The purpose of these Guidelines is clear: to set forth improvement standards that maintain and enhance the unique Hill Country ranch aesthetic Cordillera Ranch is known for. This includes encouraging the use of native materials, ensuring that structures harmonize with the existing topography, and preserving important elements like view corridors and the dark sky environment. Ultimately, the Guidelines are our collective commitment to protecting the significant investments property owners have made, ensuring long-term aesthetic consistency, and securing the enduring character of our community. By upholding these standards consistently, we help Cordillera Ranch continue to set the standard for custom home communities in the Texas Hill Country.

Standardizing the Process

Over the last five years, we have worked diligently to standardize the submittal process, provide clarity on required documentation, and increase the efficiency of the overall ARC experience. We understand that time is valuable, so we have focused on making the submission and review cycle as predictable and straightforward as possible. This commitment to process improvement is critical, ensuring every project, regardless of scope, is reviewed with equity and precision.

The Design Guidelines and all necessary ARC checklists can be easily located on the POA website — a vital resource for both property owners and their chosen building partners:

1. Log in to the POA website.
2. Use the Resources drop-down menu and click on POA Documents.
3. You will find the Design Guidelines in the Design Guidelines sub-folder, located in the Governing Documents folder.
4. Checklists are located in the ARC Checklist sub-folder, located in ARC Forms folder.

 

Getting Started

The ARC process officially begins when a property owner or contractor contacts the POA office about a proposed improvement. Once the POA receives all pertinent documentation — which must strictly adhere to the requirements outlined on the checklist — our Manager of Architectural Review, Brandi Wright, will schedule the ARC review meetings. These meetings are crucial; they involve deep dives into elements like site placement, material selection and the overall project integration with the surrounding landscape. The ARC carefully considers the impact of the proposed improvement on the immediate natural setting, as well as on neighboring property values and views. 

The Architectural Review Committee meets every Tuesday to review complete submittals and averages 250 submittals received per year. New home construction submittals require a minimum of three formal meetings: a Site Meeting to assess topography and initial home placement; a Preliminary Plan Review focusing on architectural design, elevations and structural materials; and a Final Plan Review for comprehensive compliance and ultimate approval. For ancillary submittals (including landscaping, pools, fences, generators and remodels), the review process averages 2.5 meetings per submittal. The fractional average is primarily due to the need for resubmissions to address necessary revisions resulting from non-compliant or incomplete documentation. As the accompanying table illustrates, we have approved over 120 submittals this year, with more than 50 projects currently progressing through the review process, demonstrating the vibrancy of development within Cordillera Ranch.

Commitment to Collaboration

The POA is deeply committed to making this a smooth, collaborative process. We view the ARC as a partner in your building experience, not a barrier. To ensure success, we continually invest time in contractor education, hosting in-office trainings and lunch-and-learn events, and meeting regularly on-site to proactively discuss questions, changes or concerns that may arise during construction. We recognize that adherence to the Guidelines requires detailed planning and open dialogue.

Crucially, we are always happy to meet with property owners to discuss any questions or concerns, whether before the design phase begins, during the formal ARC process or after construction is underway. Transparency and communication in the process are paramount to ensuring a cohesive and positive working environment for everyone involved in your project, from the designer to the builder to you, the property owner.

Turning Ideas into Reality

One of the most enjoyable parts of what we do here in the POA is helping to turn a concept into a tangible reality. Helping a project move smoothly from a two-dimensional design concept to walking the finished product on-site is an extremely gratifying experience. Being a small but essential part of the process that sees these stunning custom homes, luxurious pools and beautifully designed landscaping projects come to fruition is truly humbling. We are grateful to be a part of the Cordillera Ranch community and look forward to seeing what exciting and unique projects you bring forward next.

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