Reminder: Avoid violations by following ARC guidelines

 
(Oct. 18, 2022) Many violations are sent to the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) each year by inspectors at the Compliance, Permitting and Inspections Office (CPI) in Ocean Pines. 
 
Most violations occur because homeowners are not aware of the Ocean Pines Association Deed Restrictions and Architectural Guidelines.
 
To help maintain property values throughout Ocean Pines and help homeowners avoid unexpected violation notices, below is a list of some of the most common violations:
 

• Unauthorized signs in yard 
• Missing house numbers 
• Trash cans (cannot be left at the roadside and should be screened from view) 
• Debris in yards 
• Unregistered vehicles 
• Unauthorized removal of trees 
• Fences without permits 
• Roof debris (moss, mold & vegetation in gutters) 
• Poorly maintained buildings or grounds 
• Recreational vehicles on a property 
• Box trailers, cargo trailers & oversized vehicles on a property 
• Failure to obtain permits for exterior work 

Unauthorized yard signs have become a particular area of concern. Sign regulations are found in Section 600 of the Architectural Review Guidelines (/documents/20124/117959/ARC%20Guidelines%20Final%20Form%203-25-20%20APPROVED%20by%20ARC%20and%20BOD.pdf/b8b67b5e-af72-c26b-3c23-6bcd98391697). 
 
During election season, residents are allowed one sign per candidate, and signs cannot be displayed in the easement or any common areas in Ocean Pines. 
 
Construction signs may only be displayed on a property if the CPI Department has issued a construction permit. Open house signs are only allowed with the words “open house” and directional arrows, and yard-sale signs are only allowed to be displayed on Saturday and Sunday between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. 
 
All other signs must have ARC approval before being placed or displayed.
 
Full ARC guidelines can be found on the Public Works page of the Ocean Pines website, under “Applications and Documents.” Visit www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/public-works.
 
For further assistance or questions, contact the CPI office at 410-641-7425.