Architectural Review Board

Frequently Asked Questions

 

New Homes

1. How long does it take to get ARB approval for my new home?

The length of the new home review process depends of a variety of factors. These may include design, construction, or landscaping concerns, your design professionals' schedule, and other related factors. The ARB collaborates with property owners, architects, and contractors to facilitate this process. We suggest allowing six months for ARB review in your construction schedule.

2. I have Designing with Nature. Are there any other guidelines or neighborhood specific information that I will need?

Yes. There are several Kiawah Island neighborhoods with covenant specific guidelines that the property owner, architect, contractor, and landscape architect should note. These extended guidelines will shape how a home is designed, what materials are chosen, how landscape is utilized, etc. Please contact the ARB to determine if your property is located in a neighborhood that has extended guidelines.

3. What does the new home review process entail?

The new home review process begins with a Site Analysis followed by three reviews with the Board - Conceptual, Preliminary, and Final. Please see Designing with Nature for specific requirements of each submittal. Once Final approval is received, the architect and/or contractor should address any outstanding concerns prior to submitting for a permit.

4. My Conceptual submittal is complete. May I submit it prior to the Site Analysis ?

No. Because the Conceptual submittal must be based on the information gathered at the Site Analysis meeting, the meeting should be scheduled far enough in advance to utilize this information in the design of the home. Existing site conditions as well as proposed site development drawn onto a copy of the Tree and Topographical survey must be submitted and discussed. Please contact the ARB to arrange this essential meeting with the Landscape Coordinator.

5. May I schedule a Site Analysis meeting prior to receiving my Topographical and Tree Survey?

It is critical that all required site data be presented at the Site Analysis meeting, especially a complete Topographical and Tree Survey dated within the last twelve months. Please refer to page 32 in Designing with Nature to identify survey requirements. Accuracy of the survey is extremely important, as this will eventually influence the design of the home.

6. My review submittal is almost complete. I am missing only one required item. May I hold a place on the ARB agenda with an incomplete submittal?

As the ARB meeting agendas are usually full, only completed projects can be accepted for ARB meetings and must take precedence over incomplete projects. Please gather all items for each portion of the submittal process prior to sending to the ARB office.

7. I want to make a change to my home's design after Final approval. What do I do?

You will need to complete a Construction or Design Change Application form, outlining the changes you would like to make. Revised drawings are typically necessary for review of the proposed change. The ARB does not charge a design change review fee for the first design change unless the change is substantial. Subsequent design changes are subject to ARB design change fees.

8. I want to submit to the ARB for new home permitting. What do I need to ensure that my project is complete and ready for submittal?

Permitting submittals MUST have two (2) full size and one (1) reduced (11" x 17") set of construction drawings for permit stamping by the ARB. Please ensure that the site plan is at an engineering scale (many architects utilize the 1/10 scale) and the lot coverage percentage is indicated or the plans will not be accepted by Charleston County permitting. Submittals also require a completed Construction Application Deposit & Agreement form, a KICA Encroachment Permit, and the required deposit for new construction. Onsite tree protection must be complete prior to ARB permitting.

9. Are there any other requirements before I begin construction on my property?

Please see page 43 of Designing with Nature guidelines to review a complete list of before construction requirements.

10. Are there requirements regarding my construction site I must adhere to?

Yes. Please refer to page 44 through page 45 of Designing with Nature for site construction requirements. If you have specific questions, please contact the ARB.

11. When is the foundation deposit refunded?

The foundation inspection is the first inspection of new home construction. When the foundation wall is complete, the contractor must submit a "Foundation Survey" depicting the location of the setbacks and showing the distances from all foundation corners to adjacent property lines. This survey MUST be turned in prior to first floor framing or the Contractor will be subject to a foundation fine. It is the Contractor's responsibility to verify that the correct information is on the survey prior to submittal. Incorrect surveys will not be accepted. The foundation portion of the deposit will be returned after approval of the survey.

12. When do I erect the Sample Board on the construction site?

The Sample Board review is the second inspection of new home construction. Once the structure framing is complete, the Contractor must submit a completed Approved Final Color Form and notify the ARB that the sample board is erected. The Sample Board must have the proposed colors on the proposed materials for on-site inspection. The color form must be approved by the ARB prior to the application of color or color specific material on the home.

13. I am finished building my new home! When is my construction deposit refunded?

A new home Final Inspection is required prior to the refund of your deposit. There are several requirements that must be satisfied prior to applying for the new home Final Inspection: an as-built survey, landscape certification (by your Landscape Architect), KICA Encroachment Inspection, color photographs of all elevations, and an approved color form (submitted during Sample Board review). In order to expedite your Final Inspection, please submit all remaining requirements at the same time.

14. What is required on the as-built survey?

The as-built survey MUST have the correct setbacks, the lot coverage percentage (including the home footprint and decking, pervious and impervious drives or walks, equipment stands, and is based on high-ground), and the roof ridge height. Incomplete surveys will not be accepted. Substitution of other official paperwork for any of this information is rarely allowed. Prior to submittal, please verify that the as-built survey is complete to prevent any unnecessary delays of the construction deposit refund.

Other FAQ's

 

Kiawah Real Estate