Desert Hills Estates

What Desert Hills Estates's governing documents say

Desert Hills Estates is a single-family residential community in Phoenix, AZ where you own your individual lot. An Architectural Committee closely controls exterior changes — from the design of your home to landscaping, fencing, and vehicle placement — to preserve neighborhood character and scenic views shared across all properties. Owners must comply with strict building and maintenance standards and pay annual assessments.

• Architectural Control & Approval: The Architectural Committee must approve almost any exterior change: new homes, additions, fences, walls, landscaping, pools, antennas, driveways, colors, and materials. The Committee has 30 days to decide; if no response and no lawsuit is filed, approval is deemed given (unless they request more information, which resets the clock).
• Building & Design Standards: New homes must have at least 1,700 square feet of contiguous floor area (1,400 sq ft ground floor if two-story) and cannot exceed 26 feet in height from natural grade. Fences are limited to 3 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. All structures must follow setbacks and building envelopes shown on the recorded plat map.
• Landscaping & Vegetation: Front-yard landscaping must use native desert plants. All landscaping visible from neighboring properties must be neatly trimmed, cultivated, and weed-free. The Committee enforces view preservation (protecting the approved silhouette of dwellings); if you don't maintain your landscaping, the Association can perform the work and bill you for it.
• Prohibited Vehicles & Equipment: Motor homes, boats, trailers, campers, RVs, dune buggies, and above-ground pools cannot be kept anywhere visible from neighboring property. Only automobiles and pickup trucks in operating condition may be parked in uncovered areas. Garage doors must remain closed except when entering or exiting.
• Pets & Livestock: A reasonable number of domestic household pets are allowed (the Committee determines what is 'reasonable') and must be confined to your lot. Horses are permitted on designated lots only, limited to four per lot, with Committee approval required for any structures or fencing.
• Leasing & rentals: You may rent your entire lot to a single family for a minimum of one month. Every lease must require the tenant to comply with all community covenants, bylaws, and Association rules; noncompliance can terminate the lease. Owners remain responsible for tenant violations.
• Community Assessments & Fees: Annual assessments began at $100 per lot (as of the 1997 recording) and can increase up to 10% per year without a member vote. Special assessments for capital improvements require a 2/3 member vote. Assessments unpaid within 30 days incur 15% annual interest and create a lien on your property.
• Enforcement & Penalties: If a violation continues for 10 days after written notice, the Association can file suit, place a lien, enter your property for repairs, or take legal action to force compliance. Late assessment payments and enforcement costs (including attorney fees) are added to your assessment obligation and become a lien.

Plain-language summary generated from the governing documents on file for this community. It may be incomplete and is not legal advice — read the full documents below or consult the official recorded versions.