QUESTION: We’d like to have a small storage shed built in our backyard. What is the process for requesting approval for that shed?
ANSWER: The Springs CCR’s and website provide instructions on how to request approval of such projects through the HOA’s Architecture Review Committee (ARC):
Article IV
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
No building, fence, wall, outbuilding or other structure or improvement shall be erected, altered, added onto, placed or repaired on any Lot in the Subdivision until the complete plans including site plans, grading plans, floor plans depicting room size and layouts, exterior elevations, landscape plans, and any other plans or information deemed necessary by the ARC for the performance of its function ("Required Plans"), are submitted and approved in writing by the Architectural Review Committee as to the conformity and harmony of exterior design with existing structures in the Subdivision, the location with respect to topography, existing trees, and finished elevation, and apparent conformity with the requirements of this Declaration. In addition, the Owner shall submit the identity of the individual or company intended to perform the work and projected commencement and completion dates. The Architectural Review Committee shall have the power to employ professional consultants to assist it in discharging its duties and may create and impose reasonable fees for processing of applications.
Within thirty (30) days after the Owner has submitted to the ARC the Required Plans and written notice that the Owner desires to obtain ARC approval, the ARC shall notify Owner in writing whether the Required Plans are approved or disapproved. If plans and specifications are not sufficiently complete or are otherwise inadequate, the ARC may reject them as being inadequate or may approve or disapprove them in part, conditionally or unconditionally, and reject the balance.
In addition to the remainder of Article IV, there is also an excellent ARC Overview summary document on our website’s Pages & Links page, written by a previous Springs ARC Chairman. On that same webpage is the Springs Architecture Review Committee (ARC) Improvement Request Form that you can download, complete, and submit.
The completed ARC Improvement Request form and required attachments (plans, sketches, etc.) are provided to the Architectural (ACC) Department, First Service Residential, 1600 N.E. Loop 410, Suite 202, San Antonio, Texas 78209 (phone (210) 829-7207, fax (210) 829-5207, e-mail acc@ams-sa.com). The ACC Department records the request, ensures it and its attachments are complete, and then forwards them to the Chairperson and members of our HOA’s Architecture Review Committee for that committee’s analysis and decision. Please note that the HOA funds the $25 Improvement Request Management Fee charged by First Service Residential, and not the submitting owner.
For storage sheds in particular, two other articles in our CCRs apply, the substance of which are also used by the ARC in their determination to approve or disapprove a plan to install a storage shed or similar outbuilding:
ARTICLE VI
OUTBUILDING REQUIREMENTS
Every outbuilding, inclusive of such structures as a detached garage, storage building, gazebo, spa, greenhouse or children's' playhouse, shall be compatible with the dwelling to which it is appurtenant in terms of its design and material composition. All such outbuildings shall be subject to approval of the ARC. In no instance shall an outbuilding, other than a detached garage, exceed one (1) story in height nor exceed one hundred twenty (120) square feet of floor area.
ARTICLE XXVIII
BUILDING SETBACKS
…A detached garage or outbuilding permitted by these covenants may be erected no nearer than three (3) feet to any interior Lot line or rear Lot lines, provided that such building will not encroach upon any easement….
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These monthly “Test Your Knowledge” CCR messages intend to remind residents of The Springs of the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CCR’s) that apply to all Springs residents solely by our election to live in this community. The purpose of the CCR’s is to maintain specific standards for the good of us all, as articulated in their definition:
“THE SPRINGS AT STONE OAK is encumbered by these Restrictive Covenants for the following reasons: to seek to achieve the best and highest use and most appropriate development of the property; to protect lot owners against improper use of surrounding lots; to preserve so far as practical the natural beauty of the property; to guard against the erection of poorly designed or proportioned structures of improper or unsuitable materials; to encourage and secure the erection of attractive improvements on each lot with appropriate locations; and to secure and maintain proper setbacks from streets and adequate free space.”
If you are a Springs resident who has misplaced your copy of the CCR’s, or are a new resident who wasn’t provided a copy by the previous owners or your realtor, you can view (and download in Adobe Reader [.pdf] format) the complete Springs CCR’s and By-Laws at the Consolidated Bylaws and CCRs section of this website, located in the Pages & Links tab.
