Reminder: Notify/seek Board approval before making any lot improvements

Fellow residents,

As you may have noticed during recent months, several homeowners throughout the development have made various improvements to their properties. The Board encourages such efforts, of course, because it helps increase the value of our properties and the overall aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood.

The issue, however, and the impetus for this blog post, is to remind residents that the Board must be notified in advance and seek approval for all improvements, regardless of scope, size or cost. It’s not a control freak issue -- we simply live in a neighborhood governed by legally binding documents called the Rules and Restrictions, By-laws and Articles of Incorporation. Every homeowner was provided copies by your realtor or bank as part of your signed deed, making them a contract. The documents give the Board the right and responsibility to approve or deny all lot improvements.

So what qualifies as an improvement? Basically, it’s anything you do to the visible exterior of your house or your lot, according to our neighborhood covenants. That means home repainting, brick or stone work, installation of fences, sheds or decks, driveway replacements, substantial landscaping, including tree removals, mailbox installations, etc.

During the past few months, the Board has received several complaints about unapproved improvements, including radical changes in house paint color and shed or fence installations. Some of these improvements are in clear violation of the covenants, creating unsightly changes to lots that “detract from or diminish the aesthetic appearance of the Development’; that are “not in harmony with the general surroundings of the lot or with adjacent buildings or structures”; and “in opinion of the (Board) be contrary to the interests, welfare or rights of all or any part of other Owners.”

In the past 10 years, rarely has a resident’s request for a property improvement been denied. But the rules exist to protect all residents, rules we agreed to when we signed our deeds. As a result, the Board is responsible for reminding residents -- and enforce when necessary -- about the aforementioned language of the controlling documents. Failure to comply could results in suspension of neighborhood privileges or legal action.

If you want to make an improvement, please contact any Board member with your plans and we’ll consider your request. Generally, the Board requires a plot plan and general dimensions, if applicable, description of the work and materials, and time frame involved.

Questions? Click here for more information, or contact Board President/Rules and Restrictions chairman Scott Thien at scottthien@comcast.net for more information. Thank you for your cooperation.

The Eagle Nest Board