The Design Review Process & Benefits
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month and the Desert Ridge Community Association, and its management team would like to thank all current and past residents that served and contributed tremendously as community volunteers during the period from April 2022 to April 2023.
The First Amendment of the Desert Ridge Community Association CC&R’s, 5.3, Obligation to Obtain Approval requires every owner of a lot, unit and parcel to submit and obtain approval from the Design Review Committee prior to commencing any work and/or improvements to the exterior of their lot, unit or parcel.
Looking our best while enhancing property values
Although the association may sometime seem like Big Brother when you want to build an addition, install landscaping, paint your house, or put up a pergola, our design review process is actually a benefit—not a burden. The association’s design standards are based on harmony with the overall community, consideration for neighbors, and high-quality construction practices. The design review guidelines and standards exist to maintain, protect, and enhance the value of your property, and it strives for a balance between individual rights and the good of the entire community.
While association members have the biggest stake in property values, others are also very interested in seeing our community well maintained and looking its best. Builders’ reputations and lenders’ financial support are closely connected to the community. Also, public officials have an interest in maintaining and enhancing the community since tax revenues depend on property values.
The association tries to notify new members of its design review requirements as soon after they move in as possible. If we missed you, or if you need another copy, please contact the management team or any member of the Design Review Committee. Also, be sure to consult the Design Review Guidelines if you’re considering any type of exterior design change. These guidelines contain everything you need to know about the approval process, design requirements, and the association’s basic design philosophy. The guidelines even list the changes that don’t need to be approved. The Design Review Guidelines are also in the process of being updated this year as well.
The Design Review Committee makes every effort to process applications fairly, reasonably, and quickly. And we trust the same can be said for how we handle alleged violations—most of which are resolved easily.
Committee duties
The Design Review Committee is also comprised of members that have expertise or experience with construction, engineering, or design. The duties of the committee include:
- Drafting, amending, and updating design review policies and guidelines.
- Reviewing applications and variances.
- Advising association members on their improvement projects.
- Monitoring construction projects and changes; ensuring they comply with the approved proposal.
- Touring the community periodically to verify and identify design violations.
Please contact the chair of the Design Review Committee or the management team if you have questions at desertridge.az@fsresidential.com.
