For the convenience of the GCA residents, the GCA Board of Directors has adopted the following General Purpose Approval.

The objective of this General Purpose Approval is to streamline the process required to approve small home improvement projects that present minimal impact on the surrounding properties and on the appearance of the neighborhood in general.

The GCA Board has determined that small home improvement projects, while formally requiring approval of the Board, in many cases do not significantly impact the surrounding properties or the appearance of the neighborhood in general.  Accordingly, the Board has determined that such projects may be approved by the Architectural Control Committee (ACC), subject to general guidance issued by the Board, or brought to the Board for approval by the Chairman of the ACC in those cases where the guidelines are not sufficiently clear for him/her to make a confident judgment.  In cases where the ACC or the Board determines that there may be a significant impact, the ACC will follow the policy and procedures spelled out in Policy Memorandum #2003-2, "Approval of Variances Policy and Procedures" in reaching a determination whether or not to approve the project.

Sections 121, 122, 123, and 138 of the covenants address matters likely to be addressed by small home improvement projects, including fencing, landscaping, and accessory buildings and structures.  Those projects that are likely to have minimal impact on surrounding properties and on the neighborhood in general and thus are primary candidates for expeditious approval by the ACC or the Board are as follows:

1. Fencing - Privacy fences that surround small areas adjacent to the rear of the dwelling such as to enclose a spa, hot tub or small pool.
2. Landscaping - Projects adjacent to the dwelling, such as flower beds, shrubs, bushes, and small trees; similar projects away from the dwelling but at least ten feet from an adjoining property that do not materially affect the views from that property
3. Accessory buildings and structures - Small or medium-sized storage sheds adjacent to the rear of the dwelling and painted the same colors as the dwelling or placed within an approved enclosure on the side or rear of the dwelling; decks that harmonize with the dwelling and do not exceed setback requirements; wooden playsets located in the rear portion of the lot at least ten feet from the property line; dog enclosures of split-rail, light wire mesh construction adjacent to the rear of the dwelling. 

To employ this General Purpose Approval, a property owner will submit a description of the proposed small home improvement project, including one or more sketches as appropriate, to the Chairman of the GCA Architectural Control Committee for approval.  The Chairman will approve it or present it to the Board with his/her recommendation for approval, approval with modifications, or rejection.