Below are more of the frequently asked questions that the Community Relations Department encounters regarding the Home Improvement Application process. This is the third of a four part series.

Do I need to submit a Home Improvement Application for concrete replacement?
Yes, a Home Improvement Application is still required just to verify that the replacement concrete will be of the same in color, material and style. However, if you are making any changes/upgrades in the front or visible side yards, including adding brick, stone, or other decorative materials or simply widening the driveway or walkway, you do need to submit an application and receive approval before commencing your project. Normally, flat concrete work (slabs, walkways, etc.) in rear yards do not require an application.
      Please call the Association for clarification prior to beginning any work, especially in easement/zero lot line areas.
      Homeowners living in Maintenance Associations need to check with their Association before replacing concrete as certain areas may be designated as common and are replaced by the Association only.

Does the Association assist me in getting my neighbors to pay for half of my new fence?
Many homeowners lease or rent their property and live elsewhere. This can be frustrating for neighbors who are trying to replace a shared fence which has deteriorated but do not have a mailing address or phone number for the absentee landlord.
     In this case, the Association recommends that neighbors write a letter to the owner and then bring that letter in a stamped envelop to the Association offices. Association staff will write the absentee landlord’s address on the envelop and mail it for you. However, obtaining reimbursement for replacement of a fence is strictly a neighbor to neighbor issue.

My neighbor’s trees hang into my yard. What can I do about it? What will the Association do about it?
The Association asks that homeowners be courteous to their neighbors in ensuring that their trees are properly trimmed and maintained. This is considered a neighbor to neighbor issue. However, the Association recommends that neighbors contact each other in writing and request proper tree trimming.

My property is in escrow. Why does the Association have to inspect my property? Does the Association have the right to do so?
Chapter 1, Article V of the Rules, Regulations & Operating Policies grants the Association the right to inspect properties in escrow. The purpose of this inspection is to determine whether any violations exist on the property and to ensure that the violations are corrected before the buyer closes escrow. The sellers are notified of existing violations and must either correct those violations before escrow closes or obtain the buyers’ agreement to correct the violations within 30 days from the close of escrow. When a home is sold, any unapproved architectural additions to the exterior of the home must be submitted and the proper modifications made and approved. The Association’s policy is to make sure all new buyers move into Woodbridge with all architectural modifications to the exterior of the home in compliance with the Architectural Guidelines & Standards.

Stay tuned to future issues of Reflections for more answers to frequently asked questions.