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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS MANOR ALTERATIONS<\/p>\n
LEGEND<\/p>\n
Authorization of Agent Form for New Alterations\/Resales \u2014 Paperwork needed to authorize<\/p>\n
tenant\/occupant or Seller’s agent to pull Mutual Consent on the homeowner’s behalf<\/p>\n
CSLB \u2014 California State License Board<\/p>\n
City Permit \u2014 The City\u2019s approval to begin the work<\/p>\n
MA \u2014 Manor Alterations<\/p>\n
MC \u2014 Mutual Consent, HOA approval for alterations<\/p>\n
Member \u2014 Manor member, member or shareholder<\/p>\n
ACSC \u2014 Architectural Control and Standards Committee<\/p>\n
1. What is an Alteration?<\/p>\n
Any structural, functional or aesthetic change to the interior of a Unit, its electrical, plumbing<\/p>\n
or mechanical systems or the structural integrity of the building; or any physical, structural or<\/p>\n
aesthetic change to the exterior of a Unit.<\/p>\n
What is the difference between a Mutual Consent and a City Permit?<\/p>\n
A Mutual Consent (MC) is the HOA\u2019s approval that your proposed alteration meets your<\/p>\n
Mutual\u2019s requirements, and can be taken to the City of Laguna Woods to obtain permits<\/p>\n
prior to beginning work, or to begin work where no City permit is required. The City Permit is<\/p>\n
the City\u2019s authorization to begin the work per City codes. The City will not provide their<\/p>\n
Permit without the approved MC application.<\/p>\n
Who is authorized to pull a Mutual Consent (MC) application?<\/p>\n
Only the property owner is authorized to pull the Mutual Consent. This includes the Non-<\/p>\n
member owner, Power of Attorney, or Trustee. However, they will need to be listed in our<\/p>\n
system as an authorized party. To get put into the system as an authorized party, please to<\/p>\n
contact Craig Shelley at Estate Services at (949) 597-4225.<\/p>\n
| have a tenant who | wish to allow to do alterations on my behalf. What paperwork do |<\/p>\n
need to authorize them?<\/p>\n
A. New Alterations: Should you wish to authorize your tenant or another party to act as<\/p>\n
your agent and perform alterations on your manor, you will need to submit an<\/p>\n
Authorization of Agent Form for New Alterations along with a copy of your state ID or<\/p>\n
Driver\u2019s License. Should the job be estimated at over $1,000.00, the form will need to<\/p>\n
be notarized. Please see Authorization of Agent Form for New Alterations.<\/p>\n
Resales: If the property owner, POA, or Trustee is unable to fill out and submit the<\/p>\n
Mutual Consent, they can have someone such as their seller\u2019s agent act upon their<\/p>\n
behalf to pull a Mutual Consent (After the Fact or New Alterations). Please see<\/p>\n
Authorization of Agent Form for Resale.<\/p>\n
Revised on 05\/30\/2024<\/p>\n
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Do you have a list of authorized vendors? Can you provide recommendations or referrals?<\/p>\n
No, neither United or Third Mutual provide a vendors list. As the property owner, you are<\/p>\n
solely responsible for researching and selecting your contractor. Please see the California<\/p>\n
State License Board (CSLB) to check your contractor\u2019s license and make sure they are<\/p>\n
properly bonded and are in good standing. You can also reach out to your Real Estate agent,<\/p>\n
as some do maintain lists of contractors who have done work in the Village before.<\/p>\n
May | perform an \u201cOwner-Builder\u201d\/be my own contractor?<\/p>\n
A. In United Mutual: Owner-Builder is not allowed by the United Mutual Board. You will<\/p>\n
need to hire a licensed contractor to perform work, even if the alteration is less than<\/p>\n
$500.00. United Mutual requires all work to be performed by a licensed contractor.<\/p>\n
In Third Mutual: While you can obtain an MC as \u201cOwner-Builder,\u201d the labor and<\/p>\n
materials will need to be valued under $500.00 if you are to perform the work<\/p>\n
yourself. If the work is over $500.00 or requires a City Permit, you will need to<\/p>\n
provide a list of licensed subcontractors and their Certificates of Liability (COLI).<\/p>\n
What is an Owner-Builder?<\/p>\n
It is a person who owns the property and acts as their own general contractor on the job,<\/p>\n
either performing the work themselves or has employees or subcontractors working on the<\/p>\n
project. The work site must be their principal place of residence that they have occupied for<\/p>\n
12 months prior to the completion of the work.<\/p>\n
Does an Owner-Builder require a license?<\/p>\n
A license is not required if the owner meets the following criteria:<\/p>\n
A. The owner-builder does the work himself or herself or through his or her own<\/p>\n
employees with wages as their sole compensation and the structure(s) is\/are not<\/p>\n
intended for sale.<\/p>\n
The owner-builder contracts with properly licensed subcontractor(s). (This exemption<\/p>\n
applies to the construction of a single-family residential structure and<\/p>\n
limits the number of structures intended or offered for sale to four or fewer in a<\/p>\n
calendar year.)<\/p>\n
C.<\/p>\n
The owner-builder contracts with a General Building (“B”) contractor. (The number of<\/p>\n
structures is then unlimited.)<\/p>\n
May \u201cmud over\u201d or scrape my popcorn ceiling?<\/p>\n
Yes, you may mud or scrape your popcorn ceiling with proper MC approval. However, the<\/p>\n
manors were built in the 1960s-1970s and used ACM (asbestos containing materials) so<\/p>\n
testing would be required. Please contact the City Building Department to get information<\/p>\n
regarding State and County guidelines.<\/p>\n
Revised on 05\/30\/2024<\/p>\n
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10. Do ceiling fans need an MC approval?<\/p>\n
Yes. All hard-wired electrical components require a Mutual Consent. Any holes cut into the<\/p>\n
ceilings or walls require a Mutual Consent. Further; all original ceilings in Laguna Woods<\/p>\n
Village have electrical heating elements running throughout the entire ceiling. Caution<\/p>\n
should be taken each time a screw penetrates the ceiling. If a screw comes in contact with<\/p>\n
the heating elements the entire heating system for that room is compromised. A separate<\/p>\n
heat source will be required for that room to meet building code requirements. The ceiling<\/p>\n
fan housing also requires being supported from a structural member above the ceiling<\/p>\n
surface.<\/p>\n
11<\/p>\n
Do | need an MC approval to install electrical outlets?<\/p>\n
Yes. Prior to beginning work your contractor\/electrician must contact the City of Laguna<\/p>\n
Woods Building Permits office to obtain all necessary permits for the work to begin.<\/p>\n
12<\/p>\n
For microwave installation, is there a separate electrical permit for a designated circuit?<\/p>\n
Members can change out any appliance if they replace the existing appliance with one that is<\/p>\n
similar to the ampere rating of the original and no other change in electrical is required. If a<\/p>\n
new dedicated circuit is needed, then both a mutual consent and city permit for code<\/p>\n
compliance are required.<\/p>\n
13<\/p>\n
Do | need an MC approval to replace a toilet? What about sinks, faucets, and shower<\/p>\n
heads?<\/p>\n
Any item that requires a city permit will require a mutual consent to be issued first, as<\/p>\n
evidence that the Mutual has provided approval to make alterations to your manor. Please<\/p>\n
check with the City of Laguna Woods Building Permits Office prior to making any changes to<\/p>\n
your interior components.<\/p>\n
14<\/p>\n
Do | need mutual consent for a video doorbell or security camera?<\/p>\n
A. Doorbells with cameras: No MA approval needed. These devices are similar to<\/p>\n
\u201cRing\u201d door bell and cameras that are battery operated devices temporarily<\/p>\n
mounted on to exterior so members are allowed to see the caller at or<\/p>\n
approaching the doorway entrance to the member manor only.<\/p>\n
The device is still considered an Alteration, and it is your responsibility to its<\/p>\n
maintenance, wall damage, and removal for mutual building work.<\/p>\n
Security Cameras: These devices similar to CCTV will require both a MC and Board<\/p>\n
approved Variance. This is due to the need for a higher understanding of the impact<\/p>\n
to adjacent neighbors, and effect on mutual property.<\/p>\n
Revised on 05\/30\/2024<\/p>\n
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15<\/p>\n
May | paint the interior of my unit?<\/p>\n
Yes. No MA approvals are required to paint the inside of your manor.<\/p>\n
16<\/p>\n
May | install a screen door on my front door without mutual consent?<\/p>\n
Yes, screen door installation is allowed without a mutual consent, including security screen<\/p>\n
doors. The new screen door will now be considered an alteration.<\/p>\n
17<\/p>\n
Do | need a mutual consent for a mail slot in my front or garage door?<\/p>\n
No, but this change will make these doors alteration doors no longer maintained by the HOA.<\/p>\n
Add a note advising to contact the post office for specific requirements.<\/p>\n
18<\/p>\n
Do | need mutual consent to install a peep hole in my front door?<\/p>\n
No. A peep hole can be installed in a front door without a mutual consent. However, this<\/p>\n
would be considered an alteration and the HOA would no longer maintain the door.<\/p>\n
19<\/p>\n
Do | need a MC approval to replace my front door?<\/p>\n
Yes, a Mutual Consent is required to replace the front door. Please see: United Alteration<\/p>\n
Standards 11 \u2014 Doors (Exterior); Third Alteration Standard 10 \u2014 Exterior Doors.<\/p>\n
20.<\/p>\n
Do | need an MC approval to paint my front door?<\/p>\n
Yes. This will require a Mutual Consent Application. Please see standards for approved<\/p>\n
colors: United Alteration Standard 11 \u2014 Doors (Exterior); Third Alteration Standards 10 \u2014<\/p>\n
Exterior Doors.<\/p>\n
21<\/p>\n
Do | need a MC approval to install large appliances such as a dishwasher, microwave,<\/p>\n
garbage disposal from Manor Alterations?<\/p>\n
A. In United: A like-for-like alteration\/permitless alteration is available (replacement<\/p>\n
only\u2014not new installation). Visit lagunawoodsvillage.com\/residents\/resident-<\/p>\n
services##manor-alterations for more information.<\/p>\n
B.<\/p>\n
In Third: No mutual consent is required for replacement(s) of appliances, as there is<\/p>\n
no major electrical or plumbing involved. It is simply a slide in, slide out.<\/p>\n
C.<\/p>\n
22<\/p>\n
Do | need a MC approval to replace kitchen and bathroom cupboards, vanities, and<\/p>\n
countertops?<\/p>\n
A. In United: A like-for-like alteration\/permitless alteration is available (replacement<\/p>\n
only\u2014not new installation). Visit lagunawoodsvillage.com\/residents\/resident-<\/p>\n
services##fmanor-alterations for more information.<\/p>\n
B.<\/p>\n
In Third: A mutual consent is required if you disturb ACM drywall\/joint compound<\/p>\n
during the demolition phase or if you are changing the layout of the<\/p>\n
Revised on 05\/30\/2024<\/p>\n
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vanities\/countertops, which may require city permit to bring the area into code<\/p>\n
compliance with electrical requirements.<\/p>\n
23. Do I need a MC approval to replace a glass shower enclosure and door?<\/p>\n
A. In United: Only the glass enclosure is considered here. No wall or floor tile is to be<\/p>\n
modified. In United, a like-for-like alteration\/permitless alteration is available<\/p>\n
(replacement only\u2014not new installation). Visit<\/p>\n
lagunawoodsvillage.com\/residents\/resident-services#manor-alterations for more<\/p>\n
information.<\/p>\n
B. In Third: No MC is required.<\/p>\n
24. Do | need a MC approval to re-tile my shower\/bath area?<\/p>\n
Yes. The bonding agent and the bonding material supporting the existing tile may contain<\/p>\n
asbestos. Removal of the existing tiles will expose these products, triggering a required<\/p>\n
asbestos inspection. The asbestos protocols are totally handled by the City of Laguna Woods<\/p>\n
Building Department. The mutual consent is required for Building Department permit<\/p>\n
processing and for Manor Alterations records.<\/p>\n
Exceptions: If it can be verified that any previous tile modifications have no asbestos<\/p>\n
present, then any subsequent tile replacements would NOT require a Mutual Consent or City<\/p>\n
Inspection.<\/p>\n
25. May | get my carport condensation panels repaired or replaced?<\/p>\n
Carport condensation panels are no longer allowed as an addition; however, you may repair<\/p>\n
them if possible. As such, replacement panels are no longer permitted. Repairs may be done<\/p>\n
as a chargeable service through Resident Services at (949) 597-4600.<\/p>\n
26. May | install tile on my patio or replace the tile that is already there?<\/p>\n
Yes, you may install tiles on your patio or replace the tiles that are already there by applying<\/p>\n
for a Mutual Consent application. No City Permit is required. Please see: United Alteration<\/p>\n
Standard 15 \u2014 Floor Coverings Exterior (Balconies and Patios) and Third Alteration Standard<\/p>\n
11 \u2014 Exclusive Use Common Area Floor Coverings.<\/p>\n
27. May | paint or stain my garage floor\/patio?<\/p>\n
In United and Third Mutual, concrete staining and epoxy coatings are allowed with Mutual<\/p>\n
Consents for Garages, Patios, Atriums, and Courtyards. Painting of concrete is prohibited in<\/p>\n
both mutuals. Please see: United Alteration Standard 15 \u2014 Floor Coverings Exterior (Balconies<\/p>\n
and Patios) and Third Alteration Standard 11 \u2014 Exclusive Use Common Area Floor Coverings.<\/p>\n
Revised on 05\/30\/2024<\/p>\n
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28. HVAC changeouts<\/p>\n
A: Do | need a City Permit for a like-for-like Central HVAC system changeout?<\/p>\n
Both an MC approval and a City Permit will be required for a like-for-like change out for<\/p>\n
\u4e00\u4e2a<\/p>\n
Central HVAC system changeout. This includes a Mini Split HVAC system.<\/p>\n
B: May | remove my old packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC)\/In-wall Heat Pump<\/p>\n
unit?<\/p>\n
LJ<\/p>\n
In United: For a like-for-like swap out of a plug-and-play PTAC units that only require<\/p>\n
detachment from the wall and sliding out of the existing sleeve, you can use a United<\/p>\n
Permitless Alteration form (United Mutual Only) for a previously permitted alteration<\/p>\n
that is currently installed).<\/p>\n
LJ<\/p>\n
In Third: An MC approval is required.<\/p>\n
29. My water heater is totally non-functional. May I replace it and get the permit afterward?<\/p>\n
For emergency non-functioning water heaters, replacements can take place immediately;<\/p>\n
however, a Mutual Consent approval and City Permit will be required to be obtained within<\/p>\n
the next business day after the work has been performed.<\/p>\n
A. In United: A mutual consent approval is required.<\/p>\n
B. In Third: Completion of a Water Heater (Like-for-Equivalent) Replacement Form is<\/p>\n
needed. Please contact the Manor Alterations department (alterations@vmesinc.org)<\/p>\n
to obtain a copy of the form.<\/p>\n
30.<\/p>\n
The member has already replaced the heat pump\/AC\/water heater because it was not<\/p>\n
working. Do they have to pay the $300 penalty fee?<\/p>\n
A. In United: A simple notification of the changeout is allowed without penalty for wall<\/p>\n
heaters\/AC units, due to water heater replacements requiring the City Permit, a MC<\/p>\n
must be obtained the next business day or the penalty will be assessed.<\/p>\n
B.<\/p>\n
In Third: A Mutual Consent form will be required within the next business day for a<\/p>\n
heat pump\/AC changeout, as it more than likely requires a City Permit. A Water<\/p>\n
Heater change-out form should be submitted the next business day. Please contact<\/p>\n
Manor Alterations to obtain a copy of this form.<\/p>\n
31<\/p>\n
What qualifies a MC approval to be expedited?<\/p>\n
In general, no MCs are expedited as they are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis in an<\/p>\n
effort to be fair to everyone in Laguna Woods Village. Some mutual consents require more<\/p>\n
extensive research and review, or may require a Variance therefore a longer review and<\/p>\n
process are needed. Some utilitarian-based applications such as a simple water heater<\/p>\n
replacement, or A\/C replacement, may be issued within a day due to urgency as well as<\/p>\n
comfort, and health considerations.<\/p>\n
Revised on 05\/30\/2024<\/p>\n
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32. Is a MC required to change out the flooring?<\/p>\n
If you are removing existing flooring (i.e. carpet) without disturbing the original black mastic,<\/p>\n
and vinyl flooring beneath\u2014including the tack strips and base boards\u2014then no Mutual<\/p>\n
Consent is required. MA suggests you lift the carpet and see if it was placed on the vinyl tile<\/p>\n
or over black mastic. If the original black mastic and vinyl flooring are disturbed, then a<\/p>\n
Mutual Consent for Alterations will be required. For approval, you do not need to provide<\/p>\n
Asbestos Testing or abatement. Please contact the City Building Department to find out<\/p>\n
County and State guidelines.<\/p>\n
33<\/p>\n
If | have to get a MC approval to remove the carpet over the vinyl tiles, why do | need an<\/p>\n
alteration permit to install new flooring?<\/p>\n
At present, no mutual consent is required to install new flooring. However, you will need to<\/p>\n
take in sound considerations. For more information, please see: United Mutual \u2014 Interior<\/p>\n
Flooring Policy, Resolution 01-18-115, and Third Mutual \u2014 Interior Hard Surface<\/p>\n
Flooring, Resolution 03-10-188. AS per policy, the Member may be held responsible to<\/p>\n
remove new flooring should it not meet noise level requirements.<\/p>\n
34<\/p>\n
Can the removal of Wall Mounted Cabinetry be done by a General Contractor or is a special<\/p>\n
asbestos abatement contractor required?<\/p>\n
Yes. Wall-Mounted Cabinetry can be removed by a General Contractor, as long as proper<\/p>\n
precautions are taken to minimize enlargement of existing screw hole penetrations<\/p>\n
during the removal process. If however the removal process leaves large holes in the<\/p>\n
drywall or ripped drywall sections, then an Asbestos Inspection Protocol would be<\/p>\n
required from the City of Laguna Wood Building Department and may lead to the<\/p>\n
requirement of a city permit and MC for any asbestos handling abatement.<\/p>\n
35<\/p>\n
Does a dog door require a mutual consent?<\/p>\n
No MC approval is required for installing a dog door in the front door; however, during<\/p>\n
Resales, if the buyer agrees to the alteration, they ill take responsibility for the alteration. If<\/p>\n
a pet door requires cutting drywall and\/or stucco, then a mutual consent will be required and<\/p>\n
the member must contact the City of Laguna Woods Permits office to determine what City<\/p>\n
requirements must be fulfilled.<\/p>\n
36<\/p>\n
Do | need a Mutual Consent application for installing stepping stones?<\/p>\n
No Mutual Consent for stepping stones; however, you will need to speak with the<\/p>\n
Landscaping (Resident Services) to determine the requirements of your Mutual and complete<\/p>\n
their application form.<\/p>\n
37. Do I need a Mutual Consent to install a chair lift?<\/p>\n
Yes, due to being a non-standard alteration, a chairlift on the exterior of a manor will<\/p>\n
require a Variance. Please reach out directly to alterationvariances@vmsinc.org for<\/p>\n
information regarding the Variance process.<\/p>\n
Revised on 05\/30\/2024<\/p>\n
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38. What is the difference between a Mutual Consent and a Variance?<\/p>\n
A Mutual Consent is a form required for common types of alterations that the Board has pre-<\/p>\n
approved and is used to document the installation of the alteration, and that City<\/p>\n
requirements have been met via a city permit when applicable. A Variance is a request for a<\/p>\n
non-standard alteration, which must receive approval by the corresponding Mutual’s Board<\/p>\n
prior to a Mutual Consent being able to be issued for the alteration(s).<\/p>\n
39<\/p>\n
How long does it take to receive approval for a Mutual Consent and\/or Variance?<\/p>\n
Processing times vary due to the scope of work involved, incomplete submissions and if the<\/p>\n
alterations being requested are standard or non-standard.<\/p>\n
A. For a Mutual Consent: 7-10 business days for complete application.<\/p>\n
B. For a Variance: With a complete application, it will take approximately 30-60 days<\/p>\n
from the date of submission. The Variance process is longer than the Mutual Consent<\/p>\n
Process due to the Architectural Control and Standards Committee (ACSC) and Board<\/p>\n
of Directors has to review each request individually and grant approval. Variance<\/p>\n
requests must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to the next ACSC meeting.<\/p>\n
40<\/p>\n
Do | need a Mutual Consent to remove my patio cover?<\/p>\n
No MC approval is required for the removal of a patio cover. You will only require a Mutual<\/p>\n
Consent if you are replacing the patio cover. Please see: United Alteration Standard 20 \u2014<\/p>\n
Aluminum Patio Cover and Standard 34 \u2014 Awnings; Third Alteration Standard.<\/p>\n
41<\/p>\n
Do | need a Mutual Consent to install a charger for an Electric Vehicle?<\/p>\n
This will require a Mutual Consent for the installation. However, they will need to run the<\/p>\n
powerline from your house directly to the carport. Please see: United Standard 41 \u2014<\/p>\n
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations; Third Standard 44 \u2014 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.<\/p>\n
Revised on 05\/30\/2024<\/p>\n
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