“How to define roles and responsibilities for making decisions about architectural landscaping.” [Problem Statement #18]
The Architectural Committee has chosen to only become involved with landscaping work when it involves fences. The AC currently asks property owners to be considerate of their neighbors when planting trees and shrubs. By 18 to 18 the membership surveys were evenly split about whether to address landscaping. (Pro-change members score= 1.0). However, many comments discussed the planting of foliage that would block views. Therefore, this proposal was crafted to offer a middle-of-the-road approach for consideration.
This proposal would amend the Covenants to provide that, solely for the purpose of preserving views, before planting landscaping reasonably expected to grow to more than 20 feet above natural grade, the architecture committee must be consulted. The proposed new language is found in the Draft Covenant Proposals, Article V at section 5.10.1.2 (on the Saddlehorn Blog).
Saddlehorn Ranch HOA 
I do not support this change
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I think the burden rests with the builders of a new home to accept their neighbors’ existing landscaping.
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Prefer this not be changed
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I think that it is important to protect our views of the three Teton peaks from each homeowners main-viewing window. Trees that may potentially grow more than 20 feet high could be allowed without committee review (especially if such growth will take many years). However, if the committee will not be reviewing the planting of such view-blocking trees, then the Covenants should have language in them that indicates that if and when the trees get tall enough to block another homeowners view of these three peaks from their main-viewing window (this view specifically), the trees must either be trimmed short enough to restore this view, or be removed. This would be at the request of the affected homeowner, and only if the trees block the view from this main-viewing room. I do agree with the comment above by Liz, so I would suggest that the language indicate that this would not include trees that are already established before a landowner begins to build to the west, but rather those that are being planted to the east of homes that are already built. I know that I’m harping on this, but I doubt that there is any homeowner who wants their view blocked, or doesn’t care. If we don’t do what we can to protect views now–at least within the small viewing corridor of one main window–then as the subdivision builds up and trees grow, we may find that very few of us have a good view of the three Teton peaks from inside their home.
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I agree with Steve, in addition if I build and the “established” trees to my east are 18′ but eventually grow to 45′, that would be a concern. I love trees and think the area will be more aesthetically pleasing as more trees are established, but the primary view needs to be considered.
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