Design Guidelines
A shared standard for how Montrêux looks, feels, and weathers the Sierra.
No single style is required at Montrêux — but a European Alpine character is desired. Harmony is achieved less by prescribing a style than by working from a controlled palette of complementary materials: natural wood siding, stucco, native stone, and selective use of metal, slate, or concrete shake-tile roofs in mid- to dark-range earth tones.
Within that palette, a wide range of designs can sit comfortably in the landscape. Certain styles, however beautiful, are too closely tied to other places to belong here — Southern plantation and Santa Fe adobe among them. Experimental or radical forms, likewise, run counter to the quieter Alpine character on which Montrêux is built.
For specific guidance, contact the HOA Manager.
DRC Design Guidelines
Download architectural standards, materials, landscape, and the lot-level review process — the document the committee reviews against.
Design Review Submittals
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Before drawing anything up, the owner or architect meets with a DRC representative — on-site whenever possible — to walk the lot and resolve early questions.
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Submit site plan, floor plans, elevations, a conceptual perspective drawing, and preliminary material/color indications. A review fee accompanies this submittal — it covers preliminary, final, and follow-up reviews.
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The Committee responds in writing within 10 days of review (no later than 30 days after a complete submittal). Reviews are not discussed by phone — all communication is in writing.
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After preliminary approval, submit the full construction set: detailed plans, full materials and color samples, and a landscape plan. A representative may inspect the site once the submittal is complete.
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Same 10-day / 30-day written response. On approval, pay the Compliance Deposit and construction impact fee, and complete the Washoe County review. Construction must begin within one year, or approval is revoked.
New homes and most exterior changes require Design Review Committee approval before work begins. Review happens in stages — informal early, then formal once plans are drawn.
Working in Montrêux.
Construction within the community is governed by the DRC Rules & Regulations. The summary below covers what you need to know on arrival; the full document is available here.
All contractors check in at the main gatehouse on arrival. The Gatehouse is staffed around the clock for access, deliveries, and after-hours questions.
(775) 849-9780
Construction rules
Monday-Friday 7am-7pm | Saturday 8am-6pm | No Sunday work
25 mph community-wide | 15 mph as posted near the Clubhouse and on the construction roads
Park on the same side as the worksite
Do not block mailboxes, driveways, cul-de-sacs, or fire hydrants
No smoking, drugs, or alcohol
No loud music
No deliveries from family or friends (lunch, tools, etc.)
Service Passes — Who qualifies, and how to obtain one.
A service pass speeds entry at the gate for ongoing work. A vendor or contractor qualifies in either of two cases:
Long-term at one residence — working continuously at a single Montrêux residence for no less than 60 consecutive days.
Regular weekly across multiple residences — regularly employed by three or more Montrêux residences on a weekly basis.
Please apply at the main gatehouse upon arrival.