Home Improvements



Homeowners are not required to obtain Board approval for interior modifications, but are required to obtain Board approval for exterior modifications. This includes anything that goes on the roof, even if it cannot be seen from the ground or a neighboring residence. The homeowner is responsible for their contractors, movers and any others hired to work on their property.

Contractors may not make obtrusive noise prior to 7:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. Radios and other non-essential equipment must be operated at low volume. Contractors may not block other homeowners’ vehicular access to their garages through the alleys or interfere with normal grounds-keeping activity. They may not empty wastewater from paint buckets, etc. into the common area, streets or drains. The homeowners is responsible for any damage your contractor causes to the common area, to the homeowner’s property or to others’ property.


DRYER VENTS

Clothes dryer vents are owned and maintained by the homeowner, except that rooftop caps are maintained by the Association. Your vent should be periodically cleaned to prevent fire and to ensure efficient operation of the dryer. Some vents exit the roof. Others exit the side of the building.


DOORBELLS

Doorbells are owned and maintained by the homeowner. There are no restrictions on type or style, but homeowners are asked to make choices compatible with community standards.


FIREPLACES

Fireplaces are owned and maintained by the homeowner. Local officials occasionally declare no-burn days to control air pollution. Offenders may be fined. Monitor local news media for announcements or go to https://www.sparetheair.com/burncheck.cfm


FURNACES

Furnaces are owned and maintained by the homeowner. Units should be serviced periodically, and filters should be cleaned or replaced.


HEAT PUMPS

Heat pumps are owned and maintained by the homeowner. May be replaced or relocated only with Board approval. See the office or click here http://nepenthehoa.com/architectural-committee/ for criteria and application forms.


INSULATION

Home and garage insulation is owned and maintained by the homeowner. Permission is not required to replace or augment existing insulation. The homeowner is responsible for protecting hose bibs (exterior faucets) from freezing and for the cost of repairs if they do freeze.


MASONRY

Masonry walls are owned and maintained by the homeowner. This includes masonry walls around patios.


PATIOS

Homeowners are responsible for the maintenance of their patios, except that the Association is responsible for maintenance of the siding and fences. Plants, fountains, spas, irrigation systems, lights, trellises, planters, paving and other items are the responsibility of the homeowner, even if they were installed or planted by a previous owner. The owner is responsible for any damage to the building or grounds caused by such improvements, whether or not they were approved by the Board, and regardless of when they were installed. The Association may require the removal of any item that interferes with the maintenance of the fence or siding.

If doing any excavation in your patio, call Underground Service Alert at 811 for a free inspection. Inspectors for SMUD and other utilities will visit the site and mark the location of underground pipes and wiring with color-coded flags.


PORCH LIGHTS

Porch lights are owned and maintained by the homeowner. There are no criteria for porch lights, but homeowners are asked to make choices compatible with community standards.


TREES

The Association may require the pruning or removal of a tree or any plant that is causing damage or interfering with maintenance. The Association may also require the pruning or removal of trees and tall shrubs that are overgrown, sickly or dead if they can be seen from the common area. Do not allow ivy or other clinging vines to grow on walls or fences. To prevent dry rot and termites, keep soil and foliage away from siding and the bottoms of fences.