Disclaimer: This site is independent and is not authorized by, sponsored by, or affiliated with the Riverwood Homeowners Association. The answers below are derived from the HOA CC&Rs and Rules. Have questions, comments, or corrections? Your feedback is welcome.
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What is the HOA's maintenance responsibility for attached residences.
What is the HOA's maintenance responsibility for attached residences.
Under Article VI and Exhibit D of the Riverwood Fourth Restated CC&Rs, the HOA is responsible for the following maintenance duties for the 72 Attached Residences:
Exterior Painting: The HOA paints exterior wall surfaces, exterior trim, railings, and patio fences on Attached Residence lots on a Board-established schedule. (Decks and casualty-related repainting are excluded).
Landscaping & Irrigation: The HOA provides routine gardening services to maintain, repair, and replace landscaping on common grounds and on Attached Residence lots up to the exterior home walls or patio fences. It also operates, maintains, and repairs the landscape irrigation and sprinkler systems servicing these areas.
Retaining Walls: The HOA maintains, repairs, and replaces retaining walls located in Common Areas or Exclusive Use Common Areas adjacent to Attached Residence lots.
Utility Lines (Up to Lot Line): Sewer, water, gas, electrical, and plumbing utility lines providing service to an Attached Residence are maintained by the HOA or utility company up to the lot line. (Once the lateral enters the individual lot line, maintenance becomes the homeowner's responsibility).
Driveway & Walkway Repair (Special Circumstances): While general driveway and walkway maintenance is the owner's responsibility, the HOA is required to repair driveway or walkway damage caused by HOA irrigation line ruptures, Common Area infrastructure failures, or HOA tree roots.
Tree Maintenance: The HOA contracts for annual tree pruning on Attached Residence grounds and Common Areas according to an established rotation schedule.
Shared Community Facilities: The HOA maintains all shared infrastructure, including perimeter fencing, mailboxes, street lights, entry gates, private roads, swimming pools, tennis courts, and bridges.
What does the HOA maintain for detached residences
What does the HOA maintain for detached residences
While the HOA does not maintain detached lots, detached home assessments fund the operation and upkeep of shared community infrastructure:
Common Area Amenities: Maintenance of swimming pools, spas, cabanas, tennis courts, recreation buildings, the covered bridge, and private streets.
Community-Wide Infrastructure: Upkeep of perimeter fencing, street lights, and mailboxes.
Common Grounds & Utilities: Open space landscaping, common area trees, common area retaining walls, and utility line segments located within the Common Area before reaching the lot line.
How can members request landscape maintenance, tree service or homeowner landscaping improvements?
How can members request landscape maintenance, tree service or homeowner landscaping improvements?
How a Riverwood homeowner requests attention to a landscaping need depends on whether they are requesting routine HOA landscape maintenance or proposing a new homeowner-initiated landscaping change.
1. Requesting Routine Landscape Maintenance or Tree Service
1. Requesting Routine Landscape Maintenance or Tree Service
For attached residences and shared open spaces, the HOA is responsible for maintaining common grounds and front-yard landscaping up to the exterior walls or patio fences.
Tree Pruning Requests: The HOA contracts for tree pruning on an established annual rotation. If a homeowner needs tree pruning outside the regular schedule, they must submit a written request to the Board of Directors.
Committee Routing:
Landscape Committee: Handles general groundskeeping, lawn care, and landscape irrigation concerns.
Tree Committee: Inspects common trees, evaluates disease or safety hazards, and coordinates pruning or dead branch removals with an arborist.
2. Requesting Approval for Homeowner Landscaping Improvements
2. Requesting Approval for Homeowner Landscaping Improvements
If a resident wants to install new landscaping, alter existing yard features visible from streets or common areas, or plant/remove significant trees, prior written approval is required:
Application Submittal: The homeowner submits a written application with two complete sets of plans and specifications to the Landscape Committee (or Tree Committee for tree planting/removal).
Review & Final Approval:
The assigned committee conducts an advisory review within 30 days.
Committee recommendations are forwarded to the Board of Directors for final confirmation at their next open meeting.
What are the Architectural & Landscaping Approval Processes?
What are the Architectural & Landscaping Approval Processes?
Disclaimer: This site is independent and is not authorized by, sponsored by, or affiliated with the Riverwood Homeowners Association.
Under Article V of the Riverwood Homeowners Association Fourth Restated Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs), all structural, exterior, and visible landscaping improvements require prior written review and approval before any work can begin. This process ensures community harmony, maintains high aesthetic standards, and protects property values across Riverwood.
1. Does Your Project Require Approval?
1. Does Your Project Require Approval?
Projects Requiring Approval
Prior written approval is required for constructing, installing, altering, or remodeling any Improvement, including:
Exterior structural alterations, room additions, or exterior wall modifications
Roof replacements, skylights, and solar heating installations
Fences, privacy walls, retaining walls, trellises, and decks
Spas, antennas, and satellite dishes
Landscaping projects visible from any street or common area
Planting or removing significant trees (or oak tree pruning)
Exempt Projects
The following projects do not require formal committee approval:
Interior Renovations: Work inside a residence that does not alter or intrude into structural walls or party walls.
Hidden Yard Improvements: Landscaping or additions in private yard areas of unattached homes that are completely non-visible from neighboring lots, streets, or common areas.
Like-for-Like Repairs: Repair or replacement of existing exterior elements using identical or superior materials and matching colors.
Mandated Repairs: Work required by law or local building code updates.
Note for Like-for-Like Repairs & Mandated Work: Although formal review is exempt, homeowners must submit a brief written notification to the committee prior to starting work detailing the project scope, materials, and colors to prevent inadvertent compliance checks.
2. Step-by-Step Approval Process
2. Step-by-Step Approval Process
[Step 1: Submit Application] âž” [Step 2: Committee Advisory Review] âž” [Step 3: Board Action] âž” [Step 4: Execute Work] âž” [Step 5: Completion & Inspection]
Step 1: Prepare and Submit Your Application
Application Package: Submit a written request accompanied by two complete sets of plans, specifications, and plot plans that comply with Riverwood's Architectural or Landscape Rules.
Permits: If local or Sacramento County permits are required (e.g., retaining wall construction or oak tree pruning/removal), attach copies of required governmental permits to your submittal.
Jurisdiction Routing: Your application will be routed to the appropriate standing committee:
Architecture Review Committee (ARC): Structural, building, and exterior home projects.
Landscape Committee: Grounds, garden, and general landscaping proposals.
Tree Committee: Proposals involving planting, pruning, or removing significant trees.
Step 2: Committee Review & Meeting
Review Criteria: The committee evaluates proposals to ensure design harmony with surrounding structures, compliance with CC&R guidelines, protection of neighboring property enjoyment, and adherence to community aesthetic standards.
Attending Meetings: Applicants may attend the scheduled committee meeting and bring an architect, engineer, or contractor. Neighboring owners who could be adversely affected (e.g., by view, noise, or solar access changes) are also notified and entitled to attend.
30-Day Advisory Timeline: Within 30 days of receiving a complete application, the committee will return one set of plans with a written advisory recommendation to approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the submittal.
Deemed Denial: If the committee does not issue a decision within 30 days, the application is deemed denied, allowing the applicant to appeal directly to the Board of Directors.
Step 3: Board Confirmation & Final Decision
Committee approvals serve as recommendations; final approval requires formal confirmation by the Board of Directors.
Board Review Window: The item is placed on the agenda for the next open Board meeting. The Board has 30 days from receiving the committee's recommendation (or an owner appeal) to take action.
Deemed Approval: If the Board fails to act within its 30-day decision window, the application is legally deemed approved.
Written Notice: Final decisions are delivered in writing. If disapproved, the written response will detail the reasons for disapproval and outline the formal reconsideration procedure.
Step 4: Executing the Approved Work
Commencement & Completion Windows: Construction must begin within 6 months of approval and be completed within 1 year from the approval date (unless a custom construction schedule was approved). If work is not started or completed within these windows, approval is automatically revoked.
Plan Modifications: Any material changes to approved plans during construction require a separate submittal and re-approval before proceeding.
Unapproved Work: Work conducted without approval or in violation of approved plans may be issued an immediate abatement order ("red tag"), requiring all work to stop until resolved.
Step 5: Completion, Inspection & Certification
Notice of Completion: Upon finishing the project, the homeowner must submit a written Notice of Completion to the committee.
60-Day Inspection Period: Committee representatives may inspect the site during construction and have 60 days following the Notice of Completion to conduct a final inspection. If no written notice of noncompliance is issued within 60 days, the project is deemed fully compliant.
Certificate of Compliance: Within 30 days of a written request, the ARC will issue an official Certificate of Compliance, providing formal legal verification that the completed work satisfies all CC&R requirements.
3. Appeals and Variances
3. Appeals and Variances
Reconsideration & Appeals: If an application is disapproved by a committee or the Board, the applicant has the statutory right to request a formal appeal and reconsideration during an open meeting of the Board of Directors.
Variance Requests: The Board may grant reasonable variances to relieve unnecessary hardship or practical difficulties. Variance requests require 15 days' advance written notice to committee members and neighboring owners residing within 300 feet prior to Board action.
How is the Riverwood HOA governed and who serves on the Board?
How is the Riverwood HOA governed and who serves on the Board?
Board Composition: The Association is governed by a 5-member Board of Directors.
Qualifications: Directors must be lot owners within Riverwood whose memberships are in Good Standing (meaning they are current on all assessment payments and not subject to voting suspensions). Only one owner per lot may serve on the Board at a time.
Terms of Office: Directors serve 2-year staggered terms (two directors elected in odd-numbered years and three in even-numbered years), with no limits on consecutive terms.
Authority: Corporate powers and community management are vested in the Board, except for actions explicitly requiring a direct membership vote by law or the CC&Rs.
What financial limits restrict the Board's spending and assessment authority?
What financial limits restrict the Board's spending and assessment authority?
Regular Assessment Cap: The Board cannot increase Regular Assessments by more than 20% over the previous fiscal year without approval by a Majority of a Quorum of members.
Special Assessment Cap: Special Assessments that aggregate to more than 5% of the budgeted gross expenses for the fiscal year require prior member approval by secret mailed ballot.
Capital Improvements Limit: Discretionary expenditures for new capital improvements exceeding 5% of the budgeted gross expenses require approval by a majority of a quorum of members.
Reserve Fund Restrictions: Funds allocated to reserve accounts can only be expended for the repair, restoration, replacement, or maintenance of major long-term components for which the reserve fund was established
What committees exist in Riverwood, and what authority do they have?
What committees exist in Riverwood, and what authority do they have?
The Association has four standing committees whose members are appointed by the Board for 2-year terms
Architecture Review Committee (ARC): Reviews structural, building, and exterior alteration proposals
Landscape Committee: Oversees groundskeeping, garden care, and landscaping submittals.
Tree Committee: Inspects common trees, evaluates disease/safety risks, and reviews tree removal/planting submittals.
Budget and Finance Committee: Chaired by the Treasurer, this committee oversees fiscal operations, reserve estimations, and financial disclosures.
Advisory Status: ARC and Landscape committees act in an advisory capacity—their submittal decisions function as formal recommendations to the Board of Directors, which retains final confirmation authority.
Minutes & Transparency: Standing committees are required to maintain written minutes or reports of each meeting and file them with the Board and corporate records.
Are standing committees required to notify members when a meeting of the committee is scheduled?
Are standing committees required to notify members when a meeting of the committee is scheduled?
Under the Riverwood HOA Bylaws and CC&Rs, the requirement for standing committees to notify members when a meeting is scheduled depends on whether a member has requested notice or is directly affected by an item on the meeting's agenda:
1. General Notice to Association Members (Upon Request)
1. General Notice to Association Members (Upon Request)
Notice Upon Request: Standing committees are not automatically required to send community-wide notices for every routine meeting to the entire membership.
If Requested: Under Bylaws Section 10.04, if any member of the Association who is not on the committee submits a request to receive notice of committee meetings, the committee is required to provide General Notice of its scheduled meetings to that member.
2. Mandatory Notice for Architectural & Landscape Review Hearings
2. Mandatory Notice for Architectural & Landscape Review Hearings
Under CC&Rs Section 5.04, specific notice rules apply to meetings of the Architecture Review Committee (ARC) and Landscape Committee:
Applicants: The homeowner submitting an improvement proposal must be given notice of the meeting where their application is scheduled for review and has the right to attend and speak.
Potentially Affected Neighbors: The Committee or Board must give notice of the meeting or hearing to neighboring owners who could be adversely affected by a proposed project (e.g., changes in views, solar access, or noise).
Variances (300-Foot Radius): If an architectural or landscape proposal requires a formal variance from minimum construction standards or property restrictions, written notice must be posted and mailed at least 15 days in advance to all owners residing within 300 feet of the subject lot.
3. Notice to Committee Members & Minute Requirements
3. Notice to Committee Members & Minute Requirements
Committee Members: Notice of all committee meetings must be communicated in writing or by electronic means to all members serving on the committee.
Meeting Record: Unless otherwise provided in a Board resolution, committees are required to maintain written minutes or reports of each meeting and file them with the Board of Directors and corporate records.
How can a homeowner get a specific topic onto the Board agenda or call a special meeting?
How can a homeowner get a specific topic onto the Board agenda or call a special meeting?
Open Forum Request: Homeowners can introduce non-agendized topics during the Member Open Forum While the Board cannot vote on unagendized items, any director can instruct management to place the matter on a future meeting agenda
Written Agenda Request: Members can submit written proposals or draft resolutions to the Board or property manager prior to the 4-day agenda distribution window.
5% Member Petition: If the Board does not act on a request, 5% or more of the members (5 lot owners) can sign a written petition demanding a Special Meeting of the Members Upon receipt of a valid petition, the Board must issue notice within 20 days, and hold the special meeting between 35 and 90 days from receipt
How does the HOA enforce compliance and handle legal disputes?
How does the HOA enforce compliance and handle legal disputes?
Progressive Enforcement: Non-emergency infractions follow a 3-step warning process:
First Notice: Informal contact within 96 hours.
Second Notice: Formal Courtesy Notice granting 10 days to correct the issue.
Third Notice: Notice of Board Compliance Hearing (sent at least 10 days prior)
Monetary Fines: Following a formal hearing, the Board may levy fines ranging from $100 to $500 per uncorrected violation.
Dispute Resolution (IDR & ADR): California statutory law grants members the right to participate in Internal Dispute Resolution (IDR) ("meet and confer") and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) (mediation or arbitration) prior to any court litigation.
How are Association rules created, changed, or challenged by residents?
How are Association rules created, changed, or challenged by residents?
30-Day Prior Notice: Proposed Operating Rules (governing common areas, architectural standards, discipline/fines, election rules, or dispute resolution) require the Board to distribute a 30-day General Notice to all members detailing the proposed rule change before taking action.
Member Challenge (Plebiscite): If the Board adopts an Operating Rule change that residents oppose, 5% of the total lot owners can submit a petition within 30 days of notice to compel a community-wide secret ballot vote to reverse the rule change.
How can homeowners access HOA records, budgets, and meeting minutes
How can homeowners access HOA records, budgets, and meeting minutes
Meeting Minutes: Draft or approved Board meeting minutes (excluding executive sessions) must be made available to members within 30 days of the meeting.
Financial Disclosures: The Board must distribute the Annual Budget Report and Assessment & Reserve Funding Disclosure Summary between 30 and 90 days prior to the end of the fiscal year
Member Inspection Rights: Accounting records, meeting minutes, and corporate documents are open to inspection and copying by any member upon written request for a purpose reasonably related to their interest as a member.
When and where are Board meetings held, and can homeowners attend?
When and where are Board meetings held, and can homeowners attend?
Meeting Frequency & Location: The Board meets regularly at least quarterly (and ordinarily monthly) at a location within Riverwood or elsewhere in Sacramento County.
Notice & Agenda: Members must receive General Notice and an agenda at least 4 days prior to all open Board meetings.
Member Open Forum: All open Board meetings are accessible to members, and every meeting includes a dedicated Member Open Forum where residents may speak on both agendized items and general community issues.
Executive Sessions: Closed executive sessions are strictly restricted to specific confidential topics: litigation, third-party contract negotiations, member discipline, personnel matters, or meetings with delinquent owners regarding payment plans. Notice of executive sessions must be given at least 2 days in advance.
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