BOD Blogs

KWPOA Policy regarding front-yard fencing and security cameras

Current DCCRs for KWPOA clearly define design and installation standards for fencing regarding KWPOA properties. The current DCCRs also limit fencing installation to side and rear property boundaries. Per the KWPOA DCCRs, no fencing of any dimension or material is allowed in front of a line defined as the forward-most front-facing building line (hereinafter, “Front-Yard Fencing”). This Front-Yard Fencing restriction has been preempted by recent Texas legislation.

The KWPOA Board of Directors (hereinafter “Board”) recognizes that state legislation, taking effect on September 1, 2021, allows any homeowner to install a fence around the entire perimeter of their property and security cameras on their property. However, the Board also recognizes the need to protect the value of all properties in the subdivision by promoting and enforcing appropriate architectural standards to maintain the aesthetic appeal of individual properties as well as the common areas of the subdivision while maintaining privacy for homeowners.

The Board establishes the following requirements on any and all front-yard fencing:

1. Black wrought iron fence with top of fence height installed at a minimum 6 ft and maximum 8 ft above the ground

2. The top of the fence must be lined with decorative finials or spear points

3. 2ft x 2ft brick columns that match the house brick must be placed every 8 feet and match the height of the fence. A stone topper on the brick may be acceptable.

4. A brick base may be used for the fence but is limited to a maximum 2 ft height and should match the columns

5. Gates must be provided where fence crosses entry-way and driveway and open inward (toward the house).

6. Fence must not block the general view of the garden / plants required in front of the house

7. Fence must not extend past the owner’s property line as filed with the city

8. Must be one continuous fence

9. Maintained appearance – free from dirt / algae, rust, not leaning or broken, etc.

10. Approved by the KWPOA Architectural Control Committee (ACC)

The Board establishes the following requirements on external video home surveillance cameras:

1. External cameras should be compact, mounted close to the house or structural object, and not detract from the color scheme of the house.

2. Cameras must be located on the owner’s private property as filed with the city.

3. Cameras must not intrude on the privacy of other homeowners’ property.

The intent of the policy is to allow a common front yard fencing and security cameras that would not detract from the appearance of the KW subdivision or invade homeowners’ privacy. Front yard fencing and security cameras will be subject to routine inspection by the KWPOA management company.

KWBOD letter to TLV Mayor Keeney requesting a sidewalk to connect Pinewood to Kirby.

The BOD has recently been made aware that a neighbor’s lawn service was purposefully blowing lawn debris into the storm sewer. As we all know, these storm sewers must be kept clear to allow heavy rains to discharge to the lake/bay. Purposefully dumping any material into the storm sewers is prohibited and the offender can be penalized per TLV Ordinance Chapter 62-3.b.

If you witness any such violation, please bring this to the offender’s and homeowner’s attention immediately. This action is against the law in TLV.

Another consideration that all TLV homeowners should be aware of when conducting or contracting lot/residence maintenance:

TLV Noise Ordinance 30-67.5 Building operations and lawn maintenance cannot begin before 7am on weekdays and 8am on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. All work must stop by 10pm any night.

Our guidelines require review and approval of certain property improvements by the Architectural Control Committee (ACC). This is intended to harmonize the neighborhood and maintain property aesthetics and values. Additionally, a TLV city permit may be required. If you are unsure whether your specific improvement will require approval by the ACC and/or TLV, it is best to submit a form for ACC approval while you are still in the planning process. This can save time and money down the road.

In some instances, neighbors have gotten a false sense of approval based on the following sources:

• Their contractor instructed them that a permit, or ACC approval was not needed.
• Their neighbor said approval was not necessary.
• The improvement was in the backyard and think approval is not required.
• The improvement is “replace in kind” so approval should not be necessary.

The DCCR lists all of the requirements for all residents in KirbyWoods to abide by. Please open the word-searchable Adobe Acrobat link in the right-hand sidebar to access the DCCR.