THE MEADOWS HOMES ASSOCIATION

                          ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL COMMITTEE GUIDELINES

The Architectural Control Committee (hereafter referred to as ARC) Guidelines are a companion

document to the Third Restated Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (‘CC&Rs) of the Meadows Homes Association.  The objective of the Guidelines is to assist homeowners in complying with the architectural requirements of our CC&Rs.

The owners of a Lot, in the Association whether empty or built upon must first seek approval of the ARC prior to commencing any exterior improvements. This is done first by obtaining an application from the MHA office by calling 760-749-7278

It is recommended that prior to proceeding with any project, all applicants review the CC&R’s Article 7, Section Paragraphs 7.3 A & B in regard to the multitude of issues that are within the jurisdiction of the ARC and which improvements require ARC consent.

Section 7.3 A clearly states that “ no building, fence, wall or structure or improvement shall be constructed or maintained --- or shall any exterior addition, change or alteration be made---including without limitation, painting, repainting or landscaping--- until plans and specifications have been submitted and approved in writing by the committee”.

Section 7.3 (A) (C 1) defines what is included in the use of the word “Improvements”.

 Homeowners must obtain approval of the ARC prior to proceeding with these projects.  The Association and ARC will not be responsible if homeowners spend their time and money on projects that have not been approved. Owners should also refer to Section 1.6 of the CC&R’s for other specific architectural requirements such as building specifications, setbacks, etc.

 Information on the application should be as detailed as possible and should include, if appropriate plans, color swatches, and sample of materials etc.

The ARC meets the first Tuesday of each month April to September. The committee will meet the first Tuesday of each month October thru March. All ARC Meetings start at 6:30 PM. All proposals must be submitted in writing to the committee at the monthly meetings. It is recommended that all members desiring to submit their proposals and plan ahead to attend one of the ARC meetings.

The duties of the ARC are to consider and act upon any and all proposals and/or plans submitted.

The ARC will approve or disapprove submitted applications in the following manner:

1)      at the same meeting in which the plans are submitted.

2)      at the next scheduled meeting

3)      at a time and place convenient for the ARC and the homeowner or

4)      within forty- five  (45) days of the date the plans are submitted to the ARC.

Approval or disapproval shall be in writing with a consensus of the majority of the ARC. No one ARC member may act on the behalf of the ARC or provide verbal approval or disapproval. All approvals shall be in writing and signed by a majority of the ARC. 

 11/01/2008                                                                       

Any modification to approved plans must be submitted to the ARC for approval. Approval of modifications will be done in the same manner as approval of initial applications. The ARC is authorized to issue a stop work order if duly approved plans are modified without ARC approval.

Appeal.  If the ARC disapproves a project, the ARC shall in writing notify the applicant within 45 days of the reason for disapproval and the process available for reconsideration by the Board

(refer to CC&R’s page 30 Section 7.3 B and page 36, Section 7.10)

Completion of projects or improvements must be done within one (1) year from the date construction begins, unless the Board, in writing, has extended this time period. All applicants must provide an estimated time of initiation and completion of all projects. In addition, all approved projects/improvements will be assigned a project manager consisting of an ARC member. The project manager will monitor the project and will be the liaison between the applicant and the ARC.

Any and all members of the ARC will respect the privacy of the homeowner.  If any ARC member or agent needs to inspect a Lot the ARC member or agent will attempt reasonable notice to the homeowner and request entry. Reasonable notice shall include but not limited to, a phone call to the homeowner requesting verbal consent to enter at a mutually convenient time. Alternatively ARC will mail a letter to the homeowner requesting consent to enter the Lot at a reasonable time and date. If an emergency exists then the ARC member or agent should use prudence in entering the Lot.

Most frequent problem issues;

1)      It should be noted that the ARC is not inclined to approve roofing materials other than tile and metal without sufficient justification.

2)      Fences must meet the following criteria, keeping in mind the intent of the Association to keep all properties free and open to one another.

In keeping with this premise, if a fence is required by law or special needs, a fence may be approved. If approved the preferred fence material is wrought iron, not taller than 5 feet ( at the suggestion of the local fire marshal). The fence shall only be placed from the rear corners of the Residence to the back property line.

3)      The ARC does not allow the placement of storage building or outbuilding without

substantial justification for its need. If approved it shall not be bigger than one hundred (100) square feet and constructed of the same material and color as the Residence. The location shall be as unobtrusive to the neighbors as possible.

4)      On a Lot containing a Residence, parking is limited to the garage, driveway, and approved

parking spaces only. Requests for additional parking spaces must be submitted to the ARC for approval.. The application must include location, size and indicate that it will be built of the same construction materials as the existing driveway.

             5)   If the majority of the property is being landscaped ARC approval is required.                                                                

                                                                                                         2.

11/01/2008

ARC GUIDELINES FOR ALTERNATIVE ENERGY (SOLAR) INSTALLATIONS

In addition to the requirements set forth in the CC&Rs, Article 7, Section 7.6 ( C ) the following  applies:

a)      These guidelines cover “active” solar energy devices and systems including solar electric (photovoltaic), solar thermal (potable water heating systems/cooling) and pool water heating systems. These guidelines do not address “passive” solar space heating/cooling design including building architecture.

b)      Conformance to all government, utility and industry codes and standards is required. Building permits for all new or modified installations as required by local building code(s).

                             c)  Proposals to ARC shall include, in addition to the regular information supplied with the           

      application for approval, contractor information including licensing, solar industry

      certifications ( if any), product literature, customer references and estimates of

      solar systems.

d)      Do it yourself projects will no be looked on favorably.

e)      Roof mounted systems including pool water heating systems shall have minimum six inch ( 6”) clearance between collectors and exterior roof surface. This may require a support system for pool water heating collectors which are usually frameless and not rigid..

f)       Variances may be granted to CC&R’s  Sections 7.6( C ) (2,3,4) as deemed appropriate by the ARC to increase system safety, serviceability or performance.

           11/01/2008

Send mail to allen@allenhemphill.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 03/13/11