HoA problems and landscape plans

[Nexen]

I'm in a pickle. My family decided to do frontyard work without filing paperwork with the HoA first. None of us have any clue on how to draw landscape plans. Am I able to hire a contractor to simply draw the landscape plans for the finished project?

 

[dphantom]

Yes you can do that. Any landscape contractor/architect will draw up plans and charge you accordingly.

 

[shabby]

Here use this...

 

[Greenman]

I'm in a pickle. My family decided to do frontyard work without filing paperwork with the HoA first. None of us have any clue on how to draw landscape plans. Am I able to hire a contractor to simply draw the landscape plans for the finished project?

It's actually pretty easy. Just a top view plan that shows how everything is laid out. Trees are big lumpy circles, plants are small lumpy circles.

 

[MustISO]

Not sure how strict your HOA is but where we are we just need to draw it up on paper to represent the change and get 4 neighbors to sign off on it. Then we submit it to the HOA.

 

[marvdmartian]

If you had to get a surveyor's map drawn, when you bought the place (like I did, here in Texas), you could scan that to jpg, then draw the changes you want to make in MS Paint (or crayon, like shabby did), and print that.

I'll be changing my front lawn to drought tolerant landscaping in the near future, and plan on doing exactly that, to plan out my changes.

 

[Scarpozzi]

If they give you too much hassle, just threaten not to pay them the HOA fees next month.

 

[DrPizza]

LOLOL
"I'd like to plant a bush in my yard."
"Fill these forms out in triplicate. You'll need an architect's rendering for them to be approved."
Sucks that you're stuck with HOAs in so many parts of the country.

 

[MustISO]

Sucks that you're stuck with HOAs in so many parts of the country.

Maybe for some but it is nice to have a standard set so you don't have lawns growing out of control, car parts in the front yard and fences falling over. Personally I like it.

 

[DrPizza]

Maybe for some but it is nice to have a standard set so you don't have lawns growing out of control, car parts in the front yard and fences falling over. Personally I like it.

And, if HOAs limited their rules to more rational things like that, then I wouldn't have a problem with them. But, telling people what kind of shrubs are and aren't permitted? I think that's a bit too micromanaging the neighborhood.

Anyway, to the OP, there are several free, or at least free trial software programs that you can use for the purpose that you seem to need. Rather than recommend any particular program (I've only used one, and am not in a position to know which is best), a simple google search should show a few.

 

[edro]

Our HOA simply requires a hand sketch or satellite view with sketches on top, with the plants labeled. There aren't really any rules (other than no hedgerows), they just like to be informed to keep everyone in check.

 

[Greenman]

And, if HOAs limited their rules to more rational things like that, then I wouldn't have a problem with them. But, telling people what kind of shrubs are and aren't permitted? I think that's a bit too micromanaging the neighborhood.

Anyway, to the OP, there are several free, or at least free trial software programs that you can use for the purpose that you seem to need. Rather than recommend any particular program (I've only used one, and am not in a position to know which is best), a simple google search should show a few.

A well run HOA isn't a problem at all. Yes they want a plan for near everything, but the good ones are very informal about it. The problem is the universal one that plagues humanity, idiots. When you get involved with an HOA run by idiots you have a major problem. They bring stupidity to a whole new level, and spend a lot of time and money on petty grievances. Add inflated egos to the mix and it becomes impossible to deal with them.

The only person I've ever seen come out ahead dealing with an out of control HOA was a very cantankerous old man with a lot of disposable income. He told them if they set foot on his property he'd shoot them, and if they didn't let him do as he pleased he'd spend the rest of his life keeping them tied up in court. They never bothered him again.