Architectural Review Board
Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQ
- 1. I wish to become better acquainted with the ARB guidelines. How can I acquire a copy?
- 2. How often does the ARB meet?
- 3. I have a concern I would like to discuss with the ARB. May I attend a meeting?
- 4. There are ribbons around the trees on the lot adjacent to my home. Does this mean these trees will be removed during construction?
- 5. The lot adjacent to my home has been sold and the new owners plan to build soon. Can I review their plans when they are submitted?
- 6. Is it possible to be granted a variance to the guidelines?
- 7. Why am I charged a review fee?
- 8. Why does the ARB need a construction deposit?
1. I wish to become better acquainted with the ARB guidelines. How can I acquire a copy?
The complete ARB Standards and Guidelines, Designing with Nature, can be found on this website. Also, there are copies of Designing with Nature at the ARB office. Please contact the ARB office if you would like a copy sent to you or to speak to an ARB representative regarding specific information.
2. How often does the ARB meet?
The ARB meets twice a month, on the first and third Wednesdays.
3. I have a concern I would like to discuss with the ARB. May I attend a meeting?
Although the review facet of the ARB meeting is closed to visitors, a portion of the meeting is reserved for appointments with property owners and design professionals. Please contact the ARB office to schedule a time.
4. There are ribbons around the trees on the lot adjacent to my home. Does this mean these trees will be removed during construction?
These ribbons indicate trees that have been surveyed, one of the first requirements in the review process. Evaluation of which trees must be preserved occurs during the site analysis and continues throughout the home's review.
5. The lot adjacent to my home has been sold and the new owners plan to build soon. Can I review their plans when they are submitted?
A list of new homes currently under review by the ARB is available on this website. You may also request notification when plans are submitted for a property. These plans may only be reviewed in the ARB office and may not be borrowed or copied.
6. Is it possible to be granted a variance to the guidelines?
The ARB will consider a variance that complies with criteria as described on page 12 of Designing with Nature. All variances must be brought to the attention of the ARB during the review process and cannot be approved after construction begins. Surveyor or contractor error cannot be considered a "hardship" that supports a variance.
7. Why am I charged a review fee?
The review fee is to compensate the ARB staff and Board for the time involved in reviewing, processing, and inspecting each project.
8. Why does the ARB need a construction deposit?
The ARB construction deposit, whether for new home, demolition, or improvement construction, insures that work on Kiawah complies with the ARB Standards and Guidelines in Designing with Nature.
- Other FAQ's General FAQ Existing Homes New Homes Site Specific
