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Rules and Regulations:
These Rules, adopted October 2010, supersede any and all prior Rules and Regulations!
Contents:
The
role of a Homeowners Association, of which every owner is a member, is not only
to own and manage the open space, but also to conserve and enhance the
resources of the entire community. The Association accomplishes these
functions in a variety of ways, of which one is to establish
reasonable Rules and Regulations as stated in article VI of the By-Laws. The Association, through the
Board of Directors, also has the power to establish committees, like the
Architectural/Grounds Committee, and the responsibility
of enforcing all of the Association's Documents as stated in the By-Laws,
Article VIII.
The
following Rules and Regulations have been established to assure pleasant and
harmonious living for all residents and their guests. They are
based on and are supplementary to the Declaration and the By-Laws of the
Association.
It is the responsibility of each resident within the community to become
familiar with the Rules and Regulations and to abide by same. The cooperation
of each resident is needed to maintain property values and provide peaceful
enjoyment for each resident.
* ALL
UNDERLINED SENTENCES ARE CONTAINED IN THE USE RESTRICTIONS ON PAGE 13 OF THE DECLARATION AND MAY NOT
BE CHANGED WITHOUT 2/3 CONSENT OF THE ENTIRE ASSOCIATION. ALL ADDITIONAL
SENTENCES WERE ADOPTED AS PART OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS.
When
in conflict, Chalfont Borough laws and ordinances supersede any rules set forth
in this document.
For purposes of the document the following definitions apply:
Overnight - Between the hours of 10 PM and 6 AM
Current Townhouse website is www.lindenfieldtownhomes.com
SECTION A: GENERAL RULES
No
owner or lawful occupier shall erect or maintain an antenna, which is
externally visible on any townhouse building or townhouse Lot. Satellite
dishes should be placed behind the unit, on the ground and hidden from
view. Since this is a permanent exterior alteration, an architectural change
request form must be filed with the Association for approval prior to
installation. This is subject to and governed by Rule B. Exterior Alterations.
It
is the intent of these regulations to ensure that satellite dishes and their
installation meet all appropriate building, safety, and electrical codes.
a. The
Board does not restrict the use of video receiving dishes less than eighteen
(18”) inches in diameter, properly installed on the owner’s private property.
b. Dishes
must be installed so as not to pose a safety hazard to surrounding homes.
c. Dishes
must be properly grounded under electrical code.
d. Dishes
must not hang over or encroach onto a neighbor’s property, roof, walls, or
windows or block a neighbor’s window.
e. Dishes
must not present an electrical hazard to neighboring homes.
f. Dishes
must not have wires “draped” on the roof or side of the owner’s home.
g. Dishes
cannot be installed in common areas and must not inhibit others from using
common areas or property.
h. Dishes
must be mounted by a secure method so as not to cause damage to surrounding
homes or property by collapse.
i. Dishes
must be for the exclusive use of the owner installing the dish and may not be
used in common with other neighbors.
j. Dishes
and their installation must meet all local, state, and county codes that may
apply.
k. An
owner of a dish will be required to sign an indemnification agreement agreeing
to indemnify and hold the Association harmless for any personal injury
occurring to other residents, Association personnel or for damages occurring to
common property or other resident’s property from the installation and
placement of the dish.
No
owner or other person shall leave any non-licensed, non-registered or
non-operating vehicle or vehicles on or about any Lot, the common areas or an
Association roadway, nor shall any major repairs or dismantling of vehicles be permitted
on or about any Lot, common areas or Association roadways.
Commercial
vehicles (including but not limited to, dump trucks, stake body trucks,
trucks exceeding 3/4 ton, or vehicles equipped with ladders or pipe tubes) are
not permitted on any property or common area overnight.
Vehicles
without valid license or inspection, and any off road vehicles, are not
permitted on any lot, common areas or Association roadways. The parking of
boats, trailers, oversized trucks and recreational vehicles is not permitted
for more than 24 hours unless enclosed within the garage.
All
vehicle parking is in driveways or along street curbs opposite the
driveway side. No parking is permitted over sidewalks (in driveways) or in
yellow curbed areas for safety reasons. Also, no parking is
permitted on any street during snowfall and cleanup. Any vehicle in
violation will be cause for a fine and/or will be towed at the expense of the
owner.
Any
vehicle which is leaking fluids that may cause damage to the roadway is not
permitted.
No
animals, livestock, fowl or poultry of any kind shall be raised, bred or kept
on any Lot except dogs, cats or other commonly accepted household pets may be
kept on Lots, provided that they are not kept, bred or maintained for any
commercial purpose and provided further that no such pet shall be allowed to
cause or create any nuisance or other unreasonable disturbance.
All
(i.e. cats, dogs etc.) pets must be walked on leashes and attended at all times
with a responsible individual outside the unit or fenced area. Pet owners
are required to immediately clean up any waste left behind. Pets are not
permitted to be tied up outside without the owner present and shall be
prevented from damaging the common elements or another owner's property.
No
pet owner may permit an animal to relieve itself on any of the grass areas
around the buildings. Pet owners are responsible for any property damage,
injury, and disturbance their pet may cause or inflect. No doghouses are
permitted.
The
cost of clean up and/or repairs to common elements shall be charged to the
offender (unit owner). Continual waste lying on personal property is a safety
and health hazard and will be subject to a warning and subsequent fine to that
unit owner. All Borough, County and State pet laws must be obeyed.
All
Lots are restricted specifically to residential use and no form of commercial
non-residential use or activity shall be permitted on any Lot. The
occasional yard / garage sale is preferred on weekends only.
Owners
shall be responsible for snow removal and cleaning of sidewalk areas and
driveways between the townhouse and the curb line, whether or not said sidewalk
and driveway are located within the Lot or within the Common Open Space. Snow
removal should be within 24 hours after a snowfall to prevent safety
hazards or property damage. Failure to comply could result in fines or legal
action by the Association and/or Chalfont Borough. If the tenant or homeowner
is going to be away it is their responsibility to ensure the vehicle is off the
road or provisions are made to remove the vehicle during the snowfall season.
All
Lots and improvements thereon shall be maintained in a reasonable and neat and
well appearing condition. The Association shall be responsible for grass
cutting in all Common Open Space and Lots, except that the owner shall be
responsible for grass cutting in any area of the Lot which has been fenced by
the Owner. The outside appearance of units should be kept neat in
consideration of your neighbors. All outdoor accessories toys, bikes,
play equipment, lawn furniture, grills, inflatable pools, garden hose racks,
etc. should be stored neatly behind the unit or on a deck/patio when not in
use and during overnight hours.
NOTE:
Garden hose racks must be stored neatly behind and nearest to the rear wall of
the townhouse during the winter months, December through April. Kindly
remember to drain hose before storing and turn off water supply to the outside
hose bib.
Additionally,
unit owners will be responsible for maintenance of all trees and shrubbery beds
contained on their lot with the immediate removal of any dead trees or shrubs. Flower beds and areas under decks should be clear and weed free. Private
yard plantings are subject to and governed by Rule A11. Private Yard Plantings
and Ornamentation. Owners are required to maintain their
driveway. Any driveway that is damaged by weather or leaking fluid must be
repaired.
No
sign of any type shall be displayed on any Lot except customary name and
address signs. For sale signs, not exceeding nine (9) square feet in size,
(preferably 30" x 30"), may be erected on the lot only.
No
clotheslines, clothes poles or any outside hanging of clothes shall be
permitted. No drying or airing of laundry shall be permitted from windows,
decks, or patios.
Collection
is provided by the Association through a private contractor on
designated collection days (available on website) and should be placed out
no earlier than dusk the night before pickup. If the designated collection day
falls on a holiday, trash pick up will be the next regularly scheduled day.
Trash should be placed at the curb in front of each unit on collection days and
must be placed in containers (with closed lids) or plastic bags, and newspapers
and boxes are to be tied. All trash containers must be stored within the
building or neatly placed in back of the house on non-pickup days. If
trash is disturbed by animals, pets, or is wind-blown, it is the unit owners'
responsibility to clean up the mess. If not picked up by the trash company for
whatever reason, owner must retrieve refuse until next regular pickup day.
The
Association, through a private contractor, provides recycling collection on
designated collection day (available on website). Glass, cans, and plastic
are to be placed commingled in recycling bins or buckets. Newspapers may be
tied with string or placed in a paper bag. Securely place your recyclables
curbside and prevent them from being wind blown.
Bulk
pick ups are limited; please contact waste management company to make pickup
arrangements.
For
details on collection, please contact Management Company or refer to the Townhouse
website.
No
unit owner / occupant may obstruct, store, erect or plant anything upon the
common elements without the prior consent of the Executive Board. Any damage
to Association property caused by any unit owner, their visitors, tenants or
pets shall be repaired at the unit owner's expense.
All
plant material must be well maintained and weed-free by owners and tenants.
Trees, shrubs, and flowers may be added as long as they are maintained and do
not grow outside the lot. Mulching of planting beds and trees is
strongly encouraged. Vegetable gardens are seasonal (not to exceed sixty
(60) square feet) and are not to be planted in the front of homes. All plant
and garden material must not hamper lawn maintenance.
Ground
level ornaments (lawn ornaments) may be placed in foundation planting
beds or tree rings, but not in turf areas. Pole structures (light
posts, flag posts, bird feeders, etc.) must not exceed eight (8) feet in
height.
A
trellis or arbor may be used specifically for botanical use in a garden, not to exceed
three (3) feet in width or seven (7) feet in height. The area must be neat and
well maintained during growing season and removed when not in use.
Holiday decorations may be displayed on the property but can only be displayed
thirty (30) days prior to and must be removed within thirty (30) days after the
holiday. Example: Christmas decorations may be displayed starting November 25th and must be removed by January 25.
Anything
that could endanger the Association or private property and/or the welfare of a
unit or tenant is prohibited. All grills are to be used and stored behind
the house. It is prohibited to use or store propane tanks or any
flammables inside homes and garages.
Portable
Fire Pits will be permitted, but must be attended when in use and fully
extinguished when not attended. Fire pits, when not in use, must be stored
neatly behind the house or on a deck/patio. Fire pits may not be used on
common ground. Permanent or in-ground fire pits are not permitted. Any damage
as a result of use of a fire pit is the responsibility of the owner and must be
restored to original condition.
Firewood,
not to exceed a half cord, may be neatly stored at the rear of the lot, or
next to the rear of the unit, and should be at least six (6) inches off the
ground. Firewood storage in the rear of the lot is permitted from October 15
through April 15, unless it is next to the unit or fenced area, as long as lawn
maintenance is not impeded.
No
unit may be used for transient or hotel purposes. The term of an original
lease may not be for less than one (1) year or for less than the entire unit.
The rights of any lessee shall be subject to, and each lessee shall be bound
by, the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions set forth in the Declaration,
By-Laws, and Rules and Regulations, and the same shall be made a part of
said lease. A default there under shall constitute a default under the lease.
Tenants are not permitted to vote and are not required to pay any assessment
since the vote and the assessment remains with the lot owner. A copy of the
lease must be provided to the Association within ten (10) days of
execution. Please send to management office.
In
the event of any sale, conveyance, or transfer of a unit, the owner must
provide twenty (20) days prior notice to the management office in order to
confirm transfer of the documents to the new owner and to verify payment of
Association assessments as required by most lenders and to conform with the
Uniform Planned Community Act, Title 68.
a. The
riding of skates, skateboards, bicycles and scooters, or other play equipment
that either cause a disturbance or damage to curbs or sidewalks is not
permitted. No motorized vehicles are permitted on sidewalks.
b. No
bicycles, chairs, playing toys or other personal property shall be left to
obstruct the sidewalks, roadways or other common areas.
c. Unlawful
noise that disturbs the peace of any area is prohibited.
d. The
discharge of illegal fireworks is prohibited by law.
e. Out
of consideration for your neighbors, large appliances including washers,
dryers, dishwashers, vacuums, should only be run between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00
p.m.
f. Per
Chalfont Borough Regulations, loud music and loud parties are prohibited
between the hours of 10 p.m. and 10 a.m.
It
is the intent of this Section of the Rules and Regulations to control architectural
harmony within the community and ensure that all-similar items are constructed
in the same manner and location. Even though your plans may completely
adhere to the requirements, you are required to submit the plans to our
Management Office for Board approval prior to construction. All proper building permits
must be obtained from Chalfont Borough prior to construction as well.
No
alteration shall be made to any aspect of the exterior of an individual
Dwelling Unit by changing the color, fascia materials, making structural
changes, etc., unless approved following a written request for same. No such
alterations shall be made unless approved by the Architectural Review Board of
the Association in accordance with the rules and regulations established by
said Board.
Permanent
free standing structures, (including gazebos, blocked grills, doghouses,
playhouses, and sports equipment) are not permitted. Garden pools and
ponds are restricted for safety reasons. Above ground pools and/or wading pools
higher than 18" or six (6) feet in diameter are not permitted. Retaining
walls of 6" or more, which are above ground level (natural or manmade),
will need architectural approval.
a. Propane
Tanks for
heating and cooking purposes are permitted. These tanks/containers over twenty
(20) pounds are to be buried. An Architectural Form must be submitted to
install such a tank and the appropriate Chalfont Borough or Environmental
Agency approvals and permits prior to construction must accompany it. Drawings
of the location must be submitted with the Architectural Change Form.
a. Prior to erecting a
fence, a written request, including plans and other specifications must be
submitted to the Management Office for Board review and approval. Construction
of the fence cannot begin until approval is received.
b. All required building
permits must also be obtained from the Borough of Chalfont prior to
construction.
c. In conformity with the
Declaration Use Restrictions Amendment, Article VII, fence must not be more than five (5) feet in height at the sides of the property and not more than
four (4) feet in height at the rear of the property. Such fence shall be
consistent with those fences installed by the Developer.
d. All fences must be
located behind the Townhouse. They cannot extend onto the side of the
property of an end unit or be erected in front of a Townhouse.
e. When
common property lines exist between property owners, the fence must be
installed within the property owner's lot. End units must install the fence
two (2) feet in from the farthest point of the sidewall of the building.
f. All fences must be
constructed of pressure-treated material, cedar lumber or composite fencing
material. Wood fences may be stained in a natural wood tone approved by the Board.
If wood fences are not stained, clear water sealing products are
suggested. Composite fencing material must be in a natural wood tone or white,
and must be approved by the Board
g. Fences are
recommended to be of the shadowbox style, consisting of 4" slats. Other
fence styles will be considered for approval upon submission to the Board.
h. Due to the unique
locations of the following lots: Kaylin 6, 8; Zachary 32, 34, 43; Sherri 74,
76, 82, 84; Megan 120, 122 and Jennifer 7, 9, 17, 19, the Association will
consider a variance in regard to the location of fences in their respective
side yards.
i. Any decorative
"fencing" material used as a barrier or border for flowerbeds and
vegetable gardens that is more than four (4) inches in height is not
permitted.
a. Prior to deck
construction, a written request, including plans and other specifications
must be submitted to the Management Office for Board review and approval. The plans
must indicate the location of the deck in relationship to the Townhouse,
the appropriate dimensions, and the materials to be used. Construction
cannot start until approval is received.
b. All proper building
permits must be obtained from Chalfont Borough prior to construction.
c. The deck shall not be
higher than the first floor level. It is recommended that it be six (6) inches
below the first floor doorsill. If the surface of the deck is higher than
twelve (12) inches above ground level, a railing is required.
d. Decks and stairs must
not extend into the common ground and must be a minimum of six (6) feet from
the rear property line. The maximum length of the deck, including
stairs, must not be more than sixteen (16) feet from the rear of
the Townhouse.
e. All decks may be
constructed of either pressure-treated material, cedar lumber or composite
decking material (e.g. Trex, TimberTech, etc). Wood decks may be stained in a
natural wood tone approved by the Board. If wood decks are not stained, clear water sealing products are suggested. Composite decking material must be in a
natural wood tone approved by the Board.
f. Railings
shall be constructed no less than thirty-six (36) inches in height and in
conformity to the BOCA and Borough Regulations. Railings must be in a natural
wood tone or white, and the color must be approved by the Board.
g. The side yard setback, including stairs, must have a minimum of two (2)
feet from the property line of the adjoining Townhouse. The side yard
setback for end units must be a minimum of two (2) feet from the farthest point
of the exterior side of the building.
h. Footings are required
on all decks. Cement or concrete footings (in ground) must conform to Borough
regulations.
i. Due
to the unique location of the following lots: Kaylin 6, 8; Zachary 32, 34, 43;
Sherri 74, 76, 82, 84; Megan 120, 122 and Jennifer 7, 9, 17, 19, the
Association will consider a variance to the above specifications in regard to
the size and shape of the proposed decks.
a. Prior to
construction, a written request, including plans and other specifications
must be submitted to the Management Office for Board review and approval. The plans must indicate the location of the patio or walkway in
relationship to the Townhouse, the appropriate dimensions, and the
materials to be used. Construction cannot start until approval is
received.
b. Patios may not extend
into the common ground and must be a minimum of seven (7) feet from the rear
property line. The maximum length of the patio must not extend more than
sixteen (16) feet from the rear of the Townhouse.
c. Patios
and walkways shall be constructed with brick, slate, patio blocks or concrete.
d. Patios
may not be higher than eight (8) inches above ground level.
e. End unit patios
require a two (2) foot setback from the farthest point of the exterior side of
the building.
f. Walkways may only
be installed in the rear yard (or side yard of end unit). Additional
walkways cannot be constructed in front of townhouse. The maximum width of
walkways is 4 feet.
Prior
to construction, a written request, including plans and other
specifications must be submitted to the Management Office for Board review and
approval. Permanent playground equipment may only be installed on the homeowner’s
property behind the townhouse. The equipment shall be constructed of
pressure-treated material, cedar lumber or composite material only, and is limited
to "swing sets" (such as swings, slide and rings, etc.).
Placement of all equipment must be two (2) feet from all property lines and maintained in good appearance and working order at all times. Playground
equipment (that is portable) is considered "play equipment" or toy
and is subject to and governed by Rule A6. Maintenance.
Sporting
Equipment is included in Rule A6. Maintenance, except for basketball
hoops, which are prohibited.
a. Front and rear
entry doors must be painted the same color using one of the approved door
colors (Contact the Management Office for up to date pre-approved door
colors.).
b. Storage
closet doors may be painted the same color as the siding or entry doors.
c. Garage
doors must match the siding or the trim color.
d. The Association
will paint all exterior wood-trim (white) on a scheduled basis. Repair
or replacement of any wood is the homeowner’s responsibility.
e. All
windows and window mullions must be white and are the homeowner’s
responsibility.
f. Door
and Window replacements must be the same style or pre-approved by the Board.
Prior
to installation, a written request, including specifications and
manufacturer must be submitted to the Management Office for Board review and
approval. All storm or screen doors must be white with a kick plate no
higher than twelve (12) inches from the bottom of door edge. The style may
be full view or may have a center bar no more than two and a
half (2.5) inches wide.

Numbers
(or lettering) may be black or brass and must be three (3) to five (5) inches
high. Placement should be visible from the street and either adjacent to the
front door or garage doorframe. House numbering is a Borough ordinance.
Townhouses
without garages or attached storage may use pre-fabricated storage boxes/sheds.
a.Prior to purchase
and installation, a written request, including plans and other
specifications must be submitted to the Management Office for Board review and
approval. The plans must indicate the location of the shed in
relationship to the Townhouse, picture of the shed, size and composition.
Installation cannot start until approval is received.
b.Sheds
may not be placed in the front of the townhouse. Preferred location is against
the read of the house or deck.
c. Sheds
must be constructed of a neutral colored maintenance free material that will
not rust or rot. (e.g. Rubbermaid, Suncast, Duraworx)
d. Shed
dimensions cannot exceed 7Hx6Wx6D’ (84Hx72Wx72D”)
Examples of acceptable storage sheds (available at Target, Lowes, etc)
1. Rubbermaid
Split Lid Shed (36Hx55Wx28D”)
2. Rubbermaid
Horizontal Shed (36Hx55Wx28D”)
3. Rubbermaid
Horizontal Storage Shed (36Hx55Wx28D”)
4. Rubbermaid
Vertical Storage Shed (77Hx56Wx32D”)
5. Suncast
Horizontal Utility Shed (46Hx55Wx39D”)
6. Suncast
Horizontal Shed (34Hx54Wx26D”)
7. YardSaver
5x3’ Shed (74Hx60Wx36D”)
8. YardSaver
5x5’ Shed (74Hx60Wx60D”)
9. Duraworx
Apex Shed(82Hx72ftWx36D”)
Only retractable awnings may be installed on the back of the Townhome.
a. Prior
to purchase and installation,
a written request, including plans and other specifications must be submitted
to the Management Office for Board review and approval. The plans must indicate
the location of the awning in relationship to the Townhouse, picture of
the awning material, size and composition. Installation cannot start until
approval is received.
b. Awnings
will only be permitted on the rear of the home. Sides of awning must be within
2 feet of property line. Awnings must not extend out more than 16 feet from
the rear of the home when fully extended.
c. Window
awnings are not permitted.
d. Awning
material must be in a color and pattern that matches or complements the color
of the Townhouse siding.
e. Awnings
must be well maintained with no tears, frays or mold.
f. Awning
must be kept in retracted position when not in use.
Enforcement Procedures
Unfortunately violations do
occur. Before submitting a complaint, please attempt to remedy the situation or
infraction with a "neighborly" reminder!
1. Reporting
Violations
Complaints
concerning violations of the Rules and Regulations or any provision of the
Association's documents, by an owner or tenant, must be submitted in writing to the Property Manager or Executive Board and signed by the unit owner
(or tenant). The complaint or documented violation must be in sufficient
detail to determine whether a violation has occurred.
2. Investigation
When
possible, a representative of a committee, a member of the Executive Board, or
the Management Company, shall investigate the complaint to determine whether
there is reasonable cause to believe that a violation has occurred.
3. Violation Notice
If
a violation exists, the Association will send a written notice describing
the violation to the owner (and tenant) and instruct them to correct it
within 10 days or other specific time frame. If the violation is not
corrected within the time frame provided or if a second complaint is received,
a second written notice will be sent. This notice will provide a provision for
a hearing, if requested by the owner, and will indicate that the association
has the right to impose penalties and/or assess fines.
4. Hearing
Owners
(and their tenants) have the right to a hearing, which could either be conducted by a Committee, appointed by the Executive Board, or by the
Board. If a hearing is requested, the Association shall provide notice of
date, time, and place of hearing. The purpose of the hearing is to allow the
owner (or tenant accompanied by the owner) to explain their action and attempt
to resolve the problem. If a Committee conducts a hearing, the owner may
appeal the Committee's decision to the Executive Board. Any decision made
by the Executive Board is final. The owner will be notified of the Board
or Committee's decision, in writing and within ten (10) days of the hearing.
5. Penalty
Assessments
If
an owner or tenant does not comply with the ten (10) day notice, the
Executive Board may, commencing on the eleventh (11th) day, impose a penalty
assessment as follows:
$
50.00 maximum first violation
$150.00
maximum second violation
$300.00
each violation thereafter
In
the event of a repeated, recurring or continuing violation, the owner may be
assessed said penalty assessment every thirty (30) days until corrected.
6. Non
Compliance
In
the event that an owner or tenant does not comply with the violation notice
and/or does not pay the amount assessed by the Association, the Executive
Board may take legal action against the owner for collection of the fines
and compliance with the Association's documents.
Any
expense associated with legal action and the collection of fines assessed,
including court costs, attorney fees, etc., which have been incurred by the
Association, shall be added to the complaint and becomes the responsibility of
the owner to pay. If a judgment awarded by the court remains unpaid, the
Association may place a lien for the amount of the judgment plus costs, against
the owner's property.
NOTE:
The Association's documents include, but are not limited to, the Declaration,
By-Laws, Code of Regulations, Architectural Guidelines, Rules and Regulations,
and any Resolution or Amendment adopted by the Board or Membership.
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