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Architectural Reviews (ARC)
ARC Numbers at a Glance
Overview
The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) ensures all exterior changes to homes in the community adhere to established guidelines. This committee reviews homeowner requests for modifications and construction projects small and large, and approves or denies them based on the Seadrift’s Architectural Guidelines. The ARC also updates the Guidelines as necessary.
The Committee typically meets every other Wednesday. Our Seadrift community is special. Owners are drawn to the proximity to the City, the waterfront lifestyle, the beautiful coastal climate, and the quality of the homes and amenities. Each owner has entered into a covenant with each other and with the Association in the form of our recorded CC&Rs. The CC&Rs are in place to ensure that Seadrift continues to be a highly sought after and unique place far into the future. The preamble of our CC&Rs states this promise clearly:
“It may be understood that all owners of property within Seadrift by virtue of their purchase of such property are motivated by the character of the natural environment in which their property is located and accept for and among themselves the principle that the development and use of Seadrift must preserve that character for its present and future enjoyment by other owners.”
A critical component to ensuring that the character and natural environment of Seadrift is preserved in the architectural review process. Owners must seek approval from the Association before undertaking any new construction or altering existing construction. The Seadrift Association (“SA”), through its staff and Architectural Review Committee (“ARC”), encourages the maintenance and improvement of Seadrift homes and stands ready to assist owners in the process that will lead to approval and a successful project.
To that end, the architectural rules, which we refer to as Architectural Guidelines, are intended to (i) provide guidance to applicants and their design teams so that they can work effectively and efficiently with staff and the ARC in the process, (ii) maximize collaboration, and (iii) ensure that improvements are completed in conformance with the standards that make our community a beautiful place to live.
Guidelines
Exterior changes to homes in the community must be submitted to the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) for review to ensure they adhere to established guidelines. Homeowner requests for modifications and construction projects small and large are reviewed, and the Committee approves or denies them based on the Seadrift’s Architectural Guidelines. Here is more about the process.
Submitting Your Application
First, you'll submit a simple application to the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). It's also a good practice to talk to your neighbors about your project ahead of time. This helps them plan for any potential disruption and builds goodwill within the community.
Architectural Review
Next, our consulting architects will review your plans.
For small projects, this review can take approximately two weeks. The architects may ask for clarifications or modifications before approving the project, which can extend the review timeline.
For larger projects and new builds, the review time takes longer and is determined by project scope and extent of information requests and subsequent updates and revision.
Project Approval
Once the architects have finished their review, your project will be approved either administratively or by an ARC vote. The committee meets twice a month, so the timing varies with meeting schedule.
Review Cost & Construction Start
For smaller projects, construction can begin once approval is received. An invoice for the architectural review costs will be sent to you 2-5 weeks after the review is complete.
For major projects, before construction can begin, stamped, approved plans must be given to Seadrift. Once these plans are received, Seadrift will send you the construction invoice and rules, and construction can begin accordingly.
Construction Guidelines & Inspections
Before and during construction, it is ultimately the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure all rules are followed. This includes ensuring site safety, clear communication about contractors for gate access, and ensuring construction parking is limited to your property. Finally, on major construction projects, an initial site walk as well as periodic inspections will be conducted to ensure a smooth construction process from start to finish.
We're here to help make this process as seamless as possible. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the office. We are here to help.
Starting a Project?
First step (aside from hiring, design, etc.!) is to submit an application to the ARC.
Guidelines PDF
Updated! See the latest version of the Architectural Guidelines updated in 2025.
Current Projects
On any given day, there are dozens of active construction projects underway at Seadrift. Many more are in various stages of review or final inspection and may not be visibly active. This weekly report offers a snapshot of all projects, from initial review to final construction.