RAC Meeting & Application Schedule
RAC Meeting (7:00 PM) | November 26, 2024 | December 10, 2024 (last meeting of 2024) |
Applications Due | November 19, 2024 | December 3, 2024 |
Architectural Review Process
All property in Wilde Lake is legally bound by the Wilde Lake Village Covenants (PDF). The Covenants require property owners to obtain approval from the Wilde Lake Architectural Committee (AC) for common alterations and updates to the exterior of their homes.
This practice has helped to keep the Village of Wilde Lake a desirable, attractive place to live for over 50 years. It requires collaboration in good faith between property owners, residents, neighborhood volunteers including Resident Architectural Committee (RAC) and Village Board members, and other neighbors to work well.
The process is built to recognize that although a cohesive aesthetic is a boon for our community, design standards and preferences may change over time. To that end, the Wilde Lake Architectural Guidelines and Maintenance Standards (PDF) are also reviewed and updated from time to time, most recently in June 2024.
The entire process takes about two weeks from start to finish for most applications. For more information, visit our Covenants FAQ page.
Have questions that aren’t answered here? WLCA staff is here to help! Contact Lexi Levy Milani, covenant advisor for the Village of Wilde Lake, by email at [email protected] or at 410-730-3987 x16.
Applications & Forms
Architectural Guidelines and Maintenance Standards
The Architectural Guidelines and Maintenance Standards (PDF version) will help you determine what alterations to your property require an application, what documentation and information is required for your application, and what types of alterations are most likely to be approved. The Guidelines change with time to accommodate changing trends and technology, and are currently in their eighth revision as of June 2024.
Thanks to RAC Chair Phil Schulz, the Guidelines are also available in HTML as of Dec. 2023. This document permits you to easily jump to your desired section without searching, may be easier to see on your mobile device, and works well with language translation apps such as Google Translate and DeepL: Architectural Guidelines and Maintenance Standards (HTML version) [note: HTML guidelines down for maintenance as of June 5, 2024. They’ll be back shortly!]. Our sincere gratitude to Phil, who volunteered his time to code the Guidelines for WLCA.
Residential Exterior Alteration Application
This application is submitted for any alterations that materially change the exterior appearance of your property. You can click on the link to the Residential Exterior Alteration Application (PDF) to get a fillable/printable copy , or stop by Slayton House during normal business hours to pick up a hard copy.
Completed applications may be emailed to the Covenant Advisor ([email protected]) or mailed to or dropped off at Slayton House. If your property is part of a Homeowners’ Association, it is necessary for the HOA to approve or acknowledge your application. Incomplete applications cannot be processed and will be returned. The Covenant Advisor is happy to answer any questions you might have as you prepare your application.
Specific requirements vary by project, but generally, applications should include a site plan, description of materials, color samples, and drawings (including dimensions) to assist the Architectural Committee in visualizing your exterior alteration. Please refer to the Architectural Guidelines linked above for the type of project you are proposing. Simple repairs do not usually need Architectural Committee approval. However, if the repair projects will involve a change in color, materials, or style then you must apply for AC approval.
Non-Residential Exterior Alteration Application
An application is required for any alterations that materially change the exterior appearance of commercial property within the Village of Wilde Lake. Please contact the Covenant Advisor at [email protected] or 410-730-3987 for more information.
Architectural Committee approval is required if you plan to conduct a business from your home. Please refer to the In-Home Business section of the Wilde Lake Architectural Guidelines and Maintenance Standards for application requirements. The Application for In-Home Industry or Profession can be completed online (PDF).
Completed applications may be emailed to the Covenants Advisor ([email protected]), or dropped off at or mailed to Slayton House (10400 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia, MD 21044).
Removal of trees with a diameter of six inches or more as measured two feet above the ground requires approval from Columbia Association Open Space Management. The Wilde Lake Tree Removal Request (PDF) is submitted directly to Columbia Open Space Management, which will inspect the tree prior to issuing approval. Contact CA Open Space at [email protected] or via phone at 410-312-6330 with questions.
A compliance inspection is conducted prior to property in Wilde Lake changing hands to ensure that the property is in compliance with the Wilde Lake covenants and architectural guidelines. Only the property owner or a duly-authorized representative can request a compliance inspection.
Upon receipt of the request, Wilde Lake’s covenants advisor will perform an on-site, visual inspection of the property. If the property is in compliance, a formal Letter of Compliance is issued; if not, reasons for non-compliance will be listed. Property owners are always invited to request a reinspection once the property has been brought into compliance.
Property owners can complete the Request for Letter of Compliance online (PDF) or request a copy from Slayton House. Completed requests can be emailed to the Covenants Advisor at [email protected] or mailed to or dropped off at Slayton House during business hours.
This brochure helps residents identify non-native plants and provides information on gardening responsibly.
CA has created a handy guide on the dos and don’ts of living adjacent to Open Space property.
A complete listing of all CA-Assessed Streets in Columbia.
Recommendations from Wilde Lake CARES (Community Action and Resources for Environmental Stewardship). For more information about Wilde Lake CARES, visit: https://www.wildelake.org/village-board/board-committees/