Sunset Mesa Architecture Committee

The Architectural Committee (AC) of the Sunset Mesa Property Owners Association is responsible for maintaining the design integrity, visual harmony, and coastal character of the community. The Committee reviews all exterior modification proposals to ensure they align with the CC&Rs, Architectural Guidelines, and neighborhood aesthetics.

Projects requiring AC review and written approval prior to construction include:

  • Any changes that may impact ocean views (Ocean View Impact / OVI)

  • Fire-related rebuilds following the January 2025 Palisades Fire, with flexibility, guidance, and expedited consideration for affected homeowners—while upholding community standards and view preservation

  • New construction, major remodels, exterior changes

  • Visible landscaping and hardscaping

  • Pools, decks, rooftop features, and accessory structures

Homeowners are encouraged to engage with the Committee early in the planning process to help ensure a smooth, cooperative review.

Sunset Mesa Architectural Committee

The SMPOA Architectural Committee (AC) is responsible for reviewing plans and specifications for any proposed building, garage, fence or balcony to determine compliance with the CC&R’s ocean view protection clause and the conformity and harmony of external designs with existing structures. Subject plans and specifications must be approved by the AC before construction. 

The following categories of projects require AC review and approval of relevant plans prior to construction:

·       Fire-related rebuild plans, which should conform to the CC&R’s, while avoiding incremental Ocean View Impact (OVI)

·       Any changes that may impact ocean views (OVI) in the community

·       New building or garage construction, major remodels, exterior changes

·       Visible landscaping and hardscaping

·       Pools, decks, balconies, rooftop features, and accessory structures

Requesting the AC to approve your project

Prospective Property Owners: Please submit your questions or proposed plans to the Architectural Committee via email: ac@sunsetmesa.org

Current Property Owners: Submit your requests to the AC via the AC Rebuild Request Review form on the PayHOA portal. https://app.payhoa.com/app/forms. Upon completion, your LOD will also be sent through this portal.

What to expect:

  • The AC will promptly review all requests with priority given to fire rebuilds, which can be approved in a week or less.

  • You may submit questions or request a meeting with the AC to discuss your project. We encourage early engagement to facilitate a smooth and timely process.

  • When the evaluation process is complete, the AC will issue a letter of determination (LOD) to clarify if the request is Approved or Denied.

  • If plans are not approved, the AC will reach out with feedback and work with the Owner(s) to clarify and resolve any issues prior to denying a request.

  • Rebuild plans that match the previous structure’s dimensions are easiest to approve quickly.

  • Design changes are welcome, but may require more time to compare the proposed plans with the previous dimensions and evaluate impacts to OVI or the CC&R’s. Site visits may be required.

  • When planning for a rebuild, be advised that height increases contribute to OVI and are discouraged. Roofline changes can create OVI. Pitched rooflines create less OVI than flat roofs of the same peak height.

  • Rebuild approval progress and any status changes are published to the SMPOA monthly.

REPORTING A PROBLEM

The CC&Rs exist to protect property owners. If you believe a project is proceeding in violation of the CC&R’s, causing Ocean View Impact or your property rights are being negatively impacted, please raise this to the SMPOA Board by submitting a General Request on the PayHOA portal. https://app.payhoa.com/app/forms.

SITE VISITS

  • Site visits are scheduled first Saturday of each month, unless otherwise noted. Please consult the following schedule.

  • After a site visit, the committee issues a Letter of Determination indicating a decision for the service request.

  • The decisions are published in the Sunset Mesa-ge.

SCHEDULE

Architectural Committee Letters of Determination (LOD)

  • The decisions for service requests are published ‘Sunset Mesa Hub’ (PayHOA)

  • Homeowners have 30 days to notify the committee of any objections to the decisions.

Last A/C Report in the Sunset Mesa-Ge