ACC FAQs
Architectural Improvement Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need architectural approval?
If you are making an exterior change to your property, it will most likely require prior approval from the Architectural Committee. Examples of common projects and what is required can be found below
Can my contractor submit an application on my behalf?
Sometimes a contractor uses a permitting service for pools, and they prefer to submit the project. While this may save the owner time on the initial application, all correspondence from the committee must go directly to the owner instead of the contractor. Therefore, the owner is still the only party receiving approval, denial, or requests for more information.
Do I have to get approval for planting vegetation?
It is not necessary to get approval for annuals – for instance, if you are replacing your pansies with snapdragons. In general, native Texas Hill Country plants are approved as long as trees are an appropriate distance from the property line (large trees should be planted at least 10 feet from the property line, and small trees such as crepe myrtles at least 5 feet from the property line). Any plant not listed in the Landscape Design Manual is required to be submitted for approval, and no invasive species are permitted. Plants such as palm trees and magnolia trees tend to have dead leaves, and therefore are prohibited because of the aesthetics.
I have a City of Leander permit, do I need ACC approval?
Yes, the city is a totally separate entity from the HOA and has their own set of guidelines. In most cases, the governing documents of the community are more rigid than the city ordinances. For instance, the city permits garage sales and has different setback requirements for structures than the HOA.
Can my application be expedited or rushed?
The best way to ensure that your project approval is smooth is to submit all the required documents with the initial application and to plan ahead so that you allow for the 30 days the committee has to review projects. If the committee has to request more information, the project will be delayed. The committee takes projects in the order of submission, and does not put a new project in front of another whose owners have been waiting a longer time for a decision.
How do I contact the Architectural Control Committee?
Once you have submitted a project, you will receive a letter via email from the automated system that confirms receipt by the committee. You can contact the ACC by using the link at the bottom of the letter. Once the review is complete, you will receive an email with the resulting approval/denial letter from the automated system. If you have general questions about ACC applications and procedures, please email Operations@CrystalFallsHOA.com.
What do I need to know for a pool application?
Water's edge must be at least 10 feet from the property line. Decking edge must be at least 5 feet from the property line.
Please include a survey / plat map with detailed dimensions to property lines.
All pool equipment must be properly screened both from the roadway and neighboring lots with mature native Texas Hill Country plants or masonry wall.
All pool equipment must be properly screened both from the roadway and neighboring lots with mature native Texas Hill Country plants or masonry wall.
All exposed slab must be finished in masonry to match the home. Pool must be fenced According to city and state regulations.
Any disturbed areas must be remediated upon completion of project. All fencing material must be black wrought iron.
Before starting any construction, the ACC strongly suggest that you reach out to neighbor(s) to let them know they might undergo a week (or two) of jack-hammering, and experience the sounds of heavy machinery. Additionally, you may need to coordinate lot access when dealing with tighter lot spacing.
What do I need to know for a play structure application?
To help ensure privacy and safe recreation, the playscape should not be positioned closer than 10' to any fence, structure or property line. Play structures should be located to the rear of the residence, and not readily visible from the street (specific community CCRs apply).
The playscape and surrounding play area must be properly maintained, structurally and aesthetically - If located on a lot with scenic views, please be courteous of your neighbor's view when positioning.
The playscape and surrounding play area must be properly maintained, structurally and aesthetically - If located on a lot with scenic views, please be courteous of your neighbor's view when positioning.
What do I need to know for a solar panel/device application?
Additional panels can be installed on non front-facing roof elevations to maximize energy savings.
The panels must be low profile black panels.
Front (street) facing panels tend to detract from the look of the home (your neighbors will not appreciate). Any variances for panels (to be placed on the home’s front elevation) will need to be supported by energy gain percentages by placing on the front.
The panels must be low profile black panels.
Front (street) facing panels tend to detract from the look of the home (your neighbors will not appreciate). Any variances for panels (to be placed on the home’s front elevation) will need to be supported by energy gain percentages by placing on the front.
What do I need to know for a shed or outbuilding application?
No prefabricated storage, "out" buildings, or sheds are allowed in the subdivision.
The spirit of the CCRs is that detached structures (large and small) should be "mini-me" versions of the existing home.
The spirit of the CCRs is that detached structures (large and small) should be "mini-me" versions of the existing home.
All such buildings must be built on-site, on a slab, behind the main structure, be architecturally similar in appearance and of the same construction, masonry requirements, materials, color scheme, and similar design to the main structure and garage on that Lot. Children's playhouses may not be used as storage facilities.
Greenhouses will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration such factors as visibility from the roadway and the reflection factor on neighboring lots.
Greenhouses will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration such factors as visibility from the roadway and the reflection factor on neighboring lots.
What do I need to know for a deck or patio extension application?
The addition must utilize complimentary colors to the masonry / stucco and any existing woodwork.
Setback lines must be observed. A good rule of thumb is that the deck can be no closer to the property line than the home.
Xeriscaping under deck must be maintained / kept free of weeds - No storage under the deck unless there is additional screening (e.g. stone wall, hedge, other approved material)
Setback lines must be observed. A good rule of thumb is that the deck can be no closer to the property line than the home.
Xeriscaping under deck must be maintained / kept free of weeds - No storage under the deck unless there is additional screening (e.g. stone wall, hedge, other approved material)
What do I need to know for a landscaping application?
Please refer to the Landscape Design Manual for an extensive listing of approved plantings.
Large trees (e.g. Oak) should be placed no closer than 10' from the property line.
Large trees (e.g. Oak) should be placed no closer than 10' from the property line.
Smaller, ornamental trees should be placed no closer than 5' from the property line.
Stone/rock work and masonry elements need to be approved and should be complimentary to the home and observe property setback lines.
Stone/rock work and masonry elements need to be approved and should be complimentary to the home and observe property setback lines.
What do I need to know for a pergola or gazebo application?
The Pergola must be positioned on the property as to comply with any setback lines.
Property owners with views should be sensitive to obstructing neighboring property views.
Wood should be stained to match/complement the home and be maintained in good condition. Masonry and/or stonework should compliment the home.
Property owners with views should be sensitive to obstructing neighboring property views.
Wood should be stained to match/complement the home and be maintained in good condition. Masonry and/or stonework should compliment the home.
What do I need to know for a flag/flagpole application?
The CFHOA follows existing regulations for flying flags.
No more than one flag at a time may be displayed on a flag mount. No mark, sign, insignia, design, or advertising of any kind may be added to a flag. If both the U.S. and Texas flags are displayed on a flagpole, they must be of approximately equal size. If the U.S. and Texas flags are flown on one pole, the U.S. flag must be the highest flag flown and the Texas flag the second highest.
Flags must be no larger than 3'x5' in size. Flags may not contain commercial or political materials, advertising, or any symbol or language that may be offensive to the ordinary person. The flagpole must be no greater than 20 feet in height measured from grade
The following flags may be displayed (on an approved flag pole or flag mount) without prior permission from the Association's governing ACC, provided they are displayed in accordance with these rules:
- The flag of the United States of America
- The flag of the State of Texas
- An official or replica flag of any branch of the United States armed forces
- Any U.S. official college or university flag
- Any U.S. official sports team flag
- All other flags must receive prior approval from the Association's governing ACC, which may be approved or withheld in the ACC 's discretion.
What color can I stain my fence?
You will need to seek ACC approval for any fence stain; however, any color in this range of colors will be approved by the ACC.
