee, and the modification will be reviewed for compliance. Please visit www.montgomeryvillage.com/pir to apply online.
  
  You can also learn more about the application process by visiting www.montgomeryvillage.com, selecting the “Residents” tab and then selecting “Architectural Standards” from the pulldown menu. From there, select “Modification Reference Guide” from the green menu on the right of the screen.

• Set up an online account. Setting up a free online account will allow you to access the architectural criteria, view your external property profile, stay up to date on the status of your application and access several other features specific to your property.
  
  Creating an account is simple: visit www.montgomeryvillage.com and locate the “Login/Join” link on the top right of your screen. Next, click “Create a New Account” and enter your email, name, address and preferred communication style. Please note that the account verification process can take up to 5 business days, but hold tight because once your account has been approved, you will receive another email containing information about how to log in, set your password and other details.
• Review the architectural community criteria and Village-wide criteria. Each subdivision in Montgomery Village has its own set of architectural criteria that outline what features must be retained on homes and what modifications are acceptable. Once you have an online account, you will be able to access the criteria for your community. If you do not have an account, contact our office and we can provide you with a copy. The full list of Village-wide architectural criteria is available at www.montgomeryvillage.com. From the homepage, select the “Residents” tab and then select “Architectural Standards” from the pulldown menu. Once on the Architectural Standards page, selection “Village-wide Criteria” from the green menu on the right of the screen. Please be advised that architectural community criteria and Village-wide criteria are reviewed and updated as materials and colors change over time.
  
  If you receive an architectural violation letter, please read it carefully. You must make all required corrections by the specified deadline or submit your appeal within 30 days. The homeowner must sign and return the “Notice of Compliance” section of the notification and include photos of the corrected items. These items should be sent to the compliance specialist assigned to your community by mail or email. If you have any questions or concerns about a violation letter, please contact the compliance specialist who sent your letter to you; their contact information will be at the bottom of the letter; if you prefer, you may contact the department Administrative Assistant at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 240-243-2364.

Please remember that the best way to avoid an architectural violation is to reference the architectural community and Village-wide criteria and apply for any exterior modification. If you are unsure if you need to apply for a modification, call our office at 240-243-2364. We are here to help!