Special SCA Meeting RE View Protections and the “Third Amendment”

The SCA Board invites you to a Special Meeting to discuss View Protections and the changes introduced by the Third Amendment. The Board understands that there is a lot of confusion regarding these topics, so let’s get together to share and discuss the following topics:
​

• View Protection
• The View Guidelines
• Amending Covenants
• Cross Division Implications
• And more

Please note: The upcoming Annual Meeting on Thursday, January 23, is not the venue for this discussion, as time during the Annual Meeting is limited and must focus on deliverables outlined in our SCA Bylaws.

Please read the updated Fiction vs Facts document before the meeting to get a better understanding of:

1. “View Lines” and the Evolution of the View Guidelines: The "View Line" concept in early versions of the View Guidelines did NOT protect everything above the View Line. The View Line concept was causing confusion and tension among Somerset residents and was therefore removed from the 2023 version of the View Guidelines.
2. Maximum Building Height: The original covenants did not set maximum building heights, except for 11 properties in the Somerset Crest Division.
3. Clarifying Myths about Second Story Additions in 2022 and 2023: Neither proposal violated the View Guidelines.
4. Warning about Diverging Covenants: If your division’s covenants are not nearly identical to other Somerset Division’s covenants, your view will not be protected from trees and houses in other Somerset divisions. Currently, most divisions’ covenants are almost identical, with only minor differences. Opening the door to replacement of the current unified covenant system with a patchwork that varies from division to division eliminates the legal basis for what courts call “cross-enforceability.”
5. Third Amendment pitfalls: Property rights issues, negative impacts to property values, more on the 300-foot neighbor veto provision, etc.
   
   

Given the importance and broad interest in this topic, it deserves a dedicated forum for discussion and debate. We are targeting Thursday, February 13, 6:30–8:30 PM, for this Special Meeting.

While we are still finalizing a venue, we hope to confirm and announce the location during the Annual Meeting on Thursday.

We look forward to your participation!

Please review: Fiction vs Fact

Support your Community! Pay SCA 2025 Dues

Support SCA Nominees! Submit 2025 SCA Proxy Vote