Here are a few frequently asked questions. If you have any questions that were not answered here please contact us.
Q: What is a homeowner's association?
A: It is a non-profit corporation registered with the State and managed by a duly elected Board of Directors. Its purpose is to maintain all common areas and to govern the community in accordance with the provision of the legal documents: CC&R's, Bylaws, and Articles of Incorporation. The governing legal documents for the association may be viewed online within the Documents page of this site. The corporation is financially supported by all members of the homeowners association. Membership is both automatic and mandatory.
Q: What are the CC&R'S?
A: The Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R's) are the governing legal documents that set up the guidelines for the operation of the planned community as a non-profit corporation. The CC&R's were recorded by the County recorder's office of the County in which the property is located and are included in the title to your property. Failure to abide by the CC&R's may result in a fine to a homeowner by the Association. The governing legal documents for the association may be viewed online within the Documents page of this site.
Q: What are the Bylaws?
A: The Bylaws are the guidelines for the operation of the non-profit corporation. The Bylaws define the duties of the various offices of the Board of Directors, the terms of the Directors, the membership's voting rights, required meetings and notices of meetings, and the principal office of the Association, as well as other specific items that are necessary to run the Association as a business. The Bylaws for the association may be viewed online within the Documents page of this site.
Q: Are there any other rules?
A: Most associations have developed Rules and Regulations as provided for in the CC&R's and adopted by the Board of Directors. Rules are established to provide direction to the homeowners for common courtesies with regard to parking, vehicles, pets and pool use hours, etc. In addition, your Association will adopt Architectural Guidelines with procedures for submitting requests to make exterior changes to your home. Such changes may include patio covers, decks, landscaping, exterior color changes or extensive interior changes and additions. These rules and guidelines are set up to maintain the aesthetic value and integrity of the community on behalf of all owners, and hopefully protect the market value of your investment as well. Violations of these rules may result in action by the Board of Directors and a fine. In addition, if you proceed with an exterior improvement or change, without written approval of the Board of Directors, or Architectural Committee, as applicable, you will be required to remove or correct the alteration and/or be fined for the violation. For more information about this topic visit the Documents page of this site.
Q: Are Board Meetings open to all residents? If so, where and when are they held?
A: Yes. The time and place of any regular board meeting will be noted on the website under the "Calendar of Events" page.
Q: What is my assessment?
A:The assessment is the periodic amount due from each homeowner to cover the operating expenses of the common area and provide for reserve funds for replacement of common facilities in future years. Your assessments are due each February. Statements will be sent for assessments as a reminder of the amount due. Currently, the assessment is $250 per year.
Q: What happens if I don't pay my assessment?
A:The maintenance and management services incurred by the Association are dependent upon timely receipt of the assessments due from each homeowner. Late payments will result in a late charge as assessments are due on the first of February each year. In addition, the CC&R's allows the Association to charge late charges and interest and proceed with a lien on your property, or foreclosure proceeding for nonpayment of assessments.
Q: How do I get approval for external modifications of my property?
A: The Covenants and Restrictions require homeowners to request approval by the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) before construction such as for a backyard shed or patio cover. In addition, a homeowner may request a variance on a case by case basis for exemption from a particular restriction. Each homeowner is urged to check the C&R and Design Guidelines before beginning any modifications of their property. When in doubt, it is recommended that a variance request be made to avoid potential problems. A Variance Request Form should be filled out and forwarded to the ACC by mail or email. You can find the form online within the "Documents" page of this site. Contact information for ACC members can be found on the Contact Us page.
Q: If I am having a problem with a neighbor for a violation of the C&R's, what can I do?
A: When a homeowner notices a problem in the neighborhood regarding a violation of the C&R's, it is recommended that the homeowner first discuss this with the neighbor. If the result of the discussion is unsatisfactory or the homeowner is unwilling to pursue the issue with the neighbor, a complaint may be filed with the Architectural Control Committee(ACC). Any homeowner may generate a complaint about a noticed violation in the North Bethany Lake Estates community and the ACC and Board of Directors will keep the identity of the person filing the complaint in strictest confidence. Anonymous complaints will not be accepted. Complaints may be filed by an email message, telephone call or letter mailed to the HOA address listed.