Stablewood Property Owners Association

Building a home in Stablewood is easy. The subdivision is located in Harrison County, but is outside the city limits of Pass Christian, which is the mailing address. Beyond the normal building permits required for any construction, you are required to follow the Covenants and Design Guidelines for the Association. This document can be downloaded by clicking here. All owners and their builders should read and become familiar with this important document. This document is also on file with Harrison County and is a legally binding document for all property owners.

One of the most important requirements of the covenants it to have your plans reviewed by the Stablewood Architectural Review Committee (ARC) before beginning any construction, or even before clearing your land. The review process requires you to submit a full set of plans for your home which include details about the design. In addition, you will need to supply information about any other construction that might accompany your home, including fences, pools and separate structures. The ARC has developed a checklist to assist you in collecting the documentation needed for the review. You can download the SPOA Architecture Review Committee Construction Review Checklist by clicking here.

Once your review is complete, you will be issued a written letter of approval and will be free to begin your construction project at your convenience.

FAQs about Building in Stablewood

Q. I know my house meets the covenants. Do I still have to submit my plans?

A. Yes. The Covenants require all construction plans to be reviewed by the ARC before building. There are no exceptions.

Q. I plan to clear my lot before I figure out what I am going to build. Is this OK?

A. You are allowed to clear brush or grass from your lot without ARC approval. However, if you want to remove any tress, you must have permission from the ARC before doing so.

Q. There is no home in Stablewood that looks like the home I want to build. Do I have to build something that looks like the existing homes?

A. No, not at all. While you are encouraged to build a style that is suitable for the South Mississippi Gulf Coast, the ARC will consider almost any style of home, as long as it meets the design guidelines. A home style that does not complement the neighborhood may not be approved, however.

Q. What do I have to submit for the review process?

A. You will start with a printed set of construction plans for your new home. Other information required includes the colors you plan to use on the exterior of your home, and information about any additional structures you plan to build. Refer to the checklist for a list of what you need.

Q. Who does the review of my plans and how do I contact the ARC?

A. The Stablewood Architectural Review committee will review your plans. Click here for a list of ARC members and how to contact them.

Q. How can I deliver my plan materials to the ARC?

A. You can either mail the complete information required by the checklist to Mark Jenner, 7451 Woodland Dr, Pass Christian MS 39571 or you can arrange to hand deliver them to a member of the Board.

Q. How much does the review cost?

A. The review is performed at no charge to you. However, you must submit a $500 deposit with your plans to cover any damage done to the neighborhood by your construction activities. Your entire deposit will be refunded to you upon completion of your project, if no damage has been done.

Q. How long does the review process take?

A. Once you have submitted all the documentation required by the checklist, the review can normally be complete in two weeks or less. However, if you have to make changes to your original plans or provide additional information, more time may be required.

Q. If I want to request a variance to the Covenant and Design Guidelines, what do I have to do?

A. Any request for a variance must be made in writing (written letter or email) to the ARC. Submitting a variance request does not guarantee you will be granted a waiver. In fact, there are very few waivers issued for variation from the Covenants and Design Guidelines. If a waiver for a variance is issued, it will be in writing and be kept on file by the ARC in case any question comes up in the future.

Q. I plan to build a fence and a pool. Do I have to get approval for things like this?

A. All construction that is exterior to your home must be reviewed and approved by the ARC before being started. This includes pools, driveways, fences, gazebos, detached garages, patios, boat or RV garages and any other structures.

Q. Why is there a minimum square footage requirement? I’m not sure I can afford to build a home that big.

A. The lots in Stablewood are significantly larger than typical lots in other subdivisions. Most are two acres or larger. The minimum home size of 2800 sq. ft. for your heated and cooled area is relatively small for such large lots sizes. You are encouraged to build a home commensurate with the size of your lot. Under no circumstances will any variance or waiver be issued for a home smaller than 2800 sq. ft.

Q. If I want to make a change to my plans after they are approved and construction has started, can I do this?

A. If you have your changes approved by the ARC, then you may make the changes. Any changes to the exterior of your home must be reviewed by the ARC. This also applies after your home is complete. If you want to build a pool, a fence, or add on to your home, you still must get your plans reviewed.

Q. I want to take down some trees before I build. What do I have to do?

A. You can mark any trees you want to remove with survey ribbon and ask the ARC to come out for an onsite approval. Live oaks will require special approval. Regardless of when the trees are removed, though, you must have ARC approval.

Q. Is there a minimum number of bedrooms or bathrooms I have to build?

A. No. The ARC is concerned only with the exterior of your home. You can do pretty much anything you want on the interior. However, you should consider the impact on the resale value of your home if you choose to do something unusual.

Q. What about garages? Where can I find out what is required?

A. Everything you need to know is in the Covenants and Design Guidelines. You should read this document and share it with your builder.

Q. Does the ARC review construction? Does the ARC need to inspect the home after it is done?

A. In all cases, if you build your home according to your approved plans, the ARC will not be involved during the construction phase. There is no final approval required when you are finished, either.

Q. Does ARC approval include the requirements for Harrison County?

A. No. The ARC only reviews your plans according the Covenants and Design Guidelines. You and your builder are still responsible for obtaining all building permits that are required by Harrison County.

Q. Why is this process so difficult to follow?

A. Actually, this process is very simple. If you read the Covenants and Design Guidelines thoroughly and ensure that your plans are in compliance, and provide all the information in the checklist, then you will speed the process along and have the greatest chance of being approved quickly.