Covenant Community
The Original Northwood community was originally developed with covenants that outlined architectural design, as well as future improvements and subsequent changes. Today, the purpose of these covenants is twofold. First, these bind Original Northwood to its neighbors in the Greater Northwood Covenant Association (Hillen Road, New Northwood, Ednor Gardens, Stonewood-Pentwood, and Perring Loch). Being part of this larger community allows us to have a greater voice when dealing with the city, local institutions, and developers. Second, they ensures the creation and maintenance of cohesion in architectural character and a classical standard that is expected and desired in historic properties. The outstanding level of architectural integrity that has been maintained in this historic district for more than 90 years is a direct result of such covenants.
Seeking homeownership in Original Northwood, implies not only understanding of, but willingness to abide by our neighborhood covenants that are included in the original deed. Real estate professionals have an obligation to their clientele to thoroughly research and disclose the tenets of the covenants related to Original Northwood, as specific homeowner responsibilities are the reality of living in such a neighborhood. Architectural guidelines which maintain the integrity of the neighborhood are well established, and all alterations to the exterior of Original Northwood properties require PRIOR APPROVAL from the Covenant Committee. Please refer to the Architectural Guidelines for more detailed information about obtaining approval.
These covenants are held and enforced by the Greater Northwood Covenant Association (GNCA). While the GNCA holds the covenants, they are discussed by by the Covenant Committee of the Original Northwood Association (ONA) as well as the ONA Board of Governors.
For more information about the structure of ONA, please refer to the by-laws and articles of incorporation. For a quick overview of the covenants, see the document "A Layman Looks at the Covenants", which was included in GNCA Articles of Incorporation in 1972.
How To Apply For Home Alterations
You must submit an application for all exterior alterations by completing an application. Please follow these steps:
For guidance on what constitute exterior alterations and what are acceptable materials, please review the Architectural Guidelines (click here).
Complete the Application for Exterior Alterations, including as much information as possible to allow a review of your plan (click here).
Once completed, email the application and supporting materials to the Covenant Chair at covenant@originalnorthwood.org.
Once an application is submitted, the homeowner will receive a confirmation via email or phone call. This typically occurs within 3 business days. The application will then be reviewed by the Covenant Chair and ONA Board of Governors, possibly with a request for additional information from the homeowner. After discussing, the Covenant Committee will make a recommendation to the ONA Board of Governors for a vote. This vote can occur at the monthly board meeting or through email. The result of this vote will then be conveyed to the homeowner. This typically occurs within 3 weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and the responsiveness of the homeowner.
Approvals are valid for 6 months from the date of the ONA board vote.
The GNCA
The GNCA, also known as the “Greater Northwood Covenant Association”, is the home owners association comprised of six neighborhoods (Ednor Lakeside-Gardens, Hillen, New Northwood, Original Northwood, Perring Loch, Stonewood-Pentwood-Winston). Dues are $.30 cents per 100 square feet and must be paid annually. For more info on the GNCA click here.
The Original Northwood Association | PO Box 33576 | Baltimore, Maryland 21218
Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/original.northwood and share our posts with your networks
Follow us on instagram.com/originalnorthwood/ Be sure to hashtag #originalnorthwood in your posts