ACC: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ACC?
The Architectural Control Committee is established by the Deed Restrictions to provide for the enforcement of the Deed restrictions which pertain to the size of houses, the materials used in construction and the location of the houses, buildings and fences on each lot.
Who is on the ACC?
The ACC is a committee of the Knollwood Village Civic Club. Committee members are all volunteers and are approved by the Board of Directors of the Civic Club. See a listing of current committee members HERE.
Are the Deed Restrictions the same for all of the sections of Knollwood Village?
The Deed Restrictions for all of the sections (except Section 8) are very similar but do differ slightly. It is always best to consult the restrictions for the section your property is located in. Section 8 deed restriction were modified by a majority vote of the homeowners in September 2020. You can find the deed restrictions for each section of Knollwood Village and Braes Terrace II HERE.
When am I required to submit drawings for ACC approval?
Any work that changes the size or shape of you home should be reviewed and approved prior to the beginning of the work. Re-roofing, painting and landscape work do not require approval.
What do I need to submit for my project approval?
A list of drawings and documents and formats required for committee review can be found on the Submission Form on the KVCC website Any building permit application for the City of Houston requires that the homeowner sign an affidavit affirming the work complies with any and all deed restriction for the neighborhood. Without ACC approval, a homeowner would need to falsely submit a permit application and open themselves up to prosecution by the City attorney.
Can I appeal the findings of the ACC?
Yes. Under the bylaws of the Knollwood Village Civic Club, any homeowner with a project rejected by the ACC can appeal to the Board of Directors for a vote.
What happens if I don’t get ACC approval for my project?
Any building permit application for the City of Houston requires that the homeowner sign an affidavit affirming the work complies with any and all deed restriction for the neighborhood. Without ACC approval, a homeowner would need to falsely submit a permit application and open themselves up to prosecution by the City attorney.
What is a story?
Click HERE for a complete architectural guideline about multi-story residences / properties. Important note: This does not apply to Section 8 or Braes Terrace II.
What are the building guidelines for Section 8?
Click HERE.
Do I need to contact the ACC for a storage shed?
Yes. Storage sheds, out-buildings and separate garages must be reviewed and approved by the ACC. Under the Deed Restrictions of many of the Sections in Knollwood Village, detached structures may have different setbacks from those for the main residence.
Can I build into the Utility Easement?
There are two types of easements on most properties in Knollwood Village. The 5’ U.E. adjacent to many rear lot lines cannot ever be built-in and must be kept clear. Other easements labeled A.E. reserve the air space 20’ above the ground and above which generally means that a single story portion of the building and extend into this portion of the easement. Centerpoint Energy, which has the legal use of this space may have additional restrictions on minimum distances that a structure is required to have from utility wires.
Do I need to contact the ACC for a driveway or swimming pool?
Generally not but if you are required to get a building permit, you may need to have ACC approval so that you can sign the permit affidavit required by the City.
Can I subdivide my property?
According to the City of Houston, a lot can be subdivided if the resulting lots all meet the minimum lot size specified in the Deed Restrictions or, if no minimum lot size is specified, a minimum lot size of 5000 sq. ft. Because this is can be an expensive and time consuming process, it would be best to consult with the ACC and the City of Houston Planning Department to determine if a subdivision is possible.
Can I build a house on two lots?
The City of Houston will require you to re- plat the two lots into a single building site. The re-platting process removes the previous interior building lines and redefines the property as a single building site. Importantly, utility easements cannot be removed by a lot replat or lot subdivision.
How can I tell if my property is in the floodplain?
You can type in your address on the FEMA website to find your property on the flood map. Zone AE is considered the floodplain and any new construction or additions will have to be elevated above the identified base flood elevation BFE.
Can I install a fence in the front of my home?
Due to new regulations passed in 2021 (effective in 2022) by the State of Texas related to front yard fences, please see HERE for guidance.
How tall of a fence can I build?
Our Deed Restrictions do not address fence height. The City of Houston requires an engineer’s seal and a permit for any fence taller than 8 feet above adjacent grade or for any brick or masonry wall taller than 4 feet.
What’s up with the Sidewalks?
HERE is the deal…
How do I find out if construction in the neighborhood has been submitted and approved?
Send an email to build@knollwoodvillage.org and we will let you know.