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24 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | OCTOBER 2017 Architectural review Committee The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) members would like to welcome the many new homeowners to our wonderful Four Seasons community. August was one of the busier months for us and reflects the increase in move-in activity that we are seeing as a result of the robust 2016/17 home sales. We reviewed 47 new or amended property applications this month, approving 42 applications. The five that were not approved were not for non-compliance to the guidelines but were for plans that were incomplete, lacked measurements or lacked enough details. This is one of the major reasons for initial plan rejections and reinforces why it is beneficial for the homeowner (or representative) to attend our Wednesday review meetings so that any questions the committee members have can be answered immediately, allowing the approval process to proceed in a timely manner. The ARC would like to take the opportunity in this month's Breeze article to address some of the questions that homeowners have asked us. Q. How much time do I have to landscape my backyard? A. Initial Property Improvement Application (Exhibit A) for work must be submitted within four months from the close of escrow date and must be completed within eight months from close of escrow date. Beaumont is a high wind area and there is a need to at least get ground cover down to prevent weeds and blowing dust. Future improvements will require an amended Exhibit A be submitted and the time frame for completion is four months from amended Exhibit A approval. Q. What does the $125 fee go for? A. This is a one time fee that will cover unlimited improvement applications for original and subsequent owners. The fee covers the cost of copying, distributing, record storage, mailing, office staff, etc. that are needed to maintain a paper trail of each homeowner's property improvement history. Q. What should a resident do if they feel a neighbor has made unapproved changes to their property and those changes are adversely effecting that resident? A. It is hoped that neighbors can talk to each other and come to a compromise on the problem (i.e., security light shining in your bedroom all night or the 12 pink flamingo statues in their front yard) but if it is not to be, the community website and main office have a Rules and Violation form that can be filled out and the incident will be investigated. Q. What are some of the pitfalls a new owner should be aware of when having work done on their property? A. We always recommend that licensed contractors be used since they are insured and bonded. When choosing a contractor, speak to fellow Four Seasons neighbors that have used that contractor to get their opinion of the contractor. When deciding on the contractor, get a written contract from him so you both know what is expected of each party. The city of Beaumont requires permits for patio covers, electrical, gas lines etc. Make sure the contractor gives you a copy of signed-off permits for your records. Again, the ARC members would like to welcome all new homeowners and extend a big hello to our fellow veterans of Four Seasons. We are here to help you utilize your individual creativity and personal preferences in implementing your property improvements. We welcome any questions you may have and invite you to attend a Wednesday meeting to observe our process. ~ Gerard Bonnar

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