ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE
CHARTER AND POLICIES

Changes:

1-24-06 - Deleted obsolete forms from this document. (Current forms may be found online on the Architectural page of the Walden Woods website.) - by C.L. McAfee

The Architectural Committee is commissioned by the Board of Directors under guidelines found in our CC&Rs, Article V, Section 2 and assumes the responsibility for reviewing architectural improvements requested by Homeowners and advising the Board on proposed policy revisions and new policies. The Committee is mandated by the CC&Rs to maintain the architectural integrity of Walden Woods through the implementation of architectural policies established to protect the harmony of all external design in relation to the Walden Woods community.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Become familiar with all architectural policies for Walden Woods
2. Become familiar with requirements as stated on Property Improvement Application and the Property Improvement Certificate of Approval.
3. Review all architectural applications within one week of their receipt and notify the Board within five working days if an application has been denied. All applications are approved automatically if the Association has not responded to the Homeowner within 30 days.
4. Recommend new architectural policies when appropriate so long as the new policies are not in conflict with the Walden Woods Homeowners Association policies.
5. Coordinate with the Board of Directors on architectural standards and violations.
6. Keep records on all architectural decisions
7. Prepare Minutes of meetings and submit to the Board one week prior to the Board’s scheduled meetings.

TERM: The Architectural committee members shall serve at the pleasure of the Board from the date of their appointment by the Board of Directors to the date of the next annual meeting of the membership.

The five member Committee shall consist of a Chairman, who will be a member of the Board of Directors, and four members appointed by the Board of Directors and who serve at the pleasure of the Board. The Committee chair will appoint the Committee Vice-Chairperson and Committee Secretary. The Vice-Chair will assume the responsibilities and duties of the Chair in his or her absence. The Secretary of the Committee shall keep all Committee records including correspondence and plans. Additionally, the Secretary will prepare a quarterly summary of Committee activities. The Committee shall meet as necessary, depending on whether architectural applications are being submitted; however it shall meet no more than one week following the receipt of an application.

Adopted: 11-9-2000

Architectural approval is required for all new buildings, additions and modifications.

• The external design of all structures will be in harmony with the existing structures in the development as determined by the architectural committee.
• The proposed location on a lot of a new or modified structure will not conflict with existing structures, required setbacks, topography or impact the free flow of storm water or natural drainage.
• Homes may be two stories, however, secondary structures will not exceed a single story.
• All external materials must be identified; e.g. cedar siding, stucco or other siding materials.
• No construction materials or workmanship may be of inferior quality.
• All other applicable policies such as paint, driveway, fence, roof and landscape and any other Walden Woods architectural policies must be followed.
• Repairs that require any portion of a structure to be removed and replaced should match the existing architecture and color as closely as possible.
• All utilities will be underground between the provider or utility and residence as well as between detached buildings or other structures on the same lot.

Procedure:

• Applicants must submit a brief letter and (2) two sets of scale drawings showing elevation, drainage, easements, setbacks, external measurements, plot plan (showing the location of neighbor homes, streets and impacted trees) ,as well as cumulative coverage figures. (Plans maybe hand drawn). Photographs of the area where work will be done may be useful.
• Completed Walden Woods Improvement Application.
• Do not start work until receiving written approval. This could take up to 30 days.
• The Approval becomes effective on the date the Walden Woods Improvement Certificate is issued. The Certificate may be valid up to one year.

Architectural approval is required for all new decks and patios.

• Decks and patios will be not constructed of inferior materials.
• The area beneath raised wooden decks will be screened with lattice or landscaping so that neighbors will not see beneath the deck. If painted, the lattice will match the color of the deck
• If the deck or patio is to be painted, it must be an approved color.
• Wood decks may be left natural if the owner chooses.
• Repairs that require any portion of a deck or patio to be removed and replaced should match the existing material and color as closely as possible.
• The external design of concrete patios will be in harmony with the existing landscape plan, other sidewalks and the residence.

Procedure:

• Applicants must submit a brief letter and two (2) sets of construction details. They must be drawn to scale and must clearly show all relevant elevations of the installation, drainage, existing trees, attachment to the house and the proposed location on the lot or building. (Plans may be hand drawn). Photographs of area where work will be done may be useful.

• Completed Walden Woods Improvement Application.

• Do not start work until receiving written approval. This could take up to 30 days.

• The Approval becomes effective on the date the Walden Woods Improvement Certificate is issued. The Certificate may be valid up to one year.

Adopted: 11-9-2000

Architectural approval is required for all work on new driveways.

• Driveways may consist of asphalt, brick, concrete or gravel materials.
• Repairs that require any portion of a concrete driveway to be removed and replaced must match the existing driveway finish as closely as possible.
• The color of all driveways other than natural concrete color or black asphalt must be approved.
• Driveways that are coated will be closed and blocked by appropriate barriers so that cars will not track wet materials onto our streets.

Procedure:

• Applicants must submit a brief letter and two (2) sets of Plot Plans. (Plans may be hand drawn). Photographs of area where work will be done may be useful.

• Completed Walden Woods Improvement Application

• Do not start work until receiving written approval. This could take up to 30 days.

• The Approval becomes effective on the date the Walden Woods Improvement Certificate is issued. The Certificate may be valid up to one year.

Adopted: 11-9-2000

Architectural approval is required for work on all fences.

• There will be no solid fences except along Auburn-Folsom Road where Owners may erect solid noise-barrier fences as long as they are heavily landscaped on the Auburn-Folsom Road side.
• Lot boundary fences and gates will not exceed five (5) feet in height and will be of open design.
• Chain link fences are not permitted except to surround "dog runs."
• Interior fences that provide safety for pools must meet County requirements.
• If fences are painted, they will be painted earth tone colors or stained natural wood colors.
• Repairs that require any portion of a fence to be removed and replaced should match the existing fence and color as closely as possible.

Procedure:

• Applicants must submit a brief letter and two (2) sets of Plans. (Plans may be hand drawn). Photographs of area where work will be done may be useful.

• Completed Walden Woods Improvement Application

• Do not start work until receiving written approval. This could take up to 30 days.

• The Approval becomes effective on the date the Walden Woods Improvement Certificate is issued. The Certificate may be valid up to one year.

Adopted: 11-9-2000

Architectural approval is required for all new Gazebos.

• The height of the Gazebo shall not to exceed ten feet above the house foundation. (In the case of sloped lots requested exceptions can be reviewed on an individual basis). Exceptions may be granted if the Gazebo cannot be seen by other owners’ lots or from the street.
• Gazebos may be located on a raised platform and may have partial walls.
• Gazebos should be located in rear area of the lot.
• Repairs that require any portion of a Gazebo to be replaced should match the existing architecture and color as closely as possible.
• Redwood Gazebos may be left natural or painted with an approved color.
• All utilities to the Gazebo will be underground from the provider, utility or the main residence.

Procedure:

• Applicants must submit a brief letter and two drawings outlining location on the lot, elevations, including height, width and length dimensions, and materials to be used.

• Completed Walden Woods Improvement Application

• Do not start work until receiving written approval. This could take up to 30 days.

• The Approval becomes effective on the date the Walden Woods Improvement Certificate is issued. The Certificate may be valid up to one year.

Adopted: 11-9-2000

Architectural approval is required for all residential painting.

• Homes and secondary structures will be painted with approved colors that complement the development and are in harmony with the natural surrounding environment.
• Trim colors will complement the approved house color.
• Secondary structures including garages will be painted the same color as the main residence.
• All roof hardware (e.g. roof jacks, vents, flashing, diverters) is to be painted the same color as the roof.
• Gutters and downspouts will be either the same color of the house or trim.
• All sides of wood-clad chimneys are to painted and match the same color as the residence.

Procedure:

• Applicants must submit a brief letter and (2) two paint chips of House and Trim paint.

• Completed Walden Woods Improvement Application.

• Do not start work until receiving written approval. This could take up to 30 days.

• The Approval becomes effective on the date the Walden Woods Improvement Certificate is issued. The Certificate may be valid up to one year.

Adopted: 11-9-2000

Architectural approval is required for all major landscaping activities listed below. Additionally, the Homeowner’s plans may not block, conflict or hinder access to gas, water, electricity, sewer, telecommunications facilities, and Walden Woods Homeowner Association and County Easements.

• Major Landscaping. This includes installing new lawns, new landscape plan, land clearing, removal of granite outcroppings, blasting or other landscaping that may impact neighboring properties.
• Tree removal. No live native trees may be removed without authorization. All native trees that are removed will be replaced by a 5-gallon size (minimum) oak tree.
• Water Fountains, Ponds & Water Falls. The design and location(s) will complement and be in harmony with the existing or proposed landscape plan and the residence. Water from these features shall not impact other lots.
• Concrete or Asphalt Sidewalks. The design will be in harmony with the existing or proposed landscape plan, other sidewalks and the residence.
• Outside Lighting. Proposed lighting will have minimal impacts on neighboring homeowners. Sodium, mercury vapor or other high intensity lighting is not authorized. Low voltage lighting is encouraged.
• Earthen Berms. All earthen-berms must be landscaped and installed so that they are not reduced by erosion caused by rain or storm water or other run-offs. Berms may not adversely impact neighboring properties. The Committee may restrict the starting date of these projects during the rainy season. Landscape plan must include drainage and planting plan.
• Fill Dirt. Additional dirt placed on any lot may result in impacting the diverting or free flow of storm or run-off water. Any fill projects must insure that storm water or other run-offs are not impacted. Fill dirt elevation and location must not impact exiting native trees. The Committee may restrict the starting date of these projects during the rainy season.
• Curbs. Street curbs are prohibited unless the County installs them as part of the road system.
• Basketball Hoops. The location of basketball hoops requires authorization. Support poles will be painted a dark color. The proposed location must not require that invited or uninvited players be in a public street to play. The Association cannot authorize any project that knowingly places the participants, who may or may not be residents of Walden Woods, at risk. Association authorization of an "attractive nuisance" could place all homeowners in Walden Woods at very significant financial risk as well as jeopardize our insurance.

• Applicants must submit a brief letter and two (2) sets of Plans showing location of project on the lot, materials used, colors and elevations. (Plans may be hand drawn). Photographs of area where work will be done may be useful.
• Completed Walden Woods Improvement Application
• Do not start work until receiving written approval. This could take up to 30 days.
• The Approval becomes effective on the date the Walden Woods Improvement Certificate is issued. The Certificate may be valid up to one year.

Adopted: 11-9-2000

Architectural approval is required for new garden or other retaining walls.

• Walls may be constructed of wood, poured concrete, decorative concrete blocks, stones, rocks, bricks or other suitable materials.
• Walls will be properly drained and will not impact the free flow of storm water from one lot to another.
• Fill dirt behind wall will not impact existing native trees with retained water or excess dirt around the base of the tree.
• Repairs that require any portion of a wall to be removed and replaced should match the existing wall as closely as possible.

Procedure:

• Applicants must submit a brief letter and two (2) sets of Plot Plans. (Plans may be hand drawn). Photographs of area where work will be done may be useful.

• Completed Walden Woods Improvement Application

• Do not start work until receiving written approval. This could take up to 30 days.

• The Approval becomes effective on the date the Walden Woods Improvement Certificate is issued. The Certificate may be valid up to one year.

Adopted: 11-9-2000

Architectural approval is required for all work on new and replacement roofs.

• Untreated shake roofs are not authorized.
• The following materials are approved for replacement or new roofs:

• Fire treated cedar shakes
• Metal "shake" style roofs
• Concrete "shake" style roofs
• "Spanish Tile" style roofs
• Fire treated composite style roofs.

• The Placer County Building Department may require a structural engineer’s report when using concrete tile to determine whether the roof will require restructuring to carry the load.
• Repairs that require any portion of a roof to be removed and replaced should match the existing roof and color as closely as possible.
• All roof hardware (e.g. roof jacks, vents, flashing, diverters) is to be painted the same color as the roof.

Procedure:

• Applicants must submit a brief letter that should describe the materials and color selected for your roof. Attached to letter will be a product brochure or product description or specifications sheet.

• Completed Walden Woods Improvement Application

• Do not start work until receiving written approval. This could take up to 30 days.

• The Approval becomes effective on the date the Walden Woods Improvement Certificate is issued. The Certificate maybe valid up to one year.

Adopted: 11-9-2000

Architectural approval is required for all new satellite dishes.

1. A satellite dish 39" or less (diametrically or diagonally measured) may be installed on an Owner’s side or rear roof or the side or rear of the property as long as the dish is not visible from the street.
2. If the dish is placed on the ground, it must either be lower than the nearest fence or screened by landscaping to minimize its impact on the neighborhood.
3. A satellite dish will not be placed in setback areas.

Extenuating Circumstances:

1. If the Homeowner and the Architectural Committee determine it is not possible to receive an adequate signal under the above-described policy, alternative placement will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
2. Alternative placement may include requirements that the dish be screened by landscaping, painted in a color compatible with the surroundings, or other alternatives, which will further minimize its impact on the neighborhood.

Procedure:

• Applicants must submit a brief letter, and two (2) sets of sketch of the location and height of the dish, as it relates to the surrounding fences, should be included. Photographs of area where work will be done may be useful.

• Completed Walden Woods Improvement Application

• Do not start work until receiving written approval. This could take up to 30 days.

• The Approval becomes effective on the date the Walden Woods Improvement Certificate is issued. The Certificate maybe valid up to one year.

Adopted: 11-9-2000

Architectural approval is required for all skylight installations.

• Skylight frames will be painted to match roof color as closely as possible.
• The top of dome of tubular skylights must be below the ridgeline.

Procedure:

• Applicants must submit a brief letter stating the nature of the request: size, height, location on home, type and color of materials to be used and two (2) sets of Plot Plans. (Plans may be hand drawn).

• Completed Walden Woods Improvement Application

• Do not start work until receiving written approval. This could take up to 30 days.

• The Approval becomes effective on the date the Walden Woods Improvement Certificate is issued. The Certificate may be valid up to one year.

Adopted:11-9-2000

Architectural approval is required for all solar installations. Approval will be based to a great extent on the Homeowner’s ability to design an installation that minimizes visibility from the street and adjacent homes.

Procedure:

• Applicants must submit a brief letter and two drawings with details that show the specific installation. They must be drawn to scale and must clearly show all relevant elevations of the installation, assembly and location on the lot.

• Completed Walden Woods Improvement Application.

• Do not start work until receiving written approval. This could take up to 30 days.

• The Approval becomes effective on the date the Walden Woods Improvement Certificate is issued. The Certificate may be valid up to one year.

Adopted: 11-9-2000

Architectural approval is required for all new swimming pools and spas.

1. All pool or spa equipment shall be screened from the adjacent lots and from the public view, except for solar panels.
2. All pool or spa equipment will be located in such a manner as not to disturb the occupants of adjacent lots.
3. The pool/spa company will hose down their equipment before leaving the dig-site and make certain the street is clean of mud, dirt, concrete and gunite.
4. Lot reconstruction must bring all areas back to original condition. If storm water drainage is impacted it must be mitigated.
5. Pools and spas must drain into appropriate drainage facilities. Excess chlorinated water must not be drained onto lawns or soil and may negatively impact the Association’s Common Area or other Owners lots, trees and landscaping. Application must show how Owner will accomplish required drainage.

Procedure:

• Applicants must submit a brief letter, and two (2) sets of Plot Plans. (Plans may be hand drawn to scale). Photographs of area where work will be done may be useful.

• Completed Walden Woods Improvement Application

• Do not start work until receiving written approval. This could take up to 30 days.

• The Approval becomes effective on the date the Walden Woods Improvement Certificate is issued. The Certificate may be valid up to one year.

Adopted: 11-9-2000

Architectural approval is required for all Homeowner Utility Line Installations. These include Water and water meters, Electric, Gas, Sewer, Cable Television and Telecommunications. Utility companies may perform work on their equipment or facilities in their easements without the knowledge of the Homeowner or Association.

• All utilities will be underground between the provider or utility and residence, as well as, between detached buildings or other structures on the same lot.
• USA surveys (Identifies existing underground facilities so they will be marked to avoid damage from new construction) for all new connections are required.
• Any installation or re-arrangement that requires the crossing of streets or requires the partial closure of streets is to be done on weekdays, excluding legal holidays, after 9 A.M. and completed, including cleanup, by 4 P.M.
• The proposed location of facilities will not conflict with existing sub-structures.
• All other applicable policies such as landscape and any other Walden Woods architectural policies must be followed.

Procedure:

• Applicants must submit a brief letter, and (2) two sets of scale drawings showing easements, external measurements and plot plan showing the location of homes, streets and impacted trees. Photographs of the area where work will be done may be useful.

• Completed Walden Woods Improvement Application.

• Do not start work until receiving written approval. This could take up to 30 days.

• The Approval becomes effective on the date the Walden Woods Improvement Certificate is issued. The Certificate Maybe valid up to one year.

Adopted: 11-9-2000

Architectural approval is required for all new Utility Sheds or the relocation of existing Utility Sheds.

• The height of the Utility Shed is not to exceed twelve (12) feet. (Requested exceptions can be reviewed on an individual basis). Exceptions may be granted if the shed cannot be seen by other owners’ lots or from the street.
• Landscape screening may be required if seen from other Owners lots or viewed from the street.
• If the shed is painted please see House Paint & Trim Policy for requirements.

Procedure:

• Applicants must submit a brief letter and two drawings outlining location, height, width and length dimensions, and materials to be used. A brochure on the shed would be helpful.

• Completed Walden Woods Improvement Application

• Do not start work until receiving written approval. This could take up to 30 days.

• The Approval becomes effective on the date the Walden Woods Improvement Certificate is issued. The Certificate may be valid up to one year.

Adopted: 11-9-2000

Since the Walden Woods Homeowners Association Architectural Committee has the authority to approve homeowner requests to improve their property, it would be a conflict for members of the Committee to approve their own requests.

In order to maintain a genuine 3^rd party review and authorization environment, the President of the Association will review all requests by members of the Committee following the policies adopted by the Board as well as the requirements specified in the CC&Rs and Bylaws.

Adopted: 11-9-2000

In order to facilitate the timely repair and upkeep of Owner improvements, those Owner improvements that have been previously approved by the Architectural Committee or the Board of Directors do not require secondary approval for their normal and reasonable upkeep and repair.

The repair of the originally approved structure shall not materially change its design, setbacks, height, location, color, materials, and other major design features.

Any deviations, changes or modifications to the original approved improvement may require a new Architectural Committee authorization.

Activities such as replacing a roof or painting the entire house are not considered repairs.

Adopted: 11-9-2000

Debris. All trash must be kept in a container at all times. The disposal by burning of scrap lumber, building materials, or any other form of refuse is strictly prohibited. Dumpsters must be kept on the Owners lot.

Noise. Loud radios, yelling and profane language are not allowed. Contractors and workers are requested to be considerate of residents of Walden Woods and voluntarily restrict work on Sundays to that which will not infringe on the quiet enjoyment of their private property.

Construction Noise.

• All construction vehicles or equipment, fixed or mobile, operated within close proximity of a residential dwelling shall be equipped with properly operating and maintained mufflers.
• Construction noise emanating from any construction activity for which a building permit is required shall occur:

Monday through Friday 7 AM to 6 PM

Saturdays 8 AM to 6 PM

Sundays 9 AM to 5 PM

• Quiet activities, which do not involve heavy equipment or machinery, may occur at other times. Work occurring within an enclosed building, such as a house under construction with the roof and siding on, can occur at other times as well.

Encroachment on adjacent lots and Common Areas. The following activities are prohibited:

• Parking vehicles that inconvenience other Owners
• Storing construction material
• Parking dumpsters and portable toilets
• Parking construction equipment
• Dumping debris and destroying the natural setting of adjacent lots and common areas.

Erosion Control. Owners are responsible for erosion from their lots and the cleanup of soil that washes off their lots.

Adopted: 11-9-2000

It is the expectation that all Owners will comply with the requirements of the CC&Rs, as well as, architectural policies and procedures adopted by the Association. Violations of the requirements of the Association are subject to monetary assessments, such as non-compliance fines, which are applied against the Owner of the property. The imposition of the penalty will not absolve the offender, but rather is in addition to other enforcement remedies available to the Association under the governing documents or by law. To ensure the architectural integrity of the Association the following policies are adopted to provide additional remedies the Association may need to bring an Owner into compliance.

Procedure:

1. 1^st Offense. Owners who fail to seek improvement approval as required by the CC&Rs and Association adopted policies or do not follow approved plans for projects identified in Walden Woods Home Improvement Application.

• Warning letter-requesting compliance within one week (7 days). See attached sample letter. (See CC&Rs Article 5, Section 4)
• No fine.

1. 2^nd Offense or further offense, or non response or no compliance to initial warning letter (as referenced in 1^st Offence) requesting compliance within one week (7days)

• Residential construction in violation of approved plans or construction without approved plans - $500 Special Non-Compliance Assessment per incident.

• Swimming pool or spa construction in violation of approved plans or construction without approved plans - $200 Special Non-Compliance Assessment per incident.
• Landscaping and other miscellaneous improvements or violations - $100 Special Non-Compliance Assessment per incident.
• Up to 50% of the initial Special Non-Compliance Assessment may be assigned per incident, per week until the Owner is determined to be in compliance by the Board of Directors.

• Before any Special Non-Compliance Assessments are levied the Homeowner who is deemed out of compliance with the Walden Woods CC&Rs, By-laws, policies or procedures the Homeowner is entitled to the protections described in the CC&Rs.

Adopted: 11-9-2000

The Walden Woods Homeowners Association CC&Rs, Article V, requires that improvements effecting the exterior of a Owners home, structures or lot receive the approval of the Association’s Architectural Committee before any work is started.

To facilitate this process all Owners causing improvements to be made to the exterior of their lots, structures are required to submit a Property Improvement Application (Attached) to the Committee for approval.

Owners are required to submit a complete application and any required documentation, plans or samples whenever they are engaged in improving the following items:

1. Fence
2. Buildings, Additions & Modifications
3. Driveway
4. Swimming Pool and Spa
5. Roof
6. Skylight
7. Deck & Patio
8. Satellite Dish
9. House Paint & Trim
10. Walls
11. Solar Pool Heating Equipment
12. Utility line
13. Utility shed
14. Gazebos
15. Landscaping

• Major landscaping
• Tree removal
• Water fountains, ponds & water falls
• Concrete or asphalt sidewalks.
• Outside lighting
• Fill dirt
• Earthen berms
• Curbs
• Basketball hoops

1. Other items