Thinking about adding a fence, patio, or new porch in Bridgefield? Before you lift a shovel, you need to know how the Architectural Review Committee, or ARC, works. Getting this right can save you time, money, and stress. In this guide, you’ll learn what needs ARC approval, exactly what to submit, how fast decisions come back, and how city or county permits fit in. Let’s dive in.
What the ARC is and why it matters
The Bridgefield covenants create an Architectural Review Committee that must approve in writing most exterior work before you start. The covenants make ARC approval a condition you must meet first, so clearing, grading, or construction cannot begin without it. These rules are recorded and run with the land, which means they bind current and future owners. You can read the full recorded rules in the Bridgefield covenants PDF for details on membership, submissions, and enforcement.
- See the primary source: the Bridgefield covenants PDF that governs ARC authority and procedures. Review the recorded covenants.
- Mississippi courts generally enforce properly recorded restrictive covenants that run with the land. For legal context, see a Mississippi Supreme Court decision summarizing enforceability. Read the case summary.
Projects that require ARC approval
The covenants require ARC approval for plans and specifications before any residence, addition, remodeling, fence, or other improvement is built. This broad rule covers most exterior work. Here are items specifically mentioned:
- New homes, additions, porches, and major exterior remodels.
- Fences and permanent outdoor structures such as sheds, swing sets, cabanas, pool enclosures.
- Service areas for garbage cans, fuel tanks, meters, and HVAC must be screened from view.
- Outdoor clotheslines are prohibited.
- Exterior television antennas and satellite dishes are prohibited unless the equipment is fully inside the dwelling.
For exact language and any updates, check the recorded covenants. See the covenants PDF.
How to apply for ARC approval
Prepare a complete package so the ARC can review quickly. The covenants list the minimum submission requirements:
- Two copies of plans and supporting materials in blueprint format.
- A plot plan drawn to scale showing property lines, all proposed structures, a north arrow, and scale.
- Floor plans with overall dimensions and area.
- Major elevations: front, rear, and both sides.
- A written description of all exterior materials, plus roof material and color.
Before you submit, confirm the current process and where to deliver plans with the HOA’s management. Visit the Bridgefield HOA site for contacts and documents.
ARC timeline, decisions, and fines
Once your submission is complete, a majority of the ARC must approve or disapprove within seven working days. If the ARC disapproves, they must give written reasons and the required changes. You can revise and resubmit or request review by an independent architect or landscape architect. The owner may be responsible for that review cost, capped by the recorded amendment.
If approved, you must start construction within 180 days or the approval expires. If your build deviates from the approved plans, two ARC members can notify you in writing. You have seven working days to respond and twenty days to begin corrective work. If you do not start corrections, the covenants allow a $100 per day penalty until the work fits the approved plans. For all terms and caps, see the recorded rules. Review the covenants.
Permits: city versus county
Bridgefield sits west of Hattiesburg and some lots are in unincorporated Lamar County. Your permit path depends on where your lot lies.
- City of Hattiesburg: Many residential renovations require permits, with plans and inspections under the 2018 International Residential Code and the Land Development Code. Check Hattiesburg’s renovation permit page.
- Lamar County (unincorporated): The county requires residential construction permits for many projects and contractor documentation for permitted work. The county notes that residential solar projects need permits when installed by a contractor. See Lamar County’s permit page.
ARC approval and government permits are separate. Do not begin site work until you have both the ARC approval and any required city or county permits.
Special topics: antennas and solar
The covenants prohibit exterior television antennas and satellite dishes unless the equipment is inside the dwelling. Do not assume other laws override this recorded restriction. Read the covenants.
For solar panels, Mississippi does not have a statewide solar access law that prevents HOAs from limiting or regulating installations. That means solar should be treated as an exterior improvement that requires ARC approval. If you want solar, start with the ARC and consult the HOA and, if needed, an attorney on your options. For state-level context, see this overview of solar-access laws by state. Review the state-by-state summary.
Step-by-step checklist
- Confirm jurisdiction: determine if your lot is inside Hattiesburg city limits or in unincorporated Lamar County, then note permit requirements. Hattiesburg permits and Lamar County permits.
- Download and read the recorded covenants and any ARC application materials. Bridgefield HOA documents.
- Contact the HOA management to confirm submittal steps, meeting timing, and where to deliver your two plan sets.
- Prepare a complete package: plot plan, floor plans, elevations, exterior materials, roof material and color, and contractor or architect contact details.
- Submit and wait for a decision. The ARC must respond within seven working days of a complete submission.
- After ARC approval, apply for and receive city or county permits if required. Keep approvals and stamped plans on site.
- Start work within 180 days. If changes arise, get written ARC approval for the revisions before proceeding.
Why this matters when buying or selling
If you are selling in Bridgefield, unapproved additions or nonconforming structures can delay closing or reduce buyer confidence. Pull your records early and address any issues before listing. If you are buying, review the covenants, ask for documentation of past ARC approvals, and plan timelines that account for ARC and permit steps.
Ready to renovate or prepare your home for market with confidence? For local guidance on Bridgefield timelines, vendors, and compliance, reach out to Beth Sumrall for a straightforward plan.
FAQs
Do I need both ARC approval and a government permit in Bridgefield?
- Yes. ARC approval is required by the recorded covenants, and you must also obtain any city or county permits that apply to your lot before starting work.
How fast does the Bridgefield ARC decide on my application?
- A majority of the ARC must approve or disapprove within seven working days of a complete submission, with written reasons if disapproved.
What happens if I build something not on my approved plans in Bridgefield?
- The ARC can require corrections. After notice, you have time to respond and begin fixing the issue. If not corrected, the covenants allow a $100 per day penalty until the work conforms.
How long is my ARC approval valid in Bridgefield?
- Approval allows you to start construction within 180 days. If you do not begin within that period, the approval expires and you may need to reapply.
Are exterior satellite dishes or antennas allowed in Bridgefield?
- No. The covenants prohibit exterior television antennas and satellite dishes unless the equipment is fully inside the dwelling.
Can I install solar panels on my Bridgefield home?
- Possibly, but you must obtain ARC approval first. Mississippi does not have a statewide solar access law that prevents HOA limits, so check the covenants and work with the ARC early.
