Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1534428
FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MAY 2025 27 Architectural Review Committee Many of our homeowners are concerned about raising homeowner insurance costs. ARC is aware of some instances where an insurance company has required and/or requested changes to landscaping before they issue an insurance policy. ARC is charged with ensuring that exterior changes meet the published guidelines and maintain the aesthetic beauty of our community. ARC is committed to working with homeowners to help them work within the guidelines to have the exterior home and yard that they want. To this end, ARC will also offer alternatives, when possible, to help homeowners meet the guidelines while still having the home and yard they desire. Our CC&Rs as well as the guidelines require that any change to the yard (including the front yard cost center homes) requires approval from the ARC. The California Civil Code also requires that all ARC decisions must not be in conf licts with any "governing provision of law" e.g. building codes, laws governing land use or public safety. ARC does not have the authority to approve changes or new work that are expressly prohibited by the provisions of the association's CC&Rs or any other applicable law or code. It should be noted that ARC does not give verbal approvals nor are there any automatic approvals. An application is required for every change to the exterior of the home and/or landscape. As required by our CC&Rs as well as state law, each application must be reviewed and evaluated based on the individual merits of the proposed work on a case-by-case basis. If you receive a letter from your current or proposed insurance company requiring changes to the exterior of your home or landscaping, please contact ARC or its FirstService Liaison Mykal Thuney as soon as possible. Be prepared to provide a copy of the written request from the insurance company. (As of the writing of this article April 6, 2024, ARC is unaware of new laws or changes to existing laws involving fire modifications related to personal residences.) ARC will work with you to meet all conditions required and/ or requested by insurance companies. However, as provided by the guidelines, "(f) failure to obtain necessary approval from the ARC … may constitute a violation of the CC&Rs and may require modifications or removal of any work at Owner's expense." While the receipt of one of these letters may cause extreme concern by a homeowner, ARC will work with the homeowner(s) to resolve the issue(s) as quickly as possible. If you receive a letter or have any concern, please contact me. ~ Steve Cooley, (801) 815-5302, cooleyaudit@gmail.com