In this issue, we'll explore the Architectural Approval requirement which is covered in Article IX, 9.1 and 9.2 of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Battlement Mesa. 

If you are planning to re-landscape your property, repaint your house or maybe just plant a tree, this section probably applies to you.

9.1 Approval of Improvements Required.  The written approval of the Architectural Committee shall be required prior to the construction, installation or alteration of any "Improvement to Property," as hereinafter defined, on any Privately Owned Site or Publicly Owned Site, except as prior approval may be waived or certain Improvements to Property may be exempted.

9.2 Improvement to Property Defined.  "Improvement to Property," requiring approval of the Architectural Committee, shall mean and include, without limitation:

(a) the construction, installation, erection or expansion of any building, structure or other Improvement, including utility facilities;  

(b) the demolition or destruction, by voluntary action, of any building, structure or other Improvements;  

(c) the grading, excavation, filling or similar disturbance to the surface of the land including, without limitation, change of grade, change of ground level, change of drainage pattern or change of stream bed;  

(d) landscaping, planting, clearing or removing of trees, shrubs, grass or perennial plants; and  

(e) any change or alteration of any previously approved Improvement to property, including any change of exterior appearance, finish material, color or texture.

Unfortunately, not everyone always remembers to complete the paperwork and obtain approval from the BMSA Architectural Committee BEFORE they begin a landscaping or remodeling project.  And, failing to comply can have substantial financial consequences such as the case where a person paid a contractor several thousand dollars to repaint his house but didn't get the color change approved.  When it was brought to his attention that the color change wasn't approved he retroactively requested changing the  house color.   The Architectural Committee didn't believe that the owner's color choice was acceptable and the owner had to repaint the house (again) with a color that was acceptable.

Please, avoid the risk of spending money on a project then having to spend additional funds to redo the project: Request approval from the Architectural Committee before you begin.

Remember, if the BMSA doesn't notice, it is likely that your neighbors will.  

The Architectural Committee meets on the first and the third Wednesday of the month at 3 PM at the Grand Valley Recreation Center.  New construction and remodel Architectural Request forms are available on the Battlement Mesa website.   

 For more information click HERE.   

Click HERE for the Architectural Approval Request - New Construction. 

Click Here for the Architectural Approval Request - Short Form