Bridges of Bear Creek, Architectural Review Committee: Legislative Update
As previously reported, it was a very busy year for the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). More than 38 requests for resident-project approval were made in the first half of 2021. In 2019, there were fifteen (15) such requests in the entire year. Clearly, one outcome of the ongoing pandemic has been a resident emphasis on making changes and improvements to their property.
In the 87th Texas Legislature, a significant law was passed regarding governance of an HOA. Beginning 9/1/2021, an HOA must have an ARC that does not include the Board of Directors. In the past the ARC has been a subset of the Board. Starting 9/1, Inframark, our HOA management company will review all ARC requests.
The purpose of the ARC is to ensure that requests to, for example, construct a backyard shed (or other structure), replace the roof, or install an in-ground pool, are in compliance with the Design Guidelines and/or the Development Area Declaration that govern the appearance and maintenance of our neighborhood. These documents are available on the Inframark IMS /townsquare website for our Bridges of Bear Creek homeowners and should be consulted by anyone wishing to make a change to their property.
Most projects are approved with many more approved after requested modifications are made to the proposal. Certain requests, though infrequent, are not approved such as extending the height of our good-neighbor fences.
The ARC is simply looking out for the overall appearance of our community. By extension, ARC efforts seek to protect the value of our neighborhood properties by ensuring that modifications made are in concert with our community’s design aesthetics.
Do you plan to make an improvement to your house or backyard in 2021 or 2022? If so, please be sure to seek approval from the ARC! We are here to help.
Bridges of Bear Creek, Architectural Review Committee:
A Service to Our Community
by Tim Loftus
Most projects are approved with many more approved after requested modifications are made to the proposal. Certain requests, though infrequent, are not approved such as extending the height of our good-neighbor fences.
The ARC is simply looking out for the overall appearance of our community. By extension, ARC efforts seek to protect the value of our neighborhood properties by ensuring that modifications made are in concert with our community’s design aesthetics. Reviews can be time-consuming on the part of our volunteer Board of Directors, but Board members who also serve on the ARC are happy to provide this service for the betterment of our Bridges of Bear Creek community.
Do you plan to make an improvement to your house or backyard in 2021? If so, please be sure to seek approval from the ARC! We are here to help.