Architectural Review

The Application Process

Property Owners in Rancho San Lucas are required to obtain approval for new construction as well as for modifications and additions to existing structures and property. As stated in the most current version of the recorded Restrictive Covenants (CC&Rs) Article V, Section 2 “No construction, modification, alteration, excavation or other improvement of any nature whatsoever on any Lot, except for interior alterations not affecting the exterior structure or appearance of any House, shall be undertaken on any Lot unless and until a plan of such construction or alteration shall have been approved in writing by the Architectural Review Committee.”

Thank you for complying with the HOA CC&Rs. They were created to preserve the character of our neighborhood, conserve the beauty of the natural landscape, protect property values, and maximize the enjoyment of living in Rancho San Lucas as well as to protect the Property Owners, such as for insurance and/or future transactions.

These instructions and flowchart are provided to guide property owners through the ARC application process. Please read them carefully prior to submitting an application.

You may download the flowchart as a PDF file here RSL ARC Process

Instruction for Making an Application to the Architectural Review Committee

Property owners in the Rancho San Lucas Subdivision are required to obtain approval from the Home Owner’s Association’s Architectural Review Committee (ARC) for new construction as well as for modifications to existing structures and property. All improvements must comply with the most current recorded Restrictive Covenants (CC&Rs) of the HOA, which may differ from the version that was in effect when the property was purchased. The current CC&Rs may be found here.

The ARC Application, with the project Plans, must be submitted by the Property Owner prior to commencing any permitting, site preparation or construction and shall include:

  1. Cover page: Provide a cover page with property owner name, address, phone number, email address, project title, and description of the proposed improvements.
  2. Plans/Drawings: Provide a complete set of fully dimensioned construction drawings and specifications. Plans should include a site plan, elevations, floor plan, roof plan, landscape plan, or other documentation as needed. Show all dimensions drawn to scale with the scale clearly identified. Describe the materials and colors you intend to use. Provide labels identifying existing elements and proposed improvements. Document that the required setbacks are met.

Once you’ve completed your ARC Application package, please submit as follows:

  • Submit one copy of the complete Application to INFO@RSLHOANM.COM. You will receive an email confirming receipt, and a follow up email when the ARC Application is deemed complete and ready for ARC review or an email requesting any needed clarifications.
  • Plans may be submitted via by email as a document or PDF file attachment. Plans should include the cover letter with project description and drawings and plans as needed to describe your proposed project. Note: If plans are submitted by paper, there may be fees assessed for scanning or copying.

The Homeowner’s Association has up to 30 days to respond to any ARC application once the application is determined to be complete.

Upon ARC approval of your project, an Approval Letter stating the conditions of approval (see below) and the date of commencement will be emailed to the Property Owner. The signed Approval Letter is a contract between you and the HOA.

Plan approval is not granted or considered official until the Property Owner has signed the Approval Letter, indicating acknowledgment of the commencement date and the conditions of approval, and returned the document by email to the HOA Secretary at info@RSLHOANM.com.

In the event there are any changes to your original ARC Application as a result of permitting or other reasons, the property owner must submit those changes with an amended request for ARC review and approval, prior to making those changes.

ARC approval must be obtained for modifications and additions that may include but are not limited to the following:

  • Portals, rooms, studios, shops, and garages
  • Patios, decks, fireplaces, hot tubs, fences, gates, walls, dog runs, and kennels
  • Awnings, exterior lighting, mechanical equipment, external HVAC equipment, solar panels, antennas and flagpoles
  • Addition or removal of doors and/or windows
  • Landscaping, hardscaping, retaining walls and modifications to drainage systems
  • Grading and excavation

Property Owner Responsibilities

All Property Owners are responsible for complying with Santa Fe County Ordinances and for obtaining the required building permits. If a permit is required, it shall be displayed according to Santa Fe County ordinance. Santa Fe County may require standards for design, lighting, and landscaping that are more restrictive than the HOA CC&Rs or the CC&Rs may be more restrictive than the County requirements. Property Owners must comply with the most restrictive applicable standard of either the County ordinances or the HOA CC&Rs.

For your reference, you may access Santa Fe County checklists here.

In addition, Property Owners are responsible for and agree to the following conditions of approval:

  • Construction work is limited to the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 pm Mountain Time Zone, Monday through Friday.
  • Construction materials shall be contained in an orderly manner on the property.
  • Refuse and debris shall be removed in a timely manner to keep the property clean with minimal visual disruption from neighboring properties.
  • Property Owners must inform all workers and delivery drivers of the 15 MPH speed limit on Rancho San Lucas roads.
  • Open spaces shall not be disturbed or used for access or for storage.
  • Property Owners are financially responsible to the HOA for any damage to open spaces, roads, ditches, culverts and utilities, including communications utilities.
  • All approved construction/modification must be completed within one year of approval.
  • Any proposed changes to approved plans will require a new ARC application for approval.

Thank you for following the ARC Application process!