We are writing in response to your letter postmarked May 20, 2021 to amend the Architectural Guidelines for the Valencia South Valley Homeowners Association (the association). We, the undersigned homeowners, urge the association to move forward with long-overdue amendments to incorporate the reasonable installation of exterior improvements including, but not limited to: outdoor café lights, detached structures (e.g., sheds, pergolas, shade structures) that provide privacy and protection, play equipment (e.g., basketball hoops) to provide safe and healthy outlets, and other modern amenities that offer comfort and act as attractive extensions of the home.

The board has not updated the Architectural Guidelines since July 26, 2012. Exterior materials, design standards, and the availability of outdoor features have come a very long way in the last twenty years (we encourage you to check out popular landscape firms like Tilly and Yardzen) and, as such, should be reflected in the dated governing document.

We urge the board to consider the impact the pandemic has had on this community and the time we now spend in our homes. We urge the board to consider the rise in foot traffic on the adjacent paseos and the increasing security needs within the community (café lights are beautiful and provide a deterrent for theft). We urge the board to do a quick google search to see the diversity and beauty in 2021 outdoor living trends all over the internet with an emphasis on the materials now available for use in many structures.

Additionally, as noted in your letter - any revision to the Architectural Guidelines document will result in an added revision/distribution expense. Therefore, we implore you to take the appropriate time to review the document in its entirety and consider all necessary revisions. To not address them collectively would be a wasted opportunity and an unnecessary added expense in the future. As an example, please update the following information as it is incorrect: “THE CURRENT AUTHORIZED MAILBOX IS FROM MAHVELOUS MAILBOXES (WWW.MAVELOUS MAILBOXES.COM). THE MODEL IS VISTA, AND THE COLOR IS BLACK.” Please also consider language to address the allowance of items such as: dog runs, approved locations for window coolers/fans, detached structures, etc.