Establishing Standards

This is an offshoot of another thread begun on this forum regarding Architectural control.

Why does establishment of “quality control” or “standards” become “picky”?

Aesthetics is in the eyes of the beholder. Without standards, how does one pick and choose whose modifications is acceptable?

I see standards as necessary in order to maintain the consistency and quality of a community.... especially as turnover in ownership occurs and rentals emerge. With standards, everyone knows what is expected of him or her.

Our current BOD view “standards” as unimportant. It is easier to say "yes" than it is to say "no", especially if it is their neighbor or "good buddy." Following rules and regulations is just silly.

Do others on this forum encounter this mindset as well? Any suggestions on how to work with that mindset and turn it around?

Absolutely, no one wants to be the "bad" guy and tell their neighbor no. I think that has been a huge problem in our neighborhood. I don't know about you, but when I look at homes to buy I put a lot of stock in the exterior of the home and the surrounding homes.

To get around that mindset is hard, every time I send out correspondence about yards or architectural stuff I make it a point to either thank people for making our neighborhood more attractive, or encourage them to get busy as they are adversely affecting the value of everyone's home.

Best of luck, it is a challenge for us and I am sure for everyone here.

JoyceS - My north new jersey community consists of sf homes and townhouses. The covenants and restrictions in the gov. docs. for the sf homes are not the same as for the townhouses, however there is some overlap. When it comes to standards for the townhouses, it is critical they be enforced because modifications on the exterior of the units are improvements on land that is commonly owned. Space for planting around the townhouses is limited so plants that have extensive root systems, or that have large mature heights (trees) are striclty prohibited. Our arch standards have methods for modification that permit low impact modifications through an Application B, and higher impact modifications through an Application A.

Standards should be developed to create visual harmony, personalization of spaces but with a degree of uniformity so as not to create a patchwork of styles that could devalue the investments of the association. Anyone that does not subscribe to this policy should not buy into an association.

What amazes me more than those owners that ignore the standards is the non-enforcement of the violations.

More often than not, I encounter owners that can not imagine the "look of things" five or ten years down the line.

GeraldT1