Modifications Submittal Process

Modifications Submittal Process

January 03 2022

Modifications Submittal Process

We appreciate our residents and staff working together to maintain property values and comply with our Governing documents. We have a beautiful community, because every homeowner understands it is their responsibility to maintain their home.

Residents considering making modifications or construction to the front or rear exterior of the home, must obtain written approval from the Architectural Modification Committee prior to work being performed. Our website, www.cincoranch.life provides a hyperlink to a fillable form under Information/ Home improvements. Please be mindful that all applications must be completed in accordance to the guidelines and requirements. This is essential to successfully process the applications. Incomplete applications will be returned to the resident to resubmit and will create unnecessary delay.

Modification applications are due the first Friday of every month and reviewed the third Tuesday of every month. Refer to the online website calendar for changes due to holidays.

The HOA modification administrator has implemented a Fast Track Program to reduce application approval time. Fast Track applications will be expedited and processed with 5 business if all information requested is provided. Residents may submit their applications via the website or their Townsq account. If you are having problems accessing your TownSq account, email us at requests@cincoranch. life for further assistance. We look forward to building our community together as a team in Cinco Ranch.

Fast Track Approved Items:
  • Roof Replacement
  • Wood Fencing
  • Paint Exterior - same as existing
  • Gutters Replacement
  • Solar Panels
  • Window Replacement

The Most Common Reasons a Modification Request is Denied

Cinco Ranch receives a considerable amount of modification requests each month. Unfortunately, many are rejected for a variety of reasons. The majority are rejected due to homeowners failure to provide all of the requested information needed to process a modification request. The most common reasons for denial of a modification request are:
  • Failure to include a copy of the homeowner’s lot survey showing your home before the modification(s) is started and a separate lot survey showing the exact placement of the proposed modification.
  • Failure to mark on the survey exactly where the modification intends to occur or be located. The Modification Committee must confirm you are not building anything in an easement or, if your modification request encroaches on the utility easements, you have obtained the necessary approval letters from the various utilities. (You can call 811 and have someone come out to mark where the gas lines, electrical lines and any other utility or pipeline is located.)
  • Not being specific about the location for the modification request or replacing something and not being specific what the replacement is. For example, you want to remove a tree and replace it with another tree. Stating “it will be replaced with a tree from the approved tree list” is not sufficient. You must identify the type of tree you intend to place the tree with. Another example: We are installing a basketball goal and it will either go on the right side of the driveway in “x” spot or on the left side of the driveway in “y” spot. You must be specific or risk your modification request denied.
  • Failure to include pictures of your home showing the area you are planning to modify. For instance, you want to replace your front door. The Modification Committee must see what your current front door looks like. The Committee also needs to see a photograph of your home to determine if the modification request is harmonious with your home, the neighborhood and Cinco Ranch.
  • Failure to provide a through description of the product you intend to use. For example, you want to install a basketball goal. The Modification Committee needs to verify it complies with Cinco’s Residential Design Guidelines and Architectural Guidelines and Supplemental Architectural Modification Guidelines. The Committee is required to review the measurements, the color, what it is made of, etc. (See pages 16-17 of the Cinco Architectural Modification Guidelines, effective 2020).
  • Failure to submit paint samples or the brand of paint and the color name for the paint currently on your home or, if you are changing color, the information for the new color if you are painting the outside of your home or your windows. Again, the Modification Committee must confirm the new color will be harmonious. (See page 11 of the Cinco Residential Architectural Modification Guidelines, effective August 2020).
  • Failure to review the guidelines for pools. Pop-up drains are not permitted. Also, construction access via Association Property is strictly prohibited. (See pages 13 -15 of the Cinco Residential Architectural Modification Guidelines, effective August 2020. Also, see page 15 of the Residential Design Guidelines, effective 2004).
  • Failure to review the guidelines for Gazebos, Arbors, Pergolas and Covered Patios. Metal or Poly roofs are NOT permitted. PVC coated wood products are also NOT permitted. (See pages 17-19 of the Cinco Residential Architectural Modification Guidelines, effective August 2020.)
  • Failure to verify children’s play structures meet Cinco’s guidelines. (See page 15 of the Cinco Residential Architectural Modification Guidelines, effective August 2020.)

As a general rule, if you are doing ANYTHING on the OUTSIDE of your home, whether it is the front side or back of your home, such as painting (even if you are painting it the same color), replacing the roof, replacing or removing a tree, adding an addition to your home, building an outdoor kitchen, installing a pool, replacing a fence, etc., you must first file a modification request AND obtain approval PRIOR to you starting your project and making any changes.

Remember, starting a modification before obtaining approval could result in a maximum fine up to $5,000 AND a Cease and Desist Order. Changing what you are doing after you receive an approved request is the same as starting a modification without first obtaining approval. The Association MAY require site inspections for modification compliance.

The Modification Committee wants to approve all modification requests, but is unable to do so when the homeowner fails to provide the information requested on the Modification Request Form or the proposed modification does not meet Cinco Ranch’s Guidelines Typically, this is due to either the homeowner not reading or understanding Cinco’s Guidelines. The Committee members who review your modification requests have a fiduciary duty to enforce the Cinco Guidelines as they are the “laws” that govern are community.

The Guidelines can be found at www.cincoranch.life under the Information tab and then look under Home Improvements.

Please help the Modification Committee help you to obtain approval of your request so that your project may be started and  completed in the time frame you had hoped for.

If in doubt, please contact the Cinco Management Office at 281-599-0408 to confirm if you are required to file a Modification Request for your project. It is best to know up front than learning after the fact that you may have to put it back to the way it was or be required to re-do it.



Subscribe to Your

Newsletter

Stay current on local news and events with periodic emails sent straight to you!

Change Neighborhood

Select Your Region/Community