Week 3: Home Maintenance, Home Improvements & Design

Deed Restriction Reminders

• Exterior Modifications & Construction: Any modifications to the exterior, including but not limited to paint, fences, accessory structures, roofing, solar panels and hardscape, should be submitted to the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) prior to permits or construction. Submittals for design updates should be harmonious with existing homes in the subdivision and should include sufficient drawings and/or specifications to review location, materials and overall project intent. (TDR 4.2)

• Architectural Control Committee (ACC) Review Process: The ACC will ensure new construction matches existing quality and appearance. High-quality alternate materials may be considered by the ACC. Submission approval/denial within 30 days of completed application requests. If additional info is needed, the 30-day approval period resets once the revised plans are submitted. The full process is further outlined on Tara Civic’s website under Resident Resources/Deed Restrictions. (TDR 4.3)

• Construction Deadlines: Construction must begin within 6 months of ACC approval and should be completed within 12 months. Extensions can be granted for valid reasons before the deadline. (TDR 4.4)

• Residential Lot Use: Only one single-family dwelling allowed per lot. (TDR 4.5)

• New Construction & Setbacks: Prior to any new construction or additions, reference setbacks specific to your filing. You can find your filing on the Subdivision Map under Resident Resources on Tara Civic’s website. (TDR 4.1)

• Carports: Each home must have at least a two-car garage or carport. If the garage or carport is converted into living space, it must be replaced with another two-car garage or carport. If a garage or carport is used as living space, it cannot include a kitchen. Carport additions must be approved by the ACC for design and materials prior to construction. No prefabricated metal structures allowed. (TDR 4.1 & 4.14)

• Temporary Structures: No temporary or permanent housing structures, other than the main home, can be placed on a lot or used as a temporary residence without approval from the Board and ACC. (TDR 4.8)

• Accessory Buildings: Must be approved by the ACC before construction. Only one accessory building per lot (max 120 sq ft) is allowed and must be placed in the rear yard and hidden from the street by a wooden fence. Materials like wood, hardie board, or vinyl are acceptable; no rust-prone metals. (TDR 4.10)

• Outdoor Kitchens (TDR 4.11): ACC approval required for pool installations, cabanas, and outdoor cooking facilities.

• Servitudes/Utility Maintenance: Utility and drainage easements are established and must remain unobstructed. (TDR 4.9)

• Fences: Fence plans must be approved by the ACC for materials, location, and height. Fence heights should not exceed:

  • 6 ft for vinyl coated chain link or brick walls.

  • 8 ft for wooden fences in rear and side yards; 6 ft for front-facing fences.

  • Pool fences must comply with City-Parish regulations. (TDR 4.12)

• Roofing: Standard asphalt shingles allowed; alternate materials must be pre-approved by the ACC. No metal roofing allowed. Solar panels must be shingle-type and not visible from the street. (TDR 4.13)

• Material Storage: Construction materials or equipment should not be visible except during active construction. Storage containers/dumpsters allowed for up to 6 months; must be removed if construction stops for 3 weeks. (TDR 4.15)

• Home Maintenance: Property owners must maintain their lot including but not limited to exterior painting, mildew removal, replacement of rotten or damaged siding, trim, eaves, soffits, and roofing. (TDR 5.13)

Helpful Design Tips

• Get Ideas for Your Home Update: Many of Tara's homes were built in the 1960s and 70s, and if yours hasn’t seen many updates, there are plenty of ways to bring it into the modern era. To get inspired, take a drive through neighborhoods with homes of similar vintage or newly built homes that share a comparable style to Tara's. Observing these updated homes will give you a sense of the latest trends and ideas for your own renovation.

• Add Focus to Front Door & Entryway: One of the most straightforward ways to modernize your home is by updating the front door. A bold, modern paint color and new hardware can create an instant refresh. For a bigger impact, consider replacing the door with one that includes glass lites to bring in more natural light and create a welcoming feel. Finish off the entryway with clean-lined lighting, simple planters, and a fresh doormat to tie everything together.

• Update Exterior Lighting: Recessed LED lights are a great way to highlight the front porch and draw attention to architectural features like rooflines, textured brick, columns, or landscaping. Sleek sconces or pendant lights near the front door add warmth and character, especially when coordinated with your home’s updated finishes. Be mindful of placement—fixtures should enhance visibility and create ambiance without shining directly into eyes or windows. A well-lit exterior should feel inviting, not overwhelming.

• Create an Outdoor Living Space: Adding a covered patio or defined outdoor living area is a great way to extend your home’s usable space. Think of it as an outdoor room—add ceiling fans and heaters to keep it comfortable year-round. A well-designed patio enhances everyday living and adds long-term value.

• Connect Indoor and Outdoor Spaces: To make the most of your outdoor updates, look for ways to connect them with the interior. Replacing smaller windows with sliding glass doors, bi-fold glass doors, or full-length windows with integrated glass doors is a popular way to bring in more natural light and improve the flow between inside and out.

• Exterior Paint: A fresh coat of paint can drastically update your home’s exterior. If painting brick feels too bold, try an opaque limewash. It soaks into the brick, allowing it to breathe while providing a soft, updated look.

• Evaluate Your Home’s Shutters: Shutters can add charm to some homes, but in others, they may make the exterior feel outdated. If they’re too small, in poor condition, or purely decorative, consider removing them altogether. In some cases, replacing them with window trim can create a more modern, streamlined look.

• Fencing: Update your yard with a wood fence to beautifully frame your backyard while providing privacy and warmth. Staining the wood, whether in a natural color or with a custom hue, enhances its beauty and offers long-lasting protection. For the front of the house, especially at driveway gates, consider metal fencing. Its sleek, contemporary look adds elegance, durability, and security—ideal for high-traffic areas.