What is a Property Owners’ Association and what is its purpose?

Property Owners’ Associations are non-profit corporations that exist to help preserve property values and quality of life through architectural controls, design guidelines and deed restrictions. Additionally, Associations provide for the maintenance of common areas and community facilities through the collection of assessments.

What is the Board of Directors and what do they do?

The Board is responsible for establishing and approving the annual budget for the Association. The Board is responsible for interpretation and enforcement of the Restrictions and Covenants (see below). Governed by the Association’s By-Laws the Board is responsible for approving all construction external to the walls of each house. In the situation where an exception is warranted the Board may or may not approve a duly submitted Variance Request. In addition, the Board has the authority to make reasonable rules and regulations for the operation and use of any property owned by the Association (park, clubhouse, etc.). The board of directors consists of seven (7) members. Annually two (or three every third year) property owners are elected to the Board seats through a vote of property owners who are Members in Good standing of the Association.

What is the Board not permitted to do?

The Board does not perform any function established by law that is within the authority of the State and County governments. So, for example, enforcement of traffic laws, leash laws and similar laws enforced by county or state law enforcement officers can not be performed by the Association or its Board.

How do I contact my Board of Directors?

For immediate response, please contact any member of the board, their phone numbers are listed on the web site (www.saddletreeranch.net) or you may use the email capabilities on the website to address the board members individually or collectively.

What are deed restrictions and do I have to abide by them?

Deed restrictions, also called “restrictions and covenants,” are rules that govern the Association and its members. The deed restrictions and architectural controls set forth in the Declaration Of Easements, Covenants And Restrictions For Saddletree Ranch ensure the preservation of the original architectural design. For example, three or four rail fences, masonry exterior construction. You should have received a copy of the Declaration Of Easements, Covenants And Restrictions For Saddletree Ranch from the title company when you closed on your home. Extra copies may be downloaded from the above link. At the time you closed on your house you signed an affidavit that you were in receipt of the restrictions and promised to adhere to them.

When does the Association hold meetings?

The Association Bylaws require that an annual meeting be held one (1) time each year on a date and time set by the Board of Directors. The Board holds regularly scheduled meetings once every four weeks throughout the year. Normal meetings begin at 7 pm on every fourth Wednesday and are held in the Clubhouse. The Board may call a special or emergency meeting if needed with proper notification to all Property Owners.

What is the Architectural Control Committee (ACC)?

The Architectural Control Committee reviews applications for exterior improvements to the home or lot. The ACC is established and defined in the Declaration Of Easements, Covenants And Restrictions For Saddletree Ranch. The spirit behind the ACC is to uphold the aesthetic quality and ambiance of the neighborhood and to protect the value of your home by maintaining the standards set forth in the Restrictions and Covenants document. The ACC provides recommendations to the Association’s Board; they do not approve or deny requests as that remains a Board responsibility. The ACC meets every four weeks on the Thursday preceding the Board meetings.

Do I need approval to make exterior improvements to my property?

Yes. Any alterations or additions to the exterior of your property must be approved in writing by the ACC and the Board. The ACC page on the web site is an important source of information. To submit paperwork for construction of a new home, see New Home Tips, Building Guidelines and New Home Application. To request review of an improvement see Improvement Application. And, in the case when you know or believe your specific situation may require an exception to the Restrictions and Covenants, use the Variance Request (of for electronic version of the same thing Electronic Version of the Variance Request. In all cases one or more of these documents must accompany a request for approval of any and all improvements to the exterior of your house and/or property. Requests should be submitted with all required documentation prior to the ACC regularly scheduled meetings.

What if I make changes to my property without ACC and Board approval?

Everyone must seek ACC and Board approval in writing before making external changes to their property. If you make changes without ACC and Board approval, your investment could be at risk. Additionally, if your modifications are outside the guidelines outlined in the Restrictions and Covenants you may be required to remove or reverse your improvement. The By-Laws and State law allow the Association to impose fines, liens or other penalties due to failure to obtain prior approval.

If I get a building permit from the county, do I still need ACC approval?

Yes. Approval from the county does not constitute approval from the ACC and Board. It is still required that your plans be submitted in writing for review and approval.

If the ACC and Board approve the modification for my neighbor, can I assume that the same modification will be approved for me?

No. Each property and project is different. Applications are reviewed and based on the individual characteristics and circumstances for each property. Always submit for ACC and Board approval before making changes to your property.

What does the ACC base its decision on?

The ACC bases its decision on:

1. The standards set forth within the Restrictions and Covenants;
2. Quality of Workmanship, materials and structural design;
3. The conformity and harmony of the external design, color, type and appearance of exterior surfaces and landscaping in relation to the various parts of the proposed improvements on other lots;

What if I have an existing improvement that has never been approved?

It is a good idea to obtain approval for the improvement such that the appropriate documentation exists. That way when you or your heirs decide to sell the property it would be unlikely any “surprises” arise during the closing. (Unapproved improvements, especially if they are not in conformance with the Restrictions and Covenants, will likely be reported to the Title Company as a part of the Resale Certificate—we have to by law.) The best thing to do is submit the appropriate paperwork through the ACC/Board approval process clearly noting that there is an “existing” improvement.

What are the most common restriction violations?

Requests for approval (some of which may be violations) have run the entire gamut over the years. Perhaps the most frequent issues deal with fences followed by the issues related to enclosing or screening of well equipment. Water tanks and out-buildings are also frequently raised issues. It is easy to avoid the restriction “violation” problem by becoming familiar with the restrictions and/or asking the ACC or Board for approval prior to any construction.  Other than “construction” items, the most frequent items seem to be trailers (boats, RVs, flatbeds, etc.) in the front yards and debris (we’ve been pretty lenient about “burn piles” during the drought when burn bans were in effect.)

How are restriction violations identified?

Any member may report a restriction violation. There is a link on the web site (File Complaint) through which any member can inquire about a potential restriction violation. Of course, contacting any Board member is another option. Simply filing a complaint or inquiry does not mean that an actual violation exists; rather it is a method for all property owners to contribute to maintaining the high quality neighborhood in which we live. It is possible to file anonymously in which case feedback cannot be provided to the submitter.

What happens when a violation complaint is filed?

The complaint will be logged and tracked through the “restrictions process”. The process normally begins with a notification to the alleged violator of the filing. As stated above, this does not mean that there is in fact any violation. In many cases the simple notification causes a remedy to be implemented by the property owner. In other cases, the Board will determine, based on as much input as possible including input from the alleged violator, if any violation actually exists. Assuming the Board determines that a violation exists, they will notify the violator of the specific issue and the path to remove the violation. Usually this means that the property owner can obtain approval for alterations, repair or removal of the violation; potentially they may request a variance. Ultimately, there will be some reasonable time frame (usually a mutually agreed to period) established for resolution. When the issue is resolved the item will be closed; when the issue is not resolved in a reasonable time frame the Association has the legal authority to impose fines and eventually liens on the property. Every effort is made to arrive at a mutually agreed to resolution of the issue prior to the imposition of any penalties.

What governs or controls the Board actions in these situations?

The Board must adhere to the Saddletree Ranch Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and Declaration Of Easements, Covenants And Restrictions For Saddletree Ranch. Further the Association (and therefore the Board as their elected representatives) must adhere to Section 209.006 of the Texas Property Code which outlines the procedure “to give an owner proper notification before the property owners association commences an enforcement plan.” In a more practical sense, we are all members of the association and one should expect to be treated as a neighbor first.

Can I see what information might be in the files related to my property?

Certainly. Any member in good standing may request inspection of the association files for a reasonable purpose and within reasonable guidelines such that the integrity of the files is maintained.

What are the costs associated with the Property Owners Association?

Currently the Association dues and assessments are $95 per year per whole acre, due on July 1. Checks should be made payable to The Saddletree Ranch Property Owners’ Association (SRPOA will do) and sent to:

The Saddletree Ranch Property Owners’ Association.
100 Saddletree Lane
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620

What do the dues cover?

The POA dues cover the operation of the POA and an assessment to pay for acquisition of the Park. A copy of the annual budget is available on the web site. POA dues and assessments are reviewed annually by the Board of Directors and are therefore subject to change from year to year. In addition to the costs of managing the association, maintaining the common areas and debt service on the park, the dues provide for neighborhood social events such as the holiday lights contest, Easter egg hunt, Halloween parade and hay rides and 4th of July event.

What happens to my property association dues if I sell my home?

First, be aware that a “Resale Certificate” is required. It is normally requested by the Title Company and paid out of the closing costs. This is to cover information required by the Title Company, such as the tax roll status report, file setup, POA account report, property compliance report, etc. The dues are usually prorated between buyer and seller on the closing statement.

Who do I contact regarding concerns in the community?

Contact any one of the Officers or Board members. Along with the key committee heads, they are listed on the SRPOA Leaders page on the web site.