Summary

All exterior construction and architectural changes to your property require SSAC approval before work begins. The committee reviews requests for fences, sheds, building additions, pools, docks, and other exterior structures based on specific standards for size, material, color, and location.

Violations follow a structured notice and fine process. Yard light and fence violations have their own specific procedures. Most other violations give homeowners 14 days to respond with a corrective action plan before escalating to fines of $200–$400 per month.

Plain Language Guide

1. Always Get Approval First

Every exterior change — fence, shed, deck, addition, pool — requires written SSAC approval before any work starts. Submitting after the fact is not an option.

Example: Ordering materials before approval is a risk. If the SSAC denies the request, you may be required to remove what was built at your own expense.

2. Yard Post Lights — Keep Them Working

Your yard post light must be white/neutral and produce between 1190–1600 lumens. Solar lights are not allowed. If your light fails inspection, you have 30 days before a $50 fine is issued. Fines increase $50 every 30 days until you provide photographic proof of compliance to the SSAC.

Contact to resolve: architecture@sawgrasshoa.com with a photo of your repaired light.

3. Fences — Maintenance Matters

Fences in disrepair receive a 60-day Notice of Intent to Fine. To resolve it, submit photographic proof of repair, a signed contractor agreement, or proof of fence removal within that 60-day window. After 60 days an initial $50 fine is assessed, increasing $50/month for 8 months, then $400/month ongoing.

See also: Expectations of Fence Maintenance for photo examples of what constitutes disrepair.

4. Standard Violation Process

For all other violations: first notice gives 14 days to respond with a corrective action plan. Second notice gives 7 more days. After 21 days total with no response, the board begins the fine process — $200/month for 3 months, then $400/month until resolved.

Tip: Always respond in writing to violation notices, even if you need more time. A corrective action plan stops the fine clock.

5. Approvals Expire After 6 Months

SSAC approval is valid for 6 months from the date of approval. If you don’t start work within that window you’ll need to reapply. SSAC approval covers HOA covenant compliance only — you are still responsible for all city building permits and code compliance.

Example: Approved in January, haven’t started by July? Your approval has expired — submit a new request before starting work.

SSAC Policies

Sawgrass Subdivision Architectural Committee Policies — Revised May 2026

Sawgrass Subdivision Architectural Committee [SSAC] Policies

Revised May 2026

All Exterior Construction and other architectural changes to the property must be approved by the SSAC before work begins.

Submit an Architectural Request

Yard Post Lights

Light bulbs other than white (neutral) are only permitted during official city holidays. Yard lights shall be equipped with a light source producing 1190 lumens, equivalent to a standard 75-watt incandescent light bulb (as per city code) and no more than 1600 lumens, equivalent to a standard 100-watt incandescent light bulb. Solar Powered lights are not allowed due to their inability to meet these requirements.

Non-working Yard Post Light Violations

This applies to our annual inspection.

First Notice: First letter of violation with $50 fine mailed to lot owner 30 days after initial post card notification.
Resolution Requirements: To resolve the violation and stop further assessments, the lot owner is responsible for providing photographic proof of yard post light compliance to the SSAC via email at architecture@sawgrasshoa.com.
Ongoing Fines: Monthly violation assessments will increase by $50 every 30 days until the yard light has been repaired and compliance is confirmed by the SSAC.

Fences

Size, color, material, general aesthetics design and location must be approved by the SSAC.

All wooden fence framework must have cross members and posts on inside and fence panels on the outside public facing.
4’ maximum height on lake lots. 6’ maximum height on non-lake lots. Fence should follow property contour.
Fence must be within property lines with a minimum of 12” from the sidewalk/bike path. No temporary fence or chain link fence permitted.

Fence Maintenance Violations

A 60-day “Notice of Intent to Fine” will be issued for fences requiring maintenance. To resolve the violation, homeowners must submit to the SSAC via email within the 60-day window:

Photographic proof of the repaired fence, or
A signed contractor agreement with a scheduled repair date, or
Photographic proof of complete (or SSAC-approved partial) fence removal.

If unresolved after 60 days, the SSAC will assess an initial $50.00 fine. The violation is then transferred to the Board Treasurer, and fines will increase by $50.00 per month for the first (8) eight months and $400.00 per month ongoing starting on the ninth month until compliance is verified.

Reference: Expectations of Fence Maintenance

Standard Violation Process (Non-Light/Fence)

Once a violation has been determined, a first notice of violation will be mailed to the homeowner. Homeowner will have 14 days from the date of the letter to respond. The response to the violation will be either a corrective action plan or full correction.

If the violation is not corrected or a plan submitted, a second notice of violation will be sent requiring a response within 7 days from the date of the second notice. If there has been no correction or plan to correct submitted by the homeowner within 21 days from initial violation notification, the issue is turned over to the board to begin the fine process.

All corrective action plans must be approved by SSAC & Board of Directors and must be completed within (6) six months of the date of the first notice of violation. Fines will be assessed at $200.00 per month for the first (3) three months and $400.00 per month ongoing starting on the fourth month until the violation has been verified.

Maintenance: All exterior dwelling structures, fences, sheds, and playground equipment must be properly maintained. Maintenance is subject to the same standards and violation procedures as structures. All Architectural request approvals expire after 6 months from the date of approval. Approval by the SSAC is merely approval for purposes of the covenants of Sawgrass Subdivision and the SSAC assumes no responsibility for the design, installation or maintenance of any structures or other improvements. Homeowners must comply with all State and local ordinances and codes.

Other Structures & Guidelines

Category	Policy Summary
Divider Barriers	Duplex/Quadplexes ONLY. 8’ maximum height; cannot block lake views. Size, color, material, general aesthetic design and location must be approved by the SSAC.
Sheds	Size, color, material, general aesthetic design and location must be approved by the SSAC. PLASTIC SHEDS ARE NOT ALLOWED. Siding and roofing must match existing dwelling. Maximum dimensions are 16’×20’×12’ eave height. On lake lots the following will be considered based on size, location, and adjacent resident’s view of the lake. Shed location shall be in the rear yard. Shed Setback Reference
Building Additions	Includes decks, pergolas, balconies, patios, screened/other porches, sunrooms, etc. SSAC must approve size, color, material, design, and location. Final approval contingent on city building/safety permit if required.
Pools	No above ground pools (except kiddie pools under 300-gallon capacity). In-ground pools require fence and city permit.
Docks	Cannot be built by individual homeowners. Submit requests to the lake committee. Requires HOA Board approval. SSAC must approve size, color, material, and design.
Structures on Commons	No permanent structures allowed without HOA Board approval. Subject to SSAC review (Board approves action, SSAC approves structure).
Vegetable Gardens	One permitted in rear yard; maximum 100 sq. ft. Must be maintained.

Revision History

Date	Section	Description of Change
May 2026	Yard Lights	Added requirement for lot owners to provide photographic proof of compliance and established ongoing monthly assessments until verified.
March 2026	Fences/Violations	Added “Fence Maintenance Violations” policy and updated standard violation titles.
March 2023	General	Previous policy baseline established.