We’ve Made Some Changes To The Rules & Regulations and Fine Structure

Written By Brian Kuyath

Highlights

  • New Rules & Regulations and Fine Structure (FS) have been updated based on community feedback.

  • Key Changes: Reduced need for Architectural Change Requests (ACRs), sheds are now allowed, garbage storage no longer restricted to garages, and temporary structures don’t require Board approval.

  • New Rules: Limitations on garden size to protect property values, and mandatory yard and residence maintenance to maintain neighborhood standards.

  • Fines: The Fine Structure is in place to enforce compliance when direct resolution between neighbors isn’t possible.

  • We will be hosting our second Community Board Meeting on September 18th at the Chaska Community Center.

If you have questions, contact FirstService Residential at 952.277.2716 or email Melissa.Hagen@fsresidential.com.

Neighbors,

One of the many responsibilities of an HOA Board is to codify our Association’s Rules & Regulations (R&Rs) and Fine Structure (FS). First and foremost, we want to extend our gratitude and appreciation to those of you who filled out our Community Survey and provided hundreds of valuable comments. We listened and have drafted R&Rs that we believe address many of our neighbors' concerns.

The intent behind these documents is to create guidelines that respect the agency and privacy that comes with homeownership while also ensuring certain measures are in place to protect property values and foster a neighborhood we can all enjoy.

The Board encourages everyone to read through each of these documents carefully. More importantly, we encourage homeowners to work together to resolve differences and complaints without involving the Board.

Significant Changes to the R&Rs:

  • Architectural Change Requests (ACRs): We have dramatically reduced what requires an ACR.

  • Sheds: Sheds are now permissible. (See Section II.6)

  • Garbage Storage: Garbages no longer need to be stored inside the garage. (See Section I.5)

  • Temporary Structures: Temporary structures no longer require Board approval. (See Section II.5)

Examples of New and Modified Rules:

  • Gardens and Landscaping: Permissible without an ACR as long as they do not exceed 25% of permeable ground. (See Section "Gardens" #1)

    • Board Rationale: This protects property value while allowing for natural landscaping. We felt it important to limit the size and scale of gardens to ensure neighbors' property values are protected.

  • Yard and Residence Maintenance: (See Sections II.8 & II.9)

    • Board Rationale: This is both a property value protection and a response to community feedback. Our Community Survey indicated that neighbors expect a basic level of yard and residence maintenance, and we agree.

The Fee and Fine Structure is in place to create an enforcement mechanism for those moments when neighbors are unable or unwilling to resolve issues amongst themselves. While we hope to rarely exercise such responsibilities, it is vitally important that they exist and that our community is aware of them.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact FirstService Residential at 952.277.2716 or by emailing Melissa Hagen.

Additionally, over the coming weeks, our Board will continue to review feedback and take action. We will be hosting our second Community Board Meeting on September 18th at the Chaska Community Center. Details and time to be announced soon.

Thank you!

The Homesteads At The Harvest Board

Brian Kuyath