All permanent improvements to the property require approval of the Architecture Committee.

• The Architectural Committee (AC) review will not commence if any PFOA payments are in arrears.

• Receiving AC approval requires submitting a completed Request for Approval of Construction with required documentation.

• Allow at least 30 days for completion of AC review

• Work cannot commence without payment of building deposit.

• Failure to complete project within 18 months will result in forfeiture of building deposit.

• Changes from AC-approved plans may cause the homeowner to forfeit building deposit.

• See the New Water System Connections and Repairs Policy for instructions on hooking into the water system.

• For installation/use of solar panels, see these RCW (Revised Code of Washington) requirements.

• Primary residence minimum of 600 square feet and no more than 2 stories.

• Pre-fabricated building strategies including panelized assemblies, modular construction and non-traditional building methods will be considered if these are in accord with the character of Pine Forest dwellings and structures.

  1. All structures shall be built of permanent and durable materials in accordance with Firewise principles.

  2. Industrial storage accessories and shipping containers are not allowed.

• Allowed ancillary structures: garage, shed, stable, corral, barn. Where possible, structure maintains architectural character of primary residence.

• Remodels that modify or significantly change existing structures including exterior finishes—AC approval required.

• Exterior colors blend in with surroundings.

• Firewise exterior materials including non-combustible skirting and landscaping.

• Dark Skies exterior lighting.

• Building driveway

• Adding irrigation

• Removing trees over 6 inches in diameter

• Installing utilities

• Excavating, filling or similarly disturbing the land surface, including changing grade, stream bed, ground level or drainage pattern, and clearing shrubs or other vegetation

Include these Firewise design elements for emergency access and egress:

• Make driveway surface at least 12 feet wide, with minimum 28 feet inside turning radii.

• Limit driveway gradient to no steeper than 10%.

• If driveway is longer than 150 feet, provide an emergency vehicle turnaround with a minimum inside turning radius of 28 feet.

• Include a minimum 10-feet-wide by 35-feet-long pullout if the driveway is longer than 150 feet and include at least one pullout every 300 feet for driveways longer than 600 feet.

• Useful information: Firewise home and landscape guidelines

Minimal clearing and grading are encouraged to retain the rustic and natural appearance of the community, reduce noxious weed growth, and promote conservative water usage.

• Construction permitted by Okanogan County before work begins

• Propane tanks at least 30 feet away from all structures

• Swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, ornamental pools or other water containment structure or appliance over 500 gallons not allowed

To request use of a recreational trailer, camper or similar shelter as a temporary residence during construction of the primary residence, fill out that portion of the Request for Approval of Construction.

Requiring a building deposit is intended to ensure timely project completion.

• Only one building deposit is required for each request submitted for review, even if the request includes multiple structures or changes, as long as all buildings or changes are completed within the same work period.

• The AC will consider extending the 18-month work period only if substantial progress has been made on the project.

• Refund of Deposit: Once structure exterior is completed and construction debris removed, the property owner should notify the AC. The Pine Forest Liaison will then inspect the work for its adherence to the approved request and report inspection result to the AC. If the work adheres to the approved request, the AC will then direct the PF Board Treasurer to refund the building deposit and will inform the requestor that this has been done.

• The AC conducts its business via email, conference call or in-person meetings as needed. There are no scheduled meetings.

• See application form for fees.

• Documents must be submitted via email. No hard copies.

• Action will be taken within 30 days of receiving a completed request form and documentation.

• If the request is rejected or conditionally approved, then projected construction cannot begin.

• Construction begun prior to AC approval may be abated at any time by legal proceedings instituted by the Pine Forest Board of Directors.

• Requestors disagreeing with an AC action can appeal the decision to the Pine Forest Board of Directors. In such a case the Board will communicate its decision to the AC for its records.

For enforcement of architectural guidelines and Architecture Committee actions, see the New Water System Connections and Connection Repairs Policy.