Wilde Lake’s Covenants are a legally binding contract between Wilde Lake property owners and the Wilde Lake Community Association. The purpose of the Covenants is to ensure property maintenance and design standards, goals that are beneficial to all Wilde Lake residents.  Owners agree to maintain their properties on a regular basis and to seek Architectural Committee approval for any changes to the exteriors of their properties.

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  What are the Wilde Lake Architectural Guidelines and Maintenance Standards?

  The guidelines, supported by the Covenants, are written by the Architectural Committee to assist residents in preparing an Application for Exterior Alteration. The guidelines list the types of exterior alterations that are most likely to be approved. Copies are available at the Slayton House, or click on the link at right to view.

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  When are application deadlines and committee meetings?

  Application deadlines are one week prior to Resident Architectural Committee (RAC) meeting dates.  Applications submitted by the deadline will be considered at the following RAC meeting.  RAC members are community volunteers and this one-week deadline allows them sufficient time to review applications and visit properties prior to meetings.  The RAC currently meets virtually via Zoom on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM.  (Holidays may require rescheduling meetings.  There is typically a single meeting in December.)  Meetings are open to the public.  Check the RAC Agenda page for the next application deadline and meeting date.  The agenda is also posted at Slayton House.

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  What is the Architectural Committee approval process? How long does it take?

  For most applications, the time from submission to approval is about 2 weeks.  All applications are reviewed by the Resident Architectural Committee (RAC), which acts as an advisory panel to the Wilde Lake Architectural Committee.  At a RAC meeting, a recommendation is made on each application to approve as submitted, approve as modified, disapprove, or table.  The recommendation is sent to the Architectural Committee Liaison, who makes the final determination.

  Application deadlines are due one week prior to Resident Architectural Committee (RAC) meeting dates.  Applications submitted by the deadline will be considered at the following RAC meeting.  RAC members are community volunteers and this one-week deadline allows them sufficient time to review applications and visit properties prior to meetings.  The RAC currently meets virtually via Zoom on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM.  Meetings are open to the public.  Check the RAC Agenda page for the next application deadline and meeting date.  The agenda is also posted at Slayton House.

  It is recommended, although not mandatory, that applicants attend the RAC meeting at which their application will be reviewed.  Your attendance helps prevent delays if the committee has questions about your application.  Also, by attending the meeting, you will know what the RAC recommends to the Architectural Committee Liaison who is required to make a final determination within five business days of the RAC recommendation.  The Covenant Advisor will mail (or email) you a letter stating the decision along with a copy of the application for your records.

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  Can I appeal if my application is disapproved?

  Any applicant may, within ten (10) days of receipt of notice of an adverse decision (disapproval or approval with modification), file with the Covenant Advisor a written request to have the matter reviewed by the entire Wilde Lake Architectural Committee.  The applicant’s request may be made via mail or email.  A hearing will be set during a regularly scheduled Wilde Lake Village Board meeting.  The applicant will be notified of the date and is strongly encouraged to attend.  The decision of the majority of the Architectural Committee will be final and binding.

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  What happens if I proceed with my project before getting Architectural Committee approval?

  The Covenants require that applications be submitted to and approved by the Architectural Committee prior to beginning any work.  Projects, started before obtaining approval are in violation of the Covenants and are done at the residents’ own risk.  Some unapproved alterations have been removed at the homeowners’ expense.

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  Who should I contact if I have questions about the Covenants, guidelines, and application process?

  The Wilde Lake Village Covenant Advisor can be reached by phone at 410/730-3987 (ext. 16) or by email at covenants@wildelake.org. If you wish to meet with the Covenant Advisor in person, please call ahead to ensure availability.

   

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  How are the Covenants enforced?

  If you suspect a Covenant violation, you may contact the Covenant Advisor by phone, by mail, by email, or in person.  See the “Contact” page for information.  All Covenant inquiries are treated anonymously.

  The Covenant Advisor will inspect the property you have reported.  If violations exist, the Covenant Advisor will contact the homeowner by mail, at least twice.  It is preferable when the homeowner voluntarily and promptly corrects the Covenant violations.  When this is not the case, the Covenant Advisor may request the Wilde Lake Village Board and Columbia Association to pursue a lawsuit against the homeowner.

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  How can I obtain a resale packet?

  Resale packets may be downloaded free of charge or can be purchased for $25.00  Please visit the Purchase a Resale Packet page for more information.

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  I'm interested in serving on the RAC. Can you tell me what is involved?

  As of May 2023, WLCA is actively recruiting Wilde Lake residents to serve as alternates on the RAC! Read on for additional details and to apply.

  What does a RAC alternate do?

  • You review written applications for exterior changes to homes in Wilde Lake – everything from fences to light fixtures.
  • You visit each property assigned to you to get a better sense of how the proposed changes would affect the property and its surrounding neighbors. All proposed changes are to the exterior of the properties, so site visits can be done on your own schedule.
  • You consistently attend RAC meetings on either the second or fourth Tuesday evening of each month to discuss applications with your RAC colleagues and make recommendations to the Wilde Lake Architectural Committee (WLAC). RAC meetings are currently held virtually.
  • You enjoy knowing that your efforts are key to keeping Wilde Lake a desirable, attractive place to live!

  
  Do I need to be an architect/urban planner/master gardener?

  No – just an interested community member! Prospective RAC members and alternates should be willing to become familiar with Wilde Lake’s Covenants and its Architectural Guidelines and Maintenance Standards, be available for RAC meetings on a regular basis, and have 4-6 hours per month total to consistently devote to RAC activities. RAC members do not evaluate Covenant violations or provide general advice regarding architectural standards or maintenance.

  How can I find out more about what RAC service entails?

  We suggest that all interested residents attend a regular RAC meeting via Zoom and talk with a current member of the committee before applying. RAC membership is subject to the approval of the Wilde Lake Village Board.

  I’m ready to apply!

  Wonderful! The application can be completed online: https://forms.gle/aaQd5guiEGUit7kJ9. If you prefer, feel free to print the completed application and drop it off at Slayton House (10400 Cross Fox Lane) during business hours.

  Questions? Contact Lexi Levy Milani at covenants@wildelake.org or 410-730-3987 x 16.