Standards Overview

John D. Rockefeller, Jr. instituted protective covenants that are included in the deeds of all Forest Hill homes. Forest Hill Home Owners is empowered to enforce these deed provisions to honor the original intent of the Rockefeller family's plan for Forest Hill to be a residential community whose high standards are guarded by well-chosen restrictions designed to preserve and enhance property values. The covenants govern architectural standards, maintenance and use of Forest Hill homes and other important considerations.

Every Forest Hill homeowner is both bound and protected by the covenants.

The Standards Committee

In accordance with our code of regulations, our board of trustees maintains a Standards Committee to review home maintenance issues and all new construction and proposed exterior alterations or additions to properties in Forest Hill that require approval of the association. In addition, drawing on the expertise of qualified individuals in housing construction, property maintenance and historic preservation, the committee assists Forest Hill residents in making informed choices that will maintain the architectural integrity and value of their homes. The committee identifies products, manufacturers and suppliers that best match the type of housing in our neighborhood. Committee members collaborate with homeowners or their contractors so that new construction and exterior alterations or additions appropriately suit our community of distinctive homes.

When is the approval of the standards committee necessary?

You must obtain the Standard Committee's approval if you plan to make exterior alterations or additions that will alter the original architectural design of your home or lot plan or when the use of materials and installations will depart from those originally used for the home. Specifically, approval is required for:

  • Fence installation and/or repair

  • Window replacement

  • Roof repair and/or replacement

  • Siding replacement, installation and/or repair

  • Deck additions and patio enclosures

  • Room additions and shed installation

  • Other exterior alterations and embellishments

View Preservation Guidelines

The criteria listed in each bulletin will serve as guidelines for the homeowner or contractor and the standards committee when either planning or reviewing an application for new construction and exterior alterations or additions.

If you plan to make any alterations or additions to your home that require the approval of the standards committee, please print and complete the appropriate application from the list below and submit it to us at 2419 Lee Boulevard, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118-1206, Attention: Standards.

You should obtain FHHO approval before beginning work on a project to avoid delays and complications. Please keep in mind that our review and approval is in addition to and independent of a city permit.

Again, please review the relevant preservation guidelines before completing your application. We will take into account the intent of your proposal and will also consider the counsel of our resident architect, building contractor, roofing consultant, preservationist, or landscape consultant. We will review your application as quickly as possible and notify you once a decision has been made.

If you have any questions or are unable to print an application, you can leave us a message at 216-932-8952.

ALL exterior alterations to Rockefeller homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places require the written approval of the standards committee, other than repairs and maintenance that are consistent with the original design, materials and workmanship of the home.