Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1541674
6 | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | DECEMBER 2025 | Consider Improving the Safety of Your Front Entryway Some of the walkways into our homes may have one or more steps or a considerable slope. We have heard that some homeowners or their guests have fallen while walking towards or returning from the front door, often being injured. As we know, simple falls can often lead to broken limbs or hips, if not just some pain and suffering. This might be a good time to take a close look at your walkway and steps leading towards your front door, particularly if you or one of your guests tripped or fell during the day or after dark. Changing the walkway, lighting the walkway, and installing railings are considered alterations covered by the Architectural Standards and Regulations. There are examples around the community if you're looking for ideas to improve the safety and aesthetics of your home. Concrete can be redone to remove steps and/or create a ramp. The Paved Area Standard on page 18 of the Standards provides some guidance: a minimum of 1 ½ inches of concrete is required; concrete is assumed to be natural gray in color… any patterned and/or colored concrete, pavers, or …walkway materials shall be subject to review by the ARC. The width of the walkway is not specified, but should be the same as the current walkway. Exterior lighting can be replaced or added. Some of the Exterior Lighting Standard on p. 35-36 of the Standards applies to walkways: "The number, type, and style of "white-light" only fixtures shall be limited to no more than the following: …walkway light fixtures, not exceeding (16") in height: Ten lighting fixtures maximum…. Step or wall lights that are embedded in the steps or walls… five maximum." Carefully review this Standard. Limited railings, free standing or attached, are permissible. The purpose of the railing should be to assist an individual walking on the sidewalk or stepping up into an entry way to maintain his or her balance. On page 14 of the Standards and Regulations, the section Wrought Iron/Metal Gates provides some limited guidance: "the color must be compatible with the dwelling (matte black is acceptable)." Consult Maria Donti on the shape and style of railings. In all cases above, provide a current and future site plan that shows in detail the changes proposed, i.e. the walkway, number, style and color of any materials proposed for the alteration. Architectural Review