We, the undersigned members of Shady Trails Community Association, hereby petition the Shady Trails board of directors to update/amend the current Design Guidelines to meet the needs of the residents in the newer communities of Laurel Oak and Alder Lane, along with the remaining Shady Trails residents. 

PURPOSE OF THE PETITION:

Living in a neighborhood with a good homeowner’s association, or HOA can be a blessing. The HOA takes care of the neighborhood landscaping and common areas, sets up community events, and generally keeps things in order. Our community, Shady Trails, has nice amenities such as two (2) pools, a gym, basketball courts, tennis courts, and parks. The residents are also amazing and very close-knit.

On the other hand, not having a HOA governing board that listens to the voices, or respects the wishes/concerns of the residents who have invested thousands of dollars in their homes can be extremely frustrating. Unfortunately, our HOA Board of Directors has been unreasonable, adversarial, and disrespectful to those of us who have been engaged in asking for changes to the current design guidelines.  

Our current design guidelines fit the profile of townhomes and condos but are not conducive for properties in Laurel Oak and Alder Lanes (Shady Trails) that are built on 7,000 to 16,000 square feet of land.  Homes sizes range from 2200 square feet to 4200 square feet and have an option of a “Next Gen Home Within a Home” which creates a special circumstance when it comes to multiple family’s living in this particular product and creates challenges for parking multiple cars on respective properties and street right of ways.  The design guidelines are also very vague and only allow for the governing board to use their discretion as they choose. The governing board is also unwilling to grant variances and just say "no" to any requests they subjectively do not agree with. As homeowners, we have been dealt with three choices, suck it up and fall in line, sell our homes and move out, or get engaged in creating change. 

We the homeowners of Shady Trails have decided to get engaged and are requesting the board of directors to hear our voices and create Design Guidelines that are conducive for us homeowners and stop being highly restrictive and be reasonable when we request to renovate our properties. The current makeup of our board is 3 individuals who look after the interests of the developers and 2 individuals who are homeowners.  The board majority has ignored our requests, petitions, and our pleas during homeowner forums.

Below are our recommended changes to the current design guidelines:

7.7 Concrete

Driveways may be extended on both sides of the existing driveway with the following exceptions:

The expansion on the side of the driveway closest to the front door of the residence must not extend further than two (2) feet.
The main driveway expansion must be added to the side of the driveway with the backyard entrance gate and may not exceed the width of the walkway of that gate.  
No driveway expansions may extend to closer than three (3) feet of the adjacent property line. 

The extension must run all the way from the street sidewalk to a point down the side of the residence such as the existing walkway from the backyard access gate. 

The area between the expansion and the neighboring lot line must be landscaped with plants, grass and/or groundcover approved by the DRC. Additional landscaping may be required to compensate for the removal of vegetation in driveway expansion areas (consult rules on Landscaping for more information).

Concrete should not be poured directly against existing walls or fences and expansion gaps of at least 1.5” – 2” must be provided.

Concrete steps leading to the entryway are permitted. Entryway steps may not exceed 6’ in width.

Due to differing site limitations, NOT ALL HOMES MAY QUALIFY TO ADD AN EXPANSION. Applications will be considered by the DRC on a case by case basis.

Court Yards (currently no definition or guidelines): Courtyards may be installed in the front yard of a residence and should be enclosed by a wall not to exceed four (4) feet in height from ground level. The materials, finishes, and color of the courtyard walls must be consistent with what is used for the main building and with the architectural style and design of the residence. A courtyard gate may be constructed of metal/wrought iron with a  finish consistent with the architectural design and style of the residence. Fountains and yard art may be placed within the walls of a courtyard.  

6.13 Storage Sheds: All plans for storage sheds must be submitted to the DRC for approval unless the storage shed height is one foot below the fence height and cannot be viewed by other owners from the ground level.

Size: The shed may be no larger than 12’ x 12’, with a height at the peak of the roof of 10’.

Location: The shed must be located 5’ from any property line.

All sheds: should match, as best as possible, the colors of the home.

Small trees/ tall shrubs can be used to screen the shed from side and rear neighbors. All roof materials must match the color of the existing roof on the home.

Patio Covers/Canopies/Ramadas/Gazebos/Palapas/Arbors/Pergolas

City building permits may be required for the construction of Patio Covers/Canopies/Ramadas/Gazebos/Palapas/Arbors/Pergolas. 

Patio Covers - Patio Covers may be solid or lattice. Solid covers attached to the Dwelling must match the roofing material of the Dwelling unless the entire patio structure is made of “Alumawood” materials. Patio covers, both solid and lattice must meet the City of Fontana and all other applicable building codes, ordinances, laws and/or regulations.  

Solid patio covers are not permitted on the front of the dwelling. Lattice covers may be installed in courtyards, subject to review and setback requirements. The appearance of patio covers and other exterior structures must be consistent with the appearance of the dwelling. The color must match the house trim or the wall color, or must be compatible with the house. Vinyl, wood or material, which simulates the appearance of wood, is required for patio covers. Decorative features such as lattice may be incorporated into the design of the patio cover but the features must be consistent with the character of Shady Trails Community Association. Columns may be stucco, precast concrete, Alumawood, or wood. Properties adjacent to fuel modification areas may be subject to the Fire Authority special fire protection ordinance and meet non-combustible structure requirements.

Ramadas/Gazebos/Palapas/Arbors/Pergolas - Ramadas, gazebos, palapas, arbors, or pergolas must be permanent structures constructed to harmonize with the main Dwelling. Roofing material must be as noted for patio covers. No canvas structures are permitted. Arbors or pergolas may be constructed of wood but must be maintained in like-new condition or removed. Ramadas, gazebos, palapas, arbors, or pergolas must meet all setbacks and cannot exceed fourteen feet (14’) in height. Any lighting features must be designed to harmonize with the main Dwelling and not cause interference or nuisance to surrounding properties.

Temporary ‘Pop-Up’ canopies are not allowed as a backyard gazebo. Pop-up canopies are a temporary cover that cannot stay up for more than 72-hours.

The American dream is to own property, and our requests to improve our properties is to beautify, not degrade our community. We spent between $600,000 to $850,000 for our homes and want to enjoy them, increase our property values while improving the aesthetics of our community. If you are a resident in Shady Trails (Fontana, CA), please sign our petition to ask the board of directors to change our current design guidelines for larger lot homes.