Architectural Guidelines, Q&A and Application

One of Salishan’s most distinctive features is its commitment to preserving the natural environment while allowing thoughtful residential development. To accomplish this goal, the founders established a perpetual leasehold system and architectural review process that continues today.

Scroll below for a helpful Q&A on design guidelines, projects and approvals.

Before embarking on any construction, remodeling, landscaping, tree removal, or exterior improvement project, please login to the member portal to review here.

When in doubt, ask first. Early consultation can prevent misunderstandings and help preserve both the natural environment and the scenic qualities that make Salishan unique.

Submit an Application:

Salishan Application for Architectural Modification 
This electronic form requires SmartWeb leaseholder log in.

If leaseholder requires a paper application, email customerservice@aperionmgmt.com Architectural Committee approval is required for most exterior improvements and construction projects. Review by the committee can take up to 30 days.  Leaseholders are encouraged to consult the Design Guidelines and submit applications early in the planning process.

Please note: Approval by the Architectural Committee does not eliminate the need for permits or approvals required by Lincoln County, the State of Oregon, utility providers, or other regulatory agencies. It is the responsibility of the leaseholder and their contractor to obtain all required permits and approvals before commencing work.

 In most cases, yes. The Architectural Committee reviews virtually all exterior changes to homesites to ensure consistency with the Uniform Lease, SLI Design Guidelines and the character of the Salishan community.

Examples of projects that typically require Architectural Committee approval include:

  • New home construction
  • Additions and major remodels
  • Exterior painting
  • Roofing replacement or changes in roofing materials
  • Decks, patios, stairs, and railings
  • Exterior lighting
  • Landscaping projects
  • Tree removal or significant pruning
  • Retaining walls
  • Driveways and walkways
  • Fences, screens, and privacy walls
  • Outdoor fire features
  • Hot tubs and spas
  • Solar panels and other exterior energy systems
  • Accessory structures and storage buildings
  • Generators and other exterior equipment

Projects that may not require approval include routine maintenance and repairs that do not change the appearance, materials, color, size, or location of an existing feature.

If you are unsure whether approval is required, please contact the Architectural Committee before beginning work. Obtaining guidance early can help avoid delays, redesign costs, and potential compliance issues.

  1. Architectural Committee review and approval is required before painting or repainting the exterior of your home.

The only exception is for minor touch-up work or small repairs that match the existing approved color exactly.

Examples that do not require approval include:

  • Small paint repairs.
  • Touch-up painting.
  • Repainting a limited area to match the existing approved color.

Examples that do require approval include:

  • Repainting your home, even if using the same color.
  • Changing to another color from the approved Salishan Paint Palette.
  • Using a color not included on the approved palette.
  • Proposing a contrasting trim color.
  • Proposing a multi-color exterior scheme.
  • Painting architectural elements in a manner that differs from the approved guidelines.
  • Any exterior painting project beyond minor touch-up or repair work.

One of the defining characteristics of Salishan is the way homes blend into the surrounding forest, dunes, and coastal landscape. Since the community was founded, exterior colors have been selected to complement the natural environment rather than compete with it.

The Salishan Design Guidelines encourage homes to blend with the natural landscape through the use of subdued, earth-toned colors and minimal contrast.To support this objective, the Architectural Committee has adopted the above approved SLI Paint Palette consisting of eighteen Sherwin-Williams colors. Equivalent color matches from other paint manufacturers may be used.

Approved color schemes should create a monochromatic, uniform appearance. In most cases, the body and trim should be painted the same color.

A second color may be permitted when it:

  • Is low in contrast.
  • Matches window materials or other existing architectural elements.
  • Is used selectively on eaves, overhangs, structural elements, or similar features.
  • Receives Architectural Committee approval.

 

Front Doors

Leaseholders may paint their primary entry door any color of their choosing, subject to Architectural Committee approval as part of the overall exterior paint application. This allows for personal expression while maintaining the overall visual harmony of the community.

Approved Paint Palette

The current approved palette includes:

Warm Grays & Taupes

  • SW 7507 Stone Lion
  • SW 7504 Keystone Gray
  • SW 7045 Intellectual Gray
  • SW 7026 Griffin
  • SW 7046 Anonymous
  • SW 6173 Cocoon
  • SW 7030 Anew Gray
  • SW 7543 Avenue Tan
  • SW 7744 Zeus
  • SW 7025 Backdrop
  • SW 7048 Urbane Bronze

Cool Grays

  • SW 7065 Argos
  • SW 6255 Morning Fog
  • SW 9143 Cadet
  • SW 7067 Cityscape
  • SW 7017 Dorian Gray
  • SW 7655 Stamped Concrete
  • SW 7060 Attitude Gray

Architectural Committee approval is required prior to:

  • Replacing an existing roof.
  • Changing roofing materials.
  • Changing roofing color.
  • Installing a new roof as part of new construction or an addition.
  • Installing synthetic shake, composite roofing, or other alternative roofing materials.

Approval should be obtained before materials are ordered or construction begins. 

The roof is one of the most visually prominent elements of any home. To preserve Salishan’s natural character and architectural harmony, roof materials and colors are subject to Architectural Committee review and approval.

The approved roofing list has been developed to identify products that complement the wooded coastal environment while providing leaseholders with a broad range of durable, contemporary roofing options. Approved colors generally reflect the muted grays, browns, weathered wood tones, and natural earth colors historically found throughout Salishan.

The Architectural Committee maintains a list of approved roofing products and colors from several major manufacturers. The approved list is periodically updated as manufacturers add, discontinue, or modify products.

Roofing Design Philosophy

Roofs should complement both the home and the surrounding landscape.

Generally preferred are:

  • Weathered gray tones
  • Driftwood colors
  • Natural cedar and shake appearances
  • Muted earth tones
  • Dark charcoal and brown blends

Generally discouraged are:

  • Bright or highly reflective colors
  • Strong reds, blues, greens, or other saturated colors including black
  • Roofing materials that visually dominate the surrounding landscape
  • Roofing systems inconsistent with the architectural character of the home

 

Alternative Materials

Many modern roofing products provide enhanced durability, fire resistance, and longevity while replicating the appearance of traditional cedar shake roofing.

Alternative products not appearing on the approved list may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Leaseholders proposing alternative materials should provide:

  • Manufacturer information
  • Product specifications
  • Color samples
  • Photographs of completed installations
  • Any additional information requested by the Architectural Committee

Approval of one product or installation does not guarantee approval of future applications.

One of Salishan’s defining characteristics is its forested coastal landscape. The Uniform Lease requires Architectural Committee approval before removing, planting, or significantly pruning trees and other vegetation.

A Tree Trimming Application is generally required before:

  • Removing a tree.
  • Topping a tree.
  • Removing substantial limbs or canopy.
  • Undertaking view restoration pruning.
  • Clearing multiple trees or shrubs.
  • Altering vegetation as part of a construction or landscaping project.

Routine maintenance pruning intended to:

  • Remove dead, diseased, or hazardous limbs.
  • Maintain clearance from roofs, decks, driveways, or utilities.
  • Address immediate safety concerns.
  • Preserve the health of a tree through accepted arboricultural practices.

If you are uncertain whether your proposed work constitutes routine maintenance or requires Architectural Committee review, please contact the Committee before proceeding.

View Restoration

The Uniform Lease recognizes the importance of preserving views while also maintaining Salishan’s natural forested character. Requests for view restoration should identify:

  • The location of the vegetation involved.
  • The nature of the view obstruction.
  • The pruning or removal proposed.
  • Photographs illustrating existing conditions.

The Architectural Committee evaluates each request on its individual merits and may consider view impacts, tree health, environmental impacts, neighborhood character, and the objectives of the Uniform Lease.

Documentation Required with Your Application

To help the Architectural Committee evaluate your request, please include the following information with your application:

  • A narrative explaining the proposed work and the reasons for the trimming or removal request.
  • The size and species of each tree proposed for trimming or removal.
  • Photographs and/or a site plan clearly identifying the location of the tree(s).
  • A proposal, estimate, or report from the contractor or arborist who will perform the work.

Providing complete documentation helps expedite the review process and may reduce the need for additional information requests.

Emergency Situations

If a tree presents an immediate threat to life, property, or utility infrastructure, emergency work may proceed as necessary to address the hazard. The leaseholder should notify the Architectural Committee as soon as practical and provide photographs documenting the condition.

Yes, due to the potential risk of wildfire, outdoors fire features have certain special requirements that require acknowledgement from the leaseholder.

Leaseholder Overview

Salishan Leaseholders, Inc. owns the lands of Salishan, and leases homesites

according to the Uniform Lease terms. The lease provisions cover security, building codes, management, and conditions and restrictions on the use and transfer of homesites.

When you purchased a homesite lease, you became a voting member of Salishan

Leaseholders, Inc. Homesite lessees elect the members of the board of directors

(BOD) at our annual leaseholder meeting held on the Saturday afternoon of Labor Day weekend (Bylaws, Article VIII, 1). The terms of the Uniform Lease, the corporate Bylaws, and the nonprofit Oregon corporation laws govern Salishan’s management and operations. Our Board establishes policies to make these documents operational.

The Board of Directors consists of seven leaseholders elected for two year terms and may serve two consecutive terms. Four Directors are elected in even-numbered years and three in odd-numbered years. Our Board elects its officers. Committee members are appointed by the Board.

Serving on the Board is an opportunity to contribute to the stewardship, governance, and long-term success of Salishan. Board members help guide community priorities, establish policy, oversee financial and operational matters, and work collaboratively on issues affecting the community as a whole.

We encourage leaseholders from a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to consider participating. Prior board experience is welcome, but not required. Community members with leadership experience, organizational skills, financial knowledge, legal or construction backgrounds, communication skills, or simply a strong interest in the future of Salishan all have valuable perspectives to offer.

Board service does require a meaningful volunteer commitment, including regular meetings, review of materials, and participation in community discussions and decision-making. However, it also provides a unique opportunity to make a positive and lasting contribution to the community.

Board meetings

Monthly board meetings and are open to leaseholders. Most meetings are held in the Community Center and are also virtual. The zoom link is password protected on the Salishan calendar website and requires a leaseholder log in. Each board meeting includes a leaseholders’ forum where leaseholders can ask questions and share opinions and ideas.