Renaissance Ridge Homeowners Association Guidelines for Architectural Review
Article XV, Section 2 of the Restated Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Renaissance Ridge Homeowners Association states:
Jurisdiction and Purpose. The Committee or the Declarant as set forth herein, shall review proposed plans and specifications for Residences, accessory structures, fences, walls, appurtenant recreational facilities (e.g., hot tubs, basketball courts, tennis courts, swimming pools, and bath houses), or other exterior structures to be placed upon the Properties. No exterior addition, structural alteration, or exterior structures of any kind may be made until plans and specifications showing the nature, kind, shape, height, material and location of the proposed structure or alteration have been submitted and approved, in writing, by the Committee. The Committee shall also review proposals to change the exterior color of homes in the plat. The Committee shall determine whether the exterior design and location of the proposed structure, alteration, or color change harmonizes with the (1) surrounding structures, (2) surrounding natural and built environment, and (3) aesthetic character of other homes in the plat.
Referencing Article XV, the following needs to be reviewed by the Architectural Control Committee (ACC):
Modifications to the exterior of existing improvements (including painting), placement or posting of any object or thing on the exterior of any home or common area (e.g., fences, signs, antennas, clotheslines, playground equipment, lighting, storm or screen doors and windows, temporary structures, artificial vegetation, exterior sculptures and fountains), or large scale planting or removal of plants, trees or shrubs.
In compliance with rule 47 C.F.R. Section 1.4000 of Section 207 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Article XIV, Section 2 of the Restated Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Renaissance Ridge Homeowners Association is unenforceable. Satellite dishes may be installed without requiring the prior approval of the ACC. The ACC would ask that all homeowners voluntarily abide by the guideline of screening the installation from public view while the Committee obtains homeowner feedback on the issue and the options available to all of us. The ACC has attached a survey on the issue for homeowners to provide feedback. Please complete the survey and return it to the Homeowners Association within seven days.
There are essentially three options to consider in the satellite dish issue:
1. Disregard Article XIV, Section 2 entirely since it is not enforceable and essentially not have any community restrictions on satellite dish installations.
2. Pursue legal advice from an expert in this matter and explore the option of still enforcing Article XIV, Section 2 without requiring prior approval but enforcing restricting placement within FCC guidelines by applying severability as noted in Article XVI, Section 10.
3. Amend the C,C&R’s to meet current FCC guidelines.
Submitting a Request for Architectural Review:
All plans and specifications are required to be submitted to the ACC committee either in person or by mail. They are to be delivered, with a check for $5.00, to: Renaissance Ridge Homeowners Association, c/o Century Small Business Solutions, 229 S 4th PL, Renton, WA, 98055. They will then be forwarded to the Committee.
The written submission shall contain the name and address of the owner submitting the plans and specifications, identifying the lot involved, and the information outlined below in the checklist:
v Plot plan or site plan showing the location of the structure upon the lot;
v Elevation of the structure with reference to the existing and finished lot grades, fence grades and any possible view lines from street or adjacent properties;
v The general design (i.e. draft construction drawings and structural details or information necessary for the ACC to determine if design is sound);
v The exterior finish materials and colors, including roof materials (color samples should be included with submittal);
v Application fee of $5.00 (payable to Renaissance Ridge Homeowners Association) to cover administrative costs of reviewing proposals.
Neighbor Comments:
When reviewing requests submitted, the ACC takes into consideration many factors, one of which is how the change will affect the neighboring homes in the community. The ACC will usually send a comment form to neighbors for the following types of modifications:
v Storage sheds or other exterior structures visible from neighboring lots.
v Rockeries, retaining walls, any grade or drainage alteration located on or near the property line.
v Dog runs visible from neighboring lots.
v Large playground equipment (i.e., swing sets, big toys, permanent basketball hoops, trampolines), visible from above fence line.
v Gazebo or large trellis structures visible from above fence line.
v Decks visible from above fence line.
v Air conditioners.
v Hot Tubs / spas / swimming pools visible from above fence line.
v Play / tree houses.
Neighbor comment forms are used strictly as additional input for the ACC. Approval or rejection from neighbors does not mean that the ACC will approve or reject an application.
Review Process by the Architectural Control Committee:
Upon the ACC’s receipt of the above information, the committee will review the submission to deem it complete. If your application is not complete you should receive notice within two weeks. If neighbor input is desired the ACC will send comment forms to the affected neighbors. Once all paperwork has been received, the ACC typically meets monthly and will consider submission design, harmony of design with the existing structures, topography, view obstruction, impact to neighbors or open space, and other factors when conducting the review.
This process usually takes up to four weeks. During this period a letter will be mailed to you that determines whether the improvement is approved, denied, or approved with conditions.
If you have not received your response and it is after this time period, please contact the Homeowners Association.