ECC Explained
Whether first-time homeowners or long-time residents , we all have a hefty investment . Therefore , it is important to preserve the value of our residences — as well as the surrounding areas . We can do this by keeping buildings well maintained and in a style that compliments adjacent structures and landscaping .
Lake Linganore Association , like other Homeowner Associations , has a set of standards and procedures Members must follow when adding or changing the architectural design on the exterior of their property . These standards and procedures , known as the Environmental Controls Committee ( ECC ) Guidelines , allow for fair and reasonable treatment of all Members when making exterior changes to their homes . While there are some limitations , the guidelines allow enough flexibility for individual expression .
Applications are required for changes . If you are unsure about submitting an application , please contact your Village Manager to discuss the project ( see chart on page 30 ). It is better to be safe than sorry . Completing work without approval of the association may result in monetary fees and forced removal of an unapproved project or color change .
Your respective Village Manager first reviews applications and can approve applications that abide by the design guidelines . Applications that differ from the guidelines are given to the ECC or Board to review at their monthly meeting . The ECC is a committee comprised of volunteers
from the community who have work experience in building / architectural industry .
While the application process can seem lengthy , each aspect of the application is necessary and purposeful to help preserve property values and sustain the community ’ s appearance . By providing each requested document , Members ensure their application is complete and ready for review . The typical review period is two weeks ; however , applications can take up to 60 days to be considered . Applications that take longer than two weeks to review usually lack information or need to be discussed by the ECC at their monthly committee meeting .
Please contact your Village Manager if you are considering a project for your home that involves any exterior addition or change . Some examples include but are not limited to : painting the exterior , trim , or door ; redesigning or installing landscaping ; constructing a fence ; adding a secondary structure ( like a garden shed , dog house , or garage ); placing a swing set or trampoline ; installing solar panels or satellite antenna .
Below are frequently asked questions the LLA receives regarding ECC applications . Please note , below is for all villages ; however , West Winds , Woodlands Preserve , Linganore Garden Condos , and Audubon Condos are governed by an HOA in addition to Lake Linganore Association . Their HOA determines additional ECC guidelines , and their applications can be found in your Member Account under “ Documents ”.
28 Special Edition 2022-2023