If you are making an exterior alteration to your property or planning to operate an in-home business, it is likely you need approval from our Resident Architectural Committee (RAC). Below you will find helpful information about the process and legal authority. 

What Are The Owen Brown Village Covenants?

The Covenants are binding legal obligations between the Owen Brown Community Association and each lot owner in the village. They “run with the land,” as part of your deed of ownership, which means the obligation transfers to all successive owners. You should have received the Owen Brown Covenants within days of signing the contract for your new home. Our Covenants assure residents of certain standards for land use, architectural design, and property maintenance throughout the village. They also provide you membership in the Owen Brown Community Association and establish the mechanism for the operation of that association.

Why Do We Have Architectural Guidelines?

The goal of the Covenants is to keep our community an attractive, desirable place in which to live, and to protect property values. The Guidelines function as a practical application of the Covenants, so that residents know what is typically allowed and/or expected with regard to the exterior maintenance or changes to their home and property. 

Who Makes Up the Review Committee?

The RAC is comprised of volunteer members of the association, who meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month March thru October and only the 2nd Wednesday of the month (Nov. thru Feb. at 7:30 PM to review applications. The deadline to submit applications for approval is two weeks prior to the next meeting date. 

Who Do I Contact About a Potential Complaint?

If you believe a property in Owen Brown may be in violation of the Village Covenants, you may contact the Village staff by either phone, email or the Complaint form below.  There is also a link to the Howard County government for non-covenant issues.