Fox Run HOA

How to fill out a Design Request form

May 07, 2003

It?’s that time of year again when people start thinking about working on their yard or adding a deck or shed. To make the design review process as easy as possible for both the homeowner and the Design Review Committee, here are some guidelines to follow.

1. When do I need to fill out a design review form?
Any major project requires the approval of the Design Review Committee(DRC). If you are installing a deck or patio, new sod, trees or other large plantings, proposing an addition, shed, drive, or dog run, or generally creating new landscaping (defining or re-defining planting beds, sod areas, vegetable gardens, etc) you must submit a design review form and receive approval from the DRC. However, you do not need to receive DRC approval if you want to plant seasonal flowers or add small plants to existing planting areas.

2. How specific do I need to be when specifying what I will be planting?
The DRC is mostly concerned that HOA and City codes are met. This means that the necessary percentage of your yard is covered w/ growing material (i.e. sod) and that you don?’t plant anything that is not allowed in our town (yes, there are illegal trees). Therefore, a clear map of your yard with areas of sod and location of trees is needed. Also, the type of tree (pine, cottonwood, aspen, etc) is necessary. The DRC does not need to know the name of every small plant or flower you plan to plant ?– just general location and size.

3. How specific do I need to be when submitting a proposal for a deck or patio?
The DRC needs to know that you are taking into account all HOA and city rules and codes. Therefore a detailed drawing (with dimensions) of the project is needed along with a list of building materials. The two most common items people leave off of major projects are the type of stain or paint and whether proper slope and drainage will be maintained. Please consult your Design Guidelines for acceptable stain colors and indicate on your form that you are using an approved stain or paint and add ?“this project will maintain proper slope and drainage?” so the DRC knows you have considered these issues.

4. How detailed do I need to be when submitting a proposal for an addition?
Adding an addition to your home is no small project. The DRC cannot approve a plan that does not seem to be well planned and thought out. A design request form should be sent to the DRC after you have drafted architectural drawings so that the committee can see the details of the project. Again, please indicate that all exterior materials comply w/ HOA regulations.

Hopefully this will clear things up ?– major changes need approval, spring planting does not. Also, when doing any major construction such as an addition, DRC approval does not guarantee your project complies with city building code, so please consult the city to guarantee compliance in these areas.