1. Read your guidelines
Look for sections on driveways, hardscape, paving materials, colors, lighting and drainage. Note anything about materials (asphalt, chip seal, gravel, pavers), edge treatments, widths and work hours.
2. Decide what's changing
Like-for-like repair may not need review. Changes usually do: a new material, a wider drive, a new parking area, new edging, or drainage that changes how water leaves the lot.
3. Put together the submittal
| Item | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Written scope | What's removed, added or changed |
| Site sketch | Driveway outline, dimensions, drainage features, snow storage |
| Materials | Surface type, stone tone, edging, any finish details |
| Photos | Current condition from the street and the house |
| Schedule | Work dates, hours, equipment and staging |
We prepare this package as part of our quote. See design-review projects.
4. Choose materials that fit
In Santa Fe settings, natural-looking finishes tend to sit well: chip seal in stone tones, asphalt with soft stone or gravel edges, and crusher fines on paths. Hard, bright edges and wide expanses of black usually draw more questions.
5. Plan the work days
Most communities set work hours, gate procedures and staging rules. Including them in the submittal shows the committee you've planned for them.
Every community is different, and this guide isn't a substitute for your own guidelines. When in doubt, ask the committee before you finalize plans.
Questions we hear
How long does review take?
It varies. A complete first submittal is the best way to avoid extra rounds.
Can my contractor talk to the committee?
Many committees welcome it. We're happy to answer technical questions.
Does repairing my driveway need approval?
Often not for like-for-like repairs, but check your guidelines.