Why do we have a Homeowner's Association?
Who runs the Homeowner's Association?
What is the violation process?
What if I do not like the rules of the Homeowner's Association?
What is the Design Review Committee?
What happens when a Covenant rule is broken?
What do I do if I receive a violation notice?
Who handles snow removal?
What can we do about unmowed lawns?
What can we do about speeding through the neighborhood?
Tell me more about MaWHOAnet.
What is a variance and when do I need one?
Do I need approval to put up a fence or a deck?
Are we allowed to have a pool?
Are we allowed to have basketball hoops?
Where should I keep my trash container?
What is the schedule for trash, recycling, and yard waste collection?
Does the community have a Block Watch and how can I join?
Why do we have a Homeowner's Association?
Homeowner's associations, or "HOAs", are formal legal entities created to maintain common areas and enforce deed restrictions. Many newer single-family subdivisions have HOAs, which are created when the development is built. Covenants, Conditions, Easements & Restrictions (the "Covenants" or "Deed Restrictions") and HOAs are established to ensure that they adhere to in order to maintain the quality and value of the properties involved.
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Who runs the Homeowner's Association?
The Meadows at Winchester is run by a board of trustees (BOT). The BOT consists of residents that are elected by other residents. Since members of the BOT are working on a volunteer basis, they have hired a property management company, Advanced Realty Management, Inc., to handle maintenance and enforcement issues.
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What is the violation process?
Let's say Mr. Smith has a boat in his driveway. He first receives a warning letter giving him 10 days to correct the violation. If Mr. Smith doesn't move his boat he receives another letter issuing a fine of $25.00 and a letter instructing him to correct the violation. After another 10 days if the boat is still there he receives a second fine of $50.00 and another letter. 10 more days pass and if the boat is still there Mr. Smith gets a 3rd fine of $75.00 and a letter. At this point if the violation is still not corrected the Design Review Committee turns it over to the BOT and they decide how to proceed. If Mr. Smith still has not moved his boat, the HOA may initiate further legal action. This all can take considerable time where it certainly might look like the HOA isn't doing anything when in fact they are. If Mr. Smith chooses to rack up all those fines and not move his boat the HOA can't go up in his driveway and take it.
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What if I do not like the rules of the Homeowner's Association?
The HOA has meetings every year open to any member to attend. This has proven to be the most effective time to voice concern over any rules or regulations that are in place. If you are unable to attend these meetings, we do provide several outlets such as a Yahoo group to raise issues.
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What is the Design Review Committee?
Homeowners wanting to make changes to their property must complete an application and have it approved by the Design Review Committee or "DRC". Forms can be viewed or submitted online at The Meadows at Winchester Forms.
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What happens when a Covenant rule is broken?
If a Covenant rule is broken you will receive a warning letter informing you there was a violation and instructing the homeowner on how to correct the issue. You wouldn't want a neighbor building an eight-foot-tall privacy fence or installing an above ground pool that could potentially lower the value of your home!
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What do I do if I receive a violation notice?
The letter you receive will inform you what violation has been broken, how to resolve it, and contact information to Advanced Realty Management if you should have any questions.
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Who handles snow removal?
The City of Columbus handles the snow removal. Requests can be submitted to the 311 site.
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What can we do about unmowed lawns?
The BOT does not handle this and is beyond the scope of the HOA. If there is a lawn of occupied or unoccupied home that concerns you please contact the City of Columbus through the 311 site.
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What can we do about speeding through the neighborhood?
A complaint can be filed with the Columbus Police Department through the 311 site.
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Tell me more about MaWHOAnet.
MaWHOAnet is an electronic communication tool for the Meadows at Winchester Home
Owners Association. It is intended to be a means for members to learn of upcoming
events and find answers to questions specifically related to our neighborhood HOA.
Click here for detailed information.
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What is a variance and when do I need one?
A variance is a requested deviation from the Covenants. A variance is needed to put up a shed or temporary pool. The forms can be found on our website.
Do I need approval to put up a fence or a deck?
Yes, you do. Please refer to the Design Review Standards for specifications and Design Review Standards of our website for the necessary forms.
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Are we allowed to have a pool?
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In ground pools are allowed with a variance.
- Temporary pools are allowed with a variance.
- Above ground pools are not allowed.
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Are we allowed to have basketball hoops?
Permanent hoops are allowed and restrictions on portable hoops can be found in the Design Review Standards.
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Where should I keep my trash container?
Trash Containers must be "screened from view"* from front street/curb view at all times prior to 24 hours before regular weekly trash pickup and prior to 24 hours after regular weekly trash pickup.
*"Screened from view" means your trash Container cannot be located directly in front of your home. On the side is acceptable.
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Does the community have a Block Watch and how can I join?
Yes, we do have a Block Watch. For more information click on the Block Watch icon on the right side of the page or go to our Block Watch page at blockwatch.shtml.
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