Architecture Committee: July 2022 News

Exterior Modifications—Are you thinking of a change or upgrade to the exterior of your home in Niguel Shores? Many homeowners in our community are in the process of making some type of modification or replacement. It is important to know that before starting an exterior change, an application form detailing the change is required to insure conformance with the design details of your specific neighborhood.
The Architecture Committee receives between 30 to 40 such applications for review every month. A large percent- age of the requests involve a simple change or “like for like” replacement of an exterior item and can be approved in the first meeting they are reviewed. These are “Consent Items”—not in conflict with any CC&R or rule. A simple form for this can be found on our website niguelshores.org.
Most of the homes in Niguel Shores are over 40 years old, making expansions and remodels or even “tear downs” commonplace. Of course these require architectural plans and city permits. Thus far, 20 homes have been sold in Niguel Shores in 2022 and there are currently others on the market. Understandably, most buyers want to expand or change the exterior envelope of their home. These projects can take several months from the planning stage to completion of construction.
Our community is comprised of nine different “sections” or tracts, each with its own set of rules and restrictions. The easements, setbacks, drainage, height restrictions, etc. are different for every individual tract. Sea Terrace 1 and 2, for example, are unique in that each has its own Board of Directors to help insure the integrity of the neighborhood’s appearance. Your plan will need to comply with the guidelines that were set for your particular development.
We Want to Help—While filing all the forms and adhering to your tract guidelines may seem a bit daunting, it needn’t be. If you are considering a change to the exterior of your home, please contact the Niguel Shores Office for an appointment to discuss your plans with members of the Architecture Committee. Get us involved with the process as early as possible. We can work with you and your contractor to make your modification or remodel an orderly
and successful project!
—Mike Stively