Architectural Review

Yes. Homeowners in Valley West and The Lakes must submit to the Architectural Review Committee any plans to add, improve, or modify a structure on their lot. This includes renovations to the home; new external paint colors; new or modified fences, walls, garages, outbuildings, paving, concrete, gravel pads, patios, raised planting beds, or other structures on the property; and major landscaping installations.

For residents of original Valley West, requested changes are evaluated based on design requirements in the Valley West Covenants. For residents of The Lakes, requirements of the Lakes Design Manual apply. Homeowners can be fined for failing to obtain approval from the Architectural Review Committee before making changes to their property.

The Valley West Covenants define a “vehicle” as “any boat, trailer, snowmobile, motor home, mobile home, recreational vehicle, off-highway vehicle, or other similar equipment.” You can store a vehicle, thus defined, in your garage.

Otherwise, one vehicle per lot can be parked on a designated concrete or gravel pad installed with the approval of the Architectural Review Committee. The RV pad must comply with all applicable provisions of the HOA Documents, including setbacks and landscaping.

In original Valley West (east of Cottonwood Road), an RV pad must be installed adjacent to an alley. In The Lakes, an RV pad may be permissible if the side or back of the house faces a woonerf, where the pad might be placed. No RV pad may be installed on a street or in front of a house. As always, the RV pad must be approved by the Architectural Review Committee before installation.

Many fences in our HOA are approved with a setback of 2 feet from the property line (for example, the adjoining open space or sidewalk). If a fence is installed without the required setback, the HOA may require (at any time) that the fence be moved so it is in compliance with the approved site plan, or the owner is subject to a substantial fine. 

In Valley West, you will need to complete Form 4, and in The Lakes, you will complete Form C. Along with this form, you should submit drawings of the structures to be installed or modified. Please also submit any additional information or photographs that will support the review. Submit your proposed changes using the form below.

Yes. Failure to receive needed approvals before making changes to your home or property can result in penalties, including financial fees, described in the Rules and Regulations.

A homeowner who fails to get approval from the Architectural Review Committee as required, or a homeowner who makes an installation that is not in compliance with the approved site plan, may be required to bring the installation into compliance, pay substantial fines, or both. Unfortunately, enforcement actions happen every year in our HOA. 

In most cases, no. For existing homes, there is currently no fee to submit your planned changes (for example, a new fence or paint color). Approval to build a new home or ADU involves a more complex process, and a fee applies.

The Covenants and Restrictions and the Lakes Design Manual were created to guide development and building design for site-specific conditions. We believe that careful review and enforcement of the Covenants result in a high quality community and benefit all property owners and residents.

If you have questions about how the Architectural Review process applies to your plans, submit the form below (with or without supporting documents). The Architectural Review Committee will reply by email.