“How to make siting decisions for new construction in a manner that seeks to maximize the overall livability of the subdivision.” [Problem Statement #7 in the survey]
The current covenants contain some explicit restrictions about construction (See Section 5). The Architectural Committee encourages lot owners to work with their neighbors concerning their proposed construction plans. If neighbors cannot agree siting decisions revert to the AC, and the ultimate decision always lies with the AC. By 25 to 10 the membership surveys favored this proposition. (Pro-change members score= 2.5).
This proposal would amend the Covenants to require, before any owner submits improvement plans to the Architecture Committee, they first contact immediate neighbors to solicit the neighbor’s input, and that the submittal identify who the owner contacted. This would not empower neighbors to dictate the owner’s design, or require the neighbor’s “consent” to improvements. It only requires that the neighbor’s input be solicited. The proposed language is in the Draft Covenant Proposals, Article V at section 5.9.1.7 (on the Saddlehorn Blog).
Saddlehorn Ranch HOA 
I guess it is better to at least try and communicate with your neighbor prior to site improvement or construction. Some communication is better than none, even if the neighbor objects to what is going on.
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In principal this seems fine (i really like our neighbors :)) But it should be allowed via mail, email, etc as well, as there would likely be some not yet living in a main dwelling. Just like with meetings etc we need to consider inclusivity. Also, might cut down on potential conflicts/unpleasant situations if they were to arise.
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I agree with this change, especially with regard to a homeowners ability to enjoy a view of the main peaks from a main-viewing window in their home. I assume that “immediate neighbors” means only adjacent lots. I believe that this should be expanded to include any neighbor whose view of the three Teton peaks from the “main-viewing window” in their home would be significantly blocked by the proposed improvement. (I think that it is most important to protect the view of these peaks from at least this one viewing room/window on the affected neighbor’s property (not every window, of course) so that the affected neighbor’s property is not devalued by the improvement, and so the affected neighbor can continue to enjoy the view, which is most likely the main reason that they chose to live here. I’m not talking about an improvement being in-line with the view of the peaks, but rather in-line with and rising high enough that a significant portion of the peaks could not be seen from the affected homeowners main-viewing window. This could mean consulting with neighbors two or three lots to the west of the proposed improvement, if that improvement will be sufficiently high enough to interfere with their view. Since we don’t have staggered predetermined building envelops on each lot, as some other subdivisions do to protect views, then potentially affected homeowners need to be able comment so that the architectural committee can do their best to protect each homeowners view.
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I agree with Steve’s comments and solutions. Protecting the views of the Tetons is of paramount importance and the impact could occur on a lot or so down. Very important to address this during home construction in a fair and reasonable way. Ultimately, the HOA should consider all input and make the best decision all things considered. Landscaping should be included in this discussion as well.
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