Community Standards Department
The Community Standards Department is responsible for assisting homeowners in understanding deed restrictions and their purpose and enforcement in an effort to maintain property values in your neighborhoods. These restrictions exist to assure our members a high quality of life that is consistent in appearance and quality, while allowing as much individual expression as possible. FCCSA is a group of neighborhoods that exhibit an immense amount of pride in their community and respect for their neighbors.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding deed restrictions please e-mail the Community Standards Department at communitystandards@firstcolony.org.
If you have questions regarding property improvement requests, concerns or issues please e-mail the PIC Coordinator at PIC@firstcolony.org.
Reason for Existence
The Community Standards staff is charged with upholding this Amended & Restated Declaration of Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions of First colony. The entire staff is involved in treating each violation fairly (without any preferential treatment). Consistent monitoring and enforcement helps to ensure members are maintaining the highest property values possible for their homes. The goal will always be to preserve the aesthetic & architectural integrity of the community.
Community Standards Duties
Each inspector performs inspections in assigned neighborhoods (3000+ homes each) and in commercial areas using general inspection criteria. Together, the inspectors service a total of 10,025 single family homes, townhomes (including Plantation Settlement Subdivision) and 500 commercial properties.
The inspector not only follows up on deed restriction notices or violation letters; but also provides other services such as….
- Inputs all data into the computerized tracking system.
- Follows up on all complaints or member inquiries.
- Explains violations and/or provides information regarding First Colony’s deed restrictions and guidelines.
- Responds to member questions via email and telephone calls in a timely manner.
- Answers all correspondence.
- Meets with members on an as requested basis (either at their home or FCCSA office).
- Personally communicates with members to resolve difficult issues.
- Inspects homes that have been sold and issues the appropriate level of Certificate of Compliance.
- Delivers Welcome Packets to new members- in an effort to meet them and establish a rapport.
The Notice Process
| 1. A Deed Restriction Notice, or 1st letter, is sent when the non-compliance issue is first observed or reported. | 3. A 2nd letter is sent approximately 30- 45 days after the 1st if the original issue has not been cured. Member is advised to cure the violation within 30 days of the 2nd letter. |
| 2. Members that are in need of assistance are requested to contact us. Recently revised letters & guidelines have resulted in more friendly customer relations and fewer complaints. | 4. A 3rd letter is sent if the violation remains uncured. This letter informs the member that if the issue is not cured, they are invited to attend the hearing of the Covenants Committee regarding their violation. |
Residential Guidelines & Property Improvement Forms
Residents purchasing a home in an Association-governed community like First Colony Community Services Association means that they have agreed to comply with Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions. These rules typically apply to architectural guidelines (such as additions, decks, paint colors, etc.), landscape, fences, and more. A Property Improvement application form must be submitted for approval prior to the commencement of any type of exterior change or construction on the property. All property improvement application submittals must follow the Property Improvement Procedures and Guidelines. In addition, there could be individual neighborhood requirements. These requirements can be found on the Governing Documents page under Governing Documents > Supplemental Amendments Per Neighborhood. Many times, we will ask for a survey site plan of your property to go along with the application form. An example can be found below. If you have any questions please call the office at (281) 634-9500 and we will direct your call to the person that can best answer your questions.
See individual guidelines below. For the complete list of guidelines click on the
“Residential Property Improvement Procedures & Deed Restriction Guidelines”.
Certificate of Compliance & Forms
The Certificate of Compliance (COC) inspection is required by FCCSA prior to the sale of a home. This inspection focuses on issues of compliance within the deed restriction policies and modification approvals. The purpose of the inspection is to inform both the property seller and the purchaser of any outstanding violations. All members that are selling their home must submit a Certificate of Compliance request form (14 business days prior to the closing date).
After the Certificate of Compliance is requested, an inspector will visit the home and do a thorough inspection of the exterior of the property. There are three (3) different categories of results. They are as follows:
- Certificate of Compliance- All items are in compliance with the deed restrictions of FCCSA and the sale of the home may be completed.
- Certificate of Compliance with Provisions- The Certificate of Compliance will be issued when the noted violations are cured. The sale of the home may be completed, but the buyer must be informed of violations if not cured prior to the sale.
- Certificate of Non-Compliance- The home is not in compliance with the deed restrictions of FCCSA and the sale cannot close until all the violations have been cured.
Forms are below and can be printed and faxed to our office at (281) 634-9515 or mailed/hand delivered to the office at 4350 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479.
For more information about Certificates of Compliance please call (281) 634-9500 or e-mail COCrequest@firstcolony.org.