[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.

[retiredguy123]

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.

Outside light fixtures, yes. No, to the rest. My opinion. If it is something easy to remove, go for it.

[LAFwUs]

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.

You maybe reading too much into it. They specify certain things, others seem to be open to some interpretation.
It also depends a lot on the village, and whose going to complain about it.
I can atest that in some of the new construction areas, many owners are doing whatever without any real permission and no one seems to care, because everyone else is also doing whatever. There is no lack of violations to the "stated" rules.

Generally speaking, anything on the inside is ok...certainly adding curtains, screens, lights, etc to the inside of the lanai is well within permissible.
No one's even going to care (or even know) if you swap out door knobs/locks/doorbell for a smart unit.
I'm not certain on visible exterior camera systems, but we met friends here in the villages that have a 6 cam set up on their exterior, ( yes, I think that's a bit excessive) I doubt they got permission. Adding outside lights may require permission, but replacing existing ones, say that are damaged or no longer working, with similar type/style shouldn't.
Now:
Paint your house bright neon purple, cut down a few 15ft palm trees, then add a barn style shed to the driveway, and some glowing signage - for your yet to be opened, drive up roller skating bikini barista and, well its going to present just a few issues...

[Altavia]

Architectural Review Manuals are available here.

VCDD Community Standards

[TimeForChange]

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.

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.

[TimeForChange]

Originally Posted by LAFwUs

You maybe reading too much into it. They specify certain things, others seem to be open to some interpretation.
It also depends a lot on the village, and whose going to complain about it.
I can atest that in some of the new construction areas, many owners are doing whatever without any real permission and no one seems to care, because everyone else is also doing whatever. There is no lack of violations to the "stated" rules.

Generally speaking, anything on the inside is ok...certainly adding curtains, screens, lights, etc to the inside of the lanai is well within permissible.
No one's even going to care (or even know) if you swap out door knobs/locks/doorbell for a smart unit.
I'm not certain on visible exterior camera systems, but we met friends here in the villages that have a 6 cam set up on their exterior, ( yes, I think that's a bit excessive) I doubt they got permission. Adding outside lights may require permission, but replacing existing ones, say that are damaged or no longer working, with similar type/style shouldn't.
Now:
Paint your house bright neon purple, cut down a few 15ft palm trees, then add a barn style shed to the driveway, and some glowing signage - for your yet to be opened, drive up roller skating bikini barista and, well its going to present just a few issues...

I disagree with a portion of your interpretation. I live in a Village that is less than six years old and there have been numerous issues. Just because others or doing things and making changes does not mean that it is ok and does not require approval through ARC. Remember all it takes is one homeowner to want to make a modification and tries to get approval and is denied and his neighbor across the street made a similar change without approval. That homeowner calls ARC and ask why when his neighbor made the same change. A complaint is filed by that person, and you will have a knock on the door from ARC.

[Papa_lecki]

Originally Posted by TimeForChange

I disagree with a portion of your interpretation. I live in a Village that is less than six years old and there have been numerous issues. Just because others or doing things and making changes does not mean that it is ok and does not require approval through ARC. Remember all it takes is one homeowner to want to make a modification and tries to get approval and is denied and his neighbor across the street made a similar change without approval. That homeowner calls ARC and ask why when his neighbor made the same change. A complaint is filed by that person, and you will have a knock on the door from ARC.

And just because everyone is doing it now, doesnt mean in 3/5/10 years, someone isn’t going to complain about it - just like that lady who’s landscaping fence was too high, she had to come into compliance.
It seems there’s no statute of limitations on ARC non compliance.

[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.

[nick demis]

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 simple call or visit to them will get you the answers you need. Better to be safe than sorry. Every time we went with questions, they were very helpful and assisted us in filing when necessary.

[Papa_lecki]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

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.

I always let the contractor get approval, BUT I search the meeting minutes for my approval. I then save a copy of the approval.

[bsloan1960]

I was wondering the same thing about motion sensing security lights. These are are really common thing- but with the tiny yards they may prove irritating to a neighbor any time the motion of an animal, etc. triggers the lights to come on.

[Papa_lecki]

Originally Posted by bsloan1960

I was wondering the same thing about motion sensing security lights. These are are really common thing- but with the tiny yards they may prove irritating to a neighbor any time the motion of an animal, etc. triggers the lights to come on.

I think the barometer is aesthetics (painting your house pink); set backs (planting too close to your neighbor) vs something like cameras/lights.
That’s more of a “talk to your neighbor and be reasonable” type thing.

[njbchbum]

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.

Why can't you call up and ask?

[tombpot]

What if you didn’t get approval for something like planting a tree, can you go back to ARC and ask?

[Lindaws]

No to any of the mentioned. Outside changes like what they mentioned from ARC