Architectural Control
When PSJA was developed a major concern of the developers was how to ensure that future property owners not build in a fashion that would impact the value of other properties. Consequently, Article VI, Section 1 of The Port of St. James Association Restrictive Covenants applies to construction on property within The Port of St. James Association. This Article covers all projects, including but not limited to, building a new house or other structure, remodeling an older home, or making any additional changes to properties covered by the Covenant and states:
“No building, fence, wall or other structure shall be commenced, erected or maintained upon The Properties, nor shall any exterior addition to or change or alteration therein be made until the plans and specifications showing the nature, kind, shape, height, materials and location of same shall have been submitted to and approved in writing as to harmony of external design and location in relation to surrounding structures and topography by the Board of Directors of the Association, or by an architectural committee composed of three (3) of more representatives appointed by the Board.”
As provided in the Covenants the Board of Directors has appointed and Architectural Committee. Construction of all kinds must be approved by that committee before the project begins. No project of any kind can proceed without a permit from the Association. Before you begin any project you must obtain a PSJA green Building Permit. This requirement is an important one as it protects the value of all properties in the Association.
In order to obtain approval, an Association member must submit a request in writing to the Association. Permit applications can be picked up from any member of the Architectural Committee, namely Bob Smith. The application is also available for download from the Association’s website or can be requested from psja.clerk@gmail.comContractors do not have the authority to approve a project for a member, and you should not expect a contractor to obtain approval of your project for you. The request should be made by the member once township zoning permits have been obtained and should be made by the member to the Architectural Committee, the members of which are noted below, and must contain blueprints, building specifications and if possible renderings or pictures of the proposed project. Applications that do not contain sufficient information for the Association Architectural Committee to fairly judge the impact of the proposed project will be returned as denied but without prejudice to the owner’s ability to resubmit a complete package.
Also remember that the Restrictive Covenants require that the exterior of any project be finished within one year of the beginning of construction. The building site must be cleared of any construction materials at this time. Time restrictions governing approval of designs included in the Covenants may require a denial of a request but without prejudice to the member's right to resubmit the request within a very short time period. This course is occasionally necessary during fall and winter months when it is physically difficult to convene the architectural committee.
Members should also be aware that Article VII of the Covenants prohibits use of any property for "business, commercial, or manufacturing" purpose.
While we do not wish to do so, the Association will take legal action against members who disregard the these provisions of the Restrictive Covenants. That is why we are asking your cooperation in making sure that permits are obtained. No one wishes to see a project delayed or even stopped because of non-compliance. You can help us and help yourselves by making sure that you have obtained the Association Building Permit before beginning work. The Association Permit must be displayed prominently with the Township Zoning Permit at the work site until the project is completed.
Architectural Committee Members:
Bob Smith, Co-chair.
Beth Croswhite, Co-chair.