Thursday, April 25, 2013

2013 Covenant Inspections



By Iris Gilbert-Curtis, General Manager, Fairwood Community Association
The Fairwood Community Association will soon start our 2013 spring covenants inspections in early May (weather permitting) and will advise you of any non-compliant issues on your property. Some of the areas on which we will focus are:  
·         Mulch.  No red mulch is allowed by the Association.  Only brown and black are approved for use in the community.  This includes the rubber chips as well.  The association also prohibits gravel as mulch.
·         Lawns must be healthy, neatly and uniformly cut, and properly maintained. Lawn maintenance extends to the street tree area as well.  Please be sure to remove weeds, cut grass and trim tree branches as needed.     
·         Dead plants or trees must be removed and replaced with “like kind” plants or trees (without Architectural Review Board approval) or other species if approved by the ARB.  Shrubs and trees need to be trimmed away from windows and doors, and the beds need to be cleaned.  This includes leaf, debris and newspaper removal as well.
·         Tree stakes more than two year’s old must be removed and properly disposed of. Stakes in place for more than two years may be permitted if you have a letter from your landscaper that documents the need for the longer installation.
·         Post lamps and garage lamps must be in good repair and functional order and should be illuminated nightly.
·         Homes and sheds must be in good repair and finish. Faded doors and trim need be repaired or repainted as needed. 
·         Missing and/or faded shutters must be replaced or repainted as needed.  To aid this process, the Association has engaged two licensed (insured) contractors to assist residents who are cited for shutter violations (and can’t find a reputable contractor to do the work).  The contractors’ names, contact information and prices are posted on the website under the link “2013 Shutters”.  Login is required.
You should also be aware of Community Codes that are frequently violated and will be a focus of the Association as well:
·         Exterior Modifications.  Except as expressly stated in the Residential Design Guidelines for Homeowner Modifications, the ARB has the authority to review and approve the design of all exterior improvements made upon the property, whether covered in the Guidelines or not.  Specifically, any clearing, grading, removal of trees, construction or improvement to any site must be reviewed and approved by the ARB prior to commencement of the work.  Such improvements include, but are not limited to, all permanent as well as temporary buildings, accessory structures, additions, fencing, lighting, major landscaping, storm doors, decks, patios, play equipment, etc.  No work may begin until and unless written approval has been obtained from ARB. During the inspections, unapproved changes or additions will be cited with a “Friendly Reminder” to make you aware of the need to submit an application for ARB approval.
·         Pets. Pets are not permitted on Community Property unless they are accompanied by a responsible person and unless they are carried or leashed.  The person accompanying the pet is responsible for the removal and disposal of any solid waste products deposited by the pet on Community Property or other residential Lots. 
·         Trash. Trash, garbage and recycling containers are not permitted to remain in public view except on days of collection and after 6:00 p.m. on days prior to collection.  Trash must be stored in closed durable containers.  Except on days of collection or after 6:00 p.m. on days prior to collection, all trash, garbage and recycling containers must be kept in the garages or rear yards of the Lots, and screened from public view at all times.
Please help Fairwood remain beautiful by following the community codes and guidelines.