This page is dedicated to all things ARB. Click on any topic in the table of contents below to be taken to the corresponding section. We hope residents and owners of The Brownstones find this page useful when looking for information related to the Architecture Review Board.
Description and purpose of the ARB
On behalf of the Brownstones community, the Architectural Review Board (ARB) reviews and approves, modifies or declines to approve all proposed changes, replacements and improvements to the exterior of the Brownstones townhouses. The ARB considers applications from homeowners and makes its decisions in accordance with the Brownstones HOA’s Declaration of Covenants and the ARB’s architectural guidelines.
The ARB Chair and members shall be appointed by the Brownstones HOA Board for a term of one year, renewable annually with the consent of the member and the HOA Board.
The ARB in the governing documents
A detailed description of the ARB’s responsibilities can be found in the Declaration of Covenants, Article III, Section 4, “The Architectural Review Board.”
For the official Exterior Rules and Regulations, please click here.
Additionally, the ARB is appointed by the Board of Directors as defined in the Bylaws, Section 7.3 Committees, part (b).
Architectural Design Guidelines
Here you can find all of the information you need to replace, repair, and maintain your Brownstone. As a reminder, prior to starting any exterior modifications (except for those listed in the "What doesn't need ARB approval?" below) you must complete, submit, and obtain approval from the ARB (see various applications in next section).
- Approved Exterior Brownstones Paint Colors by Sherwin Williams
- Please note that for metal fences, the approved color is Rustoleum Gloss Black
- Approved Exterior Window Matrix
- Approved Exterior Light Fixture Above Garages
- Approved Exterior Light Fixture over the kitchen door and beside the garage door
- Original exterior material/color matrix for each residence in The Brownstones
- Outdoor Antenna (OTARD) Policy
- Rules Governing Signs (adopted June 2021)
ARB Application Forms for Exterior Modifications
Below are the specific forms to use for any type of exterior modification or maintenance to your unit. These forms must be completed, submitted, and approval granted before starting any exterior work. Click on each one to view/download.
- General Exterior Modification and Maintenance
- Gutters, Downspouts and Coping Modification and Maintenance
- Roof Modification and Maintenance
- Window Modification and Maintenance
- Exterior Steps and Entryway Modification and Maintenance
- Exterior Painting Modification and Maintenance
- Exterior Doors Maintenance and Modifications
- Exterior Lighting Modifications and Maintenance
- Deck Membranes and Composite Decking Modifications and Maintenance
Photos and descriptions of the various parts of your home
When residents are making repairs or performing maintenance, or when a home is cited by the ARB for violations, the following will show the various parts of your home for reference:
Where to send ARB applications?
Completed ARB Applications can be submitted various ways:
- Email the electronic or scanned copy of the applications to our property management company, First Service Residential, at richard.brandes@fsresidential.com.
- Mail (or drop off) your completed application to First Service Residential at the following address:
6700A Rockledge Drive Suite 110
Bethesda, MD 20817
Attn: Richard Brandes
Who are the members of the ARB?
The members of the Architectural Review Board (ARB) are as follows:
- Ali Eghtesadi - gtpendo@gmail.com
- John McLaughlin - jtmcl98@gmail.com