Architectural Control Committee

Duties and Responsibilities

The Architectural Control Committee of Mountain Springs Ranch has the following responsibilities:

  • Evaluating each of the plans submitted by an owner for adherence to the design guidelines and compatibility of the design with the adjoining sites and common spaces.
  • Approving all new construction
  • Monitoring the design and construction process in order to ensure conformance with the Covenants and Guidelines.
  • Interpreting the Covenants and Design Guidelines at the request of Owners.
  • Approving all modifications to existing structures, including but not limited to walls, fences, material replacements, renovations, additions and landscaping in some units.

Application and Request Forms

Applications must be signed and accompanied by the review fee(s) and builder’s deposit. Applicants are reminded that their applications must be complete in order to be approved. Our most missed items are driveway finish, chimney material, location of buried propane tank, and color samples.

Applications and Request Forms:

Application Checklists:

Notes

The Architectural Control Committee appreciates property owners who have submitted plans for new construction and the required request forms and plans for property improvements. Thank you.

Please submit all applications for ACC review to Mountain Springs Ranch Property Owners Association:

Mountain Springs Ranch Property Owners Association
20475 Hwy 46 West
Ste 180 PMB 604
Spring Branch, TX 78070
830-608-3407, fax 830-885-6698
msrpoa@msrpoa.com

Applications must be signed and accompanied by applicable review fees and builder’s deposit. Also note the above address is a mailing address only and not a physical office.  Plans may not be delivered in person to the above address.

Landscaping plans are to be submitted for review by the Architectural Control Committee at least thirty (30) days prior to home completion. Landscaping installation must be completed within ninety (90) days after the completion of home construction. Landscaping must be a well-designed balance of mature trees, shrubs, and lawn grass around the perimeter of each new home. Plants must screen most of exposed foundations.

Plans for pools, fences, dog runs, kennels, gazebos, arbors, trellises, ponds, basketball hoops, sports courts, and other structures or improvements must be reviewed and approved in writing by the Architectural Control Committee before construction begins.

Applicants are reminded that their applications must be complete in order to be approved. Most missed items are color samples, driveway finish, chimney material, and location of buried propane tank.

Please note: The Design Review Fee is only required when submitting plans for new home construction. All other reviews are free unless you choose to expedite the plan review.

Please be sure to complete the email address section on your forms and we will notify you electronically - saving us tons of time and effort, and speeding the process for you by several days!

If you have questions, please contact the ACC at msrpoa@msrpoa.com.

Additional Guidelines

Brick as Primary Exterior Construction Material

New Guideline (January 22, 2008) - As of May 1, 2008 Brick may not be used as the primary construction material on the exterior of new homes. January 22, 2008, the Architectural Control Committee and Board of Directors adopted a new guideline, effective May 1, 2008, that prohibits the use of brick as the primary construction material on the exterior of a home. Brick may be used as an accent material such as for columns, window trim, headers and sills. The intent of this new guideline is to preserve a more traditional hill country look in our community.

Removal of Brush and Debris

New Policy (May 1, 2008) - Due to complaints from MSR residents, the ACC has decided to require all piles of brush and other debris to be removed, mulched, or burned (in accordance with Comal County burning regulations) within 60 days. 

This new policy went into effect June 1, 2008.  Rattlesnakes and other vermin enjoy using these piles as homesites.  One resident already has been the victim of a rattlesnake bite.  The Committee believes that piles of brush and debris on our lots is unsightly and detracts from the beauty of our community.  We appreciate everyone's cooperation to help make our community beautiful and safe.

Exterior lighting guidelines

The Architectural and Site Design Guidelines provide the following guidance for exterior lighting. “All exterior lights shall consist of fixtures that prevent light from escaping through the top and sides of the fixture. Down lighting is encouraged to reduce glare, better light drives and paths, and to protect neighboring properties from bright light sources. Colored lights are prohibited. Spotlights, floodlights and pole lights will be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on orientation and location. All path and landscape lighting must consist of low voltage lamps. Path and landscape lighting shall have a maximum height of 36”. Landscape lighting must be concealed in daytime.

For Sale Signs

New Guidelines (February 2007) - We’ve relaxed the sign restrictions to allow For Sale signs in our neighborhoods that conform to the guidelines below. The signs may be purchased from Professional Graffiti for $160, installed. Call 512-847-3207 or 877-847-3207 for more information. Lead time is 2-3 weeks. Another sign maker may be used but the signs must conform exactly to our specifications which are available on our website.

Generally, the approved signs must:

  • be constructed of signboard plywood
  • be 24 inches by 24 inches
  • use the Mountain Springs Ranch logo and colors
  • be installed in the ground not less than 25 feet from the street, preferably on two 2” by 2” posts

Signs may contain any of the following information:

  • “Available” or “For Sale”
  • Area Code and Phone Number
  • Contact Name
  • Website and/or email address
  • Realtor Name, if appropriate

A “sold” sign may be placed below the larger sign and attached to the posts or be suspended by eyehooks. “For Sale” signs must be removed when the sale is completed. “Open House” signs are allowed and must be removed by the realtor or builder at the end of the event. The open house sign may be displayed as long as the house remains unlocked and available to the public. No signage may contain any handwritten information and must be repainted should information change.

Propane Tank

New Guidelines (February 22, 2007) - The Architectural Control Committee has revised the guidelines to require that propane tanks for new construction be buried to improve the appearance of our community and address numerous complaints about how propane tanks are located on properties, The requirement that they not be visible from the street did not provide any screening for neighboring properties.

Expedited Plan Review 

(June 26, 2007) - The Architectural Control Committee voted to accept plans for expedited review for an additional handling fee of $100. The committee will review applications and complete plans within four business days of receipt by Mountain Springs Ranch Property Owners Association (MSRPOA) Questions regarding expedited review should be directed to the ACC at 830-608-3407.

Landscaping Requirement Changes

(January 25, 2007) - The Architectural Control Committee (ACC) has further defined the landscaping requirements set out in the covenants, supplements and Architectural and Site Design Guidelines to include a perimeter that extends 40 feet in front of the house, 10 feet on each side and to the back, and increased the allowable amount of rock material to 25% of the total landscape area. This rule definition will not be applied retroactively.

Fencing Requirements

(January 2007) - Please note that the current fencing requirements defined in our Architectural and Site Design Guidelines (6/21/2006) cannot be met for 5 foot (60 inch) fencing. “Class III” galvanized wire isn’t made in that size. The fencing material is modified to simply require “galvanized wire”.

(February 22, 2007) - The fencing guidelines for non-gated neighborhoods are revised to allow a minimum fence height of 48 inches and a maximum fence height of 60 inches. The fencing guidelines for the gated communities remain as stated in the Mountain Springs Ranch Architectural and Site Design Guidelines.