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The Woodlands Rules and Regulations
Please take the time to read and understand the general policies and regulations of the Woodlands Community. They are meant to guide residents and owners actions so that they can live in close proximity to each other, harmoniously, with the least amount of infringement on each other’s lifestyle. They are intended to protect and enhance the value of all properties within the Woodlands. All owners, residents and guests are required to abide by these policies.
These policies shall govern the Woodlands until such time as they are supplemented by the individual village condominium associations or are modified by the Trustees.
A.1 NOISE
Owners, guests and tenants will be expected to reduce noise levels from 10:00 P.M. through 7:00 A.M. so that the community neighbors are not disturbed. At no time are musical instruments, radios, televisions, stereos or other audio equipment to be so loud as to become a nuisance to one’s neighbor
A.2 OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT AND CHILDREN’S PLAYTHINGS
Cooking equipment, lawn furniture, bicycles, children’s’ wheeled vehicles, toys and other personal articles and equipment shall not be left outside, except in the limited common areas.
A.3 CLOTHES LINES
No clothing, linens or similar materials shall be hung or otherwise left or placed in or on the common area and facilities or limited common areas. No such articles shall be placed in a unit so as to be exposed to public view.
A.4 SIGNS
Unit owners may not display signs in windows, on buildings, on limited common property, on common property, on automobiles or any other location within Condominium property.
A.5 VEHICLE REGULATIONS
Owners and their tenants shall be responsible to see that neither they, nor their guests, interfere with the right of the owners and their tenants in regard to the appropriate use of parking spaces.
No unregistered vehicles shall be stored for more than ten (10) days in the common area.
No unit owner shall park more than two (2) motor vehicles within the community without prior consent of the Trustees.
Cloth and canvas covers are not allowed on motor vehicles in open parking spaces (driveways or general parking areas).
No repairing of automobiles, boats, trucks or other vehicles shall take place except within the confines of the covered garage.
NON-PRIVATE PASSENGER VEHICLES are not permitted within the WOODLANDS unless they are parked within the unit owner’s garage or they are in the WOODLANDS for delivery or service purposes.
Last Updated: December 2020
Non-Private Passenger Vehicles include, but are not limited to:
Trucks¹ Mobile Homes
Motorcycles Recreation Vehicles
Mobile Campers
Painted vehicles2
Limousines Taxis Buses or any type of vehicle used for shuttle or passenger transportation service.
¹ Trucks (defined):
- having over one (1) ton carrying load capacity, or
- dump body or cargo body other than a pickup type truck body
- having more than 2 axles or more than 4 wheels
- that openly store or transport materials, tools or equipment for trade purposes (closed tool boxes and caps excepted)
- having cargo body greater than 48 SF
² Painted vehicles (defined):
- any vehicle distinctively painted with designs or advertising intended to attract attention, as determined by the Trustees
- has more than 2 lines of lettering on two sides of the vehicle
- the two acceptable lines of lettering shall be no more than 4” in height.
Exceptions:
This regulation does not apply to any private passenger vehicle with an official Massachusetts handicap registration plate.
Vehicles of guests or visitors that do not meet the requirements of the NON-PRIVATE PASSENGER VEHICLE regulation may park in designated areas for a maximum of two (2) weeks, provided:
1. The vehicle is registered with the Management Office upon the visitor’s arrival.
2. The vehicle is not a truck exceeding the tonnage limits set in this Regulation for resident’s vehicles.
FIRE LANES / PARKING
The WOODLANDS roadways are designated fire lanes by the town, and as such, must be kept open for fire trucks and emergency vehicles at all times. Residents and guests are required to park off the street right of way in designated parking areas, which first include garages and driveways.
If any unit owner requires temporary additional parking, other areas will be designated as available. Cars may be parked at the management office area, or other service areas. Please discuss additional requirements with the management office. Under no circumstances are vehicles to be parked in the roadway except if delivering, loading or unloading temporarily.
Parking spaces not specifically deeded to a unit upon the initial sale of such unit are for the general enjoyment of any or all residents. See section 7.6 of each Condominium’s Master Deed for further information.
Last Updated: December 2020
Marked guest parking spaces are specified for guest parking. Residents are prohibited from using the guest parking spaces on a regular basis or for overnight parking. Residents may be in violation of the parking regulations if their use of a guest space is abused.
A.6 MOTORIZED SPORT VEHICLES
Definition: Motorized sport vehicles include, but are not limited to: snowmobiles skidoos ATVs (all-terrain vehicles)
4-wheelers rangers trackers go-carts dirt bikes mini bikes, scooters
Properly registered motorized sport vehicles allowed on Massachusetts roadways, driven by licensed operators on WOODLANDS roadways in accordance with the posted speed limit are excluded from this definition unless such vehicle causes accelerated damage to WOODLANDS property, is considered a nuisance due to noise or in any way has put WOODLANDS residents at risk of injury due to hazardous driving.
Motorized sport vehicles are not permitted to be parked on WOODLANDS property unless they are parked / stored within the unit owner’s garage.
The use of motorized sport vehicles on WOODLANDS property in either the common area or limited common area is not permitted.
Any damage or accelerated wear and tear to WOODLANDS property caused by the use of a motorized sport vehicle shall be repaired at the expense of the Unit Owner.
The WOODLANDS Homeowners Association will not be responsible for liability or injury claims resulting in the use of motorized sport vehicles.
A.7 EXTERIOR DECORATIONS
Exterior residential individualizing decorations will be allowed as long as they are done in a manner which will enhance real estate values as articulated in this document and the Condominium documents and be done in good taste. “Good taste” and “enhanced real estate values” are intangible standards that will be determined by the Board of Trustees, who shall be the final determining decision authority.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL DECORATIONS BE APPLIED TO THE SIDING.
Unit owners must remove, upon notification, any electrical decorations the Manager or the Trustees believe to be a hazard or unsightly in their discretion.
Holiday decorations must be removed in a timely manner after the completion of a holiday. Decorations which contain lights must be turned off by 11:00 pm at night so they do not disturb neighbors.
Unit owners must remove, upon notification, any decorations that result in complaints from other WOODLANDS unit owners due to noise (such as wind chimes), excessive light, garden fountains, etc.
Last Updated: December 2020
A.8 EXTRA PLANTING BY RESIDENTS
Extra planting may be done by residents in the limited common areas and adjacent to their decks or patios. Such planting must have the approval of the Trustees as to type and location of plantings. In all cases where extra planting is done, it is the responsibility of the resident to maintain such additional planting. Should the resident decide not to maintain such planting, it is his or her responsibility to restore the area to a condition comparable to other similar areas in the Condominium.
A.9 ANTENNAS AND SATELLITE DISHES
Antennas and satellite dishes are permitted if:
resident completes a “Request for Alteration” form and submits it to the Management Office
the request has been approved by the Board of Trustees
A.10 LAWNS
The schedule for cutting lawns in common areas during the growing season is once a week with some adjustments for any periods of extremely dry or rainy weather.
Unit owners are responsible for:
1. removing lawn furniture, garden hoses, toys, bikes, etc., before the lawns are cut
2. watering lawn areas in front, rear and sides of their unit where applicable
3. proper installation and proper maintenance of lawn irrigation systems as to not interfere with the work done by the hired grounds contractor
A.11 SNOW REMOVAL
Snow removal by the Association is limited to roadways and driveways.
Individual unit owners shall be responsible for maintaining and removing snow and ice from their entry walks, steps, and other limited common areas as outlined in the “WOODLANDS’ Snow Removal Policy”, unless such service is elected to be performed by specific village condominium associations.
Residents who are unable to remove snow from their entries, walks or steps may contact the Management Office for appropriate information and fees regarding this additional service, if available.
Snow removal from all roadways and driveways will occur whenever two or more inches of snow have accumulated (subject to change). The plowing and sanding of roadways will be done as required for safety and access needs. Roadway clearing and driveway snow removal will commence after the storm has passed through the area.
Last Updated: December 2020
A.12 RUBBISH REMOVAL
Garbage and refuse shall be disposed of only at such times and in such manner as described here:
Rubbish pickup is currently scheduled for Tuesday’s for the townhomes, villas and single family detached homes. Briarwood rubbish pickup is typically also on Tuesdays.
In the event of a holiday on Monday or Tuesday, rubbish pickup will be on Wednesday.
Rubbish may not be placed outside on the night before or any day prior to the regular day of rubbish pickup.
Rubbish may be placed at the curb on the day of regular trash pickup between the hours of 6:30 A.M. and 8:30 A.M.
Rubbish must be in securely fastened plastic bags.
Rubbish barrels are not to be left at the roadside. You may keep rubbish containers within your garage, but no containers are to be left at the curb for the contractor to empty. Our contract with the removal company is for the disposal of fastened plastic bags only.
Trash containers are not to be stored outside of the buildings.
A.13 WILDLIFE
Bird feeding or any other activity done in such a way as to attract pigeons, squirrels, chipmunks, skunks, raccoons, etc. to the point that any damage is done to WOODLANDS property (including buildings, fencing, roofs, etc.) or where the animals are entering buildings or disrupting the peaceful enjoyment or creating a mess shall constitute a violation of the Community Policy.
Upon notification by the Manager or the Trustees, unit owners must stop the activity in question and if necessary, return the area to its previous condition.
A.14 OFFENSIVE ACTIVITIES
No owner may use or maintain his or her unit or the common areas for any purpose or in any manner which is contrary to any applicable law, rule, regulations or requirement of any governmental authority, or for any purpose which would constitute a nuisance or be offensive.
Last Updated: December 2020
The following are allowed if approvals have been obtained:
Cats or dogs may be kept and housed within WOODLANDS provided:
pet permits/applications for each animal have been properly submitted by the unit owner;
the application has been approved by the Board of Trustees;
the total number of pets does not exceed two per unit; and
their ownership conforms with any unique regulations stipulated in individual condominium documents (e.g. Briarwood Condominium).
The following are allowed without obtaining approvals:
Small, orderly, caged, domestic pets are permitted, not to exceed two per unit. For example; birds, gerbils, etc.
The following are NOT allowed:
The keeping, boarding and/or raising of animals, livestock, poultry or reptiles of any kind, regardless of number, is prohibited within any unit at WOODLANDS.
Dangerous Pets: “Dangerous” breeds of dogs, as defined by the Woodlands insurance carrier, are not permitted, including but not limited to Pit Bull, Mastiff, Rottweiler, and Doberman pinscher. The Trustees in their sole discretion may designate any dog or breed or size or personality or temperament of dog as “dangerous” and may require its removal or specify conditions for its housing at The Woodlands.
Pet Permit/Application:
Residents may obtain pet permit/application from the WOODLANDS Management Office.
The completed application must be submitted to the WOODLANDS Management Office along with the following, within 30 days of moving to the Woodlands:
1. A copy of dog license from Town of Clinton
2. Proof of immunization, including rabies
3. $65 per dog for adding to the “Poo Prints” DNA database. Pets must have DNA swabbed. Contact property manager for information.
4. $10 application fee for each pet
Ongoing Responsibilities of the pet owners:
Immunization maintenance is each pet owner’s responsibility and must be verified each time a violation is reported. Failure to have a valid immunization shall be grounds for immediate loss of pet permit. Pet owners must abide by all current Town of Clinton and Commonwealth of Massachusetts laws and regulations concerning pets.
Property owners who lease their units are responsible for ensuring that the tenants adhere to all WOODLANDS Pet Regulations and that these regulations are incorporated as part of any lease.
All pets shall be subject to the rules and regulations as set forth herein:
No pets shall be kept or housed for commercial purposes.
No pet shall become a nuisance or create an unreasonable disturbance affecting the lifestyle of any WOODLANDS resident.
No animal shall be permitted to bark, howl, or make other loud noise such that it disturbs a neighbor’s rest or peaceful enjoyment of their unit or common elements at any time.
It is a violation of our regulation for any owner to allow or permit any animal to roam freely, to molest, attack, or otherwise interfere with the freedom of movement of persons on the WOODLANDS property; to chase vehicles in the public right of way; to attack other domestic animals; or in any other way create a public nuisance or disturbance. The WOODLANDS Management personnel are authorized and directed upon identifying or capturing an animal creating a public nuisance to issue to the owner of such animal a notice of violation of this section. Unit owners must remove from WOODLANDS property any pet that the Board of Trustees believes to be a danger to others.
All pets must be on a leash. This applies to both cats and dogs. It is against WOODLANDS regulations to allow animals to run free on any common property or the limited common areas of others, unless they are in a designated “Dog Park” area. Dogs and cats must be restrained by a dependable leash (not to exceed 15 feet in length) and controlled by a responsible person. No animal may be tied or leashed to any stationary object in the common areas.
Pets, with the exception of Service/Assistance dogs, are not allowed in the indoor common / meeting areas.
Pets will be allowed to roam unleashed only in the designated “Dog Park” while being supervised by a qualified attendant.
Pet owners are responsible for any property damage, injury or disturbance their pet may cause or inflict.
Pet owners shall not allow their animal to soil, defile, defecate or otherwise relieve itself on any common property, landscaped area, sidewalk, play area, mulched areas, roadway or any place where people congregate or walk, unless the pet owner immediately removes and disposes of all feces by use of a “pooper-scooper” or suitable alternative. Pet owners are required to have on their person a pooper-scooper or suitable alternative. Disposing of the pet droppings in wooded or mulched areas, naturalized areas or in neighboring woods is not allowed.
All pets shall be confined to the unit or to the limited private area assigned to some homes.
No separate pet houses will be allowed in the limited common area.
Pet access doors are not allowed from the units to the outside.
In order to insure compliance with this regulation, the Trustees may require a $100.00 surety bond per pet posted by the unit owner with or without cause.
Any damage or accelerated wear and tear to the common areas and facilities caused by a pet shall be repaired at the expense of the unit owner housing such pet, which expense shall constitute a common expense and shall be payable to the Trust on demand.
Last Updated: December 2020
Dog Park Rules
The Woodlands has a Dog Park within Central Park. To maintain a safe environment for dogs of all breeds, temperaments, and sizes, the rules for The Woodlands Dog Park are listed below:
Dogs shall not be unattended
Dogs must be current on all shots and have a valid license
Dog owners must have a leash in hand and available at all times
Dogs younger than 4 months are not allowed in the dog park
Do not bring a female dog in season to the dog park
Clean up after your dog
Close all gates to the dog park after entering or exiting
If you smoke or eat while at the Dog Park, remove all cigarette butts and food
Do not give treats to any dog without the owner’s permission
Infractions of the Pet Regulations will result in the following:
The pet permit will be automatically terminated after notification of three infractions of the pet regulations and the applicant shall not be entitled to apply for another permit within 6 months.
The Trustees at their sole discretion may in any individual case substitute another penalty because of hardship for a third violation only once. A fourth infraction would then be absolute cause for removal of the pet.
The Association has the right to capture and detain any pet whenever it becomes a public nuisance or is allowed to roam unleashed.
The unit owner will pay fines or other such fees as determined by the Trustees; along with any additional boarding or holding charges as incurred by the Association to detain the pet until claimed by the permit holder. Pets not claimed after 4 days will be turned over to the local animal warden for disposition. All costs incurred will be the owner’s responsibility to repay.
The Association will not be held responsible for any damage, liability, or injury claims caused by the pet including the person detaining the pet and from any claim for injury to the pet, when it is being detained for violation of this pet policy.
Last Updated: December 2020
Non-permitted Pet or Pet not added to DNA database.
Verbal warning and pet permit shall be obtained within 10 business days
$25 fine per day until Permit is obtained
$50 fine per day until Permit is obtained
Removal of pet until permit is obtained
Public Nuisance, Noisy, and/or Unleashed Pets
Verbal warning $25 fine $50 fine
Removal of pet subject to decision of the Board of Trustees and/or the Town of Clinton, MA
DNA Match to dog feces found on Woodlands property
$150 fine $200 fine $250 fine $250 fine
Damage to Property Owner pays for all property damage $25 fine and owner pays for all property damage
$50 fine and owner pays for all property damage
Removal of pet subject to decision of the Board of Trustees and owner pays for all property damage
Biting Pets $50 fine or removal of pet subject to the decision of the Board of Trustees or the Town of Clinton, MA
Biting People $100 fine or removal of pet subject to the decision of the Board of Trustees or the Town of Clinton, MA
Last Updated: December 2020
Woodlands Pet Permit Application
The applicant hereby agrees to abide by the Woodlands Community Lifestyle Policy as amended with regard to pets as well as all applicable State or Town Laws or Regulations.
The applicant hereby agrees that any monies posted as bonds may be used by the Trustees at their discretion to enforce and ensure the applicant's compliance with this regulation.
Woodlands Pet Permit Contract
The Applicant, in consideration for receiving permission from the Board of Trustees to house the described pet, agrees to abide by the following Terms and Conditions of this Pet Permit and any current and any future Woodlands Pet Regulations in effect. When signed by the Applicant, Unit Owners, and the authorized Trustees' Representative, this document becomes a legally binding contract between the parties.
The Applicant shall:
1. Abide by all current Town of Clinton and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Laws & Regulations as amended concerning pets;
2. Abide by the Woodlands Pet Regulations in effect at this time and as amended from time to time by the Board of Trustees;
3. Agree that the issuance of a permit pursuant to this application constitutes permission to house the above pet at the Woodlands only as long as the regulations governing the housing of the pet at the Woodlands are conformed to;
4. Agree that this permit will automatically terminate after notification of three infractions of the Pet Regulations and the Applicant shall not be entitled to apply for another permit within 6 months. The Trustees at their sole discretion may in any individual case substitute another penalty because of hardship for a third violation only once. A forth infraction would then be absolute cause for removal of the pet;
5. Grant to the Association the right to capture and detain the pet whenever it becomes a public nuisance or is allowed to roam unleashed;
6. Agree that animals may be housed within the confines of the condominium unit. No separate pet houses will be allowed in the limited common area, and pet access doors are not allowed from the units to the outside;
7. Agree to hold the Association harmless from any damage, liability, or injury claims caused by or to the pet including any person detaining a loose pet, when it is being detained for violation of this pet policy;
8. Agree that the Trustees may require at their discretion or at any time in the future annual pet license tags, licensing fees and bonds;
Permit Page 2 of 3
Last Updated: December 2020
9. Agree that property owners who lease their property, along with their tenants agree to abide by these rules. Each owner is responsible for ensuring that their tenants adhere to all Woodlands Pet Regulations and that issued permits shall be subject to any future rule changes or modifications implemented.
10. Recognize the rights of the Trustees to further amend these Pet Regulations from time to time and that issued permits shall be subject to any future rule changes or modifications implemented.
WOODLANDS PET CONTRACT ACCEPTANCE Unit
Last Updated: December 2020
C.1 FIRE LANES / PARKING
The WOODLANDS roadways are designated fire lanes by the town, and as such, must be kept open for fire trucks and emergency vehicles at all times. Residents and guests are required to park off the street right of way in designated parking areas, which first include garages and driveways.
If any unit owner requires temporary additional parking, other areas will be designated as available. Cars may be parked at the management office area, or other service areas. Please discuss additional requirements with the management office. Under no circumstances are vehicles to be parked in the roadway except if delivering, loading or unloading temporarily.
Parking spaces not specifically deeded to a unit upon the initial sale of such unit are for the general enjoyment of any or all residents. See section 7.6 of each Condominium’s Master Deed for further information.
Marked guest parking spaces are specified for guest parking. Residents are prohibited from using the guest parking spaces on a regular basis or for overnight parking. Residents may be in violation of the parking regulations if their use of a guest space is abused.
Other Vehicle Regulations
Owners and their tenants shall be responsible to see that neither they, nor their guests, interfere with the right of the owners and their tenants in regard to the appropriate use of parking spaces.
No unregistered vehicles shall be stored for more than ten (10) days in the common area.
No unit owner shall park more than two (2) motor vehicles within the community without prior consent of the Trustees.
Cloth and canvas covers are not allowed on motor vehicles in open parking spaces (driveways or general parking areas).
No repairing of automobiles, boats, trucks or other vehicles shall take place except within the confines of the covered garage.
NON-PRIVATE PASSENGER VEHICLES are not permitted within the WOODLANDS unless they are parked within the unit owner’s garage or they are in the WOODLANDS for delivery or service purposes.
Non-Private Passenger Vehicles include, but are not limited to:
Trucks¹ Mobile Homes Mobile Campers
Motorcycles Recreation Vehicles Painted vehicles2
Limousines Taxis Buses or any type of vehicle used for shuttle or passenger transportation service.
¹ Trucks (defined):
- having over one (1) ton carrying load capacity, or
- dump body or cargo body other than a pickup type truck body
Last Updated: December 2020
- having more than 2 axles or more than 4 wheels
- that openly store or transport materials, tools or equipment for trade purposes (closed tool boxes and caps excepted)
- having cargo body greater than 48 SF
² Painted vehicles (defined):
- any vehicle distinctively painted with designs or advertising intended to attract attention, as determined by the Trustees
- has more than 2 lines of lettering on two sides of the vehicle
- the two acceptable lines of lettering shall be no more than 4” in height.
Exceptions:
This regulation does not apply to any private passenger vehicle with an official Massachusetts handicap registration plate.
Vehicles of guests or visitors that do not meet the requirements of the NON-PRIVATE PASSENGER VEHICLE regulation may park in designated areas for a maximum of two (2) weeks, provided:
1. The vehicle is registered with the Management Office upon the visitor’s arrival.
2. The vehicle is not a truck exceeding the tonnage limits set in this Regulation for resident’s vehicles.
C.2 SPEED LIMIT
Residents and guest are expected to drive with caution at all times and observe a 20 MPH speed limit within the Woodland Circle main roadway.
Village roadways (i.e. Fernwood, Cherrywood, Devenwood, Sprucewood, Linwood, etc.) require a lower speed limit based on their proximity to homes and as such a maximum 15 MPH speed limit is required.
C.3 ABUSE OF MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
The Trustees may charge a unit owner for any damage to the mechanical, electrical, or other building service system or any property of the Condominium caused by misuse of those systems.
C.4 GAS GRILLS, CAMP FIRES and FIRE PITS
The use of Gas Grills is not permitted on any above-ground deck at any Woodlands home. An electric grill is permissible. No fire pits or campfires are permitted on any property at the Woodlands.
C.5 STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE BUILDINGS
Nothing shall be done on any unit or in the common area and facilities which will impair the structural integrity of any building, nor shall anything be done in or on said areas which would
Last Updated: December 2020 structurally change any building, without the prior written permission on each occasion by the Trustees.
C.6 MINIMUM HEAT REQUIREMENTS
All units shall be heated at all times so as to maintain minimum temperatures of 60°F so as to avoid the freezing of pipes, sprinkler systems, plumbing facilities, and the like. If any unit owner fails to maintain a 60°F temperature, the Trustees shall have the right to access each unit at any time to increase the temperature in order to maintain the minimum temperature or in order to repair any damage caused by the failure to maintain the 60°F temperature. Any heating bills thus incurred, or any repair bills thus incurred, shall be paid by the applicable unit owners, and until so paid, shall constitute a lien against such unit pursuant to Section 6 of Chapter 183A Commonwealth of Massachusetts General Laws.
Owners who leave garage and other doors open are responsible for any and all damage caused by this action, such as pipe or sprinkler system freeze ups, the entrance of wild or other animals, etc.
Last Updated: December 2020
D.1 IMPROVEMENTS TO COMMON AREAS AND FACILITIES
Improvements to and landscaping of the common area and facilities is the sole responsibility of the Trustees. Unit owners can request permission of the Trustees to make improvements to the common area and facilities. If permitted, such improvements and landscaping shall be exclusively maintained by the unit owner requesting such permission.
Architectural Review of all Modifications or Improvements
Changes affecting the appearance of the exterior of any building including but not limited to: skylights chimneys awnings air conditioning equip. sun shades antennas fans screens enclosures Gutters garage doors screen doors storm doors windows light fixtures room additions irrigation systems shall be made only with the consent of the Board of Trustees. The Owner will be required to restore the building to the original condition, at his/her/their own costs, if said Owner does not comply with these policies.
Before work can commence, Owner needs to do as follows:
Obtain the proper form (“Request for Alterations”) from the Woodlands Management office. This may include a list of approved vendors and products.
Complete the form and return it to the Woodlands Management Office.
Receive written approval from the Board of Trustees.
The Board of Directors shall have the authority and standing to enforce in courts of competent jurisdiction any architectural and landscape modifications or improvements made within the Woodlands.
No construction, which term shall include within its definition, clearing, excavation, grading, and other site work, no exterior alteration or modification of existing improvements, and no plantings or removal of plants, trees, or shrubs shall take place until the requirements of each have been fully met, and until the approval of the appropriate entities has been obtained.
Section 11.1 (of the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions). The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) shall have exclusive jurisdiction over all construction on any portion of the Properties. The ARC shall prepare and, on behalf of the Board of Directors, shall promulgate design and development guidelines and application and review procedures (the “Design Code”). The ARC shall make the Design Code available to Owners, seek to engage in
Last Updated: December 2020 construction upon any portion of the Properties and such Owners and builders shall conduct their operations strictly in accordance therewith.
The above requirements also apply to modifications or additions to the interior of the home. Attached are excerpts from the Master Deed of the neighborhood Condominium Documents regarding modifications or alterations:
11.6 Nothing hereinbefore contained shall be so construed as to restrict the right of any Unit owner to decorate the interior of his or her Unit in accordance with his or her own wishes or to change the use and designation of any room or space in the interior of such Unit from the designation and the implied use resulting from said designation set forth on the Plans to be filed herewith, subject, however, to the restrictions herein contained as to uses, or to prohibit the Owner of such Unit from remodeling the interior of such Unit, provided that any and all such work shall be done in a good and workmanlike manner pursuant to a building permit duly issued therefor, if required by law, and provided, further, that the owner of such Unit shall first submit plans and specifications of the work to be accomplished to the Board of Trustees and the Architectural Review Committee established pursuant to the Declaration, together with a written request for approval thereof, and shall not commence said work until such approval shall have been received in writing, which approval shall only be withheld in the event the structural integrity of the Unit or other Units is threatened. The failure of the Board of Trustees and the Architectural Review Committee established pursuant to the Declaration to act upon any such written request within forty five (45) days shall be deemed to constitute approval.
D.2 IMPROPER USE OF COMMON AREAS AND FACILITES
There shall be no use of the common areas and facilities which injures or scars them or the planting thereon, increases the maintenance thereof, or causes embarrassment, disturbance or annoyance to other owners in the enjoyment of the Condominium, or if it negatively affects the real estate values of any residential property within The Woodlands.
D.3 IMPROPER USE OF LIMITED COMMON AREAS
The limited common areas are an extension of the common areas of the Community to which an individual home owner as been given additional exclusive rights to use. These are also governed by the covenants covering the use of common areas and facilities. The unit owners shall keep such limited common areas clean and in good and safe order and condition.
There shall be no use of the limited common areas which causes the area to have a negative affect on the real estate values of the neighborhood or abutting units. There shall be no use of the limited common areas that requires a higher maintenance cost. In any event in which the unit owner’s limited common area requires a higher maintenance cost, then the unit owner shall be required to maintain the area to meet the landscape standards or must pay the condominium to have the maintenance service performed.
Last Updated: December 2020
E.1 RENTERS and LEASES
Owners who wish to rent or lease their unit are required to abide by the following rules:
Owners are responsible for actions taken by their tenants that violate the Woodlands Community Policy.
Owners are responsible for informing renters or lessees of Woodlands Community Policy.
All rental agreements and/or leases shall be in writing and for a minimum duration of 6 months.
A copy of the Woodlands Community Policy shall be part of the rental agreement and or lease.
A copy of all leases and renewals shall be filed within thirty (30) days of their effective date with the Management Office.
Failure to comply with the above shall constitute a violation of the Community Policy and will be subject to a weekly fine until such violation has been corrected.
Last Updated: December 2020
F.1. INSURANCE
The Woodlands Homeowners Association and the neighborhood condominiums carry insurance which covers all condominium property including each individual unit to the extent and what was included with the home at the initial sale from the builder. At the Woodlands, it is a requirement that each individual unit owner is responsible for the deductible (currently $10,000 as of January 6, 2020) of any insurance claim against the master insurance policy. In other words, if an insurance claim is placed for damages to a home’s structure, the Woodlands Condominium master policy covers all but $10,000 of the damages. The homeowner is responsible for the first $10,000. Therefore the individual homeowner needs to have this amount covered as part of the homeowner’s policy. This $10,000 deductible is also subject to change.
The standard condominium-type insurance coverage is called an “H-O6” policy which allows for various endorsements based on the individual homeowner and contents. Every homeowner must carry sufficient insurance for their own personal property, contents, building improvements not included in the original sale, and the $10,000 deductible for the master policy.
Many H-O6 policies will not cover the freezing of water and sprinkler piping problems unless due care was provided to prevent heat loss. The monitoring systems (including the low-temperature monitor) installed in many of the Woodlands homes will add an extra level of vigilance to help identify low temperature and possible freeze-up situations. It is imperative that homeowners take extra care to keep garage doors closed and heat levels maintained at a safe level to minimize any potential freeze-up problems.
Shown below are portions of the neighborhood condominium Declaration of Trust documents which pertain to insurance coverage. See the condominium documents for more detailed descriptions of insurance requirements.
Section 5.8.4 - Owner's Insurance and Responsibility for Increase in Premiums of Master Policy. Each Unit Owner may obtain additional insurance for his or her benefit at his or her own expense. No such policy shall be written so as to decrease the coverage under any of the policies obtained by the Trustees pursuant to Section 5.8.1 above, and each Unit Owner hereby assigns to the Trustees the proceeds of any such policy to the extent that any such policy does in fact result in a decrease in such coverage, said proceeds to be applied pursuant to the terms of this Section 5.8 as if produced by such coverage. Copies of all such policies (except policies covering only personal property of individual Unit Owners) shall be filed with the Trustees.
Section 5.8.5 - Notice of Owner's Improvements. Each Unit Owner shall notify the Trustees of all improvements to his or her Unit (except personal property other than fixtures) which exceed a total value of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) within twenty (20) days after the commencement of construction of such improvements and, upon receipt of such notice, the Trustees shall notify the insurer under any policy obtained pursuant to Section 5.8.1 hereof of any such improvements. The Trustees may create a special assessment applicable only to the Unit Owner which has improved their Unit for any increase in premium attributable to such improvements.