PLANTATION ESTATES HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION
PO BOX 2284
SWANSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA
March 14, 2011
Dear Plantation Estates Owner,
In order to clarify the restrictive covenants for Plantation Estates, the Board has proposed the enclosed rules. We ask that you review the enclosed rules. Our purpose is to maintain a harmonious look to our neighborhood and to protect our property values. We welcome your comments, but need you to do so by March 29th, 2011, prior to our next Board Meeting.
Note that existing structures are grandfathered in, but once replacement is needed, all structures must meet the new requirements.
Sincerely,
Vicki Brown
PEHOA Secretary
brownandbarefoot@embarqmail.com
Duane Jastremski, President dbjastremski@hotmail.com
Alice Aurelio, Vice-President alicefrank@embarqmail.com
Grant Sparks, Treasurer gsparks@ci.jacksonville.nc.us
Roger Brown, Member-At-Large brownandbarefoot@embarqmail.com
Proposed Rule for Fencing Materials in PEHOA
Problem: Although the Board approved plans for two fencing projects, the results are less than desirable. The Restrictive Covenants (RC's) for Plantation Estates Homeowners' Association PEHOA) do not specify the types of fencing materials that are or are not acceptable.
Objective: The rule would establish fencing materials for use within Plantation Estates so fences do not look agricultural or spiteful in nature. With no clear guidelines concerning fencing materials in the RC's, the Board does not have a defensible position if it disapproves plans submitted for a fence based on appearance.
Alternative: PEHOA would continue to approve or disapprove plans submitted for a construction project based on wording in the RC's Article VI, Architectural Control, "…showing the nature, kind, shape, height, materials and location of the same…"
Rule chosen: Fencing materials for use within Plantation Estates shall include wooden sections, split rail, chain link, wooden planks/boards, PVC, brick and wrought iron. As stated in the RC's Article VI, Architectural Control, "No building, fence, wall, road, driveway, dock, pier, seawall or other structure shall be commenced, erected or maintained upon the Property Concerned…until the plans and specifications showing the nature, kind, shape, height, materials and location of the same shall have been submitted to and approved in writing as to harmony of design and location in relation to surrounding structures, lots and topography by the Board…"
Why Chosen: Clearly defining the materials that shall be used for future fencing projects in Plantation Estates will allow all members to know what is and is not acceptable. This will also provide the Board with guidelines for approving or disapproving a fencing project.
Proposed Rule for Maintenance of Cleared Lots in PEHOA
Problem: Several lots in Plantation Estates have been cleared and over time the grasses, weeds and saplings have grown to such a height as to make the lots unsightly. Additionally, these unkempt lots are a habitat for snakes and other vermin making them a nuisance for homeowners in adjoining lots. The RC's do not address the maintenance of cleared lots whether they are unimproved or improved. An improved lot would be one which has a septic tank, and/or a well and/or a structure on it.
Objective: The rule would establish an expectation of minimum upkeep to keep Plantation Estates looking well groomed and maintained.
Alternative: Members maintain cleared unimproved and improved lots at their discretion.
Rule Chosen: A cleared lot whether unimproved or improved will be mowed/bush hogged as necessary so grasses, weeds and saplings are no taller than one (1) foot in height during the year. An improved lot will be defined as one having a septic tank, and/or well and/or a structure on it.
Why Chosen: Clearly defining the expectation for maintaining the appearance of cleared lots whether unimproved or improved will eliminate the need for other homeowners to do what the owners should be doing to maintain their lots appearance. Additionally, controlling the growth of weeds, grasses and saplings will enhance the overall appearance within Plantation Estates and reduce breeding areas for snakes and other vermin.
Proposed Rule for Outbuilding Appearance in PEHOA
Problem: Several outbuilding plans have been approved by the Board and these structures have been subsequently built, but their appearance does not go well with the main structure. Article VIII, Dwelling Quality and Size of the RC's state, "The siding shall be harmonious with the main structure and shall be approved in writing by submitting plans to the architectural committee." The word "harmonious" is subject to individual interpretation and the resulting structures fall short of being harmonious with the main structure.
Objective: The rule would establish that outbuildings be similar in design, structure, color and materials to that of the main structure.
Alternative: PEHOA would continue to follow the RC's concerning an outbuilding. As stated in Article VIII, Dwelling Quality and Size, "Only one (1) outbuilding, not exceeding two (2) stories in height and not having over 2000square feet of interior floor space, not to exceed 75% of size of heated residential main structure, for personal use only, and one pump house, not exceeding four (4) feet in height and not having over 20 square feet of floor space, shall be permitted as accessory buildings for each main single family dwelling. The siding shall be harmonious with the main structure and shall be approved in writing by submitting plans to the architectural committee."
Rule Chosen: An outbuilding's siding color, design, structure and materials shall be similar to that of the main structure. Additionally, as stated in Article VIII, Dwelling Quality and Size of the RC's. "…shall be approved in writing by submitting plans to the architectural committee."
PLANTATION ESTATES
HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION, INC
Post Office Box 2284
SWANSBORO,NC 28584-2284
March 18, 2011
Dear Plantation Estates Homeowner,
Winter finally seems to be over and we are busy spring cleaning and hanging our clothes to dry in the sunshine. However, don't forget that our covenants require the clothesline to be hidden from public view. Be discreet.
Also, don't forget to submit any plans for building a structure or other improvements to the architectural committee prior to construction.
Best Regards,
Vicki Brown
PEHOA Secretary
