Spring is here and it’s time to start thinking about the annual audit. With this expanded article, we are hoping to make the process easy and as painless as possible for everyone. Along with a written guide as to the items the team will inspect, we have included a number of attachments to clarify some of the standards including a copy of the gray scale, a copy of the new DFCA Door Standards, and a labeled diagram of a townhouse. You can refer to these attachments as you review the outline of the audit standards.
A. Each unit will be audited by a team consisting of not less than two people, one being a member of the board.
B. Painted surfaces will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
Colors will be those approved by the Association.
Doors and shutters will be the same approved color unless a waiver has been granted. Please refer to the new DFCA Door Standards in the Documents section of the community website or see the separate article in this newsletter.
Trim paint is to be white-white only.
Minor chipping or a dull finish is acceptable. Peeling or chipping of paint involving more than 10% constitutes a violation.
The exterior siding should not be discolored by mold moss for more than 10% of the visible surface.
Soiling of more than 10% of the visible surface of a painted surface is acceptable up to a gray scale of 30% (50% for the visible exterior of gutters).
Discoloration by rust of more than 10% of the surface of a side or roof of an auxiliary structure (storage shed) constitutes a violation.
Fences will be weathered natural, pressure treated wood or redwood unless a waiver has been given.
Soiling or chipping of more than 10% of any non-white surface is a violation.
C. Concrete, concrete walks, concrete block, or brick surfaces will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
Spalling or chipping of wall greater than 50% is a violation.
Cracks in walks and patios are permissible as long as the sections are not displaced more than 1 inch vertically or 2 inches horizontally.
Erosion to the point of exposing the bottom edge of the concrete structure is a violation.
A missing sidewalk panel or front stoop is a violation.
Cracks in masonry walls must be less than ½ inch in width.
D. Fences will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
Boards should be secure. Having loose or missing boards is a violation.
Gates must close fully.
If your fence is out of plumb by more than 10 degrees, it is a violation.
Painted fences will be evaluated according to the criteria for painted surfaces.
E. Storage of personal property will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
Temporary storage of construction materials on Common Grounds must be approved by the ACC.
Storage of personal property on Common Grounds is not permitted.
Storage of personal property outside of the area other than that enclosed by the two side fences and the rear of the unit is a violation.
It is a violation to keep large appliances, old furniture intended for indoor use, or other items that cause an unkempt appearance, in the rear yard.
Storage sheds must be approved by the ACC.
Storage sheds should not extend above 8’ at the peak of the roof.
The exterior surface will be evaluated according to the criteria for painted surfaces.
F. Ground cover on the front and rear yards will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
Grass or other low growing ground cover that does not exceed 6 inches in height is permissible. Mulch is permissible while a growing ground cover is in the process of covering an area or in lieu of growing ground cover in areas that are blocked from an adequate amount of light to permit the growth of ground cover.
The yard is to be covered by at least 50% ground cover or mulch.
Flower beds and other planting areas will not be considered if they are defined by clear borders from the general area of the yard.
G. Windows and Doors will be the original construction style or an approved ACC modification.
Windows will have mullions unless a waiver has been issued.
Front doors are to be preapproved by the ACC and must conform to the new DFCA Door standards as approved by the DFCA Board of Directors in 2011.
Storm doors must be preapproved and are to be of “Crossbuck” or “Full view” design, white in color unless a waiver has been issued.
All “as built” or “as approved” trims will be present and in good condition.
H. When evaluating the condition of the roof, the following will apply:
The roof is to be of the original or a color approved by the ACC.
All shingles are to be present and arranged in the same pattern as the original roof. A single missing shingle on the front, or three or more on the back of the unit is a violation.
Roof fans must be installed on the rear slope of the roof and not visible from the street. Fan ventilators and other protuberances above the level of the roof are to be of the original color, mill finished aluminum, or an approved color.
All protuberances above the roof are to be firmly affixed so they do not constitute a danger to person or property.
I. Exterior Siding will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
The siding is to be the type applied by the builder or ACC approved.
The siding is to be firmly attached to the framing members with no visible gaps.
The siding is to be of the original color as applied by the builder or a color approved by the ACC.
The siding will not have moss or mildew covering more than 10% of its visible surface.
J. The size and growth pattern of private trees will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
Branches over a common sidewalk will be pruned to a height of at least 8 feet as measured from the surface of the sidewalk.
The tree will not extend over the unit’s property line onto or over the Common Ground so as to prevent use, effective and efficient maintenance of an adjacent unit, or growth of a suitable ground cover to prevent erosion of the Common Grounds.
Branches that extend over a street or parking area are to be pruned to a height of at least 12 feet from the surface of the street or parking area.
Branches of a tree will be pruned so as to not enter the dispersal pattern of any common light fixture. This pattern is defined as a cylinder ten feet in radius measured from the light pole and two feet above the height of the street light.
Townhouse ACC Standards: