Below is a set of guidelines written for each homeowner to follow if they are considering making any changes to the exterior of their home or yard. Further details of the ACB's purpose, procedures, and powers are described in our Declaration of Covenants, Article VII. Please keep these guidelines handy for future reference.

1) The ACB shall regulate the external design, appearance, use, location and maintenance of improvements and landscaping on any Lot or the Common Area, in such a manner so as to preserve or enhance property values, maintain a harmonious relationship among structures and the natural vegetation & topography and to preserve the general character, color, tone and compatibility of the area as originally constructed.

2) The ACB is made up of at least 3 persons appointed by the Board of Directors.

3) No building, fence, exterior wall, or other structures or exterior changes to any existing structure or major landscaping shall be commenced or made until given prior written conditional approval signed by each member of the ACB.

4) If the ACB fails to approve, modify or disapprove in writing, a request for approval required within 60 days after plans have been submitted (in writing), the submitted plans shall be deemed to have been conditionally approved.

5) Preconstruction approvals granted by the ACB shall be deemed to be "conditionally approved".

6) The owner must notify the ACB in writing within 30 days after completion of the work in order to request final approval.

7) If an owner commences work (requiring ACB approval) without conditional approval or complete work without seeking ACB final approval within 30 days, then the ACB, the Association or any Member can take appropriate legal action.

8) No living tree with a diameter greater than 2 inches (measured 3 feet from the ground) may be cut down without prior written permission from the ACB

9) No fences can be erected in the front or side yards. Fences in the rear yard need ACB approval.

10) No more than a cord of firewood may be stored at any time on any Lot. All woodpiles must be kept in the rear of the Lot at least 10 feet away from the house.

11) Every owner shall be responsible for a well maintained exterior appearance of his Lot. Thus, each owner must maintain and mow the grass in the rear yard so that is does not exceed 6 inches in length. Also, each Owner shall maintain all decks, porches and patios in a neat, orderly and well-maintained fashion and shall not use them for storage.

Highlands at Mechums River Owners Association
Attn. ACB
P.O. Box 546
Crozet, VA 22932

(you can also personally deliver your request to any Director)

1) Include a signed and dated letter stating your name, address and telephone number. Describe the improvement you are planning.

2) Your plans must contain an accurate description of your improvement including all pertinent measurements. Please be as descript as you can. Include information such as materials, color, and shape.

3) Your plans must contain a diagram of the improvement and exact location.

4) Your plans must be legible for all involved to understand.

5) After submitting your plans, you must follow up with a telephone call to a member of the ACB to make sure that your request has been received. Otherwise, your letter may not be considered to have been properly submitted.

If you are not sure if you need approval for any work you would like to do, please call an ACB member and ask. It's better to check first before starting anything.

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