THE HOMESTEADS AT THE HARVEST

RULES & REGULATIONS

Welcome to The Homesteads at the Harvest Homeowners Association (HHA). These Rules and Regulations provide guidelines for the use of our community and the Association's common areas, prioritizing resident comfort, enjoyment, and safety. Resident involvement is essential for the successful operation of the HHA. All residents and guests must comply with these Rules and Regulations.

We encourage respectful, neighbor-to-neighbor self-policing for minor violations. If a rule is violated and cannot be resolved personally, residents may request enforcement by the Association. A written or email complaint must be submitted to the managing agent, including the rule violated, identity and address of the violator, location, date, and time of the violation. The submitter's information will remain confidential.

Contact Information: FirstService Residential manages the HHA. They can be reached at (952) 277-2716 or via their website, fsresidential.com.

Community Web Portal: The secure community web portal is available at Portal Link.

The HHA Board of Directors reserves the right to amend these rules at any time, with residents informed of changes upon approval.

Table of Contents

  1. General Use Regulations

  2. Architectural and Exterior Restrictions

  3. Landscape

  4. Vehicles and Parking

  5. Animals

  6. Administration

  7. Violations/Hearings

General Use Regulations

  1. Compliance with Laws: Persons residing on or using the property must comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations of the City of Chaska and other governmental authorities. If charged with a violation by a governmental authority, the Owner or Occupant is obligated to indemnify, defend, and hold the Association, and other Owners and Occupants, harmless from all fines, penalties, costs, attorney's fees, or prosecution resulting from the violation.

  2. Consideration of Others: Please be considerate of other residents and refrain from engaging in conduct which is a material annoyance or nuisance to others. This is in accordance with City of Chaska Municipal Code 6.12.010 through 6.12.060. Owners and Occupants are responsible for the behavior of their families, guests, and tenants while at Homesteads at the Harvest.

  3. Property Damage: The cost of repair of damage to the property resulting from the acts of Owners and Occupants, and their tenants and guests, may be assessed against the Owner’s Unit.

  4. Home Offices: Home offices incidental to residential use are allowed if they do not involve physical alterations visible from the exterior, comply with applicable laws, do not cause unusual traffic or deliveries, and do not disturb the quiet enjoyment of the property by others.

  5. Garbage and Refuse: Garbage must be placed in leak-proof trash bags and deposited in designated trash receptacles. Trash and recycle bins must be stored in the garage or neatly against the home. Bins should be removed from the roadway and placed inside or next to the home within 24 hours of refuse pick-up.

  6. Flammable Substances: Flammable substances must be stored in safe containers. Explosives are prohibited.

  7. Firearms and Weapons: Except as expressly permitted by law, firearms, air guns, and other devices designed to fire a potentially lethal projectile may not be discharged or carried on the property, except for carrying the device to and from a vehicle for purposes of transport.

  8. Authorized Entry: Authorized personnel may enter yards for safety or maintenance purposes, including correcting conditions that present imminent danger or maintaining common property.

  9. Direction of Service Providers: Managers and service providers must take direction only from the Board or Association officers.

Architectural and Exterior Restrictions

  1. Modifications and Approvals: No person may modify or remove any part of the common property or change the appearance of the exterior of any unit without Board approval. This includes structural changes and aesthetic modifications.

  2. Architectural Change Requests (ACR): ACRs are required for permanent structural changes to the front of the home, large decks, solar installations, sheds, fences, certain displays/signs, large gardens, and permanent animal enclosures. Specific guidelines for these changes must be followed.

  3. City Approvals: Owners are responsible for obtaining proper City of Chaska approvals and permits prior to making any structural changes.

  4. Contractor Requirements: Contractors must provide proof of insurance acceptable to the Board before performing work.

  5. Sheds: Each unit is allowed one shed no larger than 12’ x 12’, matching the primary residence in color and materials. Sheds require an ACR and must comply with city easement restrictions.

  6. Signs and Displays: Signs or displays require Board approval, except small "for sale" signs and protected flags. Political signs are allowed under specific conditions.

  7. Yard Maintenance: Lawns must be watered and mowed, trees and shrubs pruned, and debris removed. Properties must be kept free of noxious weeds.

  8. Residence Maintenance: Exterior paint and stain must be uniform and well-maintained. Roofs must be kept free of moss and rot.

  9. Solar Installations: Solar panels are allowed but must comply with state law and Association standards, including placement, elevation, and color requirements.

Landscape

  1. Irrigation Systems: Irrigation systems should be used in accordance with City of Chaska regulations, limiting lawn sprinkling based on the address and calendar day.

  2. Association Liability: The Association is not liable for lawn damage due to improper watering by owners.

Gardens

  1. Garden Size and Location: Gardens are limited to no more than 25% of the backyard and must be maintained. Removing gardens requires restoration at the homeowner’s expense.

Fences

  1. Fence Restrictions: Fences must not exceed four feet in height, and chain link and privacy fences are prohibited. Fences require Board approval and must comply with city regulations.

Vehicles and Parking

  1. Storage of Recreational Equipment: Trailers, boats, snowmobiles, and other recreational equipment must not be stored outside for more than 48 hours.

  2. Snow Removal: Vehicles must not obstruct or impede snow removal by the City of Chaska.

  3. Vehicle Registration: Inoperative or unlicensed vehicles must be stored in garages.

Animals

  1. Pet Waste: Owners must promptly clean up dog waste in their yards and common areas.

  2. Permitted Pets: Only common domestic pets are allowed, and they must be kept within the owner’s dwelling except when under control.

  3. Pet Enclosures: Outdoor pet enclosures are prohibited.

  4. Owner Responsibility: Owners are responsible for any damage caused by their pets and must hold the Association harmless against any claims.

Administration

  1. Waivers: Waivers from the rules may be granted by the Board for specific situations, provided they do not interfere with the rights of other residents.

  2. Rule Amendments: The Board has the authority to amend these rules for safety, care, and cleanliness of the property.

Violations/Hearings

  1. Enforcement: The Board may pursue legal action, impose fines, tow vehicles, or correct violations. Offenders are entitled to a fair hearing upon written request.

  2. Retrospective Approval: Homeowners who have made unapproved alterations must notify the Board, which will review and assess compliance with new guidelines. Conditional approval may be granted with specific timelines for compliance.

These rules and regulations aim to maintain a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing community while ensuring safety, compliance, and accountability among residents. For any comments or questions, please reach out to Melissa at FirstService Residential: Melissa.Hagen@fsresidential.com.

Thank you, Homesteads at the Harvest Board