Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Exterior modifications

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

On Feb 19, 2014, at 7:28 AM, Catya Belfer <catya [at] pobox.com> wrote:

> FWIW here, the first example we're talking about here is an accessibility
> ramp off my (shared by my building, LCE) porch down to the community
> pedestrian path, but I'm sure there will be less utilitarian situations as
> well.

In our community, this would go to the Facilities Team for discussion and 
approval. The questions raised would be about appearance (matching the exterior 
wood) , safety, permits required, effect on other entrances, etc.  It would in 
all likelihood be approved but perhaps with modifications in design.

Maintenance would be up to the homeowner, not assumed by the community. The 
missing piece here is that we don't stipulate what standard maintenance should 
meet. A phrase "maintained in a similar manner as the exterior of the building" 
or some such would suffice in most instances.

My aunt who taught real estate law says maintenance of any exterior element is 
best done by the association but when it isn't should be carefully stipulated. 
For example, her deck had to be painted every 5 years and could be done in one 
of 3 colors using a specific brand of paint by one of the painters on a list 
maintained by the association.

It sounds very restrictive but it wasn't in fact. And prevented neon orange or 
unkempt decks that affected the views of the neighbors. The views included a 
lovely woods and pond. 

Sharon
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Sharon Villines
Takoma Village Cohousing, Washington DC
http://www.takomavillage.org