Dear Homeowners,
Many homeowners may be new to Association living, so i wanted to forward on two very important educational articles that pertain to the Governing Documents and ARC review. Please take a second to review these articles and forward any questions to aaron@cmgcharleston.com
Do You Know Where Your Association Documents Are?
When you bought a home in our community, you should have received copies of all our governing documents—including the rules and regulations—prior to or at closing. Sometimes these documents get lost among all the other papers you received at closing. And many homebuyers are so involved moving into their new homes, they don’t take the time to read all the fine print.
As a homeowner, you have a right to these documents; so, if you don’t have copies for any reason, let us know, and we’ll provide them to you.
Of course, it’s your responsibility to provide the association with your current address and phone number (particularly nonresident owners). This enables us meet our obligation to provide all owners with information from the association.
It’s very important to have copies of the governing documents because you’ll be expected to know and comply with all rules and regulations of the community. You’ll also want to stay informed by reading all materials provided by the association.
It’s our responsibility to make these documents—the bylaws and the covenants, conditions, and restrictions—as understandable as possible, so if there’s anything you don’t understand, please let us know. We’ll be glad to clarify any confusing language or give you other materials that answer your questions.
That old expression—ignorance of the law is no excuse—isn’t exactly our motto, but it’s close.
Why Must the Association Approve My Fence?
Although the association may sometime seem like Big Brother when you want to build a shed or put up a fence, our design review program is actually a benefit—not a burden. The association’s design standards are based on harmony with the overall community, consideration for neighbors, and high-quality construction practices. The design review program exists to maintain, protect, and enhance the value of your property, and it strives for a balance between individual rights and the good of the entire community.
While association members have the biggest stake in property values, others are also very interested in seeing our community well maintained and looking its best. Builders’ reputations and lenders’ financial support are closely connected to the community. Also, public officials have an interest in maintaining and enhancing the community since tax revenues depend on property values.
The association tries to notify new members of its design review requirements as soon after they move in as possible. If we missed you, or if you need another copy, please contact the manager or any member of the Design Review Committee. Also, be sure to consult the Design Review Guidelines if you’re considering any type of exterior design change. These guidelines contain everything you need to know about the approval process, design requirements, and the association’s basic design philosophy. The guidelines even list the changes don’t need to be approved.
The design review committee makes every effort to process applications fairly, reasonably, and quickly. And we trust the same can be said for how we handle alleged violations—most of which are resolved easily.
Please contact the chair of the Design Review Committee or the manager if you have any questions.
[Sidebar]
The Design Review Committee is recruiting new members. Any association member in good standing is welcome to volunteer, but we’re particularly interested in members with expertise or experience with construction, engineering, or design. The duties of the committee include:
Drafting, amending, and updating design review policies and guidelines.
Reviewing applications and variances.
Advising association members on their improvement projects.
Monitoring construction projects and changes; ensuring they comply with the approved proposal.
Touring the community periodically to verify and identify design violations.
Thank you,
Aaron Hettesheimer,CMCA
Communtiy Manager
