Ready to add a deck, change exterior colors, or build new in Flying Horse? The fastest path to a yes starts before you hit submit. Most delays come from incomplete packets or confusion about what the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) handles versus what the City or County requires. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to assemble a complete ARC packet, avoid denial triggers, and sequence ARC approval with municipal permitting so your timeline stays on track. Let’s dive in.
ARC vs. permits: know the difference
ARC approval and government permits are different steps. You typically need both. The ARC enforces Flying Horse’s Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) and Design Guidelines. City of Colorado Springs or El Paso County reviews building codes, life safety, utilities, and other public standards.
Start by confirming whether your lot sits inside Colorado Springs city limits or in unincorporated El Paso County. Some permit standards can differ, including items like stormwater, driveway approaches, and utility taps. Verifying jurisdiction first helps you plan the right sequence and avoid rework.
Bottom line: ARC approval is separate from City/County permits and must be documented before you start construction.
Build a complete ARC packet
A complete, well-organized packet is the single best way to speed approval. Follow the ARC’s submittal checklist exactly and include every required item.
Start with the right documents
- Flying Horse CC&Rs and Design/Architectural Guidelines
- ARC application form and submittal checklist
- City of Colorado Springs Development Services or El Paso County Building Department requirements for building permits
- Local utility connection requirements if applicable
Review these before you draw. Highlight relevant sections in the guidelines so your plans directly address each requirement.
Core components checklist
Most ARCs require the following. Verify against the current Flying Horse checklist.
- Completed and signed ARC application form, plus required fee or deposit
- Cover letter describing project scope, square footage, and any variance requests
- Scaled site plan showing lot lines, setbacks (labeled), building footprint, driveway/garage, utilities, grades/contours, retaining walls with heights, stormwater flow arrows, impermeable surface calculations, finished floor elevation, tree removals, and proposed landscaping areas
- Scaled elevations for all sides showing exterior materials, window and door locations/sizes, roof pitch, overall heights, fascia, and chimneys
- Floor plans for massing and entry context
- Material and color board with manufacturer names, product lines, and color chips for siding, trim, roofing, stone/brick, metal, and hardscape; include product cut sheets
- Roof plan with material, color, pitch, and screening for rooftop equipment
- Landscape plan with plant list, sizes, quantities, spacing, required street trees, irrigation notes, and any water‑wise or xeriscape strategies
- Grading and drainage plan if required, including existing and proposed contours, corner grades, drainage arrows, erosion control measures, and any stormwater mitigation
- Retaining wall locations, heights, and structural details if applicable
- Exterior lighting plan with fixture types and cut sheets, shielding details, and downcast features if required
- Existing site photos from all four directions and context photos of adjacent homes
- Contractor, architect, and engineer contact information, license numbers, and insurance certificates if required
- Proof of neighbor notification or signatures if required for variances or adjacent impacts
Formatting for clarity
- Assemble a single, organized PDF or separate PDFs if requested; include a table of contents
- Put the project address, owner name, date, scale, north arrow, and sheet number on every drawing
- Use industry-standard scales. Site plans often read clearly at 1" = 10' to 1" = 20'. Elevations often read clearly at 1/8" = 1'-0" or 1/4" = 1'-0"
- Label setbacks, heights, and dimensions clearly. Use legible line weights and fonts
- Use manufacturer color names and codes. Provide true-to-color samples or chips if requested
Avoid common denial triggers
A quick completeness check against the ARC checklist can prevent most denials. Zero in on these frequent issues.
Incomplete packet
Missing drawings, signatures, fees, or samples are top causes of delays. Remedy: follow the checklist item by item, and confirm fees and payees. Submit as a clean, labeled package and obtain a receipt or acknowledgment.
Setbacks and encroachments
Retaining walls, decks, or footprints that cross setback lines will stall your review. Remedy: show and label recorded setbacks and lot lines, and provide a survey when placement is tight.
Drainage and grading
Plans that alter natural drainage or impact neighbors draw comments. Remedy: include a grading and drainage plan. Show stormwater flow and erosion control. Engage a civil engineer when needed.
Materials, colors, and style
Unapproved materials or bright/glossy finishes are common denial points. Remedy: specify materials and colors allowed by the guidelines and provide a coordinated, neutral palette that fits adjacent homes.
Screening and heights
Overheight fences or visible mechanical equipment will trigger corrections. Remedy: show fence heights and materials, and include screening details for HVAC units, meters, and generators.
Landscape and irrigation
Insufficient street trees, excessive turf, or non-compliant irrigation can slow approval. Remedy: submit a complete landscape plan with species, sizes, and spacing, and note water‑wise practices appropriate for Colorado.
Neighbor notification
If your project needs adjacent owner acknowledgement, missing signatures can halt the review. Remedy: follow notification procedures and include all required forms.
Pro tips to speed approvals
Small process upgrades can shave weeks off your timeline.
- Schedule a pre‑submittal review. Many ARCs or management teams offer it. Early feedback prevents rework.
- Run a self-audit using the ARC checklist. Have your architect or contractor confirm compliance and cite relevant guideline sections.
- Order a current survey when working near setbacks or adding retaining walls. It avoids placement disputes and setbacks errors.
- Engage a civil engineer for drainage or structural retaining walls. Proper documentation answers review questions up front.
- Coordinate with City or County permitting. If permit-grade drawings influence ARC decisions, run processes in parallel but secure ARC approval before permit issuance or ground disturbance.
- Keep communications in writing. Document conversations and capture all approvals in written form.
Timelines and what to expect
Most reviews follow a predictable path. Understanding the sequence helps you plan contractors and material lead times.
Typical workflow
- Pre‑submittal inquiry or meeting
- Formal submission and administrative completeness check
- Staff review and/or committee review
- Comment letter or conditional approval
- Resubmittal if needed
- Final approval and construction authorization
- Construction inspections or final sign‑off if required
Typical timing ranges
- Administrative completeness check: 1 to 7 business days
- First substantive review: 2 to 6 weeks depending on committee schedule and complexity
- Resubmittal reviews: 1 to 3 weeks each
- Total ARC timeline for straightforward alterations: often 4 to 8 weeks; complex projects can take longer
- Separate municipal building permit reviews: often 2 to 8 weeks depending on workload and plan completeness
Key sequencing moves
- Obtain written ARC approval before construction and ideally before finalizing municipal permits to prevent conflicts
- If you must run processes simultaneously, time your submittals so ARC feedback informs final permit drawings
- Plan ahead for surveys, engineering, landscape design, and product sample lead times
Quick homeowner checklist
Use this to prep a first‑pass complete packet.
- Confirm jurisdiction: City of Colorado Springs or El Paso County
- Review Flying Horse CC&Rs and Design Guidelines
- Complete and sign the ARC application; pay required fees
- Write a concise cover letter with scope and any variance requests
- Prepare a scaled site plan with setbacks, grades, driveways, utilities, and landscape areas
- Provide floor plans and labeled elevations with materials, heights, and roof pitches
- Assemble a material and color board with manufacturer names, product lines, and color chips
- Add a roof plan, lighting plan, and product cut sheets where required
- Include a landscape plan with plant list, sizes, spacing, and irrigation notes
- Provide grading/drainage and retaining wall details if applicable
- Attach contractor/architect/engineer contacts, licenses, and insurance certificates if required
- Add site and context photos
- Include neighbor notification forms if needed
- Submit an organized PDF and get an acknowledgment of receipt
Who to contact
- Flying Horse HOA or management company for ARC application intake and the latest Design Guidelines
- ARC staff or committee chair for pre‑submittal questions
- City of Colorado Springs Development Services or El Paso County Building Department for permit requirements
- Licensed surveyor for boundary and topographic surveys
- Civil engineer for drainage plans or retaining wall design
- Architect or residential designer familiar with Flying Horse standards
- Local utilities for taps, connections, and meter requirements
Final take
You can speed ARC approvals in Flying Horse by doing three things well: submit a complete, clearly labeled packet; address setbacks, drainage, and materials up front; and coordinate ARC and municipal timelines so there are no surprises. Start early, document everything, and ask for a pre‑submittal review to catch issues before the clock starts.
If you’d like guidance on sequencing, referrals to surveyors and engineers, or neighborhood‑level timing insights, connect with Kap|Lyons Premier Real Estate. We bring disciplined planning to your project from day one. Schedule a Free Consultation and move forward with confidence.
FAQs
What does the Flying Horse ARC approve?
- The ARC reviews siting, exterior design and materials, roof details, hardscape, landscaping, site elements like fencing and lighting, and temporary construction measures in line with the community’s CC&Rs and Design Guidelines.
Do I still need City or County permits after ARC approval?
- Yes. ARC approval is separate from municipal or county building permits, which are issued by the City of Colorado Springs or El Paso County depending on your lot’s jurisdiction.
How long does Flying Horse ARC approval take?
- A straightforward alteration often takes 4 to 8 weeks, including completeness checks, committee timing, and any resubmittals; complex projects may take longer.
What should I include in a complete ARC packet?
- Expect to include an application and fees, cover letter, scaled site plan, elevations, floor plans, materials and color board, roof and lighting details, landscape and drainage plans, retaining wall details, photos, and professional contacts.
How do I avoid common ARC denials in Flying Horse?
- Follow the checklist, verify setbacks with a survey when close, include drainage documentation, specify approved materials and colors, show mechanical screening, and submit a complete landscape plan.
Should I apply for permits before or after ARC approval?
- Coordinate in parallel if needed, but secure written ARC approval before permit issuance or ground disturbance to avoid conflicting requirements.
Do I need neighbor signatures for my ARC submittal?
- Some projects that impact adjacent owners or require variances may call for notification or signatures; follow the current ARC procedures and include required forms.
