As a relatively new owner of a home, I distinctly remember the overwhelming feeling that comes with the process of moving from one residence to the other. There are an inordinate number of decisions that need to be made as well as physical demands to be met. Navigating through a process can sometimes be daunting, especially if it is a process that is new or unfamiliar. When help is available, it can become infinitely easier. Thankfully, in our community, there are many resources and help is readily available.
Ursula Stevenson, Compliance Assistant of Sun City Community Association Huntley, has agreed to answer a few questions for this column in an effort to help both those who have recently moved into Sun City and those that have been here for many years.
Ursula, can you please tell us a bit about your position with First Service Residential and the Sun City Community Association?
All exterior modifications to the properties here within Sun City Huntley are to be applied for and approved before the modification may take place. My job is to work with homeowners and the reviewing committee throughout all stages of this application process to help to keep the homeowner and their properties in compliance with the Governing Documents of Sun City Huntley.
The Sun City Community Association has produced a document titled ‘Design Guidelines Sun City Huntley.’ What types of information is available in this document?
The Design Guidelines assist in defining the parameters of many common exterior modifications. These Guidelines are what is used by the Modifications Committee when reviewing each application for change.
Where might our readers locate a copy of this document?
The Design Guidelines for Sun City, as well as all Sun City Governing Documents, can be accessed by the homeowners on the Sun City Website at sccah.com
Additionally, there is a binder in the Prairie Lodge reading room with the Design Guidelines in print for resourcing while in the reading room only.
Residents often wish to make changes to the outside of their homes. What are some examples of projects that need approval?
The majority of changes made to the outside of the home/yard require approval; it is safe to assume that any change needs approval and we recommend reaching out to our compliance staff to inquire before proceeding with any exterior changes.
If approval is needed for an exterior project, what is the process for a homeowner to ask for approval?
The application for change is to be completed and submitted by the homeowner. Once submitted, the Modification Committee reviews the application and marks it approved or not approved. This application will then be recorded with the property records and revisited later to confirm correct completion of the project. Any homeowners that receive a not approved vote on their application have the right to appeal to the Sun City Board of Directors to ask for a variance.
What is the time frame for this process?
The Modification Committee meets every other Tuesday and reviews all complete submitted applications at that time. The committee meeting dates for 2026 are as follows: April 7 & 21, May 5 & 19, June 2 & 16 & 30, July 14 & 28, August 11 & 25, September 8 & 22, October 6 & 20, November 3 & 17, and December 1 & 15 & 29.
What are the most common mistakes that homeowners make when applying for approval for an exterior medication?
The most common mistake that I have seen is when the application form is submitted blank without the necessary project details that the committee will need for review. I recommend the applying homeowner look through the guidelines for details about the modification they wish to make. When this is done, the homeowner has a better understanding of what details the committee will be looking for to confirm the application meets the limitations noted in the guidelines.
Are there any common misconceptions that you would like to clear up for our readers?
Because a neighbor says something is ‘OK’ is not equivalent to a committee approval.
If our readers want more information in writing about the exterior modification approval process, where might they locate it?
The Sun City website has a tab dedicated solely to Exterior Modifications. Within this tab is the application for change documents, approved color charts, as well as the Design Guidelines. Additionally, there is a flipbook on the website containing FAQ’s regarding modifications as well as other departments of the Association.
If a resident has questions, is there someone that they could talk to in person?
Residents are welcome to email or call with any inquiries they may have or visit during our ‘walk in’ hours for in person assistance Mondays and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Prairie Lodge Member Services Desk.
Ursula Stevenson
ursula.stevenson@fsresidential.com
847-515-7664.
Additionally, please note that our desk staff are also familiar with many of the frequently asked questions and are a great resource for our residents.
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc.,a landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or emailing her at Kathleen@thegrowingscene.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
