Rules and Regulations: General Rules
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Contents:
GENERAL RULES
Statement of Purpose:
SECTION A: General Rules
A1. Antenna and Dishes
A2. Vehicles
A3. Pets
A4. Use  
A5. Snow Removal
A6. Maintenance
A7. Signs
A8. Clotheslines
A9. Trash
A10. Common Elements
A11. Private Yard Plantings and Ornamentation
A12. Grills / Fire Pits / Flammable Storage
A13. Firewood
A14. Leases and Sales
A15. Public Nuisance 

Enforcement Procedures

B. Architectural Guidelines

Satellite Dish Indemnification Agreement Form

These Rules, adopted October, 2008 supersede any and all prior Rules and Regulations!
Statement of Purpose:
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. Top

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

A1. Antenna and Dishes
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.

  1. 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.
  2. Dishes must be installed so as not to pose a safety hazard to surrounding homes.
  3. Dishes must be properly grounded under electrical code.
  4. Dishes must not hang over or encroach onto a neighbor’s property, roof, walls, or windows or block a neighbor’s window.
  5. Dishes must not present an electrical hazard to neighboring homes.
  6. Dishes must not have wires “draped” on the roof or side of the owner’s home.
  7. Dishes cannot be installed in common areas and must not inhibit others from using common areas or property.
  8. Dishes must be mounted by a secure method so as not to cause damage to surrounding homes or property by collapse.
  9. Dishes must be for the exclusive use of the owner installing the dish and may not be used in common with other neighbors.
  10. Dishes and their installation must meet all local, state, and county codes that may apply.
  11. 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.
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A2. Vehicles
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. Top

A3. Pets
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 indiviual 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 other 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. Top

A4. Use
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.

A5. Snow Removal
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 with the vehicles will be ticketed and/or towed at owners’ expense and 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.

A6. Maintenance
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 the 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.
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A7. Signs
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. Top


A8. Clotheslines
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.

A9. Trash
Collection is provided by the Association through a private contractor on designated collection days (available on the 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 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 on designated collection days (available on the 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. Top


A10. Common Elements
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.

A11. Private Yard Plantings and Ornamentation
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. Top


A12. Grills / Fire Pits / Flammable Storage
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 inground 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.

A13. Firewood
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. Note: Wood must not be stored within two (2) feet of the adjoining property.

A14. Leases and Sales
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 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. Lessees are allowed a maximum of two vehicles provided there are two licensed drivers on the lease. 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.

A15. Public Nuisance
  1. The riding of skates, skateboards, bicycles and scooters, or other play equipment that either cause a disturbance or damage to curbs or sidewalks are not permitted. No motorized vehicles are permitted on sidewalks.
  2. No bicycles, chairs, playing toys or other personal property shall be left to obstruct the sidewalks, roadways or other common areas.
  3. Unlawful noise that disturbs the peace of any area is prohibited.
  4. The discharge of illegal fireworks is prohibited by law.
  5. Out of consideration for your neighbors, large appliances including washers, dryers, garbage disposals, dishwashers, vacuums, should only be run between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
  6. Per Chalfont Borough Regulations, loud music and loud parties are prohibited between the hours of 10 p.m. and 10 a.m.
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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.