Architecture Meeting Minutes 11/4/20

 Architecture Committee Meeting

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

                                           Committee 5:30PM

                                               Guest 6:00pm

Approved Architecture Committee Meeting Minutes

Called to Order by:  Tom Cross   5:30PM

Members Present:   Tom Cross, Alan Kohlhaas, Jerry Goodrich, Bob Maudlin, Phil Heitz

Members Absent:  Dan Tester

POA Office Staff Present:   Gina Keller

Board Liaison Present: Donna Yetzer

Community Manager Present:  No

Residents in Attendance:  James Duncan

Guest:  None

  1. James & Laura Duncan, Lot # 2621, 20312 Alpine Drive, 10’ X 10’ shed, white with green trim and black shingles to match the house.  Installed on a slope which will be supported by treated 4’ X 4’ lumber cemented into the ground.  After checking the location and setbacks, the Architecture Committee unanimously approved the issuing of a Permit for this project. Mr. Duncan was advised to obtain a permit from Dearborn County.

The following projects were AA approved and will be reviewed: 

  1. Tim Mehle, Lot # 2438/2439/2440, 20032 Firewood Way, installing channel/trench drain at bottom of existing driveway.  
  1. Larry & Donna Barger, Lot # 2596/2597, 20183 Alpine Drive, replacing existing front porch with trex. No change in dimensions.  
  1. Adam & Tonya Wolfe, Lot # 270, 519 Hickory Road, replacing existing retaining wall 7’ X 40’ with Allan Block. Dimensions will stay the same.  The wall currently has no fence but will be installing fence in accordance to the HVL rules.  
  1. Cheryl & Gary Newman, Lots # 2055H/2056/2057, 1338 Brabamhurst Drive, Replacing deteriorating wood on front of house with natural dark gray slate colored vinyl. This item was reviewed by the Architecture Committee and approved by a vote of 4 to 1. Since this item qualifies as one that may receive AA approval, Gina Keller will be handling the issuing of the Permit.

The following projects were approved by Architecture Committee without a meeting:  None

The following projects were Board approved:  None

Approve October 21, 2020 Architecture Meeting Minutes: 

Motion by: Jerry Goodrich    Seconded by:   Bob Maudlin

Old Business: None

New Business:  An Article to be published in the Echoes regarding the Rules for Fences and the need to acquire a Permit was written by Phil Heitz and presented by Tom Cross. The text is as follows: 

A Permit is required prior to building a fence. Permits for fences are one of the most often requested Permits we see here in Hidden Valley. Generally the issuing of the required Permit is easily accomplished because the rules for a basic fence are simple to follow and most fences may be Administratively Approved by the staff at our POA Office. Most questions can be answered by the POA Office.

To obtain any Permit you need to follow the Architectural guidelines listed on the HVL Website and contact the HVL Office by phone. The Rules for Fences are listed in the Bylaws in Section 4-13. Rules for Fences. Provide the information requested, use the types of materials listed, and it is likely you will find it very easy to obtain approval. If your project requires you to go beyond those basic guidelines, you may require an Approval by the Architectural Committee. Requesting a Variance is also an option that may be necessary.

There are several Rules listed because of the many types of fences a homeowner may wish to install including decorative fencing, privacy fences, invisible dog fences, and even electric fences. The positioning or location of the fences may vary also. There are variations in the Rules for homes located on golf course lots, on the lakefront, and corner lots also require separate rules. Most of those variations in the Rules are differing limits on the setbacks required, and limits regarding fence locations on the lot. 

Frequently, questions regarding the definitions of front, side, and rear yards come up. Those definitions can be found in Section 4-3-j (Front yard), 4-3-u (Rear yard), and 4-3-x (Side yard). An exception to those basic definitions is applied to the definition of rear yard when the situation involves a Corner Lot. In the case of a Corner Lot, the Rule for Fences considers the Rear Yard to be extended in a straight line from the rear corner of the house closest to the side street to the back property line.

If you are seeking a Permit to install a fence or change an existing fence, the Rules listed in Section 4-13 should be helpful when pursuing your project. If you wish to install a wall, the Rules for Retaining Walls and Exterior Walls are listed in Section 4-19. 

After each member read their copy, it was unanimously agreed the article should be published as written.

Minutes Taken by:  Phil Heitz

Motion to Adjourn:  Motion by: Bob Maudlin     Seconded by: Alan Kohlhaas.

Submitted by:   Phil Heitz