FAQs

Q: When are the board meetings held?
A: The first Tuesday of every month.

Q: If I want to change the color of my trim paint, do I need to fill out a home improvement request form?
A: Yes because there are certain colors we want to stay away from. There is a Williamsburg color chart available to select colors from.

Q: Who was the original developer?
A: Armada/Hoffler and Ecuefin.

Q: Can we swim im the lake.
A: Yes, but at your own risk. The lake is very deep and there is no life guard. Also lots of turtles and fish.

Q: How high can my fence be?
A: For all lake front homes and townhomes, four feet is the limit. For all others six feet is the limit.

Q: How high does the fence need to be if I have a pool?
A: The City of Chesapeake has adopted the State of Va regs on this and four feet is the general rule but many insurance companies like six feet. The board has an eight page document that gives all the guidelines and requirements for in ground and above ground pools.

Q: Who is the grounds keeper for the development?
A: AR Diversified is their name and they were awarded the contract in March of 2005.

Q: How far from the property line do I have to have my storage shed positioned?
A: The covenants require five feet. This will allow for a drainage easement.

Q: Do I need to fill out a improvement form if I am changing my shingles on my roof?
A: Yes, because we want to make sure you are staying within the guidelines of the rest of the homes in the area.

Q: Why is there a Homeowners Association?
A: The association exists to maintain the value of homes in the community and ensure the architectural integrity of the homes remain as the builders designed them. Our homes are, for many of us the largest investment we will ever make and to protect that investment Home Owner Associations were created. It ensures that community standards are maintained and if people violate the standards the Association has the power to legally enforce them.

Q: Does the Association have a lawyer on retainer and if so, why do we need one?
A: Yes we have a lawyer, but he is paid for on a hourly basis, the need for a lawyer arises approximately 10-12 times per year, dealing with homeowner disputes with the Associations Board of Directors, as a collection agent dealing with homeowners who fail to pay their annual assessments. These are the most common needs for legal counsel.

Q: Who keeps the books for the association and are they ever audited?
A: The association has a treasurer who keeps the books, starting in 2005 we will have an outside accounting firm conduct an annual review of all the accounts and give the Board of Directors a report. If needed more frequently, but at least every three years a full audit will be conducted on the associations’ books.

Q: Why must I ask the Association for permission before I change and exterior colors or add on to my home, I own it?
A: The Association is there to protect the architectural integrity of the community, by buying a home in an association, you gave up certain privileges with regard to home ownership but you also gained an organization that is in place to protect the value of your property.

Q: Who owns and/or takes care of the three lakes?
A: The community owns the lakes and maintains them through a lake management company.

Q: Can I fish in the lake?
A: Yes, we have a catch and release policy, and fishing is only for residents or guests (must be accompanied by resident). The lake is stocked with bass, blue gill and has numerous turtles and nutria’s.

Q: Can I use a boat in the lake, and I occasionally see power boats are they allowed also?
A: Yes, you may use any type of boat that is not fuel driven. The majority of home owners have either paddle boats of canoes and there are some sail boats. The power driven boats you see are operated by a trolling motor which is powered by a car battery (these are allowed).

Q: I don’t have a waterfront lot, what are my rights to use the lakes?
A: The lakes are owned by the entire association, the water front lots extend into the water approximately eight (8) feet and is private property, but the remainder is open to all residents. All the lakes have at least one common area access, some have two. All residents are allowed and encouraged to use the lakes for swimming, boating or just visual enjoyment.

Q: I’m new to the community and would like to get involved with the Association’s board, what do I have to do?
A: We invite you to attend the monthly meetings to get a feel for how things run and get to know the Board of Directors. There are elections held each October at the annual meeting, nominations are made in accordance with the By-Laws Article VI Nomination and Election of Directors. We also have numerous committee’s which are always looking for help.

Q: How are contracts awarded for companies who do work for the association, I have a small business and wondered if I would get a favorable endorsement?
A: All work over a total dollar value of $1000.00 or more is bid out to avoid any conflict of interest. Their only favorable endorsement would be a company who has worked for us before would be a known company.