WHAT IS EMIDAC?
Nearly all residential properties within the Embarcadero Municipal Improvement District (EMID) are bound by the same set of CC&Rs. These CC&Rs provide for a local Architectural Review Board with the authority to review all projects for CC&R compliance. EMID has been given the authority by the State of California to administer that review. An EMID sub-committee, the EMID Architectural Committee (EMIDAC) serves that function.

WHAT DOES EMIDAC DO?
EMIDAC has been directed by EMID to review all planned construction for compliance with the CC&Rs. EMIDAC is focused primarily on the exterior aesthetics of residential properties in the district. In particular, EMIDAC looks to protect the property owner against inadvertent violation of the CC&Rs, District and County right-of-ways, and minimize any detrimental impact on neighbors. The county permitting process reviews the plans for structural soundness and safety. EMIDAC is more concerned with the aesthetic properties of the plans. The County requires EMIDAC's approval before it will approve the plans for construction.

ALL ABOUT CC&Rs
Most people forget that when they buy property, it comes with deed restrictions. Sometimes there are right-of-ways for sewers, power lines, driveways, creeks and storm drains, roads, and just about anything else you can think of. Generally there are also certain restrictions on what you can and cannot do on the property. These often include commercial activities, raising certain kinds of livestock, drilling for oil or water to name a few. These limitations are identified in your Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) and recorded at the County. The CC&Rs act as a binding contract between you and your neighbors to obey certain rules when using your property. Thus you know what to expect from your neighbors and they know what to expect from you.

The EMIDAC Handbook, "YOUR HOME IN TECOLOTE CANYON", which most people receive when they purchase their property as a user friendly summary of the CC&R's that includes an application for an EMIDAC permit. A fee schedule listing the items that require permits is also included. In addition to replacement or new housing, items such as fences, corrals, animal shelters, driveways, patios, decks and covers, major landscaping, swimming pools, tennis courts, exterior remodeling, room additions and outbuilding (sheds, greenhouses and detached garages) all require review by EMIDAC. Maintenance of existing improvements do not require review unless there is a substantial change planned. If you need a copy of the Handbook, please contact the EMID Office, 968-5885.

EMIDAC is here to help you keep peace with your neighbors. EMIDAC is your neighbors. Some of the committee members are professional builders and planners. It's a place for free advice. If you do not need a permit, it is free. If you do, it is cheap insurance that someone will stand up for you if someone doesn't like what you've done.

Check EMIDAC out at its monthly meeting on the first Thursday of the month. Look for the sign by the Bulletin Board located at the entrance to the canyon at Vereda Leyenda. If you are planning something, call the EMID office to find out what you should do. EMID's phone number is 968-5885, which has a recorder for messages when the Clerk/Manager is not available; EMID's fax number is 685-1081.