REVISTA PALMAS 68 OCTUBRE 2022

PHA
Architectural
ARBReview Board
By Raúl Rivera-Ortiz, AIA, NCARB | ARB Executive Director
Welcome to the PHA Architectural Review
Board (ARB) column in Live & Life!
In this first issue, we will explain in general
terms what is the ARB and what it does (and
does not do). The PHA-ARB is a non-profit corporation,
separate from the Palmas del Mar
Homeowners Association (PHA). Its creation
responds to the mandate of the Covenants
to maintain a body of subject matter experts
charged with preserving the architectural
character of Palmas del Mar. PHA selects the
ARB president, who in turn selects the other
members of the ARB, except for one who is
appointed by PDMPI. In a way, the ARB is the
architectural consultant of PHA. As such, the
ARB reviews all construction and development
projects in Palmas del Mar.
To comply with its responsibility, the ARB
needs homeowners and developers to help
in preserving our architectural character. This
is done, not only with new construction, but
with painting, landscaping, additions, alterations,
remodeling, and any other work that
may affect the architectural harmony of the
community. If you plan to do any of these in
your property, you must first obtain the endorsement
of the ARB. Only ARB-endorsed
projects can take place in Palmas del Mar, and
only the contractors of endorsed projects are
allowed to enter the gates and work within the
community. Only ARB-endorsed projects are
considered by the Permits Office of Humacao
in issuing required permits.
All projects in Palmas del Mar must comply
with the requirements of the PHA-ARB
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES. In
accordance with the Covenants, these Guidelines
are developed by the ARB and ratified
by PHA and PDMPI. The Guidelines provide
rules and procedures to follow in submitting
projects to the ARB. They also include development,
architectural, landscaping, and signage
standards aimed at preserving the character
and harmony of the Palmas community. All
projects in Palmas del Mar require drawings
and construction documents prepared and
signed by design professionals licensed
in Puerto Rico. All licensed
professionals are encouraged to meet
with the ARB Executive Director prior
to starting project designs, to discuss
and become familiar with the rules
and procedures established by the
Guidelines.
For new construction, exterior
modifications, and landscaping, conceptual
designs must be submitted
to the ARB a least one week before
the board’s monthly scheduled meetings.
These include the installation of
solar panel systems and new emergency
generators to serve existing
structures. Minor maintenance work
requiring NO construction, exterior
painting complying with the Guidelines,
and interior modifications may
be submitted anytime using the
Maintenance or Miscellaneous Projects
Application Forms. Normally,
these are reviewed and endorsed by
the PHA-ARB Executive Director within
seven days. All projects proposed
within a Regime, must provide the
ARB with the endorsement of the
Regime before being accepted for
review. All new construction projects
will also require the endorsement of
PDMU.
Now, what does the ARB not do?
The ARB does not resolve or endorse
any issues that are covered by the
Condominium Law. If you live in a
condominium, authorization to modify
the exterior of your villa must be
given first by the condominium association.
The ARB does not settle conflicts between
neighbors due to operational issues. Those
are handled by PHA. The ARB does not issue
construction permits or use permits. These
must be obtained at the Humacao Permits
Office, which will require the endorsement
of the ARB. The ARB does not authorize any
actions that require prior authorization of government
agencies. For example, pruning and
cutting trees requires the authorization of the
Department of Natural and Environmental Resources
(DRNA).
We will review specific requirements of the
Guidelines in coming issues of Live & Life. In
the meantime, if you have any questions,
please email us a note at pha_arb@live.com. s