New Home Construction Packet Congratulations! You are building a new home in Meyerland. This packet of information was assembled to assist you with the process. It contains all the forms that you will need and directs you to additional information that you will need to move through the process smoothly. Contents of this packet: About the Process Checklist for New Construction Application About the Deed Restrictions Contractor Information Contractor Rules After your approval FORMS: General Application Instructions Demolition Application New Residence Application If, after you have read through this packet and your deed restrictions and you still have questions, I am happy to help you. You may contact me at the Meyerland office by phone at 713-729-2167 during office hours or via email at lisa@meyerland.net. Lisa Murray Meyerland Community Improvement Association Revised July 2013 Laws of Texas to Enforce Meyerland Subdivision Deed Restrictions page 1
ABOUT THE PROCESS It is important to know that you will be building in a deed restricted community. Our deed restrictions help maintain property values by outlining the rules of use for the land as well as what can be constructed upon it, where it can be constructed and the standards that we try to maintain Our deed restrictions also require that you receive approval from the Meyerland Architectural Control Committee for all exterior changes made to your property. It is important to submit your application to the before applying for a building permit from the City of Houston. In some cases, our deed restrictions differ from City Building Codes or Ordinances and the stricter rule will always apply. It is important that you receive approval from the MACC first because there may be changes required that would affect your permit application with the City. The application process with Meyerland will usually last about 30-45 days depending on our current volume, though the deed restrictions permit up to 90 days for a final response. The process will take longer if your application is not complete or there are items in your plans that are not compliant with the deed restrictions. Determine the section of Meyerland that your property is in. Meyerland has 22 different sets of deed restrictions and they may differ in many ways. It is important that you know the rules for your section. You can find your section using our Find Your Section tool on our website at www.meyerland.net Original plans and the application must be submitted in hard copy. Electronic submissions are not currently accepted. It is important that the property owner signs the applications and provides accurate contact information. We will communicate with your architect or contractor directly if you would like us to, but we do require that the homeowner be included on any email correspondence or in-person meetings. Revised July 2013 Laws of Texas to Enforce Meyerland Subdivision Deed Restrictions page 2
CHECKLIST FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION The following checklists will help you assemble all the required items when submitting your information. NEW CONSTRUCTION All items are required at the time of application. Please provide two copies of all documentation. One set will be retained and the other set returned to you. Correct contact information during construction. Mailing address, email and phone. Processing fee for $450. Checks should be made payable to Meyerland Community Improvement Association. Property Survey. This should be recent (within the last 12 months). Survey must indicate all existing structures. Elevation Certificate Plans: Paper copy drawn to scale (minimum 1/8 = 1-0 ). Minimum page size 11x17. Site plan: Identify all Building Lines (side, front and rear) and Easements. Locate and label all proposed structures. Indicate all existing trees to remain or to be removed and replaced. Locate A/C Units and any other exterior equipment Show existing fence to remain and any new fence. (indicate height and material) Grading Plan. In lieu of a grading plan, indicate Type A drainage in notes. Floor Plans for all floors Exterior Elevations must include: Height from grade of the finished floor Drainage vents if required A/C Units and Platform height Total height of structure from lot grade to top of roof (or chimney) Roof Plan Indicate roof type or shingle selection (mfg and line) and proposed color All exterior materials and proposed colors must be provided. A finish board is not required, but manufacturer samples must be included. Photos of stone/brick are acceptable. Continued on next page... Revised July 2013 Laws of Texas to Enforce Meyerland Subdivision Deed Restrictions page 3
After your application is approved, provide the following: Electronic copy of approved plans. Provide PDF on CD. Copy of City of Houston building permit once received. Contractor Information and acknowledgement form During Construction, provide the following: Form Survey. Must be provided prior to the foundation being poured. Height Survey. If required. DEMOLITION APPLICATION Demolition application Survey or site plan that indicates all structures to be removed Any trees planned for removal must be indicated on survey or site plan. Copy of demolition permit from City of Houston must be provided once received (not required at time of application. Revised July 2013 Laws of Texas to Enforce Meyerland Subdivision Deed Restrictions page 4
ABOUT THE DEED RESTRICTIONS: Some items you should pay special attention to in the deed restrictions: Plans will be reviewed for compliance with the deed restrictions. Any plans which do not comply with all sections of the deed restrictions or fail to meet the Committee's minimum construction or design requirements and/or that are not compatible with the overall character and aesthetics of the Subdivision will not be approved. Building lines are determined by your deed restrictions and the recorded plat. Your survey will typically show the front building line, but the side and rear building lines will be found in the deed restrictions and on the recorded plat. Only one garage is permitted, for up to three cars. Tandem garages are permitted, but split garages are not. Garages frequently have specific setback requirements and they may vary depending on the Section of Meyerland. Specific types and/or colors of roofing material have been established. Please refer to the Meyerland website for the most current requirements. Masony requirements may exist in certain sections of Meyerland. Refer to deed restrictions for the minimum required percentage and a definition of the materials that are considered masonry for purposes of determining the calculation. Colors and materials should blend with the community and surrounding homes in the neighborhood. Colors should be muted earth tones. Fences may be up to 8 feet tall and may be constructed of wood, masonry or decorative metal. No fence or driveway gate may extend beyond the front building line. All deed restrictions require that garbage and recycle cans be kept out of view when stored. Please be sure this is considered in the design of your home and site. Meyerland limits the impervious coverage on a property to 50%. This differs from the City of Houston. Maximum height of a new home is 38 feet from lot grade. This DOES include the chimney. Current requirements for roofs can be found on the Meyerland website under MACC News. Revised July 2013 Laws of Texas to Enforce Meyerland Subdivision Deed Restrictions page 5
CONTRACTOR INFORMATION and Acknowledgement of Rules: Provide the following information: Property Address: Construction Company: Construction Company Address: Construction Company Office Phone: Project Manager Name: Project Manager Phone: ( ) cell ( ) office New Construction Planned to Begin: Estimated time to Completion: I have received the Contractor Rules and agree to maintain the construction site in accordance with those guidelines. Project Manager s Signature: Revised July 2013 Laws of Texas to Enforce Meyerland Subdivision Deed Restrictions page 6
CONTRACTOR RULES DURING CONSTRUCTION: Community Improvement Association Provide this information to your contractor 1. Chain link construction fence is required during any major construction and must be installed as soon as equipment or supplies are on the property. Fence must completely enclose the property and be kept locked when site is not occupied. Gates should open inward to avoid blocking the public walk. 2. Dumpsters must be placed on property not in the street or sidewalk. Site is to be kept free of trash, debris and excess equipment. In lieu of a dumpster, regular refuse removal is required. Trash may not be piled next to a dumpster or at the curb for pickup. All debris must be contained. 3. Place portable toilet away from the street not at the curb. Build a fence around the unit which will hide the unit entirely. Opening must face the property. 4. Public access to street and sidewalk must not be blocked by construction equipment or workers vehicles activity at any time. Every effort should be made for workers to park along one side of the street only. 5. Meyerland participates in the City of Houston Ordinance to prohibit yard parking. Construction vehicles, must not be parked on the property except on a paved drive. 6. Street and sidewalk must be kept clean and free of mud, dirt and debris. 7. Work hours must adhere to the City of Houston requirements. No work may begin Monday Friday before 7:00am and all activity must cease by 10:00pm. On the weekends, no work may begin before 8:00am and must cease by 10:00pm. 8. The property must be mowed and remain free of weeds and overgrowth during construction. This includes the area between the sidewalk and the street. 9. Only one (1) sign is permitted on the lot for the general contractor or builder. Signs for subcontractors are not permitted. Sign must be located between the sidewalk and the home site and may not be larger than 5 square feet. Signs must be ground mounted. 10. In addition to the builder sign, a single real estate sign is also permitted. The sign must be located between the sidewalk and the home site and may not be larger than 5 square feet. 11. Please be considerate of neighbors at all times. Revised July 2013 Laws of Texas to Enforce Meyerland Subdivision Deed Restrictions page 7
CONGRATULATIONS - Your plans are approved! Community Improvement Association Now what? Please be sure to collect your approved plans from the office. One set is retained in our files and you should retain the set that has been approved by the MACC. There are a few things that must still be provided. Please follow up with your architect and builder to make sure that the documentation is completed. Before you begin construction It is not required, but always suggested that if you haven t already met your neighbors, do so now. Constructing a new home is stressful, but living next to a home under construction can be stressful too. It might be a good idea to exchange contact information so they can help be a watchful eye when you are not there and in case there are any concerns, you can contact each other directly. During construction Remember that there are items required during construction to further document your project. A form survey should be delivered to the Meyerland office BEFORE the foundation is poured. A height survey may also be required. These will be available from your contractor, but it is your responsibility to make sure that they are delivered in a timely manner. These requirements confirm that your plans are being built in accordance with the restrictions. Keep the lot mowed and free of weeds, including the area between the sidewalk and the street. Keep in touch with the Meyerland Office We will be monitoring construction to make sure that the site is kept clean and may contact you if concerns arise. If your schedule is delayed for some reason, please let us know. We welcome you to join the Meyerland email list and explore our website. Many of your questions as a new resident can be answered here as you prepare to move into your new home. Our website address is www.meyerland.net Once you move into your home, be sure that you update your mailing address with the office so you receive all communications from us. Revised July 2013 Laws of Texas to Enforce Meyerland Subdivision Deed Restrictions page 8
CONSTRUCTION APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS In an effort to protect each individual homeowner s rights and property values, it is required that ALL EXTERIOR improvements must have the written approval of the Architectural Control Committee prior to initiating the work. This includes but is not solely limited to roofs, driveways, sidewalks, pools, fences, additions to the original dwelling, accessory buildings, window replacement, painting, and landscaping. Before you apply for approval of your project: Read your deed restrictions for guidelines that may affect your project. There are 22 deed restrictions for the different sections of Meyerland and each one may differ from the others in various ways. To find the restrictions governing your property, please visit our website at www.meyerland.net or contact the office at 713-729-2167. No project may begin prior to receiving written approval by the MACC Application Preparation and Submittal: 1. The following items must be submitted for review by the Meyerland Architectural Control Committee: Completed Application Required fee, based on your project Two copies of required documentation, as listed on the application ***Failure to provide all required materials will delay processing of your application*** 2. The application must be submitted and signed by the property OWNER. A contractor or architect may assist you in the preparation of plans or documentation for your project, but the OWNER is responsible for the application. Meyerland Community Improvement Association does not endorse or recommend ANY contractor. 3. When required by the City of Houston, a building permit must be obtained for your project prior to beginning the work. 4. Deliver or mail your application to the MCIA office located at 4999 West Bellfort, Houston, TX 77035. Applications are not accepted via email or FAX Office Hours are Mon-Thurs 9:00am 2:30pm and Fri 9:00am noon. There is an after-hours drop box for the MACC, at the office gate if you are unable to visit us during office hours. Please notify us via email or phone if you leave an application in the MACC box. 5. Once an application is approved, any change to the project must be submitted and approved by the MACC. 6. If you have questions or require additional information, the office staff will be happy to assist you. Call the office at 713-729-2167 or via email at macc@meyerland.net Revised July 2013 Laws of Texas to Enforce Meyerland Subdivision Deed Restrictions page 9
DEMOLITION APPLICATION and GUIDELINES Owner Name: Property Address: Mailing Address: Telephone: Business: Home: Email Address: Submit the following information with your application: Copy of the City of Houston Demolition Permit Provide the following information: Proposed Demolition Dates: Begin: End: New Construction Planned to Begin: Demolition Contractor: Contractor s Address: Contractor s Phone: Structures to be Demolished: Demolition Application must be submitted to the Architectural Control Committee in advance of any work being done on the site. Work must conform to the following guidelines: 1. Chain link fence is required during demolition. 2. Dumpsters must be placed on the property - not in the street. In lieu of a dumpster, daily debris and trash removal is required. 3. If the lot is to be left vacant for any length of time, the lot must be mowed frequently and be kept free of trash and debris. Remove chain link fence after demo is cleared if new construction does not begin within 6 weeks. 4. If the public walk is removed during demolition and construction is to be delayed for more than 6 months, the public walk must be replaced immediately. 5. No living tree is to be removed without prior approval by the MACC. 6. Provide a schedule for potential new construction on the property. Application for new construction must be approved by the MACC prior to beginning the work. 7. Provisions must be made for controlling erosion of the property to the street. Owner Signature: Date Submitted: Revised July 2013 Laws of Texas to Enforce Meyerland Subdivision Deed Restrictions page 10
NEW RESIDENCE CONSTRUCTION APPLICATION Owner Name: Address: Mail Address: Telephone: Business: Home: Email Address: Proposed Construction Dates: Begin: End: Submit the following items for review of your project: Processing fee of $450 for new residence application (payable to MCIA) Survey of property (must be dated within 12 months of application). Survey must show location of all existing structures. Elevation Certificate Architectural Plans must indicate the following: Site Plan: Locate proposed structures(s), indicate location of all trees to remain, to be removed and replaced. Identify all building lines and easements as defined by the plat and the deed restrictions. Show new and/or existing fence to remain. Grading plan show proposed drainage plan (Type A drainage is required) Exterior Elevations Indicate height of finished floor, drainage vents if required, total height of structure Roof Plan Indicate roof or shingle selection and proposed color, per roofing guidelines. Clearly indicate ALL exterior materials to be used. Actual samples may be requested. Paint and color samples must be provided. Your application will not be considered until all required documentation and the appropriate fee is submitted. Additional information may be requested by members of the committee at their discretion. I understand that the Committee will act on the request as quickly as possible and contact me regarding its decision. I agree NOT TO BEGIN THE PROPOSED PROJECT until the Committee notifies me of its approval. Owner Signature: Date Submitted: This committee s approval is for compliance with the deed restrictions and architectural harmony with the neighborhood. No opinion is expressed as to the structural integrity or adherence to City of Houston Building Codes. MACC Application approval is given for 6 months. Please notify the office of delays. Revised July 2013 Laws of Texas to Enforce Meyerland Subdivision Deed Restrictions page 11
All construction or renovation planned within Meyerland must follow the corresponding Deed Restrictions for the section in which the property is located, as well as the Architectural Guidelines set out below. 1. Grade lot to meet FHA Type A Drainage in accordance with City of Houston requirements. Water runoff must drain to the street and not to an adjacent lot. 2. Maximum height of residence is restricted to 38 feet above finished lot grade. 3. Lot coverage is restricted to 50 % of total lot. Coverage includes patios, drives, walks, accessory buildings, garages and any non-permeable surfaces. See MACC policies on website for additional information on how calculations are determined. 4. Site plan must label all walks and drives that are to be replaced. a. All severely cracked drives and walks must be replaced for renovation projects. b. New walks and drives are required with new home construction. c. Corner lots must provide accessible ramps as required by City Ordinance. 5. Chain link construction fence is required during any major construction. Fence must be kept locked when site is not occupied. 6. Dumpsters must be placed on property not in the street. Site is to be kept free of trash, debris and excess equipment. In lieu of a dumpster, regular refuse removal is required. 7. Place portable toilet away from the street not at the curb. Build a fence around the unit which will hide the unit entirely. Opening must face the property. 8. All trees existing between the front property line and the building set-back line are to be retained. Trees on side of corner lots between building set-back lines are also to remain. 9. No living tree that exists behind the front property line may be removed without approval of the MACC. 10. Public access to street and sidewalk must not be blocked by construction vehicles or activity. 11. Owner/Builder is required to follow all City of Houston ordinances in the process of construction. 12. Provide a copy of the City of Houston Building permit prior to beginning work. 13. Owner must provide a digital set of plans in pdf format to the MCIA office. 14. Any revision to approved plans requires further review by the MACC. Owner should contact the MCIA office for procedures. If you have any questions prior to submitting your application, contact the office at 713-729-2167 or via email at macc@meyerland.net Owner Signature: Date: Revised July 2013 Laws of Texas to Enforce Meyerland Subdivision Deed Restrictions page 12