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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MAY 2026 27 As we move into warmer months, homeowners reach out to ARC with questions about different projects that they are planning, have planned, and sometimes arranged to have completed by contractors. Too often, the homeowner has failed to plan or simply forgot that they need ARC approval and sometimes Beaumont city permits. Too frequently, when homeowners have scheduled to have work done and don't have the required approvals, the handyman and/or contractor advises the homeowner that the approval and/or permit either isn't required or that it's not likely that anyone will find out that the work was done without proper approval. While it is possible that the unpermitted work won't be found, there can be costly consequences when the completed project lacking permission is discovered. While this article does not list every consequence, some of these include fines, penalties, inability to sell the house, and possible damage to the home by handymen/contractors who did the work. When a project is done with out required city permits, there is no third-party checking to make sure the work is done properly. Sure, the contractor or handyman will give you a discount if you don't get the required permits or ARC approval. However, if you are offered a lower price, consider why the contractor or handyman is giving you a "good deal." Does the workman have the skills and knowledge to do the work? Is the workman using low or substandard materials? Will the workman complete the job or just walk away with your money? Where did the materials come from? Could the workman be using stolen goods or products? More importantly, if the contractor is breaking the law to get your business, is there any reason for you to believe that you are getting quality work with quality materials? What happens when the unpermitted work fails such as the patio covers that have been built without permits that don't meet code? ARC is aware of owners who have had to remove the patio cover that was not built to code and replace it with one that was properly built after the homeowner obtained the city permit and ARC approval. Not only was the homeowner required to pay a fine, but there was also the added cost of the new patio cover on top of what was already paid for. Another example that ARC has seen in our community was the unpermitted patio cover that was not built to code, that blew down in a typical wind storm. Again, the homeowner was required to pay a fine and there was the added cost of the new patio cover. ARC has seen multiple f lag poles that were improperly installed without out city permits or ARC approval that blew over in the wind. In at least one case the pole blew into a neighbor's yard and caused damage to the neighbor's house. Another example was the homeowners who sold their houses only to have the sale canceled when the home inspector and title company found that there had been work done that was not approved by ARC and did not have the required city permits. Not only did they lose the sale that had been negotiated, but they also had to bring the work into compliance and find new buyers. In at least one instance, the sellers were unable to find a new buyer who would pay the same price as the first buyer offered simply because the new buyer was concerned about what other work may have been done improperly. ARC often has homeowners request that their application be processed outside of the regularly scheduled ARC meetings because they have a contractor who wants to start immediately. ARC is prohibited from processing applications outside the regularly scheduled meeting. ARC meets on the first and third Wednesday of every month. To be considered at the next meeting, a complete application must be submitted by noon on the Friday before the scheduled ARC meeting. If a city permit is required, please be aware that the city will need time to process the permit application. The city will not process permit applications without ARC approval. ARC is prohibited from granting verbal approvals or reassurances that any application will be approved. Be wary of any contractor or handyman who pressures you to start work without proper approvals or permits. Reputable contractors and handymen will honor bids for a reasonable period. ARC can only approve a project when a complete application has been presented at our open meeting and reviewed by all committee members in attendance. If you have any questions, please contact me or any ARC member. ~ Steve Cooley, (801) 815-5302, cooleyaudit@gmail.com Architectural Review Committee

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