Design
Guidelines
Reston
was designed to retain a high level of open space, in actual
land use and in its character. That is achieved in part by
having higher-density housing and multifamily housing. Higher-density
housing allows land for parks, lakes, swimming pools, tennis
courts, play fields, tot lots, pathways and the other amenities
that make Reston special. Design review considers the possible
effects of changes on neighboring properties within the context
of Reston's overall development.
The open
space environment of single family housing contributes significantly
to the character of Reston, and the Design Guidelines are
written to sustain this particularly attractive feature of
our community. In following its guidelines, the DRB gives
special consideration to maintaining and enhancing the open
character of detached property. The DRB will closely consider
the overall architectural and environmental context within
a detached-property neighborhood when reviewing applications.
This is particularly important for applications involving
colors, architectural details and fencing. However, because
there is more variation of architectural styles in single
family detached housing, there is also more opportunity for
case-by-case review of applications.
These
guidelines are PDF files, which you can view with the Adobe
Acrobat program.(A 28.8 modem will download a 60K file
in approx. 15 seconds)
Call
the Covenants Administration office at 703-435-6530 for additional
information.
Application
and Review Procedures
Design Review Board Application
Application
and Review Procedures
Design Review Board Application
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Guidelines
for Cluster Housing
The
Reston Master Development Plan designated certain groups
of individual lots as residential "clusters".
The owners of such properties are members of a cluster
association. The cluster association owns and maintains
cluster common property.
In addition
to the Design Guidelines, each cluster also has specific design
standards which apply to its individual properties. Cluster
standards are the criteria for essential exterior elements
of the cluster architecture. These standards usually define
basic requirements or limitations regarding alterations and
often describe acceptable design solutions.
The essential
exterior elements of the cluster design were reviewed and
approved by the DRB prior to construction. Records of the
initial approvals and subsequent changes for colors, materials,
doors, fences, decks, light fixtures and such are on file
at RA and are available to cluster residents. These original
standards are expanded and updated through the cooperative
efforts of the cluster association, the DRB and the RA staff.
Cluster
standards serve to sustain the consistency of design and the
attractiveness of the neighborhood. Because the dwelling unit
density is higher in clusters, continued design integrity
maintains visual harmony among individual homes. High density
also requires a greater degree of control regarding physical
alterations. Because of the close relationship of one house
to another within clusters, alterations and additions to one
property may have a direct effect on adjacent property. The
Design Guidelines, cluster standards and the review process
may restrict individual choices for the benefit of the cluster's
overall appearance and the protection of its individual residents.
Very often,
an application which conforms to established cluster standards
may be approved quickly and easily through the staff review
process, without the requirement for neighbors' signatures.
In other cases, review by staff in consultation with a DRB
member or by a DRB Panel may be required.
In most
cases, the DRB follows the cluster standards in reviewing
applications. However, the DRB may review specific applications
for variations from the cluster standards, and may approve
such request if, after consultation with the cluster, it considers
the request to be appropriate to the conditions of that property
or its visual impact is not significant in the established
visual pattern of the cluster.
These
guidelines are PDF files, which you can view with the Adobe
Acrobat program.(A 28.8 modem will download a 60K file
in approx. 15 seconds)
Call
the Covenants Administration office at 703-435-6530 for
additional information.
Application
and Review Procedures
Design Review Board Application
Application
and Review Procedures
Design Review Board Application
Return
to top
Guidelines
for Developing Cluster Standards
What are
cluster standards?
They are design specifications for certain exterior elements
of the cluster architecture that usually define basic requirements
or limitations. Often they describe an acceptable solution
which will allow the applicant to proceed with staff approval,
but they do not preclude DRB review of alternative solutions.
Why can't
the cluster board review design alterations for its own residents?
Because the Covenants don't grant that authority to the clusters.
Only the DRB is empowered to review and approve exterior alterations
and additions.
Why are
cluster standards important?
In a planned community such as Reston, with areas of closely
spaced housing, a degree of consistency and continuity in
the appearance of cluster housing enhances its overall appearance
and maintains individual property values. Predetermined cluster
standards can help to mitigate the physical impact of changes
upon neighboring properties
How do
a cluster's standards originate? Where is the information
kept? Is it available to the public?
The builder must submit the essential exterior elements of
the project for DRB review and approval at the time of construction.
Records of initial approvals for colors and materials, doors,
fences, decks, light fixtures, etc. are kept by RA.
This information,
and any subsequent changes, is assembled in notebooks for
reference by cluster residents. Clusters are encouraged to
review their standards files regularly to be sure their information
agrees with RA's records, and that all product information
is correct and the products are still available.
Can new
standards be developed or the existing ones changed? How?
Any new or modified standard must be in the form of a specific
DRB decision, so that there is a clear record and mutual understanding
of its terms. Although the DRB may have approved certain items
by specific applications from individual cluster residents,
those approvals do not constitute a cluster standard.
Generally,
new standards are proposed, or existing ones modified, by
an application from the cluster, signed by at least three
cluster board members. Such applications are initiated in
several ways:
- A cluster
may determine that a color or product is discontinued and
apply for approval of an alternative.
- Several
residents may want to have a particular type of addition
or alteration, and may petition the cluster board to seek
DRB approval for a cluster standard.
- Staff
may observe repeated alterations of a particular type within
the cluster, and suggest that the cluster apply to make
it a standard.
- The
DRB may request that the cluster develop and submit a standard
to assist in its review of a specific application.
The cluster
board or a designated committee drafts the standard, assembling
any appropriate supplementary information, and submits its
request to the DRB on a regular application form. The form
should be signed by at least three members of the cluster
board, to verify that the proposal comes with the knowledge
and agreement of the cluster association. For complex standards,
the cluster may wish to bring in a | 
