Good neighbors

Architectural Control

The ACC's mission, approval process, and guidelines for exterior changes in SMCA.

Mission Statement

The Architectural Control Committee (ACC) was created to enhance property values by requiring conformity to certain standards of construction, visual appeal, uniformity and design. The Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CCRs) are the basis of the deed restrictions. It is the general purpose of the ACC to approve or disapprove applications made to it for proposed alterations, additions or changes to be made to the exterior of the house and/or lot itself. The ACC is governed by the Homeowners Association Board of Directors, who are elected by the homeowners at the annual meeting in March of each year.

The CCRs provide that no building, fence, wall, structure, improvement, exterior appurtenance, or exterior corporeal hereditament (except landscaping — living plants, trees, shrubs, flowers, etc., and non-living material necessary for growth such as bark and mulch) shall be commenced, erected, placed, or altered on any Lot, nor shall any exterior addition, change or alteration be made until construction plans and specifications describing the nature, kind, shape, height, materials, and a plot plan showing the location have been approved in writing. Trellises, window boxes, arbors, and permanent brick borders require ACC approval. Landscape timbers and bricks without mortar do not require approval unless they exceed a height of two (2) feet.

A "Request For Home Improvement Approval Form" must be completed in its entirety and mailed to the management company. Please contact the management company or download the form from this website. All pertinent information — plans, specifications, material, colors, and locations indicated on a copy of the survey — should be included with the application. The ACC cannot respond to verbal requests; all applications must be made in writing. The ACC has thirty days from the date of receipt of an application in which to respond. If additional information is required, the application process will be extended accordingly. If an application is not approved, the ACC will state in their letter why approval was denied and what changes, if any, would alter that decision. To appeal a decision, contact the management company to set up an appointment with the Board/ACC.

Download ACC Request FormPDF

Completed forms must be mailed to the Property Manager.

Guidelines

The following are guidelines adopted by the ACC to specify their standards, requirements and thought processes used in evaluating an application. These guidelines will be amended from time to time as circumstances, conditions or opinions of the ACC dictate. Each application is considered on its own merit and the ACC may grant a variance from these guidelines and/or from certain provisions of the CCRs.

1.0Outbuildings

An "outbuilding" is defined as any structure which is not attached to the main structure. This definition does not include bonafide additions to the main residence or garages, but does include storage sheds, gazebos, and playhouse/forts.
The colors should match/blend with the predominant exterior colors of the main residence.
Materials should match those of the main residence in both size and color using same grade wood or brick.
It should have a peaked roof, no higher than ten feet (10 ft) from the ground to the highest point, and a maximum of 10'x12' floor space. Structure must be kept a minimum of five feet (5 ft) off rear and side property line. The distance from side fence will be determined based on visibility from the street in front of the lot. At no time, however, will that distance from side fence be less than 5 feet, regardless of visibility. Location must also be far enough away from fence to allow for drainage to occur entirely on the owner's lot.
Storage buildings can not be placed on any utility easement unless written approval from HL&P and other utilities. Most homes have an 8 ft easement across the back fence and in some cases the side.
No storage building can be built up against any side or rear wall of home unless its maximum height is less than 6 feet and it is not visible above the fence. It must also comply with all the other requirements for proper construction, size and location.
If under 6 ft, may be placed in side yard provided no part can be observed from the street.
Playhouse/fort must be no higher than 8 ft maximum. If fort has a platform, then platform can be no higher than 4 ft off ground and centered in back yard to protect neighbor's privacy.
Gazebo — Freestanding — (Must be at least 6 feet away from house). Case-by-case with a maximum height at peak of 11 ft and must be 5 ft off side and back fence. Treated wood, painted to match house or cedar.
Roof material must match house for color and weight on all outbuildings.
Metal buildings are specifically excluded. Since there are some metal buildings "grand fathered"; see guidelines on metal buildings.

2.0Basketball Goals

The basketball goal backboard and net must be maintained in excellent condition at all times.
All support mechanism shall be constructed of galvanized steel or painted iron to prevent leaning.
Attached goals must be centered above the garage door or doors. Residents with gable ends above the garage door, the goal must be centered on the wall.
Free standing poles must be located 16 ft from the street curb and not more than 1 ft from the driveway and not less than 4 ft from the side lot line and not less than 9 ft from the neighboring residence.
If any complaints are received within 6 months after installation, the basketball goal will be subject to immediate removal at request of the ACC.
All backboards must be either clear or white fiberglass with a standard height of 10 ft to rim center.
Backyard goals must be 10 ft from any lot line. One basketball goal per yard.

3.0Patio Covers

Constructed of treated wood, unless enclosed.
Prefab covers made of aluminum may be approved providing they are of an earth tone color, preferred to match paint trim. Unfinished aluminum will not receive ACC approval. All metal must be painted.
If attached to house, must be integrated into existing roof line (flush with eaves), and if it is to be shingled, shingles must match existing roof. Entire wooden or metal columns. If wood is not painted it must be treated wood. No pipe is allowed.
At no time, however, shall a shingled roof be allowed with an unpainted frame unless treated wood is used.
Patio construction materials: painted aluminum (to match trim of house); painted wood (to match trim of house); natural pressure treated wood such as cedar, fir, redwood. Fiberglass or canvas roof is not an approved material under any conditions.
All patio cover material wood, metal, lattice, must be completely framed so that no edges of the material are visible.
Patio covers must be situated on the lot to provide drainage solely into the owner's lot. Patio cover location may not be closer than 5 ft to any lot line or be placed on any easement.

4.0Room Additions

Exterior materials and colors should match the house as much as possible and still meet the % brick requirement per the deed restrictions.
Detailed plans must be submitted to the ACC.
Room additions may not encroach into any utility easement.
On individual basis. Size and shape will depend on architectural style and layout of home, size of lot, and how well room addition integrates with existing home. Addition of a storage area will not qualify as a bonafide room addition and will not be permitted. Plans for room addition must show a room of reasonable size to constitute a legitimate request for a room addition. Roof of addition must integrate with existing roof line so as to appear to have been part of the original home. Room additions cannot exceed one third of the remaining back yard, but may be denied for other reasons (structural integrity, architectural suitability, etc.) even if it does only use one-third of the remaining yard.
Paint colors, brick and roof must match existing house.

5.0Exterior Painting

Earth tone colors were most often used when homes were constructed. In general, an earth tone color should receive ACC approval.
Other earth tone blend colors will be considered. The color of neighboring homes will be taken into consideration along with the applicant's house brick features.
No blues, canary yellows, purple, pinks, etc. will be allowed.
Flat or semi-gloss paint only.
Three (3) colors may be permitted.

6.0Storm Windows / Screen Doors

Providing the frames of these are of a color compatible with the exterior house colors, storm windows and storm or screen doors should receive ACC approval.

7.0Decks

Decks may not encroach into any utility easement unless the utility companies involved have granted their written consent to such encroachment.
Decks should not be situated on the lot so that they may pose a problem to the effective drainage of the lot or neighboring lot.
Decks cannot be higher than 18 inches.
Paint should match the house if untreated wood is used.
All unpainted wood must be treated lumber.
All decks should be located no closer than three feet to adjoining property.
All wood touching the ground or slab must be treated wood.

8.0Swimming Pools and Spas

No pool or spa of any type may encroach into any utility easement unless the utility companies involved have granted their written consent to such encroachment. Decking also requires consent agreement. Consents must be received prior to approval. (HL&P currently charges $125 for this consent letter.)
Ideally, any pool or spa should be located at least five feet (5 ft) from a side and rear lot line to maintain proper drainage on lot. A minimum of 3 ft will be allowed in certain instances.
Above ground pools will receive special consideration. Above ground pool acceptable provided it is not over 4 ft in height. Decking around pool cannot be over 24 inches above ground so to ensure privacy of neighbors. If there is a walkway around pool, it cannot be wider than 2 ft nor higher than the wall of the pool. Railings for walkway cannot be visible above the 6 foot fence. It must also be 3 ft – 5 ft from the side and rear fences.
Pool enclosures will be reviewed on an individual basis and height should not exceed 10 feet. Committee finds screened enclosure acceptable provided adequate tree planting is installed as per ACC recommendations for screening.

9.0Solar Panels / Screens

The ACC will approve solar panels which are unobtrusive and which blend in with the roof shingle color.
Parabolic solar collectors which are not mounted so as to be flush with the roof will not be approved.
Solar panel frames should be bronze or black in color in order to best blend in with the shingles. All unfinished aluminum must be painted the color of the shingles.
No solar panel should be mounted so that it extends above the roof line.
The ACC would prefer to have solar panels mounted on the back roof of a house rather than mounted on stands to the side or front roof. Would prefer mounted on stands in back yard.
Solar screens allowed on windows.
Colors and manufacturers must be acceptable to ACC for both screens and panels.
Solar film must be non-reflective type.
No aluminum foil on any windows.

10.0Satellite Dishes

Maximum height of 8 ft if hidden behind an 8 ft fence.
If a six foot fence is used, no more than 1 ft can be seen above the fence at any time.
The dish must be enclosed by fencing.
Trees and shrubs are recommended to hide satellite dish if an eight foot (8 ft) fence is not used.

11.0Fences and Fence Extensions

Case by case.
Six foot fences should be used but no higher than 8' and granted on limited basis only. Consents from all affected neighbors must be submitted in order to be considered for height extension.
No painting, staining, or varnishing of fence.
Cedar only or treated.
No split rail fences or decorative fencing permitted.
Fence extension requests should be submitted by both neighbors sharing the side lot line and fence, except in the case of a corner lot.
No fence may extend so as to encroach across the front building line.
If both neighbors do not concur as to a proposed fence extension, the ACC will examine the effect the fence extension will have on both properties. If one party will suffer detrimentally from the extension (e.g., totally enclose a bay window) the ACC will reject the application.
Only fence extensions which will be installed picket side out shall be considered by the ACC.
Replacement or repairs of fence must be made with similar materials and construction details as used in original fence.
Picket side of the fence should always face the street.
If an extension to the fence is made, one complete side must be completed.
No chain link fences except at Civic Association Recreation Center.
Decorative iron gates may be approved for driveway entrances.

12.0Decorations

On front lawns and any portion of a lot visible from any street, there shall be no decorative appurtenances placed (sculptures, birdbaths, birdhouses, fountains, or other decorative embellishments) unless such specific items have been approved in writing by the ACC. Landscaping is defined as living plants, trees, shrubs, flowers, etc., and non-living material necessary for growth (bark, mulch, etc.). Trellises, window boxes, arbors, and permanent brick borders must have ACC approval.
Benches, burglar bars and gates will be reviewed on an individual basis.
House numbers may be placed on house or mailbox, but not on any type of freestanding structure in the front yard.
Christmas lights must be removed no later than January 31.

13.0Exterior Lighting

Directional lights or floodlights must be aimed so as not to shine in the windows of neighboring homes.
Low voltage landscape lighting is acceptable.
Security, mercury vapor, or fluorescent lights must be attached to the front of the house, preferably garage. Mercury vapor, fluorescent, and sodium halite may be permitted in back or side yard with ACC approval.
Yard lights may be gas or electric. Single lamp only. Maximum height 6 ft. May be in front or back. Gas or electric lights must be black, brown or white, depending on color of house; the ACC will determine a suitable color.

14.0Wind Turbines

Wind turbines should be mounted in the rear portion of the roof so that they are not visible from the front or above the roofline.
The wind turbines preferably should either be a color which will blend with the shingle color or be painted to match the shingle color.

15.0Outdoor Carpeting

Can only be installed on porch area — no walkways, etc.
Earth tone colors are acceptable.
Specifically no green or blue carpet in areas visible from the street.

16.0Gates

Full wooden panel with enough support from proper pole installation to maintain straight.
No chicken wire, deck gates.
Iron gates for driveways will be approved on an individual basis.
All electric gate openers cannot be visible from the street.
Gate height should match fence height.

17.0Burglar Bars

Must be approved by ACC and be painted black, white or match trim color.
All window bars must be mounted on interior of house.
All homes need a fire escape.

18.0Bird Houses

Maximum preferred height 12 ft.
Mounted on 2" diameter metal pipe painted white, black, or galvanized.
Must be in the back yard.

19.0Landscaping

Trees should be trimmed annually to maintain sidewalk clearance and stop sign obstructions.
All grass must be kept trim and cut on a regular basis. Above six inches will be mowed by the civic association.
It is recommended that all houses have two trees planted in front yard. Section 1 is required to have two per the deed restrictions. Live oak or ash trees are recommended.

20.0Antennas

No antennas of any type visible above the fence line are acceptable other than satellite dishes per the guidelines.

21.0Swing Sets

Maximum height of 8 ft.
Location will be considered for neighbors' privacy.
No plastic covers are allowed.

22.0Driveway Extensions / Sidewalks

Case by case.
Driveway extensions can extend no nearer to side property line than 3 feet, and 5 feet in certain instances.
All sidewalks in the side yard must be no greater than 36 inches wide and centered between house and property line. 30" wide is the recommended width for the standard five foot (5 ft) side yard.

23.0Garage Conversions / Carports

Conversions are permitted provided there are no exterior changes to garage.
Driveways can never be removed.
Carports are not acceptable.

24.0Window Air Conditioners

Must not be visible from street and must be below fence line.

25.0Window Shades / Awnings

Canvas awnings will not be permitted to be installed on windows to reduce solar exposure.
Colored aluminum awnings will be approved if colors match trim colors.

26.0Greenhouses

Only greenhouses subject to ACC approval will be those constructed of clear glass or plexiglass panels. No fiberglass will be allowed.

27.0Roof

All buildings shall be roofed with composition shingles unless otherwise approved in writing by the San Miguel Civic Association ACC. Wood shingles are specifically prohibited for safety reasons.
Composition shingles must weigh at least 240 pounds per square and have a stated warranty of at least 25 years.
Roof shingles must be dark brown or dark gray tones. Light brown, light gray, blue, green, red and white colors are not allowed.
Roof overlays are not allowed. Prior to roofing, all existing materials must be removed down to clean decking. Any damaged or deteriorated decking must be replaced.
Ridge vents are encouraged to improve ventilation, reduce attic temperature and reduce cooling costs, but are not required.
All roof protrusions, such as vents and roof jacks, must be painted to match the shingles.

28.0Rainwater Recovery

Rainwater barrels and harvesting systems are allowed but must be properly screened from public view and cannot be installed on common property. Detailed guidelines available upon request from the property manager.

29.0Religious Items

Residents may display certain religious items on their front door entryways, provided they don't contain graphics that are offensive or threaten public safety. Detailed guidelines available upon request from the property manager.

30.0Flags

Homeowners may display the US flag, Texas flag, or a US military branch flag, subject to specific size, flagpole installation, and maintenance rules. Detailed guidelines available upon request from the property manager.