A Letter to All Tara Residents: Preserving Our Neighborhood’s Future
- liztalley
- Oct 7
- 4 min read
Dear Tara Residents,
Tara has long been a sought-after neighborhood — and for good reason. Families choose Tara for its location, schools, safety, and enduring property values — qualities preserved through decades of careful stewardship and shared responsibility.
Today, Tara is entering a new chapter — a time of transition bringing both exciting opportunities and important responsibilities. As neighbors and homeowners, we each play a vital role in guiding this evolution with intention and care.
This letter is intended to outline where we are, where we’re headed, and how each of us can help keep Tara a place we’re proud to call home.
A Neighborhood in Transition
With more homes for sale than we’ve seen in years, Tara is experiencing a generational shift. Longtime residents who shaped the character of our community are passing the torch to new families eager to build on that legacy. This transition is bringing renewed energy — and with it, a rise in construction and renovation activity that local real estate professionals are calling the next “Tara Renaissance.”
At the same time, some homes are being held by heirs, rented out, or renovated with only minimal improvements. These properties are just as important to the future of Tara — because when every home is well-maintained and thoughtfully updated, it lifts the standard for the entire neighborhood. That kind of positive momentum is essential to protecting Tara’s long-term appeal and property values.
Market conditions may shape the pace of change, but demand for strong, stable, well-maintained neighborhoods remains steady. To meet that expectation — and to shape Tara’s future — we must rise to the moment, together.
The Role of the Tara Civic Association and the Architectural Control Committee
The Tara Civic Association is also evolving. With many longtime board members now retired, the current board brings renewed focus and fresh energy. Still, our mission remains the same: to protect and enhance the property values of our neighborhood.
A key way we do this is through the consistent application of our Unified Deed Restrictions — which every homeowner agrees to when purchasing a home in Tara. These standards aren’t new, but they matter now more than ever. At the center of this process is the Architectural Control Committee (ACC).
The ACC reviews all exterior changes — from major construction to paint colors — to ensure they reflect the character, quality, and design integrity outlined in the deed restrictions. This isn’t about limiting personal expression; it’s about preserving curb appeal, protecting long-term value, and maintaining the cohesive look and feel of our neighborhood.
Each property contributes to Tara’s reputation. Thoughtful design, quality construction, and consistent upkeep don’t just protect individual investments — they strengthen our entire community.
Why City Permits Matter
When submitting a project for ACC review, you’ll notice a section about city permits. This isn’t just a formality — it’s a vital step in protecting your home and your investment.
Permits ensure that work is done to code, meets safety standards, and is inspected by qualified professionals. This process helps catch issues early and ensures that improvements add long-term value — not risk — to your property.
Here’s why this matters:
If your contractor doesn’t secure the required permits (which is typically their responsibility), you — the homeowner — become legally liable, even after the work is done.
If unpermitted work fails inspection, you may face costly delays, fines, or even be required to redo or remove the work.
When it’s time to sell your home, unpermitted work can raise red flags for buyers, appraisers, and inspectors — potentially reducing your home’s value or delaying its sale.
Some contractors may claim permits aren’t required when they actually are. We encourage all homeowners to call the city permit office before hiring a contractor. A list of projects that typically require permits can be found here.
What Homeowners Can Do
To keep Tara strong, vibrant, and desirable, every homeowner plays a part:
Review the Unified Deed Restrictions on the Tara Civic Association website under Resident Resources
Submit plans to the ACC before starting any exterior project including roofs, fences, driveways, major landscaping, and paint
Confirm city permit requirements and ensure your contractor complies
Use quality, approved materials that align with neighborhood standards
Maintain your property to support Tara’s overall curb appeal
Our Shared Responsibility
Tara is more than a collection of individual properties — it’s a neighborhood shaped by decades of planning, investment, and community standards. Supporting the ACC process and upholding Tara’s Unified Deed Restrictions isn’t about bureaucracy — it’s about protecting what we’ve all worked hard to create.
By purchasing a home in Tara, residents agree to follow these deed restrictions, which have guided our neighborhood since its founding 60 years ago. While they have recently been updated and refreshed for clarity, their purpose remains the same: to preserve Tara’s character and safeguard its long-term value.
By staying informed, following the ACC process, and holding ourselves — and our contractors — accountable, we can ensure Tara continues to thrive for years to come.
With Appreciation,
Tara Civic Association
