If a Tree is Cut in Columbia, Does it Make a Sound? Only if a Quorum of Members Voted for Approval

If a Tree is Cut in Columbia, Does it Make a Sound?  Only if a Quorum of Members Voted for Approval.  If you are thinking of relocating to Columbia, MD, you may be aware that the homes in this planned community are subject to the CC&R's as written by the Columbia Association.  While this Association has many benefits, too many to list here in this blog, you should also be aware that an important part of these covenants state that if you want to make any alteration to your home's exterior, that alteration is subject to Columbia's Exterior Alteration Application Process, the final outcome of which is dependent on a quorum of members voting on the merit of the application.

Keep in mind that this policy applies to fencing, landscaping (planting and removing), decks installation or removal, walkways, patios, driveways, play structures, air conditioning units, privacy screening, and pretty much anything else you can think of when it comes to making a change to your property.

For instance, if you want to remove a tree from your property, if the tree trunk diameter is greater than 6 inches, you must get approval.  This plan was put in place many years ago with all of the best intentions to preserve trees in the neighborhood.  It's a reasonable goal - or is it?

What if the tree is encroaching on a structure on the property?  In some cases, homeowner's insurance requires removal of branches that hang over the roof.  What if a tree is dying?  Or what if the tree is a species that attract pesky bugs, which then infest the home?  (I've had this happen).  What if, due to the size and slope of the lot, there are safety concerns with the location of the tree?

What if your reason is less about safety, but more about aesthetics or lifestyle?  Maybe you're tired of raking leaves and cleaning out your gutters.  Maybe your entire back yard is wooded, and you'd like a little grass, which is nearly impossible to grow in full shade.  Maybe you'd like to install a play structure, and don't have enough room without removing a tree.  Maybe you just don't like trees.

CC&R's, or Community Covenants and Restrictions, are not necessarily a negative thing.  And the goal of the CC&R's is often for the benefit of the community as a whole.  As a Realtor, I simply advocate to those looking to relocate to Columbia that they should be aware of the covenants, and how it will affect them.