Reston Association DRB: What Homeowners Should Know

Thinking about adding a deck, changing your roof color, or installing solar panels in Reston? If your home is part of Reston Association, the Design Review Board is likely part of your plan. It can feel like one more step, especially when you are eager to start work or prepare a home for sale. The good news is that with a clear roadmap, you can move from idea to approval with fewer surprises.

In this guide, you will learn what the DRB covers, which projects usually need approval, how the process works, realistic timelines, and what buyers and sellers should prepare before closing. Let’s dive in.

What the DRB does

The Reston Association Design Review Board reviews exterior changes in RA communities to maintain design standards and protect neighborhood character. RA staff handle many routine approvals, while larger or more visible changes go to the DRB at a public meeting.

Not every property in Reston is subject to RA covenants. Some areas fall outside RA boundaries. If you are buying or planning a project, confirm whether your address is within Reston Association’s jurisdiction.

RA design approval is separate from Fairfax County permits. You may need both. RA checks for covenant and design compliance. The county oversees building, zoning, and code requirements. Plan for both tracks to keep your project on schedule.

Do you need approval?

Here are common projects that typically require RA review. Exact thresholds can vary, and some items may qualify for administrative approval if like-for-like.

• Fences and gates. Height, style, material, and location are reviewed.
• Decks, porches, and stairs. Size, design, railings, and placement matter.
• Sheds and accessory structures. Includes playsets, pergolas, and gazebos.
• Exterior paint and color changes. House body, trim, and shutters.
• Roof replacement. Materials and color; like-for-like may be administrative.
• Windows and doors. Style, grid patterns, color, and storm doors.
• Driveways and hardscape. Parking pads, walkways, and visible paving changes.
• Patios and grading. Surface materials and drainage impacts.
• Trees and landscaping. Tree removal or major pruning often requires RA review and may need county approval.
• Solar panels and rooftop equipment. Visibility and mounting are key considerations.
• Satellite dishes and antennas. Placement and screening are reviewed.
• Additions and exterior remodels. Any change in the home’s footprint or facade.
• Temporary structures. Storage pods and temporary fencing are often restricted.
• Exterior lighting and signage. Fixture style, brightness, and placement.

If you are unsure, contact RA staff before you design or order materials. A brief conversation can save weeks of rework.

How the review works

Here is the typical sequence for an RA design review from start to finish:

1. Pre-application chat. Speak with RA staff to confirm what standards apply and whether your project is administrative or needs DRB review.
2. Prepare your packet. Complete the application and include a site plan or plat, photos of existing conditions, scaled drawings, material and color samples, product specs, contractor info, and an estimated schedule. If you have applied for county permits, include the permit number.
3. Submit to RA. Send the full application to RA’s architecture/design office or through RA’s online system if available. Staff checks for completeness.
4. Staff or DRB review. Minor items may be approved administratively. Larger or visible changes go to a scheduled DRB meeting. The DRB may approve, approve with conditions, or request revisions.
5. Written decision. RA issues a written approval or denial. Approvals can include conditions and may have start-by or complete-by dates.
6. County permits. After RA approval, obtain any required Fairfax County permits and schedule inspections as needed.
7. Completion and records. When work is finished, keep documentation, photos, and any RA confirmations. This is valuable for resale.

Typical timelines

Plan for realistic lead times so you can schedule contractors and avoid delays:

• Administrative approvals. Many like-for-like or smaller projects are approved in about 1 to 3 weeks once the application is complete.
• Full DRB review. Projects that go to a public meeting often take 4 to 8 weeks from submission to decision, depending on meeting schedules and whether revisions are needed.
• Complex projects. Additions, solar, or designs with multiple revisions can take 8 to 12 or more weeks.
• County permits. Building and zoning permits can add weeks to months, depending on scope and plan review.

A practical example: a standard fence replacement might take about 4 to 8 weeks from initial RA application to installation, depending on meeting timing, material lead times, and whether a county permit is needed. Treat these as typical estimates and check current RA schedules before you commit to dates.

Avoid common pitfalls

Small missteps can cause big delays. Here is how to stay ahead:

• Do not skip RA approval. County permits do not replace RA review. Unapproved work can trigger violations, fines, and required corrections.
• Do not apply with missing documents. Incomplete packets slow the process. Include the site plan, dimensioned drawings, photos from the street, material details, and color samples.
• Do not start work before approval. If the DRB requests changes, you may need to alter or remove completed work.
• Confirm tree rules. Tree removal and major pruning often require RA approval and may need county permits. Unauthorized removal can lead to steep penalties.
• Ask about visibility. Solar and rooftop equipment receive detailed scrutiny when visible from common areas. Provide mounting details and screening ideas upfront.
• Track expiration dates. Many approvals have start or completion timelines. Note them on your project calendar.

Smart planning tips

A little planning can save weeks:

• Consult RA early. A short pre-submission conversation helps set expectations and reduce re-submittals.
• Build a complete packet. Clear drawings, site photos, and material specs lead to faster decisions.
• Coordinate with your contractor. Ask for standard detail sheets and permit-ready drawings so county review can begin quickly after RA approval.
• Sequence your schedule. Allow at least 4 to 8 weeks for straightforward exterior work and 8 to 12 or more weeks for additions or solar, plus county permitting time.
• Keep every document. Save approvals, conditions, emails, and final confirmations. Buyers will ask for them.

Buyers and sellers: what to check

Unapproved work and open violations can complicate a sale. Use these checklists to keep your transaction on track.

Seller checklist

• Gather RA approvals. Collect approvals for decks, fences, roofing, windows, additions, solar, and any visible exterior changes.
• Confirm completion. Keep photos and proof of final inspections or permits where applicable.
• Resolve violations. Address any outstanding RA enforcement items before listing if possible.
• Include in the resale packet. Provide approvals and relevant correspondence so buyers can verify compliance.
• Plan for timing. If you agree to complete exterior work pre-closing, budget time for RA and county review.

Buyer checklist

• Request RA records. Ask for copies of all RA approvals for exterior work completed by the seller.
• Verify status. Confirm there are no open RA violations tied to the property.
• Confirm scope and visibility. For recent projects like solar or additions, review drawings and DRB conditions.
• Protect your timeline. If work must be completed before closing, include contract language that allows for RA and county processes.

Contract considerations

If approvals or corrections must occur before closing, consider strategies like an escrow hold or specific timelines for RA and county steps. Clear expectations reduce last-minute stress for both sides.

First steps and resources

• Contact RA staff. Ask whether your project is administrative or requires DRB review and confirm current meeting dates.
• Review the latest RA design guidelines. Check for neighborhood-specific standards that may affect materials, colors, and placement.
• Check Fairfax County requirements. Identify building, zoning, and tree regulations that apply to your project.
• Start early. Align your contractor’s schedule with RA and county timelines and lead times for materials.

Work with local expertise

You do not have to navigate RA and county processes alone. With deep Northern Virginia experience, practical renovation insight, and a team-based workflow, we help you anticipate steps, gather a complete application, and keep your project or sale on track. Whether you are planning a deck, preparing a home for market, or verifying approvals during due diligence, we can coordinate the process and communicate clearly at every stage.

Ready to move forward with confidence in Reston? Connect with The Gaskins Team for a local consult and a clear plan.

FAQs

What is the Reston Association DRB?

• The DRB is a review board that evaluates proposed exterior changes in RA communities to ensure projects align with Reston’s design standards and covenants.

How do I know if my home is in RA?

• Not all Reston addresses are in RA. Confirm your property’s status with RA staff or your resale documents before you start design or place orders.

Do I still need county permits after RA approval?

• Yes. RA approval addresses design and covenants, while Fairfax County handles building, zoning, and code compliance. Many projects require both.

How long does DRB approval usually take?

• Administrative approvals often take about 1 to 3 weeks. Projects going to a DRB meeting typically take 4 to 8 weeks, and complex work can take 8 to 12 or more weeks.

Are solar panels allowed in RA communities?

• Solar is often feasible, but visibility and mounting details matter. Plan for DRB review, provide product specs, and address screening when panels are visible.

What happens if work was done without RA approval?

• RA can require modifications or removal, and may impose fines. If you are selling, unresolved violations can delay closing or require concessions.