Quote:
Originally Posted by part-timer
I don't live in The Villages (yet) so before anyone suggests it, I can't just call them up and ask, but I am curious where's the threshold for needing approval? Obviously it's somewhere outside the house but where/what? What is your experience? For example did you get ARC approval before installing...
Video door bell?
Smart deadbolt lock on the (outside) front door?
Outdoor cameras?
Curtains on the lanai?
Shades on the lanai?
New outside light fixtures?
Here's all the ARC website says:
Whether it is a pool addition, landscaping, painted driveway, porch enclosure, coloring of walks and/or driveways, arbors, pergolas, trellises or removal of trees that are greater than four (4) inches in diameter it is necessary to submit a Modification/Alteration Form for approval.
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If you change or modify the outside appearance of your home or property to any degree, then you had better gain approval thru ARC beforehand. There are certain things that do not need approval like security lights attached to the home or I guess cameras/ There are online forms to complete, or you can obtain by going by the office at Sumter. This includes, tree planting, painting of home or driveway, any landscaping, even flag poles. I have had numerous experiences with them and a neighbor. If you do not gain approval before and a neighbor complains, and you are not in compliance they will require you to remove the change. All it takes is one compliant. They are basically a complaint department, and they even told me that one day standing in their office. There are certain requirements you agreed and signed before purchasing the home and they strictly enforce them if a complaint is filed. They will send a person out to your home to investigate the complaint. There is one exception. As an example, If the developer planted a tree closer than 13.5 feet from the street in Sumter County and you left the tree as is then it's in compliance. If you changed the tree or put landscaping around it or moved it within 13.5 feet of the street and did not gain approval beforehand, then you are not in compliance. They told me that they know that 95% of the homes in TV with modifications are not in compliance. Lastly do not trust your contractor to tell you that they got approval. Check for yourself.
