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University Townhouses Cooperative

 

REGULATIONS FOR FENCES,  DECKS,  AND  PATIOS

 

 

 

 

     Prior to erecting a fence, deck, or patio a member must first get the approval of the Property Manager and then obtain a building permit from the City of Ann Arbor. 

      A permit is required by city code.  A copy of the permit and final city inspection approval must be on file at the office.  Copies of the building codes and requirements are available at the UTC office.

      Members must get clearance from “Miss Dig” at 1-800-482-7171 (utility surveyors) if any digging will be performed.

 

 

 

 

The member is responsible for taking the fence, deck, and/or patio apart, and reassembling it, if a utility company needs access to the utility lines.  The Co-op will not accept responsibility for removal and/or restoration of the fence, deck, and/or patio if removal is necessary to reach utility lines.

 

 

 

A.      FENCES

 

ALL FENCES MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

 

1.         Wood or vinyl construction material.  Metal fencing is prohibited.

2.         The vinyl color and wood stain must be approved by the Manager or Board of Directors prior to installation.

3.         Consists of vertical slats: a) 3"-4" slats with no more than a 1" gap between each slat or b) solid panels which have no gap between slats with a lattice or solid top.

4.         Built according to Cooperative specifications or in a style approved by the Manager or Board of Directors.

5.                  The frame may be set next to the building, but may not be attached to the building itself.

6.                  Enclosed fences must have a gate.

7.                  If the fence encloses a utility meter, the gate MUST BE UNLOCKED.

8.                  Maximum dimensions:

                        Height:   6 feet

                        Length:   Not to exceed 16 feet out from the rear of the building

                         Width:    Not to exceed the width of the townhouse

9.         The member must maintain the enclosed yard plus a one-foot perimeter on the outside of the fence.  The Co-op will not mow the inside of the fence.

10.       If the fence is not maintained in good condition, then the member will be required to remove the structure.

11.              The yard must be returned to a condition acceptable and approved by the Cooperative.  The member agrees to seed and/or sod the area at their expense.  If the Co-op performs any yard restoration, the cost will be billed to the member.

 

 

 

 

 

B.      DECKS

 

MEMBERS WHO WISH TO CONSTRUCT OR HAVE EXISTING DECKS MUST CONFORM TO THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:

 

1.         Members must submit a drawing and receive authorization from the Management Office prior to constructing a deck.

2.         Materials:

A.      Treated wood, cedar, or redwood; or other office approved material

B.      Main frame and upper boards are to comply with Deck/Porch/Balcony Construction Requirements with the City of Ann Arbor.  A copy can be obtained at the Cooperative office.          

C.     Posts:  4" x 4"  (see Deck/Porch/Construction Requirements)

D.   Wood lattice installed over chicken wire to enclose deck base to prevent animals access underneath the deck.

3.         Size:

            Length:  Not to exceed 16 feet from the foundation of member’s unit.

                         Width:   Not to exceed the width of the townhouse.

                        Height:   Deck should be level with back door threshold.      

 

4.         Decks built on a sloped ground must have a railing and steps in compliance with city code.         

5.         If the deck is not maintained in good condition, then the member will be required to remove the structure.

6.         The yard must be returned to a condition acceptable and approved by the Cooperative.  The member agrees to seed and/or sod the area at their expense.  If the Co-op performs any yard restoration, the cost will be billed to the member.

 

            The member will be responsible for the upkeep of the deck plus a one-foot perimeter around the deck.  The member is responsible for the cost of restoration of the affected yard.

 

 

 

C.      PATIOS

 

ALL PATIOS MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

 

1.         Constructed of removable materials approved through the office prior to installation. Gravel and /or concrete are prohibited.

2.         Materials must be flush with the ground.

3.         Length is limited to 16 feet from the building.

4.         Member must maintain patio area and one foot perimeter outside of the patio.

5.         If the patio is not maintained in good condition, then the member will be required to remove the structure.

6.         The yard must be returned to a condition acceptable and approved by the Cooperative.  The member agrees to seed and/or sod the area at their expense.  If the Co-op performs any yard restoration, the cost will be billed to the member.

 

¨¨    The member is responsible for taking the fence, deck, and/or patio apart, and reassembling it, if a utility company needs access to the utility lines.  The Co-op will not accept responsibility for removal and/or restoration of the fence, deck, and/or patio if removal is necessary to reach utility lines.    ¨¨

 

 

This permit may be revoked for non-compliance with any standard listed.

 

 

MEMBER’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

 

I have read the above policy and agree to comply with its terms.  I accept sole liability for, and indemnify the Cooperative against, any claim for damages or otherwise arising out of the installation or existence of the fence, deck or patio in the area encompassed by or on which those improvements exist.

 

I acknowledge that the fences, decks and patios are not included in the Property Improvements Policy (see page 24 of your Member's Handbook).  At the January 31, 1992 Board Meeting, the Board amended the Property Improvement Policy to read:

 

Charges for decks, fences or patios may be negotiated between incoming

and outgoing residents.  Upon failure to reach an agreement, the Cooperative

will require the outgoing member to restore the unit to its original condition.

          

 

 I further understand that the Cooperative may, at any time prior to the termination of my membership or, if no agreement has been reached with the incoming member the Cooperative will, after termination of my membership, require me to remove the improvement(s) and return the property to its original condition.  If the member does not do so on or before the date possession of the unit is returned to the Cooperative then, the member will be presumed to have abandoned any claim to the improvement.  The Cooperative will then remove and dispose of the improvement and the member shall reimburse the Cooperative the cost of removal and disposal of the improvement, and installation of sod.

 

 

 

 

NAME                                                                                                              DATE                                     

 

 

ADDRESS                                                                                         

 

 

TELEPHONE:  (HOME)                                                                      (WORK)                                             

 

 

 

MEMBERS SIGNATURE                                                                               

 

 

 

 

MANAGEMENT OFFICE INITIAL PLAN  APPROVAL

 

 

BY:

 

DATE:                                         TIME:

 

FINAL INSPECTION APPROVAL

 

 

BY:

 

DATE:                                          TIME:

 

 

 

Revised September 2000

Revision Approved 11/29/00 Board Meeting