
A Healthy Dose of Spring Fever
By Scott Wingfield
With the arrival of spring comes a noticeable increase in activity throughout our community. A brief drive through Summerlin reveals a variety of projects underway, including new residential construction, ongoing roadwork, streetscape landscape installations, and park renovations and enhancements. This seasonal momentum often inspires homeowners to begin improvements of their own, whether planned well in advance or prompted by a ticking one-year clock. As many residents are preparing to undertake exterior projects, I would like to take this opportunity to provide a few important reminders and best practices to help ensure a smooth and successful process for everyone.
Design Review Protocol
From time to time, the excitement of beginning a new project can lead homeowners to unintentionally overlook one of the association’s fundamental requirements. At the time of purchase, each homeowner agreed to comply with the governing documents, including the requirement that any modification affecting the exterior appearance of a property must receive prior written approval from the association. This requirement applies to all exterior improvements, including, but not limited to, front and rear yard landscaping, patios, shade structures, pools, play equipment, and exterior structural/aesthetic modifications.
The Design Review process exists to help maintain the overall aesthetic consistency and property values within the community, while also ensuring that improvements meet established standards. On behalf of the volunteer members serving on your Board of Directors, Compliance Committees, and Design Review Committees, we strongly encourage all homeowners to submit a complete improvement request form and obtain approval prior to commencing any work. As a reminder, master association improvement request forms are located online at www.summerlink.com.
Please keep in mind that addressing feedback or required modifications during the review phase is significantly more efficient and far less costly than making changes after installation or construction has already taken place. Taking the time to follow the proper process helps avoid unnecessary delays, additional expenses, and potential compliance issues.
Being a Good Neighbor
While community living does not require social engagement, it does come with shared responsibilities that contribute to the overall quality and appearance of each neighborhood within. Homeowners are expected to maintain their properties in a clean, safe, and attractive condition. This includes routine landscape maintenance, upkeep of exterior features, and periodic repainting or repairs as needed. Consistent maintenance not only preserves individual property values but also enhances the collective appeal of the neighborhoods.
Parking and street use are also important considerations. Neighborhoods are designed with garages and driveways to accommodate residents’ vehicles and to keep the streets open and accessible. When streets become lined with parked vehicles, it can create unnecessary congestion, reduce visibility, and impact overall safety, particularly for pedestrians, cyclists, and children at play. Residents are encouraged to utilize their garages and driveways whenever possible and to be mindful of how parking habits affect neighbors and the broader community.
Pet ownership carries additional responsibilities. All pet owners are expected to ensure that their animals do not create excessive noise disturbances and that all pet waste is promptly and properly cleaned up. These simple, everyday practices reflect courtesy and respect for fellow residents and shared spaces.
Awareness and Safety
As activity levels increase during the spring and summer months, so do the presence of pedestrians, children, vehicles, e-bikes and e-scooters throughout the community. Residents are encouraged to remain attentive and exercise caution while navigating the community streets and parks. A heightened awareness of your surroundings helps contribute to a safer environment for all. By working together and remaining considerate of one another, we can continue to advance our community in a manner that is both welcoming and well-maintained.
Thank you for your continued cooperation and commitment to maintaining the standards that make Summerlin a desirable place to live. Your efforts, both large and small, play an important role in preserving the character, safety, and overall quality of our community.