Pond installations require ARB approval

Posted September 10, 2012 at 7:50 PM, Filed Under: Community News, Front Page, Village Mill

By Julanne Talty
Community Standards Director

Backyard ponds, fountains and trickling streams have become a very popular landscape feature in recent years. While the BCA is pleased that many residents have chosen to upgrade their properties by including a water feature, landscaping of this type must receive approval from the Architectural Review Board prior to installation.

“Any earthwork creating changes in topography, site drainage, or creation of ponds, pools, or other water features must be approved by the ARB.” Residential Design Standards, 8.5.2.

Community Architect Doug Green states that while backyard ponds are generally welcomed, the criteria for water features in front yards are more stringent. “In most cases, we seek a more uniform approach to landscaping in front yards,” he said. 

The ARB does not review normal day-to-day landscaping. This includes adding plants, planting grass, ground cover or gardens, and pruning existing plant material.

Anyone planning to undertake a major landscaping project such as a pond or other water feature, should be sure to complete a home improvement application and forward it to the BCA office with all supporting drawings and a list of plant materials. The ARB meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month and residents generally receive a response to their applications within about 10 days.