Frequently Asked Questions

Font Size

Cpanel

Master Architectural Committee - FAQs

Following, are a number of the most frequently asked questions of the property management company and the Carmel Mountain Ranch (CMR) Master Architectural Committee (MAC).  Please review this list before submitting your CMR Home and Landscape Improvement Application.  This list will be updated as new questions are asked.

General

Why do I have to submit a CMR Home and Landscape Improvement Application for exterior improvements to my home?  All homeowners agreed to abide by the covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC+Rs) when purchasing their home in CMR.  Per Section 7.03, all exterior modifications require submission and review by a MAC.  These modifications include painting and modification of all exterior structures, landscaping, fences, and walls.

Why do I have to notify my neighbors of exterior improvements to my home?  Other than the obvious courtesy, it is important that neighbors most affected by your exterior work be made aware of future construction activities and changes in appearance that affect their neighborhood, as your proposed changes may have an impact on general visibility, use, and value of homes near yours.  When reviewing the application, the MAC will ensure that the neighbors most affected by your improvements have been notified.  If the MAC feels that additional neighbors need to be notified, you may be asked to notify additional neighbors and collect their signatures.

What if my a neighbor(s) disagree with the proposed improvements?  Neighbor disagreement of your intended improvements does not mean that the MAC will disapprove your application.  The MAC may ask for clarification concerning the disagreement to aid in the approval decision process.

What can I expect as a result of the MAC review process?  The MAC will either approve your application as-is, approve the application with conditions, ask for further information or clarification prior to a decision being made, or deny the application.  The more complete the application, the faster the MAC can come to a decision.

What if the MAC does not approve my plans?  If the MAC does not approve your plans, and you feel that your design and proposed changes comply with the CMR CC+Rs and the intent of the Design Manual, you may appeal the MAC decision to the full Board of Directors.

Paint

Do I need to submit a MAC Improvement Application if I wish to paint my house or any portion of it?  Yes, exterior house painting is considered an improvement and, as such, requires a CMR Home and Landscape Improvement Application.  Even painting just the doors or trim requires an application.

Can I paint my house the same color as my neighbor?s?  No, the MAC will not approve you application if you propose the same paint scheme as the house on either side of yours.

Can I use colors other than those listed in the CMR paint schemes?  No.  Paint schemes can be found on the CMR Association website:

http://cmrrca.org/index.php/design-and-review/house-paint-schemes

Can I simply re-paint my home with the existing color or other color that is on the paint scheme list?  No, if re-painting your home, you must select one of the paint schemes for your neighborhood found on the CMR Association website:

http://cmrrca.org/index.php/design-and-review/house-paint-schemes

Can I select a Mediterranean paint scheme if I live in a traditional-only neighborhood?  No.  You cannot select a Mediterranean paint scheme if you live in a traditional-only neighborhood, nor can you select a traditional paint scheme if you live in a Mediterranean-only neighborhood. It should be noted that there are a number of neighborhoods with a mixture of Traditional and Mediterranean. If you live in one of these neighborhoods, please contact the CMR property management company for details.  The address for Walters Management is 9665 Chesapeake Drive, Suite 300, San Diego 92123 or you may contact Valerie Romero at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 858-576-5538.

How do I know if I live in a traditional or Mediterranean neighborhood?  Neighborhoods are identified on the CMR Association website:

http://cmrrca.org/index.php/design-and-review/house-paint-schemes

Can I mix and match stucco, trim, and door colors from the various paint schemes?  No, the entire scheme selected must be followed.  MAC applications proposing a mix of colors from different schemes will be denied.

As long as I use one color scheme, can I use the trim color to paint the stucco and the stucco color to paint the trim?  No, the paint schemes and locations for each color are defined on the website:

http://cmrrca.org/index.php/design-and-review/house-paint-schemes

MAC applications proposing alternate uses of colors within a color scheme will be denied.

Where can I find color samples for each paint scheme?  You can view the color sample book at the CMR Sherwin-Williams store (near Trader Joes).  Be sure to ask for the ?Carmel Mountain Ranch? book.  You may also check out a sample book from the Property Manager?s office by leaving a deposit (contact the CMR property management company for details).  The address for Walters Management is 9665 Chesapeake Drive, Suite 300, San Diego 92123 or you may contact Chanel Nelson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 858-576-5538.

Can I paint my garage door?  According to the design manual, if you are replacing the garage door with a white or cream colored door, MAC approval is not required.  If you are planning on replacing your garage door with a color other than white or cream or proposing to paint your garage door, a MAC application must be submitted for approval.  If you are proposing to paint your garage door, it must be painted the trim color for your particular paint scheme.

Windows and Window Coverings

If I want to replace my windows, do they require grids?  If they are street-facing windows, yes.  In keeping with the policies regarding remodels and additions, new or replacement windows shall have a similar architectural character as the windows they are replacing.  For the large majority of CMR homes, that means that windows with grids (grids, grilles, or muntin bars), to mimic the traditional architectural styles of the community, are required for street-facing windows.  Grid-less windows can be proposed for all other windows that are not street-facing.

What are acceptable styles and colors for window coverings (drapes, curtains, blinds)?  Per the CMR Rules and Regulations, no windows shall be covered inside or out with aluminum foil, paper, or sheets, nor woven blinds used on the outside of the window.  Window coverings must be white or off-white in color when viewed from the street, or such color as may be approved by the MAC.

Can I install decorative or security-type iron bars on my windows or doors?  No, iron bars are prohibited on the exterior of the windows or sliding glass doors and will be rejected by the MAC if proposed.

Landscaping

Can I use alternatives to turf in my yard?  Yes, as long you submit an application and get approval from the MAC, you can replace turf with alternate landscaping.  See the Landscape Guidelines for more information.  If you are interested in utilizing artificial turf in your design, see the Artificial Turf Guidelines.

If I am planning changes to only half of my front yard, do I need to submit a plan showing the entire front yard?  Yes, it is important that the entire yard is shown because the proposed improvements combined with the existing features will determine the final appearance.  Incomplete applications and plans will be rejected by the MAC and require additional information before a decision can be made.

If I am planning on making changes to the front yard only, do I need to provide a drawing showing the entire lot?  No, if you are only proposing changes to the front yard, your proposed plan will need to address all elements of the front yard, including building footprint, driveway, walkways, public sidewalk, trees, etc.

Roof

What if I want or need to replace all or part of my roof tiles?  An application must be submitted with roof tile samples, a quality photo, or manufacturer?s specification sheet for the proposed tile to be used.  It is possible that roof tile suppliers will not have an exact color match for your existing roof tiles.  If so, please find the closest color match possible before submitting your application.

Do I need to submit an improvement application if I need to replace a few damaged roof tiles?  It is not necessary to submit an application if you need to replace a few damaged roof tiles (e.g., due to golf ball strikes or other impacts).  When replacing, please find the closest color match possible.

Home Additions

What are the concerns of the MAC if I want to do a home addition?  It is important that any addition to your home be designed to have a similar architectural character as the rest of the home and fit into the neighborhood as a whole.  The project, once finished, should appear as if it were part of the original construction.  Additional information about additions can be found in the Design and Review Manual.