[villagetinker]

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.

A lot depends on WHERE you will be living in TV, some areas allow pink flamingos and blue driveways, others will NOT allow these. If you have a specific area that you are looking at you should be able to get the current deed restrictions for that area. This will give you a baseline of information as to what you can and cannot do. To be safe if you want to change landscaping, or anything to the outside of the house call first, if necessary submit an application the cost is nothing, and you will get a reply in around 2 weeks. As I recall the approval is good for 6 months to start construction.
Also, NEVER use your contractor to get approval, get this yourself, let the contractor get all of the necessary permits. I did this once, and found out accidentally that the contractor did NOT get approval.