New Home Construction Packet

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Community Improvement Association

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 [email protected].

Lisa Murray

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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 Meyerland Architectural Control Committee 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.

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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.

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Community Improvement Association 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.

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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.

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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.

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CONTRACTOR RULES DURING CONSTRUCTION:

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.

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CONGRATULATIONS - Your plans are approved! 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.

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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 [email protected]

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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

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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.

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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 run-off 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 [email protected]