FAQs

SAMLARC is your master homeowners association, which maintains the community property and facilities within the SAMLARC community. SAMLARC also provides oversight and administration of the aesthetic review process and adherence to the Community Guidelines. SAMLARC is funded by homeowner assessments.

Contact SAMLARC for questions regarding the following:

• Facility access cards
• Exterior home improvements (architectural plan submittals)
• Common area maintenance 
• Facility reservations

The Board of Directors is elected to serve as SAMLARC's governing body in accordance with the community’s Bylaws and Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs). The Directors are elected annually at a general meeting of all property owners. Each Director serves in a volunteer capacity, in staggered two-year terms. The Board has a fiduciary responsibility to enforce all community guidelines according to the Corporation's legal charter; oversee that monies are properly budgeted, collected and spent; and set any new regulations when needed. The Board's decision-making is also informed by the insights of several volunteer Committees.

Key tasks of the Board include:

• Oversight of SAMLARC property, facilities and amenities
• Negotiating and approval of third party contracts and agreements 
• Approval of all reserve expenses and capital improvements
• Approving the annual operating budgets and assessments rates
• Enforcing the Governing Documents 
• Establishing and frequently updating policies, guidelines and operating rules

The Board meets on a monthly cadence (generally the 4th Tuesday of each month). Board Meetings include Executive Sessions (closed meetings) to discuss 3rd party contracts, legal matters, personnel related matters, collection matters and enforcement related matters. Board Meetings also include Open Sessions, which are open to all homeowners.

SAMLARC is the Master Homeowners Association for the Rancho Santa Margarita area, developed in 1986 with defined property lines. SAMLARC owns and maintains the majority of the area's large parks, pools, the Lake, and common area landscaping. SAMLARC is funded solely through Member assessments.

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita, which incorporated in 2000, includes property that extends beyond SAMLARC's borders. The City owns and maintains the area's residential and arterial streets; the Dog Park, Splash Pad, and Skate Park at Cañada Vista Park; street lights; and many of the residential sidewalks. The City also provides code enforcement services, including noise, disruption, and zoning policies.

The streets in the community are owned and maintained by the City of Rancho Santa Margarita. For more information, contact the City at 949-635-1800

SAMLARC contracts with FirstService Residential, to manage everyday operations. The FirstService Residential team is sited at two offices; the Beach Club Office at the Lake and the Business Office on Santa Margarita Parkway.

Beach Club OfficeAmenities Cards, Lago Santa Margarita, Aquatic Facilities Maintenance21472 Avenida De Los FundadoresRancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688949-858-1390Hours: Mon-Sun 9:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.

Business Office
Assessments, Home Improvement Applications, Common Area Maintenance22342 Avenida Empresa, Suite 102ARancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688(located next to Bank of Southern California)949-709-0010Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Please call the FirstService Residential Customer Care Center at (800) 428-5588 for all questions regarding your homeowner account. FirstService Residential is SAMLARC's professional community management partner.

SAMLARC homeowners have access to the exclusive Connect Resident Portal, which streamlines HOA interactions in one convenient platform. Using the Portal, homeowners are able to easily:

• Pay monthly assessments
• View assessment history
• Submit architectural modification applications
• Request common area maintenance
• Update property unit contact information
• View important Association documents, including:
• Gate Access Card forms
• Governing Documents (CC&Rs and Articles of Incorporation)
• Architectural Standards
• Policies & Guidelines
• Board Meeting Information & Minutes
• Elections Manual & Annual Information
• Budget & Financials

As a Master Homeowners Association, SAMLARC preserves community property values through lifestyle and recreational programming, common area and amenities maintenance, and architectural design. Upon purchasing a home in the SAMLARC community, homeowners agree to abide by SAMLARC's governing documents and embark on an exceptional lifestyle experience.

Assessments are due on the 1st of each month. Payments must be received by the 16th of each month to avoid incurring late fees. Assessments may be paid online through the Connect Resident Portal or via check mailed to the payment processing center in Florida.

Entry to SAMLARC's Pools, Tennis Courts, Beach Club Lagoon, and restrooms is restricted by Gate Access Cards. To apply for your card, please follow the steps below:

1. Download the Gate Access Application Form and Tenant Authorization Form (if applicable) or obtain a physical copy from the Beach Club Office.
2. Gather the following documents as they apply to your residency:
   1. Homeowners: A printed copy of one of the following: Grant Deed or Official Closing Escrow Statement
   2. Tenants: A completed copy of the Tenant Authorization signed by your landlord, and a copy of your lease agreement
3. Bring the appropriate documents and a government-issued photo ID to the Beach Club Office during business hours. A staff member will assist you in processing the application and issuing your card.

SAMLARC Beach Club Office
Open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

21472 Avenida de los Fundadores
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

Note: Residents of SAMLARC Apartment Communities must obtain access cards from their apartment community manager.

Some neighborhoods within SAMLARC are managed by a Subordinate Maintenance Association in addition to SAMLARC. These Sub-Associations operate with individual Governing Documents, Architectural Standards, and Boards of Directors. Most common area maintenance within residential neighborhoods is the responsibility of the Sub-Association.

As SAMLARC is the Master Homeowners Association, all Sub-Associations must comply with SAMLARC's Architectural Standards and Policies & Guidelines. Sub-Associations may choose to implement additional constraints within their communities.

SAMLARC’s cohesive community aesthetic has built a delightful environment for Members to call home.

Inspired by the Spanish Mediterranean, SAMLARC’s amenities blend color, space, and light. As a Master Homeowners Association, SAMLARC extends this aesthetic through its residential Architectural Standards, including exterior paint, structural, and landscaping enhancements, to create harmony and preserve community property values year after year. 

Prior to beginning a home improvement project, Members must submit an application and receive approval for the project. 

SAMLARC's Management Company, FirstService Residential, offers electronic statements for homeowner records through WelcomeLink. e-Statements allow homeowners to view their monthly assessment records in a secure and convenient environment. e-Statements also reduce the carbon footprint, saving resources for projects in the community. After registering for e-Statements, homeowners will be notified via email when a new monthly statement becomes available.

Entry to SAMLARC's Pools, Tennis Courts, Beach Club Lagoon, and restrooms is restricted by Gate Access Cards. To apply for your card, please follow the steps below:

1. Download the Gate Access Application Form and Tenant Authorization Form (if applicable) or obtain a physical copy from the Beach Club Office.
2. Gather the following documents as they apply to your residency:
   1. Homeowners: A printed copy of one of the following: Grant Deed or Official Closing Escrow Statement
   2. Tenants: A completed copy of the Tenant Authorization signed by your landlord, and a copy of your lease agreement
3. Bring the appropriate documents and a government-issued photo ID to the Beach Club Office during business hours. A staff member will assist you in processing the application and issuing your card.

SAMLARC Beach Club Office
Open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

21472 Avenida de los Fundadores
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

Note: Residents of SAMLARC Apartment Communities must obtain access cards from their apartment community manager.

We welcome you to bring guests and create memories together at SAMLARC!

In addition to the members of their immediate household, Members may bring up to five (5) guests per household. Guests must be accompanied by SAMLARC Members at all times. 

Yes. In accordance with SAMLARC's Governing documents, all architectural improvements made to the front of the home and those in the rear and side yards above the fence line require approval from SAMLARC (and if applicable, your sub-association). All architectural requests are submitted through the SAMLARC Resident Portal.

The SAMLARC Architectural Review Committee meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month to review applications. Homeowners are advised via email of the approval or denial after each meeting.

The purpose of the Neighbor Notification Statement is to notify the applicant’s neighbors of any Improvements which may impact the use and enjoyment of the neighboring property. Please present your drawings/plans to your neighbors and request their signatures on the Neighbor Notification Statement. Signature of this form does not constitute neighbor approval of the improvements

The following neighbor signatures are required:

• Adjacent Neighbor:All neighbors with adjoining property lines to the applicant.
• Facing Neighbor: The one or two neighbors most directly across the street.
• Impacted Neighbor: All neighbors in the immediately surrounding area which would be affected by the construction of an improvement.

In the event a neighbor is not available to view a plan, the submitting homeowner should document three (3) times their attempt to obtain the signature. SAMLARC staff will send a notice to the impacted neighbor notifying them of the proposed improvement. 

Member Assessments are an integral part of life in the SAMLARC community.

SAMLARC assessments fund the ongoing maintenance of this dynamic community, from pools to events to common area landscaping. Assessments paid to SAMLARC are for maintenance, administrative, operational, and recreational expenses for the community. Assessments are due on the 1st of each month, and must be received by the 16th to avoid incurring a late fee.

Online (Recommended)

The Resident Portal makes payment easy! Registering for digital assessment payment helps to ensure your payments are received and processed on time each month. Accepted payment types include ACH, credit/debit card, or bank-based bill pay services.

Via Postal Mail

To mail your check to the FirstService Residential Check Processing Center, please include your account number with your check and mail to:

​Rancho Santa Margarita Landscape And Recreation Corporationc/o FirstService Residential P.O. Box 30354 Tampa, FL 33630-3354

Via SAMLARC Business Office

Please note: SAMLARC's Business Office is not equipped to process payments but will deliver your check to the post office. Please bring your check to the SAMLARC Business Office, please visit the Office Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at:

22342A Avenida Empresa, Suite 102A Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

There are multiple options for reporting a maintenance concern, such as a common area landscape issue, irrigation issue, sidewalk lift, downed tree, etc. Options include: 

• Call the SAMLARC Business Office at 949-709-0010
• Email SAMLARC at info@samlarc.org
• Report directly by clicking here.

Facility reservations can be made by calling the Beach Club Office at 949-858-1390. Each type of event space (clubhouse, picnic shelter, amphitheater, etc.) has particular characteristics and policies. We invite you to explore each space and make a reservation for your next gathering!

Entry to SAMLARC's Pools, Tennis Courts, Beach Club Lagoon, and restrooms is restricted by Gate Access Cards. To apply for your card, please follow the steps below:

1. Download the Gate Access Application Form and Tenant Authorization Form (if applicable) or obtain a physical copy from the Beach Club Office.

2. Gather the following documents as they apply to your residency:

• Homeowners: A printed copy of one of the following: Grant Deed or Official Closing Escrow Statement

• Tenants: A completed copy of the Tenant Authorization signed by your landlord, and a copy of your lease agreement

1. Bring the appropriate documents and a government-issued photo ID to the Beach Club Office during business hours. A staff member will assist you in processing the application and issuing your card.

SAMLARC Beach Club Office

Open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

21472 Avenida de los Fundadores

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

Apartment residents must obtain access cards from their apartment community manager.

Policies & Guidelines 5A

Use of the Recreational and Designated Facilities is limited to Registered Residents and their guests, with the following restrictions:

1. Residents may use the Recreational and Designated Facilities without charge during normal operational hours, except when Designated Facilities are being reserved by a Use Permit or are posted CLOSED. Use by a Permit has priority over use without a Permit.
2. Hours of operation and Guidelines affecting specific facilities will be posted at that facility, and they form an integral part of these Guidelines.
3. Use priorities for reserved use through a permit are based on a priority system. Use authorized through a Permit shall have priority over non-Permitted use.
4. Pursuant to California State Law, children under the age of fourteen (14) years must be accompanied, while in the Designated Facilities, by a responsible person, who shall not be younger than eighteen (18) years.
5. Each Resident is responsible at all times for his or her own conduct, as well as the conduct of all members of their family, their guests, their invitees, and/or their agents within the Community Property. Use privileges will be suspended if any person is found to be in violation of these Guidelines.
6. Use of the Recreational and Designated Facilities is subject to the following Rules Conduct: A. Smoking or vaping is not permitted. B. Marijuana use is prohibited C. Profane or obscene language is not .permitted. D. Fighting is not permitted. E. Littering is not permitted. Trash containers must be used at all times. F. Gambling and other illegal activities are prohibited. G. Skateboarding is not permitted on SAMLARC amenities including but not limited to seat walls, tree planters, benches, stairs or railings.
7. Individuals, or groups, engaged in hazardous/destructive or potentially hazardous/destructive activities, and individuals who, in the opinion of staff or the Board, are incapable of reasonable control of their actions (due to alcoholic beverages, etc.) will be requested to leave any Recreational or Designated Facility immediately.
8. With the exception of the Lagoon and Beach Club subject to the requirements herein, alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the Recreational and Designated Facilities except through a Special Park Use Permit.
9. The Recreational and Designated Facilities may not be used for commercial purposes, except as otherwise designated by the CC&R's. Products, other than those provided by SAMLARC vendors, may not be sold at any Recreational or Designated Facility for the profit of any individual or commercial enterprise. This does not apply to Board approved non-profit organizations that request fundraising activities for support of activities approved by a Use Permit.
10. Health regulations will be strictly enforced at all times.
11. Glass of any type is prohibited at all Recreational and Designated Facilities, unless otherwise posted. This includes, but is not limited to drinking glasses, bowls, beer/soda bottles, pitchers, etc.
12. Residents are responsible for closing Designated Facility gates when entering or leaving any Designated Facility.
13. Portable barbecues and/or propane tanks are not permitted at any Recreational or Designated Facility unless specifically approved by a Use Permit.
14. Except for Service Animals, no animals are allowed in Designated Facilities, unless in conjunction with an approved activity where Pets are permitted.
15. Bicycles, skates, and skateboards are not permitted in any Designated Facilities, or on the basketball courts. Bicycles must be parked at the bike racks provided.
16. All accidents and/or injuries occurring at Recreational or Designated Facilities or on Community Property must be reported within twenty-four (24) hours to SAMLARC. SAMLARC will not be held responsible for any accident or injury occurring at any Recreational or Designated Facility, or on Community Property, by Residents, Members of their family, guests, invitees, and/or agents.
17. Any damage and/or vandalism occurring at the Recreational or Designated Facility, or on Community Property, should be reported immediately to SAMLARC. Any Resident witnessing damage or vandalism should attempt to inform SAMLARC Management immediately, and if safely possible, should obtain the violating Resident's name, license plate number, or Gate Access ID Card number. SAMLARC will not be held responsible for any damage and/or vandalism occurring at any Recreational or Designated Facility, or on Community Property, by Residents, Members of their family, guests, invitees, and/or agents.
18. Use of Recreational Facilities and Designated Facilities is at the Resident's own risk.
19. Posting of any signs and/or flyers will be not permitted on SAMLARC Community Property including, but not limited to landscaping, median islands, poles, and buildings, unless approved by SAMLARC.
20. Play equipment (e.g., bounce houses) and/or animals (e.g., pony rides) are not permitted on SAMLARC Community Property, unless specifically approved by a Use Permit.
21. Violations of any of the rules or failure to follow the instructions of the program staff at any time, repeat violations of a rule or multiple violations of any rules are grounds for removal from any program and loss of use of the Recreational and Designated Facility.
22. Persons shall not bring into or discharge firearms, firecrackers, rockets, torpedoes, or other types of explosives: bring into or discharge any gun, pistol, slingshot or similar devices, or carry or use any bows and arrows, or carry or use any other object capable of propelling a projectile; or carry or use any object calculated or likely to make a noise sufficient to disturb the peace and quiet enjoyment of the Recreational Facility.
23. Recreational Facilities cannot be used for personal financial gain or commercial activity. If signs or flyers are posted advertising an event, they will be removed, and the Registered Resident may be fined, and the event canceled.
24. Private events that include an admission charge, or commercial activities that include the exchange of money for goods are prohibited. This includes catering events, food vendors, and the sale of any type of goods for a fee.
25. Events that require the use of amplified sound require an Amplified Sound Permit from SAMLARC.
26. Flowers, balloons, streamers are allowed, but only string or ribbon may be used to hang or attach decorations. Staples, tacks, and/or tape are not permitted. All decorations must be removed after the event.
27. Residents must indemnify and save SAMLARC harmless from any loss or damage to personal property by fire, theft, or from any cause whatsoever and to indemnify and save SAMLARC harmless from any and all liability for injury or death of any person or persons, or loss or damage to any property caused or occasioned by, or arising out of the use of SAMLARC Property

Parks & Sports Field Detailed Use Guidelines M.

The following guidelines apply to all use of SAMLARC park picnic areas. These guidelines are ancillary to the general SAMLARC Policies and Guidelines.

1. Permits are issued to SAMLARC residents only.

2. The Permittee should carry the permit with them for the duration of the permitted time. Those with Park Use Permits have priority over those without.

3. Only the hours, days, and area specified by the SAMLARC permit are authorized for this picnic.

4. Use of adjacent sports fields is allowed only if specifically called out on the Park Use Permit.

5. No portable barbeques are allowed.

6. Bounce house Permits may be obtained for Altisima, Central Park, Mesa Linda and Trabuco Mesa Parks. Permittee must use SAMLARC approved vendor and place bounce house in designated spot.

7. No cars or trucks are allowed on the park.

8. Amplified sound (PA system) is not allowed.

9. No Alcohol allowed.

10. Picnic Areas cannot be used for any financial gain. No other concessionaries are permitted.

11. Any serious injuries must be called in to 911 for immediate disposition. All injuries should report within 48 hours to the SAMLARC Park Use Manager.

12. All trash, including but not limited to food items, anywhere in the park area under use by the Permittee must be picked up and deposited in the trash receptacles located throughout the park site. If receptacles are full, trash is to be put in tightly secured trash bags and placed next to any trash receptacle for pickup. Area should look as though no one was there after the permitted time.

Any variation in food or activities from that of a traditional picnic or use of additional vendors, require approval of the Park Use Manager on a case by case basis and must be called out on the permit.

Policies & Guidelines 5C

In addition to the following specific Guidelines, please refer to the General Guidelines, Section 5A.

1. The Lake is owned and stocked by SAMLARC.

2. Fishing is restricted to Registered Residents and their guests.

3. Fishing is permitted from the areas surrounding the Lake, except the fenced area of the Beach Club facility and the concrete area at the east end of the Lake.

4. Fishing is permitted with no more than one (1) pole per person, with no more than two (2) hooks per line.

5. The line shall be attended at all times.

6. The use of gigs, spears, explosives, firearms, air rifles, nets, traps, or bow and arrows is prohibited. Netting or trapping minnows, mosquito fish, crayfish or turtles is prohibited.

7. The bag limit per person, per day, is any combination of fish equaling four (4). A penalty per fish over the limit will be assessed. a. Minimum size limit for largemouth bass and all catfish species is twelve (12) inches. There is no minimum size on all other fish species. b. Fish under the minimum size requirements must be returned to the Lake immediately. Proper handling to minimize disturbance of a fish’s slime coat and rapid return to the water is encouraged for any fish that is not retained. Release undersized or unwanted fish with a minimum of fishing gear attached if the hook cannot be removed easily.

8. In order to protect the natural ecological balance of the Lake, the only types of bait permitted are: red worms, night-crawlers, meal worms, terrestrial insects (grasshoppers, crickets, etc.), salmon eggs (fish roe), marshmallows, and catfish stink bait. Goldfish, minnows, shad, shiners or other live finfish baits are prohibited.

9. SAMLARC is the only entity allowed to introduce any fish, or wildlife of any kind, into the Lake. Violators will be fined.

10. Cleaning of fish, or disposing of fish at the Lake edge, is prohibited, and will result in a fine.

11. Trash, rubbish, or other debris must be placed in trash containers around the Lake,

and not left on the Lake edge. Violators will be subject to a fine.

Policies & Guidelines 5D

The Lake and Lakeshore are considered a Recreational Facility. In addition to the following specific Guidelines, please refer to the General Guidelines, Section 5A. The Lake is a man-made body of water and must be carefully maintained to keep it in an ecologically healthy and attractive condition. The Lake is maintained by technicians experienced in the use of chemicals, which are used to inhibit the accumulation of weeds, algae, animal wastes, and insect pests. At the time these chemicals are used, or if unforeseen problems arise, it may be necessary to restrict or prohibit the use of the Lake.

1. Throwing trash, rubbish, debris, cigarette butts or any foreign objects into the Lake is prohibited. All refuse must be disposed of in trash containers.

2. The introduction of any fish, reptile, animal, or other wildlife into the Lake is prohibited. Violators will be fined.

3. Domestic pets around the Lakeshore must be on a leash. Each Resident is responsible for removing his/her dog's, cat's or other animal's defecation from the Lakeshore.

4. Dogs, cats, or other animals shall not be carried or transported on the Lake; nor shall they be permitted in any manner to enter the Lake.

5. Feeding of ducks, mallards, and other birds is prohibited, and subject to a fine.

6. Wading, swimming, scuba or skin diving is not permitted in the Lake, other than for rescue or maintenance purposes.

Policies & Guidelines Section 5H - Additional COVID-19 Rules May Apply

1. The Parks and Trails consist of active and passive areas.

2. The active areas consist of the covered picnic areas and the adjacent barbecues, and sport fields, and the basketball and volleyball courts.

3. The passive areas include the tot lots, play equipment, uncovered picnic tables with barbecues; open grass areas, walkways and benches.

4. All active areas may be reserved for use by obtaining a Park Use Permit. If not reserved, the active areas are available on a first come first served basis. The passive areas cannot be reserved and are available on a first come first served basis only. Those with a Park Use Permit have use priority over those without a permit.

5. All league or structured activities must first obtain organization approval from SAMLARC before obtaining a Park Use Permit.

6. The following Guidelines apply to the use of all Park and Trail areas. A. All Parks and Trails are open from 6:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. Use from 10:00P.M. to 6:00 A.M. is prohibited unless specifically authorized by SAMLARC. 1) The Lakeshore shall be open until 11:00 P.M. 2) All lighted Sports Fields shall be open until 10:00 P.M. B. No person shall drive or otherwise operate a Vehicle in a Park or Trail area onsurfaces other than those maintained and open to authorized users for the purposes of vehicular travel. The only exceptions are: Vehicles in service of SAMLARC; law enforcement Vehicles; emergency Vehicles; or, those specifically authorized by Park Use Permit. C. No person or group shall install, use, and operate within any Park Non-Sports Area or Park Sports Field a loudspeaker or any sound amplifying equipment unless specifically authorized by an Amplified Sound Permit. Exceptions include: Use by law enforcement personnel; or, use by SAMLARC Staff. D. Authorized non-profit organizations may obtain use of approved vendors for permit-authorized fund-raising efforts. All commercial vendors must first be requested by the fund raiser, then that vendor must obtain approval from SAMLARC. E. No person, group or organization shall make any modifications or additions to any area in the Park Non-Sports Areas or Park Sports Fields unless specifically authorized in writing by SAMLARC. F. The practicing or playing of golf on any Park Non-Sports Area or Park Sports Field is prohibited. G. Inclement weather is defined as weather which, in the sole judgment of SAMLARC, would leave a Park in a condition that would present a risk of damage to the Park Sports Field or injury to the user. SAMLARC has the authority to close all or any portion of a Park Sports Field to a user based on inclement weather. H. All dogs shall be kept on a leash when in a Recreational Facility. All local leash laws will be strictly enforced by the appropriate governing entity. I. Each Resident, guest and invitee is responsible for removing his/her dog(s),cat(s), or other animal feces from a Recreational Facility.

7. Sports League and Organized Sports Use on Central Park and the neighborhood parks of Cielo Vista, Estrella Vista and Mesa Linda Park: A. It is not recommended that these parks be utilized for sports league and organized sports use. B. Any use will be restricted to practice only, and for no longer than one month during the calendar year unless otherwise approved by the Board of Directors. C. Use will require a Special Use Permit approve by the Board of Directors on a case by case basis. D. Use by sports leagues subject to all other fields being reserved and there being no other field available.

Note: Some Parks and Trails border natural wildlife habitats that may contain mountain lions, coyotes, rattlesnakes, ticks and other wildlife. This wildlife may be present at Parks and Trails at any time. Use caution at all times and carefully monitor children and pets.

Policies & Guidelines 4H, Section 2

A. Residents wishing to advertise "GARAGE SALE" for purposes of selling their goods must use a standard sign with restrictions on type, location and quantity. These signs will be available on a first come, first served basis (limit three [3] per garage sale) at the Lago Santa Margarita Beach Club on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, for a deposit fee. This deposit is returned to the Resident when the signs are returned to the Beach Club office.

B. Signs are to conform to the following:

1. Signs not to exceed 10" x 30".

2. Generic green and white signs only.

3. The words "GARAGE SALE" and an arrow only.

C. Only one (1) sign (in total) per corner on major streets (a major street is defined as any street outside of the various developments). At a four-way intersection, there are four (4) corners where only four (4) signs may be placed.

D. Riders or flags are not permitted.

E. "GARAGE SALE" signs may be posted on Saturdays and Sundays only.

F. Signs not complying with the Guidelines will be removed by SAMLARC.

G. The Owner of the Residence having the garage sale is solely responsible for adherence to the Guidelines.

H. Members not complying with the Guidelines will be subject to SAMLARC Enforcement Policies.

Policies & Guidelines 5N

The following banner rules and regulations apply to SAMLARC Community Property: Temporary Banner Fee: In accordance with current Fee Schedule (contact Management for fee schedule).

1. Banners for legally recognized non-profit community organizations located in the city of Rancho Santa Margarita shall be permitted only on/within areas designated by the SAMLARC Board of Directors. The Community Property areas designated are set forth below.

2. Banners must be approved by the city of Rancho Santa Margarita prior to submitting an application.

3. Banner may not exceed 4 x 6 feet (24 square feet in total).

4. Commercial advertising for goods and services is not permitted.

5. Banners shall pertain to an upcoming community event only that is open to the general public and is not political or religious in nature.

6. Banners are not allowed for garage sales.

7. A maximum of three (3) banner permits may be issued per applicant in one calendar year.

8. All three (3) banners will be permitted to be on display for a total maximum period of ten (10) days or if only one (1) banner is required in one calendar year, it can be permitted to be on display for a total maximum period of thirty (30) days.

9. Banners must be removed immediately following the event.

10. Banners must be freestanding mounted on hardware and may not exceed five (5) feet in height.

11. Each Banner Permit Application is limited to one banner. Use multiple applications for multiple banners.

12. SAMLARC will not be liable for damaged, lost or stolen banners due to weather, irrigation damage, vandalism, etc.

13. SAMLARC shall be responsible for the installation and removal of banner.

14. SAMLARC will approve all language on all banners and reserves the right to deny a banner request or remove banner that does not comply with the policies.

15. Banners will be approved for only one time events and excludes ongoing programs.

16. Each designated location shall not exceed a total of one (1) posted banner at any time.

17. All Banner requests will be considered on a first come, first served basis and applications will be accepted up to three (3) months in advance.

18. SAMLARC sponsored programs shall have first priority.

SAMLARC Maintained Property Designated Temporary Banner Locations in turf area only: a. Santa Margarita Parkway at Melinda – two (2) corners b. Santa Margarita Parkway at Las Flores – two (2) corners c. Antonio and Banderas – two (2) corners northeast and west corners; d. Santa Margarita Parkway at Alicia Parkway – southeast corner e. Santa Margarita Parkway and Antonio – northeast corner f. Current location on the southwest corner to the southeast corner of Santa Margarita Parkway at Alicia as well as not allow banners for garage sale

Policies & Guidelines 4H, Section 2

A. For Sale/For Lease Signs:

1. All signs for the purpose of selling or leasing a Residence must be professionally prepared.

2. Signs shall be free standing and are not to exceed a maximum height of four (4) feet (combined for both post and sign).

3. Signs must be only of the acceptable standard "Real Estate" type and size, and shall NOT exceed six (6) square feet.

4. All signs must conform to the City of Rancho Santa Margarita requirements.

5. Limit of one (1) sign per lot.

6. Signs may not extend above side or rear yard perimeter walls or fences facing Community Property.

7. No signs shall be placed on Community Property, which includes, and may not be limited to, landscaping, median islands, poles, and buildings.

8. The Owner of the Residence for sale is solely responsible for adherence to the Guidelines.

9. “For Lease” banners or signs proposed by Apartment Communities, whether permanent or temporary, must have SAMLARC Architectural Review Committee approval prior to display. All such temporary or permanent banners or signs must conform to City of Rancho SantaMargarita requirements.

B. Open House Signs:

1. Members (or their agents) wishing to advertise "OPEN HOUSE" for the purpose of selling their Residence, must use a standard sign with restrictions on type, location and quantity.

2. Signs are to conform to the following:

3. Signs shall not exceed 10" x 30".

4. Generic green and white or blue and white signs only.

5. The words "OPEN HOUSE" and an arrow only.

6. The sign shall be of the type available to Realtors at the Orange County Association of REALTORS® office or available to others at Sign Masters in Mission Viejo.

7. The Owner of the sign may display real estate company and agent information on the upper corner of the sign, no larger than 2” x 3.5”.

C. Only one (1) sign (in total) per corner on major streets (a major street is defined as any street outside of the various developments). At a four-way intersection, there are four (4) corners where only four (4) signs may be placed. D. Signs may not remain on Community Property overnight. E. Riders or flags are not permitted. F. "OPEN HOUSE" signs may be posted on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only. G. Signs not complying with the Guidelines will be removed by SAMLARC. These signs will be kept for forty-eight (48) hours and then, if not claimed, may be discarded. H. The Owner of the Residence for sale is solely responsible for adherence to the Guidelines. I. Members not complying with the Guidelines will be subject to SAMLARC Enforcement Policies.

The following rules and regulations apply to political signs on SAMLARC maintenance areas:

A.            Political signage for legally recognized elections at the federal, state, county, and city level or for special districts shall be permitted only on/within areas designated by the SAMLARC Board of Directors. 

B.            No political sign may exceed 24” x 36”.

C.            Political signs shall not be animated, revolve, rotate, move mechanically, flash, reflect, or blink and shall not have flags, kites, valances, pennants or flood lights, laser lights, searchlights, or other similar attraction devices.

D.            Political signs will only be permitted to be on display for twenty-nine (29) days prior to said election.

E.            All Political signage must be removed within three (3) days after the election.  Any signage not removed within three (3) days after the election will be removed by SAMLARC, or its designated personnel, and discarded if not claimed within three (3) days after removal.

F.            SAMLARC will not be liable for damaged, lost, or stolen signage placed in SAMLARC maintenance areas.

G.            SAMLARC will not be responsible for damage to political signs due to weather, irrigation damage, vandalism, etc.

H.            Any non-compliant political signage on SAMLARC maintenance areas will be removed and discarded. This includes SAMLARC-maintained medians where political signs are not permitted.

I.             SAMLARC reserves the right to remove political signage in order to maintain SAMLARC maintenance areas. 

J.             Signs removed by SAMLARC for maintenance reasons will be discarded if not claimed within 3 days following removal.

K.            Only designated SAMLARC maintenance area locations are approved for political signage (maps will be provided upon request to Management).

L.            No more than two signs per candidate are permitted at each designated SAMLARC maintenance area.

M.           All political signage must be placed within the red ground stake indicators within designated SAMLARC maintenance areas in accordance with the attached listed “locations designated for political signage”.Any signage outside of these designated areas will be removed. Maps are available from the Management Company upon request.

SAMLARC's Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R’s) were created by the developer prior to the development of SAMALRC to provide a governance structure and statement of the objectives for the community. The CC&R’s outline the standards and procedures for the development, administration, and operation of the community. The CC&R’s cannot be changed without a specific vote of the membership. Please visit the Resident Portal to view the CC&Rs.

• Oversight of SAMLARC property, facilities and amenities
• Negotiating and approval of third party contracts and agreements 
• Approval of all reserve expenses and capital improvements
• Approving the annual operating budgets and assessments rates
• Enforcing the governing documents 
• Establishing and frequently updating policies, guidelines and operating rules

The Board typically conducts eleven (11) Open Session Meetings per year and approximately eleven (11) Executive (closed) Session Meetings per year. Meetings typically last from one (1) hour up to about two (2) hours.

Must be an owner of a home, lot or condo within SAMLARC, with account in good standing. For additional information on Board Director qualifications, contact tita.gervasi@fsresidential.com

Board members spend time preparing for each Meeting. Each Meeting has an Agenda that is prepared in advance by SAMLARC staff. For each item, there is typically backup documentation and/or reports to review and consider. This information makes up the “Board Packet,” which is typically provided electronically to each Board member five (5) days prior to the meeting. Board Members are responsible for reviewing the Board packet and being ready to discuss and vote on the Agenda items during the meeting. Additionally, Board Members share the responsibility of serving as Board liaisons on SAMLARC's various committees and task forces.

SAMLARC Directors serve two (2) year terms.

The term begins immediately following the Election (generally held on the 4th Tuesday of February). Following the election, the Board typically conducts a reorganization meeting to determine Board positions (e.g. President, Treasurer, etc.).

An orientation meeting is scheduled which is designed to give the incoming Board member with training tools, resources and historical information that helps the Board member get started on the right foot.