FAQ
Q1: What changes require an ACC approval?
A: In order to maintain the open space, views and appearance of the Properties and to preserve the original exterior finishes, colors and design thereof, no building, garage, accessory building, awning, fence, deck, porch or other structure shall be commenced, built, erected or maintained upon any Lot, nor shall the architectural facade or external color of any structure be altered or changed, until the plans and specifications showing the nature, kind, shape, height, materials, and location of the same shall have been submitted to and approved in writing as to quality of workmanship, harmony of external design and location in relation to surrounding structures and topography by the Architectural Control Committee. The Committee shall be composed of either the Board of Directors or three (3) or more persons appointed by the Board of Directors. In addition to the grounds for disapproval hereinabove stated, the Architectural Control Committee may reject any plans or specifications which it may deem inadequate as to details for any reason.
Q2: What is the approval process?
A: You need to submit a form (Click here
for Exterior Modification Request Form) to the ACC no later than 30 days prior to the START of your project. In general the Board applies a conservative judgement to attempt to keep the community consistent with what drew community members here in the first place. Therefore, when considering exterior modification requests – changes visible to the community - a primary principle applied is that the modification doesn’t distinctly new styles/colors from those that currently comprise the community. Regarding the color or style of exterior modification of roofs, siding, doors, shutters, etc., they should generally be the same as currently exists, OR if changing the color/style on a specific home, it should generally be the same as currently exists on other homes in the community.
Q3: What’s this orange hang-tag on my door? How do I know if I’m in violation?
A: We have expanded the use of the orange "hang-tags" throughout the neighborhood to give homeowners notification that something is in violation of the Restrictive Covenants of the Articles of Incorporation. These covenants govern the exterior of our homes in order to maintain the value of our homes and those of our neighbors, as well as for the general enjoyment of a well maintained neighborhood. We have patrols going around the neighborhood weekly to check each home for violations, and the first step is that we will leave an orange hang-tag on your door to let you know of the violation. If the violation still exists the following week, we will send you a letter letting you know the fine process is about to begin, and try to find out why the violation is still a problem. We would like to work with each homeowner to make sure that we can all be proud of the place in which we live.
Q4: Must I keep my lamppost lit?
A: Yes. Your lamppost should be kept in working condition and lit from dusk until dawn. All 169 homes in Spring Lake Farm were equipped with lampposts connected to an automatic dusk-to-dawn switch when the homes were built. To modify this exterior structure, you will need approval from the ACC. For the security and safety of our families, we request that the lamppost remain lit throughout the evening while it is dark.
Q5: Can I store my trash can in front of my garage door?
A: No. According to the Restrictive Covenants in our Articles of Incorporation, garbage cans MUST be stored out of sight, or screened on the side of your home by plants, trees, or other coverings.
Q6: How can I get on the neighborhood e-mail list?
A: We currently have about 90 families on the neighborhood E-Mail list. That's over half already, and it's growing everyday! This group of people get the latest, up-to-date information and notifications for goings-on in the neighborhood. To add your name to this list, hit on the tab above called "Board of Directors" and hit the drop down menu for "Email Signup.
Q7: Can I change the color of my front door?
A: Yes, with approval from ACC (within color guidelines). Please also note the answer to the question one above, regarding the approval process.
Q8: Can I have a chain link fence installed?
A: No.
Only wood, brick, or pre-approved composite (faux wood) are allowed. Refer to the restrictive covenants in the HOA Declaration of covenants on page 7, Article VIII, Section 8). Further, the acceptable finishes for approved fences are unfinished/natural wood, stained wood, painted wood that is in the tones of wood stains or white, or red for brick; height is no greater than 6 feet (approximately) for the fence (some allowance for posts, etc.). Please also note the answer to the 2nd question above, regarding the approval process.
Q9: How can I help with social events? How can I get more involved with the neighborhood?
A: E-Mail or Call a member of the Board of Directors. Our email is board@springlakefarm.org.
Q10: When is my annual assessment due?
A: The annual assessment period is July 1st to June 30th. July 31st is the deadline for payment and any payments made after that date will incur a 10% penalty. Current dues are $220.00.
Q11: What do my dues do?
A: HOA Electricity, insurance, grounds maintenance, office supplies, postage, newsletter, social events. In addition, any capital improvements that we are working on, lake access, playground, gazebo, etc. comes from this budget.