ACC FAQs

Architectural Control Committee (ACC) members are volunteers from the community supported by the Administrative Staff at the Welcome Center located at 1850 Lake Whatcom Boulevard. The Welcome Center is open 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, M–F. The staff answers calls from 8 AM to 5 PM, M–F. The ACC Administrative Staff may be contacted at 360-734-6430, ext 302 or via email here.

NOTE: New construction (single family home or house additions) plans must be received at least 15 business days in advance of ACC meetings, by scheduled appointment with the Architectural Control Inspector 360-201-0610 or by email here.

To submit your request, you can use the following methods:

Drop-off: SVCA Administration Office, during open hours or through night drop.
Email: accadmin@suddenvalley.com.
Mail: 1850 Lake Whatcom Blvd, Bellingham, WA 98229. Please address your requests to SVCA, Architectural Control Committee.

Receiving a response from the ACC: Applicants will receive a decision letter by email 7–10 days after the meeting. The YouTube recording of the meeting will be posted online 1-2 days after the meeting. The meeting minutes are approved at the next meeting and will be posted online 1-2 days after they are approved. Members are welcome to attend any ACC meeting. Please feel free to contact the Administration team at 360-734-6430 at any time in the process.

Past and upcoming meeting information is available on the ACC information page.

Yes, any change to the exterior of your home requires ACC approval. You’ll need to fill out an Exterior Alteration Request, which is a one-page form. On it, you’ll indicate any changes that may affect soil drainage and overall appearance. ACC members will consider the topography and aesthetics of your neighborhood in your request, as the goal is to preserve the health and beauty of our home. You can find all ACC request forms here.

You’ll need to use the Exterior Alteration Request to give the Committee an understanding of the change you wish to make. Include paint samples and/or roofing samples, photos, diagrams, or any applicable information to help your neighbors volunteering on the committee to visualize the improvement you’d like to make.

Repainting or re-roofing, and repairs of all kinds using like-for-like materials do not need ACC approval (as long as the original color or concept was approved at some point). Instead submit an Exterior Alteration Request for review by the General Manager.

Pre-approved paint colors (Click Here) will be approved immediately upon receipt of the Exterior Alteration Request.

You’re welcome to request any color you like, but please be aware that colors outside of the approved palette will require consideration and may not be approved.

According to the SVCA governing documents and Whatcom County code, you can limb up to 25% of the foliage without obtaining permits. If limbing is to exceed 25% of the foliage, then you must obtain a Whatcom County permit and provide a copy with your ACC request prior to commencement of work. Requests are subject to the ACC Guidelines relating to trees.

Tree Request forms are available at the Administration Office or through the Commonly Requested Forms page. If your request includes removal of an evergreen tree 12-inches in diameter or greater or a deciduous tree 8-inches in diameter or greater, then you must obtain a Whatcom County Tree Removal Permit prior to applying to the ACC. Find the Whatcom County Tree Removal page and application here. Applicants must mark all tree with ribbon (no spray paint) before they can be reviewed.

On the form please include a diagram indicating the location and number of trees, and include a detailed description of the proposed work along with a Whatcom County permit, if applicable. Please also be clear on the type of limbing proposed, whether it involves removal of only dead limbs, removal of the lower limbs, or selectively thinning the upper crown of the tree. Please also note that topping or windowing trees is generally not allowed in Sudden Valley.

If you would like to apply for limbing or removal of trees belonging to a neighbor, you must be able to provide their written consent with your application.

If the tree in question is on property owned by Sudden Valley, staff will evaluate and rate the tree according to Forest Management guidelines. Depending on the rating, the tree will be removed or listed for future removal.

Report any hazard trees to staff by calling (360) 734-6430 during business hours, or (360) 319-8200 after hours.

Staff will make a determination about removal of trees or the process by which approval should be granted. SVCA employees staff members with training in recognizing hazardous trees.

Staff works to ensure compliance through positive outreach and proactive education. When a residence or property is found to be out of compliance we work with the property owner to find the best means of reaching a successful resolution. In many cases, a simple adjustment or application to the ACC will resolve a compliance issue. In situations where irrevocable damage has occurred or the resident is unwilling to work with SVCA staff additional action such as fines may result.

If you are concerned about a violation of ACC policies, or any other rule, you may submit a private request form to the Administrative Office. Staff there will forward your concern to the appropriate department manager.

Emergencies or criminal activity should not be reported via this form – always call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Applying for Review

Sudden Valley Community Association’s governing documents task the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) with the responsibility of reviewing proposed projects on platted lots which involve removal and trimming of trees and vegetation, construction of new homes or additions, and other projects which alter the appearance of the lot. If you are uncertain whether or not your project requires ACC review please contact staff at (360) 734-6430 x302.

If your project requires ACC review you will need to submit a review request form. There are six request forms which correspond to various activities. Forms must be submitted to the staff at least one week prior to the ACC meeting by noon. Forms can be submitted by mail, email, and fax or by dropping the request off at the administration office.

Sudden Valley Community Association
ACC
1850 Lake Whatcom Blvd
Bellingham, WA 98229
Phone: (360) 734-­6430 x302
Email: accadmin@suddenvalley.com

The ACC will review the request form and conduct a site inspection to ensure that the proposed project is compliant with the Association’s governing documents. Sudden Valley residents are invited to attend ACC meetings which start at 9 AM on the first Thursday of each month via Zoom and 5 PM on the third Thursday of each month located in the Dance Barn. All applicants should receive a response letter 7­ – 10 days after the meeting. The meeting results and minutes will be posted online 1 day after the ACC meeting where they are approved.

ACC Forms

Please print the appropriate form found on the Sudden Valley main page under the Commonly Requested Forms tab. Fill it out and drop it off at the Welcome Center or email it to accadmin@suddenvalley.com. You can use the night drop box outside the building (facing the parking lot) to submit your request after business hours.