A plain-English guide to the Deerlake Ranch Architectural Guidelines — what the Architectural Committee reviews, what to submit, what’s already pre-approved, and the design standards your project has to meet before a shovel hits the ground.
The Deerlake Ranch Architectural Committee (AC) reviews proposed improvements for aesthetic purposes — to preserve the physical character set by the original construction, keep improvements compatible with one another, and protect everyone’s property value.
That means owners may not make any improvement or alteration visible from the exterior of the residence or yard without first getting written AC approval. The Master Common Property can’t be altered without the Board’s consent either.
AC approval is about appearance only. It does not replace permits — owners are still responsible, at their own expense, for obtaining every required permit and approval from the County of Los Angeles. Government approvals are in addition to, never in lieu of, AC approval.
If it can be seen from outside your home or yard, assume it needs AC approval before you build, plant, paint, or install it.
When in doubt, submit. Building first and asking later can mean modifying or removing the work at your own expense.
Three deadlines every new Deerlake Ranch owner should put on the calendar the day they get the keys. All timeframes run from the close-of-escrow (COE) date.
Install acceptable window coverings within ninety days of closing — uniform, neutral color, no foil, sheets, or newspaper.
You have sixty days to submit plans for side & rear yard landscaping to the Architectural Committee.
Side & rear yard work must be finished within six months of close of escrow.
Every submittal travels the same path. Knowing the route is the easiest way to get approved on the first pass.
The owner completes and forwards the Property Improvement Form, the application fee, a Neighbor Awareness Form, three sets of plans, contractor insurance / license / permits, scope of work with dates, and a construction schedule.
You receive a proof-of-receipt statement, and the management company forwards the complete package to the Architectural Committee.
The AC may have a design professional review the plans as it deems necessary. For complex projects (pools, additions) an extra consultant fee may apply, at the owner’s expense.
The AC has up to forty-five days to review and approve, deny, or request more information.
45-day review window
Approved? You receive a stamped copy of the form and approved plans. Denied? You get the form and denied plans back, and may appeal to the Board in writing within thirty days.
Submit applications to the property management company. Incomplete packages get returned — there’s no charge to resubmit, but it costs you time.
Drawn to scale — 1/8″ = 1′0″ on 24″×36″ is preferred, and must be legible.
A short list of changes you can make without an Architectural Committee application — as long as you follow the conditions exactly.
Replacing exterior lighting with an identical light fixture.
Window coverings that can’t be seen from outside the residence.
Visible window coverings, if a uniform neutral color that harmonizes with the exterior.
White or natural wood shutters on the inside of the residence.
Retractable screen doors with a frame painted to match the residence.
Replacement plantings that aren’t invasive and stay under 3′ at maturity; irrigation under a foot above ground.
Repainting or repairing with paint & materials identical to the original or approved ones.
These are the standards the Committee measures every project against. Tap any card to see the specific rules. This is a working summary — the recorded Architectural Guidelines and the Community Character Statement govern.
When the standard rules don’t fit your lot.
Closing out an approved project.
From the planting plan and the Property Improvement Form to the Neighbor Awareness signatures and the final Notice of Completion — we design landscapes that clear the Architectural Committee the first time.
Forms & submittals through FirstService Residential · (877) 391-3955