Welcome!
On behalf of the Mar Vista Development and Homeowners Association, congratulations on joining our community! We have put together this guide to assist Owners, Architects, Engineers and Builders to move through the process of designing and building homes in the Mar Vista community of neighborhoods. Although the process is detailed in the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) of the community, we feel that it is important to provide a summary of the process along with the documentation that must be submitted along the way. Thank you, and please remember that these guidelines are meant to protect each and every member in the community and enhance the beauty and harmony of Mar Vista.
Review Requirements First
Before starting your application, review the complete CC&R requirements to ensure your project meets all guidelines. This will help avoid delays and ensure a smooth approval process.
View All RequirementsAbout the Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions (CC&R's)
The Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions of the Mar Vista community were written in order to maintain harmony between neighbors, and to protect the community from unattractive and irresponsible construction, thus enhancing the overall beauty and cohesiveness of the development, maintaining property values and protecting the splendorous natural environment of the development for its flora and fauna. In our community, the Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions document exists as a private contract attached to the title of each property that supplements existing construction and design laws with the sole purpose of ensuring a cohesive and harmonious future for the community.
The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Charter
Article 3 of the CC&R's establishes that an Architectural Review Committee will be appointed to act as an independent committee responsible for ensuring that every improvement in Mar Vista adheres to the design and construction regulations set forth in the CC&R's. Once again, this process is meant to provide a consistent image and a harmonious community, thus protecting the quality of life and the investment of every owner and resident.
The Review and Building Process
Preliminary Design Review
Before submitting the plans to any government agency, the owner must present a complete project proposal package to the Architectural Review Committee. All new construction projects, remodels, or aesthetic changes require approval from the ARC and will be subject to a preliminary design review. Absolutely no site clearing, excavation, grading, addition, alteration, repair or physical change to a building or lot is permitted before the receipt of written construction approval from the ARC.
Costa Rican Building Permit Process
The Costa Rican building permit process should be managed by your Architect and/or Engineer.
Final Design Review
The purpose of the final design review is to ensure that an owner has obtained all required permits for the project. The permitted plans will also be reviewed to ensure that the final permitted design adheres to the same guidelines upon which the project received its preliminary design approval.
Construction Plan Approval and Contractor Registration
The construction process can be a source of disarray within a community. The Architectural Review Committee has compiled a list of construction site requirements and procedures in order to ensure a suitable living environment for the community during any construction within the community.
Compliance and Construction Inspections
Throughout the construction process, the ARC will inspect the construction process to ensure that the construction is being carried out in a respectful and safe manner.
Review Fees
Painting or Stuccoing
$25Will only require owner to provide a sample of the proposed paint or stucco color and fill out application form.
Other Aesthetic or Landscaping Changes
$250These include irrigation systems, lawn ornaments, window or door replacements, changes in railings, fencing, gates or any other change that does not require a construction permit as per Costa Rican law.
Remodels, Small Structures, or Other Changes That Require Construction Permits
$500Any remodel that requires a construction permit will be subject to the review and building process. If the new construction under 40 sq. meters, will be classified as a small structure.
New Construction of Primary, Secondary, or Utility Structures
$5 per square meter (minimum $1000)Any new construction that is larger than 40 sq. meters will subject to the review and building process.
Contractor Guarantee Deposit
$5000 for large projects / $300 for small projectsAll contractors will be required to deposit a guarantee to the HOA prior to beginning any construction on a lot.
Ready to Submit Your Application?
Start your architectural review process by completing our online application form.
Start Application