At a recent meeting of the VCA Board of Directors the ongoing issue of some homeowners not filing or receiving approval of a Design Modification Form (DMF) prior to commencing external improvements to their homes was discussed.
This past winter, in an effort to increase compliance, the Verandah View ran a series of articles about living in a “deed restricted” community like Verandah. This means that our properties are subject to “conditions” that were secured to our deeds when we purchased a home. These conditions are focused on upkeep, exterior design, and usage.
Verandah is a special place where beauty and lush landscaping is reflected through the visual harmony of our homes. Architecture and landscape are coordinated. Ensuring this unique character is the objective of the “conditions” referenced above and the guiding principle of our Design Review Process. Our Design Review Committee, a group of homeowners appointed by the VCA Board of Directors and supported by VCA staff, is charged with ensuring adherence to our Design Review Guidelines. They evaluate and approve exterior additions, removal, or any type of exterior modifications to any part of your property, including landscaping, painting, or any accessory or other item on the lot. A copy of the current Design Review Guidelines may be found on the VCA website at https://www.vcalife.com/design-review-verandah/.
The Design Review Committee has worked to make life simpler for residents by eliminating the need for a Design Modification Request Form when painting your home the exact colors that are already on the home and when replacing plants within an existing landscape bed with plants from the Approved Plant list. All other exterior modifications require submitting a Design Modification Request Form for review (https://www.vcalife.com/documents/modification-review-form/) and the written procedure clearly states that “No work may commence until approval is granted…”
Unfortunately, a significant and increasing number of residents have not been complying with the policy and procedure that requires a Design Modification Request Form (DMF) to be submitted prior to the work beginning. Design Review Procedures clearly state that “Failure to receive approval for a DMF before commencing work may result in a fine of up to $200.00 per occurrence.” Rather than imposing a fine, the Design Review Committee has patiently been providing “Warnings” to those residents who have not complied, to no avail. As a result, the Board of Directors has authorized, effective August 1, 2025, the $200 fine per occurrence for noncompliance to be levied in accordance with written Design Review procedures.
The Board asks that residents understand that the objective is not to be bureaucratic but to ensure we maintain a cohesive visual aesthetic throughout the community.
