Frequently Asked Questions

To further clarify and eliminate misinformation, we are providing the following frequently asked questions regarding the proposed covenants.

Please remember that we FULLY AGREE that you DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING YOU HAVE NOT READ IN FULL AND UNDERSTAND COMPLETELY. However, we would also ask that you PLEASE READ AND MAKE YOUR OWN DECISION AND IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, ASK.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING THE PROPOSED COVENANTS:

Why revise the covenants?

Our best legal advice says that our current covenants can be difficult to enforce as too vague. Unfortunately, this means more definitions and therefore a longer, more detailed document.


Will every lot owner get a chance to give their proxy?

Yes and No. Since it takes a majority of the lot owners to decide the issue, enough lot owners will be contacted until a decision is reached. No sense in carrying on beyond a majority – one way or the other.


Can the Board raise fees without a cap?

YES, but bear in mind that there is NO CAP in the current document. There is NO CHANGE.


Why use the word “Professional” when defining “Home Occupational Office”?

The word actually came from the re-draft submitted by Mr. Bailey and Mr. Motion. The committee felt then, as it does now, that the essence of the meaning is conveyed effectively and used their suggestion.


Can the Board adopt additional “Regulations” at will? (Article II, L)

No. The sentence reads “adopted by the Association”. The Association refers to the entire membership,not the Board.


What about “Regulations established by the Association”? (Article V, Section 1)

Association means the entire membership, no matter where it appears in the document.


Why are Parish laws and restrictions included in the document?

We have many newcomers who are unaware of many of the laws and restrictions that affect our residents. The purpose of mentioning some of the restrictions is simply to make our residents aware. By mention of these restrictions, it is not intended take on the enforcement of existing Parish laws.


What about the Budget? Does the membership approve the annual Budget?

Yes. At the Annual Meeting, the Budget for the upcoming year is proposed and discussed. By the way, there is not even a mention of a budget in the current document.


What about the Tree Restriction? (Article VII, I)

The restriction on the removal of trees is EXACTLY as the current Parish Ordinance. The “additional rules and Regulations” is intended to allow such changes as the Parish determines. Yes, it could be interpreted more liberally, as that wording does allow some additional room, but understand that a majority of the Board would have to be in agreement to make stricter revisions on trees and that those restrictions could also be removed.


Is it true that “600 square feet under beam” means a single car won’t fit (6X10)? (Article VII, 7)

No. 600 square feet still means 60ft X 10ft or whatever combination that still equals 600. Given that most autos are less than 8ft X 20 ft, 3 full size autos would fit with room to spare.


Why does the Architectural Review Committee take 60 days to act on a request? (Art. VII, Sec. 3)

Please read this answer carefully. The Architectural Review Committee doesn’t wait 60 days; IT MUST ACT WITHIN 60 days. Bear in mind that if the plans and specifications are within current guidelines, the approval can be IMMEDIATE; there is no reason to wait. The ONLY time any additional time may be needed is if the lot owner is seeking an EXCEPTION that the Architectural Review Committee wants the Board to review. The reason for 60 days is that your board meets only once a month and if a deviation request is received the day after the last board meeting, it certainly COULD BE more than 30 days before they meet again. The 60 days was chosen in the rare case that the board would be unable to meet sooner.


What about furnishing a bond or proving irreparable injury and the fee of $1,000.00? (Art. VII, Sec. 5)

The elimination of the “necessity or obligation of the Association” once again means the Association. Ultimately it is your money that goes to enforce and defend the covenants – new or old. It does not guarantee that the Association would win every legal argument; it only makes it less expensive to proceed. As for the $1,000.00, the idea is to add a punishment when necessary, not just stop or remove the offense. Two additional points: 1) The fine is NOT levied at will. It only comes AFTER successful legal action and 2) The fines are paid to the Association, not the Board. Once again, it’s your money.


Why does the Board want so much power?

PLEASE UNDERSTAND THIS: YOU elect your Board every year. Board members are ASKED to stay for 3 years to allow for continuity, but there is NO REQUIRMENT that the board as a whole or its separate members be re-elected. THERE IS NO DYNASTY in Board life. To say that the Board wants power becomes folly in the face of the facts. Since some of the members of the Board change every year, and it takes a majority of the Board to act, the power rests in the DOCUMENT not the Board!

ONCE AGAIN, PLEASE READ THE PROPOSED COVENANTS AND MAKE YOUR OWN DECISION. IF YOU HAVE A SERIOUS OBJECTION, DO NOT GIVE YOUR PROXY, BUT PLEASE MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND; DON’T LET ANYONE ELSE DO YOUR THINKING FOR YOU.

THANK YOU