Thistle Creek Homeowner's Association

Questions about Architectural Control Committee (ACC) Procedures

Oct 04, 2001

WHY WAS THE COMMITTEE CREATED?
- The Committee was created to enforce the architectural, landscaping, and maintenance standards that every homeowner has, by purchasing a home in Thistle Creek Units 2, 3, or 4, agreed to abide by. These standards help promote and maintain our neighborhood and like other legal documents that affect your lot (such as easements) are recorded with the Guadalupe County Clerk. Most likely, you were notified of the existence of the Association when you purchased your home. If you were not notified of these standards, contact your real estate agent, title company, or seller. In short, many homeowners purchased in our subdivision because these standards were in place. Many of us have seen neighborhoods that develop a ?“run-down?” look, which (over time) detracts from property values and a sense of enjoyment in our community. Because our investment in our homes is so important to our families?’ well being, we are all called upon to abide by these standards?—not only for own benefit, but everyone?’s benefit as well.

HOW DOES THE COMMITTEE FUNCTION?
- "The Committee is authorized and empowered to consider and review any and all aspects of construction and landscaping which may, in the reasonable opinion of the committee, adversely affect the living enjoyment of one or more Lot Owners or the general value of Lots in the Addition. (Art. 5, Sec. 5.03) "One objective of the Committee is to prevent unusual, radical, curious, odd, bizarre, peculiar or irregular structures from being built in the Addition."(Art. 5, Sec. 5.05) "No landscaping shall be undertaken and no building, fence, wall or other structure shall be commenced, erected, placed, maintained or altered on any Lot, nor shall any exterior painting of, exterior addition to or alteration of, such items be made until all plans and specifications and a plot plan have been submitted to and approved in writing by a majority of the members of the Committee..." (Art. 5, Sec. 5.03) . "The Committee has sole discretion with respect to taste, design and all standards specified..." See Article 5, Section 5.04 of the Declaration for details.

WHAT ACTION IS REQUIRED OF OWNER?
- Prior to making any change or improvement, any owner planning to change or add to the existing structures on a lot must submit final plans and specifications in duplicate by certified mail to the ACC stating the details of the intended change, improvement or need for variance and attaching samples or plans to more clearly describe the projected change or addition. (Art. 5, Sec. 5.05)

WHAT TYPES OF ITEMS REQUIRE WRITTEN APPROVAL?
- The following are only a few items that require approval from the ACC: (Refer to the Declaration for other details). Antennas, dishes, buildings, gazebos, sheds, patio covers, fences, walls, solar collectors.

WHY DO WE HAVE TO PUT EVERYTHING IN WRITING?
- The formal request and approval process is necessary to assure that every owner's desire to improve his or her property can be given due process without discrimination. It will also provide the owner(s), the Committee and the Association Board with a permanent record of actions taken under the Declaration.

WHERE CAN I LOCATE A REQUEST FORM?
- WWW.NEIGHBORHOODLINK.COM/THISTLE , or call ProComm, a member of the ACC, or Board of Directors.