Articles

 

As many of you know, Coles Crossing is more than just a neighborhood—it’s a premier community in Cypress, Texas, offering exceptional amenities, top-rated schools, and a lifestyle that blends nature with modern convenience. Our community, home to approximately 2,600 families, thrives on shared traditions and a commitment to preserving the beauty and value of our surroundings. This is why the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) plays such a vital role.

 

Whether you call it an Architectural Control Committee (ACC), Landscape Review Committee, or HOA Architectural Review Board, most Texas homeowners associations (HOAs) have some form of an Architectural Committee. In Coles Crossing, our ARC ensures that changes to properties adhere to the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) that safeguard the visual appeal and property values in our community. The ARC reviews and approves all exterior modifications, from fences to mailboxes, to ensure they meet the established standards.

 

In a large community like ours, maintaining a uniform appearance not only preserves visual appeal but also protects property values. The ARC process helps to safeguard that by reviewing modifications to ensure compliance with the community’s architectural standards.

 

 

Some of the most common modifications we see involve:

Fences: We’ve seen many applications to build or modify fences. These changes, while seemingly small, have a significant impact on the look and feel of our homes.

Generators: As power reliability becomes a concern, especially with hurricane season, more homeowners are adding backup generators to their properties.

Mailboxes: Even something as small as a mailbox can affect the overall aesthetic, and we encourage residents to submit requests for any changes.

Submitting your Exterior Modification Request (EMR) is easy. Simply log in to your homeowner dashboard and complete the form. The ARC reviews each submission to ensure it aligns with the rules and regulations set forth to protect the community’s visual consistency and property values.

 

The process is designed to be efficient, with most requests being processed within 30 days. Please remember, modifications must be approved before work begins to avoid potential issues later.

 

The Texas state law mandated that the ARC must operate independently of the HOA Board, ensuring impartial decisions. Homeowners who disagree with a denial can appeal to the HOA Board, which provides an additional layer of fairness and review. However, the Board cannot overturn approvals made by the ARC, maintaining the integrity of the committee’s role in safeguarding the community’s architectural standards.

 

This separation not only creates a balance of power but also emphasizes the importance of thorough and careful decision-making by the ARC. Volunteers who serve on this committee must have a strong understanding of the community’s guidelines and a commitment to uphold the standards that make Coles Crossing such a desirable place to live.

 

Our commitment to this process is part of what makes Coles Crossing special. Whether you’ve been here since the neighborhood’s founding in 1998 or you’re a newer resident, the beauty and harmony of our community rely on each of us doing our part. By working together and adhering to these guidelines, we ensure that Coles Crossing continues to be the vibrant, welcoming place we all love.

 

If you’re considering a modification to your home, be sure to submit your request and let the ARC help you maintain the “Classic Way of Life” that makes Coles Crossing such a desirable place to live.

 

Best regards,

Derek, Brandylee, Sarah, Jake, and Pete