7.1 Maintenance Responsibilities
- The association is responsible for maintenance, repair, and replacement of the following exterior items:
- Siding and brickwork
- Roofs
- Gutters and downspouts, except patio cover gutters.
- Patio fences
- Carport Covers
- Landscaping, except inside patios (see discussion of lawns/landscaping in Section 6.8).
- Owners are responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of the exterior items listed below:
- Doors and associated hardware
- Windows
- Screens
- Patios (except fences)
- Trees and other plants in patio areas
- Sheds
- Lighting fixtures
- Electrical circuit breaker boxes on patios
- Number signs
- Mailboxes
However, there are restrictions as to what can be done with each of these items; they must be approved by the Architectural Control committee, as will be discussed.
- The foregoing responsibilities are detailed in Article IX of the covenants.
- Owners are responsible for all interior maintenance of their townhomes, pursuant to Article X of the covenants.
7.2 Maintenance Assistance
- Definition
- Maintenance assistance is defined as work performed by the association's maintenance staff to assist residents with various exterior improvement projects when such work is not the responsibility of the association or is commingled with work which is the responsibility of the association.
- Maintenance assistance also includes disposal of trash, regardless of whether the trash comes from an interior or exterior project. Limits on such disposal are described in Section 11.3
- Authorized Maintenance Assistance
- Replacing or Adding Shrubs and Other Plantings in Front of Townhouse: Owners must obtain architectural control committee approval of new landscaping. Renters must obtain owner's approval. Owner's must initiate the request for approval by the architectural control committee. Initiator (owner or renter) must pay for new shrubs and plantings. Residents must also agree to maintain the new shrubs and planting or they must stipulate that they will allow the association to maintain the new landscaping. (See 7.4, I below).
- Removal of Vines, Shrubs, and Small Trees from Patios: Renters must obtain written approval from owner. Initiator must pay for labor and trash disposal costs associated with removal. The property manager will determine when a tree is too large to be removed by his staff.
- Special Construction in and Around Patios: Maintenance assistance may include construction of curbs under fences, repair of patio pavement, and storage shed replacement or repair. Owners must obtain architectural control committee approval of new construction. Renters must obtain owner's approval, and owners must initiate the request for approval by architectural control committee.
- Disposal of Heavy Trash: Maintenance assistance may include disposal of heavy trash. See Section 11.3 for details.
7.3 Restrictions on Exterior  Construction and Maintenance
- Article VIII of the Covenants requires written approval of the board of directors prior to starting any new construction or making any change in the exterior of a townhome.
- In fulfilling its duties, the board of directors seeks to allow owners as much latitude as possible consistent with maintaining a harmonious and attractive appearance throughout the property. Simple replacement of something such as a lighting fixture with one of the same type and color will always be acceptable. Improvements which enhance the appearance of our property certainly are encouraged.
- Owners desiring to construct something or make some change in the exterior of their townhomes must complete a Request for Approval of Exterior Change. A description of the proposed changes and sketches illustrating the nature, location, configuration, dimensions, materials, and type of finish, with color samples, is required.
|
7.3 Restrictions on Exterior Construction and Maintenance (continued)
- The procedures described in paragraph 7.3, C above must be completed before construction is started or before a change is made.
- If new construction or exterior changes are made without the approval of the board of directors, owners may be required to remove the new construction or to restore the townhome to its original condition at the owner's expense.
- The foregoing requirements for board of director's approval apply to all new construction and exterior changes including those listed below:
- Replacement of exterior doors or windows;
- Replacement of screens;
- Installation of storm doors and storm windows;
- Replacement of exterior lighting fixtures;
- Installation of lighting fixtures in carports;
- Replacement of number signs;
- Replacement of mailboxes;
- Color of paint or stain;
- Staining of patio fences (painting is not permitted);
- Installation of patio covers;
- Replacement of siding on storage sheds;
- Construction of new beds and/or gardens in front of townhomes;
- Replacement of shrubs and other plantings at front of townhouse;
- Edging of patio beds when such edging can be seen from exterior.
7.4 Rules Regarding Exterior Appearance
- Only one For Rent or For Sale sign may be displayed. Such signs may be no larger than 5 square feet, and may only be placed at the rear of a townhome.
- Construction or storage racks or sheds in carports is not permitted.
- Exterior radio and television antennas may not be installed.
- Clotheslines must be confined to patios and must not be visible from the driveway.
- Hanging clothes, towels, rugs, and other items over balcony railings, patio fences, and carports is not permitted.
- Trash bin doors must be secured at all times.
- Trash and garbage must be placed in plastic bags for regularly scheduled pickup. Bags and other items to be disposed of must be kept out of sight in trash bins or in patio areas except on trash pickup days. Owners are responsible for making arrangements for disposal of large items such as old furniture, appliances, and rugs, as well as trimmings from patio bushes, vines, and trees. Call the assistant property manager for information on disposal of such items.
- Vines and trees planted in patio areas must be kept neatly trimmed. They may not arch over or grow over into adjacent patios without the concurrence of those owners. Vines are not allowed to grow on downspouts, siding, or wood, but they may grow on brick. Trees must be cut back so they do not touch roofs, siding, or brick.
- Residents who obtain authorization to construct patio covers and lattice work above their patio fences are required to keep them properly maintained. If they do not, the necessary maintenance will be performed by the association and billed to the owner.
- Owners and residents may not use aluminum foil or other coverings over windows when such coverings create an unattractive exterior appearance.
7.5 Smoke Detectors
- Don't stay home without one on each floor and in the attic.
- Owners who rent their townhomes are required by City ordinance to provide smoke detectors.
7.6 Water Conservation
- Water use by each townhome is metered and billed under Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission (TNRCC) laws. Common area water is billed evenly to each townhome. Everyone is encouraged to help conserve water. Water is one of the major concerns of the state and therefore, the association.
- Use your water meter to assist in identifying leaks and excessive use. These meters are read monthly.
7.7 Dealing with Termites and Other Insects
- The association has a contract for annual subterranean termite treatments around the exteriors of all townhouses.
- Extermination services for insects or bees inside or outside individual townhouses and in patio areas are the responsibility of townhouse owners.
|
