Architectural Committee Article
Re: Violations     July 2006

The Tanterra Homeowners Association Architectural Committee is currently following up on the items that the Inspections Committee reported as violations.  Letters went out to 23 homeowners with violations, which was down from 2005 when we had 40.  We want to thank the cooperation of those homeowners that received violations notices and are in the process of taking care of the various problems.  Most of the homes in the development are exceeding 30 years in age and it is not unusual that work will need to be done to keep them at a standard that all of us will benefit with higher resale values.  We feel and hopefully you do as well, that the neighborhood is looking better every year with many of our neighbors painting, fixing items, adding beautiful additions etc.

Unfortunately there are two homes that have not complied and we've had to take these to the next step.  Our process is that the board receives a recommendation from the Architectural Committee that they begin fining the homeowner up to $1,600. in a calendar year until the problem is fixed.   If not paid, a lien is placed against the home for monies owed. 

Secondly, the county is brought into help out.  Most of what we inspect also falls under the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs under the Housing Code Enforcement Section.  When we contact the County they will do an inspection of the house to see if they agree with our assessment.  If the county views the complaint by us as a violation they will send the homeowner a 30 day notice to fix the problem or be fined.  If not fixed the county will fine the homeowner an d add that cost to the next year's tax bill.  The county will also issue a summons for the homeowner to appear in court and explain why the problem has not been fixed.  The county can also hire outside contractors to bring the house up to standards under Montgomery County law and add this expense to the homeowners annual tax bill.  For example the county explained to us that if they send someone out to cut the lawn, the cost could be from $300-$400 as they add in all cost associated with the hiring of the contractors etc.  Following are a few of the major items that must be in compliance with the Montgomery County Code:

• Roof is solid with no bad or missing shingles
• No peeling paint is on the eaves, trim or siding
• Gutters and downspouts are in good condition
• Weather stripping and caulking are in good shape
• Cracks in foundation are patched
• Driveways and sidewalks are in good repair
• Grass and weeds are neatly trimmed and do not exceed 12 inches in height
• Trash and debris have been removed from the property
• No inoperative or unregistered vehicles are on the property
• No indoor furniture is being stored or used outdoors
• No appliances are being stored outdoors
• Bushes, hedges and trees are maintained so they do not constitute a danger to the public.

These ordinances apply to all residential properties, rental or owner occupied.  As a homeowner you can have the right to file an anonymous complaint with Montgomery County at 240-777-3785

Our overall goal is to maintain and improve the neighborhood so that our house values will remain competitive with the surrounding communities.  We've heard from many homeowner who want the same goal.