Conceptual Design Guidelines for Properties
In
order to protect the natural topography, vegetation and character of the Vernon
Hill Ranch property, Design Guidelines have been established to provide
guidance for all site and building development with the objective of protecting
and enhancing the unique character of this significant hillside property. The
Vernon Hill Ranch Design Review Committee (DRC) will administer and enforce the
Design Guidelines which have been established to ensure an architectural and
landscaped character that is appropriate for the wooded hillside environment of
the Vernon Hill Ranch.
Until the development is eighty (80) %
sold, the DRC will consist of the developer (3 votes), three (3) residents (1
vote each) and a professional architect (1 vote) from the local area and who is
approved by the developer. After
80 % of the lots are sold and until full build out, the DRC will consist of
three (3) neighbourhood residents elected by the Strata Corporation, the
professional architect and, at the developer’s discretion, either the developer
or his agent. All DRC members will
have one vote on the DRC at this time. A fee will be paid by the lot owners
prior to construction for the DRC process. The DRC and their applicable fees
will not replace local government approval nor their fees for services but are
intended to supplement that approval with the specific neighbourhood objectives
of Vernon Hill Ranch.
Design Philosophy
With the underlying
objective of protecting and enhancing the environment, the requirements for the
development of each home site shall focus on the preservation of the natural
character of each property. In addition, the ability to seamlessly integrate
the home into the specific site with minimal impact on the environment and
surrounding properties is paramount.
It is critical that the design approach for every component of the
Vernon Hill Ranch Development be compatible with the area and terrain of an
“Okanagan Valley Architecture.”
The design guidelines shall encourage the design of homes and adjacent
landscaping to be established based upon Regional Architectural Standards that
respond to the climate, natural wooded hillside environment and informal
character of outdoor style of living.
Design Review and Approval Process
This process will
include consultation between the homeowner and the Vernon Hill Ranch Design
Review Committee (DRC) in order to assist, review and evaluate the proposed
building design and site development. The DRC will consider the submittals for
all improvements to assure compliance with the Design Guidelines as related to
site design, landscaping, building height, setbacks, and building design
including materials and colors.
The Design Review
Process shall take place in four phases:
1) Pre-design meeting
between DRC, Owner and Owner’s architect.
2) Preliminary Design
Review of proposed site and building design concept.
3) Final Design Review
of proposed construction drawings for site design, building design, sewerage design, landscape design and storm water
management.
4) Construction monitoring.
In addition to the
DRC process, the owner is obligated to obtain approvals from all local
governing agencies that have jurisdiction over Vernon Hill Ranch development.
Any variances to the development zone requirements will require approval of the
local government and the Design Review Committee.