HOA Headache - What to do? (Murphy: contractor, storage, licensed)

[bencronin04]

Originally Posted by NovCruisin

We are wanting to do a kitchen underneath, so we wanted the roofing to be solid. Although pergola's are much better looking IMO, the rain (which we have had a ton of lately!) would fall right through onto the kitchen appliances which, at least we believe, would lead to rusting, etc., just faster deterioration in general.

You're still going to want some covers for the equipment. We have a covered patio with my grill and smoker underneath. Very rarely do Texas storms have little to no wind, and my equipment gets soaked in almost every rain storm. Just a heads up.

[NovCruisin]

Originally Posted by bencronin04

You're still going to want some covers for the equipment. We have a covered patio with my grill and smoker underneath. Very rarely do Texas storms have little to no wind, and my equipment gets soaked in almost every rain storm. Just a heads up.

Thank you for the heads up!

[ds1]

Originally Posted by NovCruisin

Here is the provision:

6.21. SINGLE FAMILY LOT USE RESTRICTIONS. 6.21 .1. Accessory Structures. Without the prior written approval of the Architectural Reviewer, accessory structures- such as dog houses, dog runs, decks, patios, gazebos, storage sheds, playhouses, play equipment, pools, spas, tubs, basketball backboards and other sports apparatus and greenhouses -are prohibited (not allowed). To be approved by the Architectural Reviewer, an accessory storage shed must have the following features:

a. Only one per Lot.
b. Designed for outdoor use.
c. Less than 6 feet in height at the ridge line of the roof.
d. Less than 100 square feet of floor space (e.g. 10' x 10').
e. Visually harmonious with the house or fence to which it is most visually related or physically attached, including matching major materials such as siding and roofing, dominant colors, construction details, and pitch of roof.
f. Screened by a fence or acceptable landscape material so it is not visible to a person standing on the surface of an adjoining Lot or street.
g. Not located in front yards or in unfenced portions of side yards facing streets.

You're reading it wrong:
It specifically states "To be approved by the Architectural Reviewer, an accessory storage shed must have the following features"

Everything else has to be approved, but the feature list is only for storage sheds

[LeagleEagleDFW]

What do the CCRs say about attachments to the home?

[LeagleEagleDFW]

Originally Posted by ds1

You're reading it wrong:
It specifically states "To be approved by the Architectural Reviewer, an accessory storage shed must have the following features"

Everything else has to be approved, but the feature list is only for storage sheds

I think it's just bad drafting. The Restriction explicitly lists what is not allowed without prior approval, and it seems the HOA is interpreting the list as applying to gazebos. If you take out the list, then is there some other section of the CCRs that applies to outdoor structures? It may be even less favorable.

[NovCruisin]

Yes, we are going to approach it like this - try to submit what we want for approval, if it's approved great! If not, then we will modify based on their reasons for disapproval (i.e. too tall, attaching to home, etc.)

Maybe height won't matter so long as it is reviewed and approved first by the HOA

[MurphyPl1]

So you haven't actually been denied yet? I've been very involved in my HOA over the years and I agree with ds1. The requirements are for a shed. And those are not uncommon shed restrictions. But the important line is that those other items must be approved first.

[NovCruisin]

Originally Posted by MurphyPl1

So you haven't actually been denied yet? I've been very involved in my HOA over the years and I agree with ds1. The requirements are for a shed. And those are not uncommon shed restrictions. But the important line is that those other items must be approved first.

No I haven't. I am planning ahead...I didn't want to have the pool builder design something knowing that it would likely be in violation of the HOA, that would be a waste of everyone's time.

Thanks for the input on the shed vs shade structure

[Brookside]

Have you had a look around the neighborhood for similar structures? It's easier to get it past the HOA if another homeowner has a similar structure. Worked for us!

Our experience is that HOAs just want some way to mandate architectural review and monitor what's being installed to ensure harmony with the look and feel of the neighborhood.

Of course, evey board is different - good luck!

[jdallas]

DS1 and Murphy are correct. The height restriction is only for storage sheds.