MEMO

 

DATE: 11-27-07

TO: Realtors and Builders

FROM: Donna Williams

SUBJECT: Building Inspector for Hilltop Lakes

 

The following resolution was approved at the Monday, November 26th Board Meeting. Please contact the Business Office at 855-2222 if you have any questions.

 

Building Inspector for Hilltop Lakes

The ACC committee recommends a motion to implement an inspection process for all new homes, using IRC (International Residential Code) building code, starting

December 1, 2007. The inspection is from layout to completion on all new homes. Starting December 1, 2007, all new home permits will be $1500.00, to help cover the cost to implement this program. When a home is Red tagged all work must stop until the problem is corrected. The consequence of failure to follow the inspection program will be handled by the ACC committee, if unable to resolve the problem; the POA BOARD will rule on how to comply with the IRC building code.

Hilltop Lakes POA will not sign a contract with an individual inspection company, but use one of three interviewed inspection companies on an as needed basis. The inspection company used on the first inspection will be used throughout that building permit.

 

 


 

NEWLY APPROVED REVISIONS
(effective 08/24/2006)

TO THE
ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL COMMITTEE
POA GUIDELINES TO HOME CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE

(Page 4, Number V, Item F – additional requirements)

  1. PERMIT FEES

        F.    SEPTIC SYSTEMS:

            1.    No monetary fee for new construction if contained on the owners’ property
                   (permit still required).

            2.    No permit fee required if repairs on the owners’ property unless a permit is not applied for first .

            3.    Permit fee of $500 if infringing on Common Grounds.

  4.    A penalty fine of $100 if a permit is not acquired prior to work being done.


ARCHITECTURAL

CONTROL COMMITTEE

GUIDELINES

AND

GENERAL PLAN

OF

DEVELOPMENT

POA GUIDELINES TO HOME

CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE


The following are guidelines to help keep Hilltop Lakes an attractive and desirable place to live for all residents. These, along with others that the Board may deem necessary will require compliance to avoid a violation.

  1. ACC Plans and Specifications must be submitted to the ACC Committee for approval before any exterior improvements, alterations or construction begins. Refer to the ACC Guidelines.
     

  2. Landscaping must be maintained in a neat and attractive condition to include trimming all foliage necessary to minimize view restriction.
     
  3. Inoperable Vehicles cannot be kept, maintained or allowed to remain on any property or street where they are visible from other properties.
     

  4. Unsightly Articles such as discarded appliances, dilapidated furniture, rubbish, building materials, etc. cannot be stored or left in a permanent location that is visible from streets or other residences.
     

  5. View Restriction All Fences must be constructed and maintained as not to exceed height restrictions nor restrict view. Please refer to the Deed Restrictions for specific limits.
     

  6. Property Management – All structures must be maintained in a neat and attractive manner. This includes marine structures, hangers, garages, RV shelters, garages, etc.
     

  7. Portable Buildings – All portable building placement and maintenance must comply with the Deed Restrictions.
     

  8. Lot Clearing – Lot clearing should be completed within the permitted time.


I. INTRODUCTION

    The purpose of this plan is to:

        A.    Maintain general harmony of construction in the Property Owners Association of Hilltop Lakes, Inc. development.

        B.    Assure conformity with the natural surroundings.

        C.    Implement the enforcement of Deed Restrictions.

II. ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL COMMITTEE

    1. COMMITTEE STRUCTURE

      An Architectural Control Committee (hereinafter designated "ACC") shall consist of a Chairman appointed by the Board of Directors of the Property Owners Association of Hilltop Lakes, Inc. (POA). Other members shall be appointed by the ACC Chairman.
       

    2. COMMITTEE FUNCTION

                The primary function of the ACC Committee is to:

                1. Approve or disapprove plans and specifications for all outside construction, modifications, building transfers to
                     property, along with lot clearing including common areas; per the Deed Restrictions.
               
                2. Issue Certificates of ACC Approval for those projects approved by the ACC.

                3. Assure that the published POA Guidelines To Home Construction & Maintenance are followed and that all deed
                    restrictions are complied with.

  1. CERTIFICATE OF ACC APPROVAL

        A.    ACTIVITIES REQUIRING A CERTIFICATE

                A Certificate of ACC Approval is required for:

      1. Lot clearing - A completion date must be included as part of this request which represents the time lots will be fully cleared and all loose debris removed. A permit fee will be charged to those using any type of mechanized equipment.
         
      2. Construction of new homes.
         
      3. Remodeling of existing buildings if the alterations change the original footprints (foundations).
         
      4. Construction of other structures such as, but not limited to; sidewalks, fences, portable buildings, patios, gazebos, driveways, driveway extensions, garages, carports, hangers, RV shelters, docks/piers and bulkheads into the lakes, boathouses and alteration of roof eave overhangs, and decks.
         
      5. Structures transferred onto property of a pre-constructed nature must also be approved with respect to materials, location on property, permanency, and overall appearance as per deed restrictions.

        B.  CERTIFICATE DISPLAY

            An ACC Certificate of Approval must be displayed at each construction or remodeling site in a location readily
            viewable from the primary street.
 

        C.  CERTIFICATE EXPIRATION

            An ACC Certificate of Approval is valid for a six (6) month period from the date of issuance. The
            builder/owner/contractor must provide a written request to the ACC to renew or extend a certificate.

  It is recommended that the property owner and/or builder meet with the ACC after documentation has been completed.

        A.    POA FORMS REQUIRED (Obtained from the POA Business Office)
 

    1. An Application.
    2. Development Plan Acknowledgment.
    3. Workers Compensation Acknowledgment.
    4. POA Guidelines to Home Construction & Maintenance.

        B.    LEGAL EVIDENCE OF OWNERSHIP

                A copy of Warranty Deed with Verification from the POA office is required.

        C.    PLANS AND DRAWINGS OF CONSTRUCTION OR

        D.  MODIFICATIONS

                1.  Two Sets of Drawings shall be submitted including floor plan, elevations and electric distribution box, with
                     architectural quality and/or its equivalent for new home construction and major improvements. (1/4-inch scale
                     recommended)

                2.  One set of drawings will be returned to builder/homeowner.

                3.  One copy will remain on file.

        E.   SURVEY

              A survey should be made available for new home construction designating lot boundaries by pin settings.

        F.   PLOT PLAN

            A plot plan must be furnished showing construction location on the site, with measurements to all property lines and
            all related items such as decks, patios, walks, fences, water wells, septic tanks and drainage fields, and driveways. All
            other pertinent items in conjunction with the construction or modification should be shown. All set backs and
            easements must also be shown on this plan.

        G.  DOCUMENTATION FOR OTHER OUTSIDE MODIFICATIONS OR ACTIVITIES

                Activities such as those covered in section III, A, 4 & 5 require the following document submissions:

      1. One copy of a plot plan with sufficient clarity and detail that the ACC can determine the exact intent and location of the modification with respect to all existing structures and property lines.
         
      2. Complete list of materials to be used.
         
      3. Pictures of any pre-fabricated structures to be located on property.
         
      4. Permit fee prior to starting any work.
         
      5. Payment for repairs to common property.
         
IV.    PERMIT FEES

        Permit fees are to be obtained prior to starting construction. The permit fees made payable by check to "Property Owners
        Association of Hilltop Lakes, Inc." are required in the following amounts:

            A.  New home construction (which includes lot clearing) --------------------- $1000.00.

            B.  Lot clearing--------------------------------------------------------------------------- $150.00.
                (if done prior to building, is deducted from the $1000 once construction starts).

            C. Remodeling which includes additions to primary structure  as indicated
                 in III, A, 3------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $100.00

            D. Water well drilling. Wells are to be drilled by a licensed water well driller.
                 Placement of the well should be in accordance with State Regulations.----- $50.00

            E. Miscellaneous construction or transfers onto property of prefabricated
                 structures including but not limited to: sidewalks, fences, portable buildings,
                 patios, gazebos, driveways, driveway extensions, garages, carports, docks/piers
                 and bulkheads, boathouses, alteration of roof eave overhangs, and decks.----$25.00

    F.  Installation of Septic Systems (approved by BOD on 08/24/06)

1. New construction if contained on the Owners’ Property.
    (Permit is still required)----------------------------------------------- No monetary fee

                                2.  Replacement of tanks and lateral lines on the Owners’ Property
                                    (Permit is still required)----------------------------------------------- No monetary fee

                                3.  Infringement on Common Grounds. ACC has the authority
                                    to waive this under certain circumstances. Permit required----------------$500.00

                4. Permit not acquired prior to work being done-------------- Penalty fine of $100.00

             G.  Property Owners’ signature required, indicating they will be responsible or any damage done to roads adjacent to
                   lots, etc.

    THE ACC HIGHLY RECOMMENDS THAT FOUNDATIONS BE 12 INCHES ABOVE THE EXISTING GRADE LEVEL
    TO PREVENT FLOODWATER DRAINAGE PROBLEMS.

V.    PENALTIES

    1. Failure to acquire a permit. Failure to acquire a permit prior to engaging in any activity listed in section V. above will result in a penalty of double the initial permit fee. In addition, if the structure or modification fails to meet ACC approval, additional modification, or in extreme cases, complete removal may be required.
       
    2. Failure to clean up. Construction and/or unsightly debris cleanup is an expense of the contractor or owner. Should the POA have to clean up, cost plus an additional $250.00 penalty will be accessed.
       

VI.    ACC PROCEDURE

    A. REVIEW PERIOD

        The ACC will undertake to respond within thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of an application as provided for in   
        the deed restrictions. If additional information is required by the ACC, the period for a response by the ACC shall be
        extended accordingly. Plans for implementation of the proposed project or lot clearing should allow time to complete the
        approval process.

        No construction or other work shall begin prior to the approval. Unapproved work shall be deemed to be a violation of
        the deed restriction and such work shall be halted and may require removal and/or a penalty as listed in VI above.

    B. DENIAL RESPONSE

        If an application is not approved, the ACC shall state by letter the reason(s) for denial and offer application changes
        needed to alter the decision.

    C. OWNER APPEAL

        If a property owner wishes to discuss or appeal an ACC decision, the POA Board should be contacted in writing.

    D. OWNER/CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

        The property owner/contractor is responsible for ensuring all construction or other work conforms to the deed
        restrictions. An approval by the ACC shall not waive or exempt an owner from complying with requirements contained in
        the deed restrictions, unless the Association grants a variance in writing with regard to the specific item.

    E. PAST DEED RESTRICTION VARIANCES

        The ACC is aware that the former Developer granted certain variances from the deed restrictions in the past (Grandfather
        Clause dated November 1, 2002), the POA reserves the right and grants the authority to the ACC, to approve or
        disapprove applications which require a variance from the deed restriction.

VII.    GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF BUILDERS

         A builder is defined as the person or business entity principally responsible for the work of erecting, remodeling, or
         repairing a building as outlined in these guidelines.

        A.  Workers Compensation Release – Builders shall complete the Workers Compensation Release form and furnish to the
              POA office.

        B.  Rest Room Facilities – A portable rest room facility shall be required on all construction sites if there is not a facility
             available within 500 feet of the project site.

        C. Excavations – Contact with appropriate authorities is mandatory (1-800-545-6005 or 1-800-344-8377) prior to
            excavation, to insure that underground lines will not be damaged. All cuts across roadways shall be restored to their
            previous conditions by the contractor. The free flow of water in easement ditches shall not be obstructed in anyway.

        D. Building Equipment – Contractor/owner shall insure that equipment used on the building site is not parked in any
            manner that impedes traffic and drainage (including overnight parking). The building site, insofar as is practical,
            should be maintained in a neat and orderly manner consistent with its surroundings. Heavy equipment no longer
            needed for the completion of work shall be removed.
       
        E. Responsibility for Operation of Commercial Trucks

            1. Redi-mix cement not utilized shall be removed from Hilltop Lakes
               unless dumped on said construction lot with contractor/builder approval. This also includes the washing of the
               trucks’ trough.

            2. Builders, contractors and homeowners shall encourage drivers of trucks servicing Hilltop Lakes where possible in
                keeping with driving safety to keep their heavy loads away from the outer limits of the asphalt roads as to not break
                down the road beds.

            3. Truck drivers of all commercial trucks shall utilize planks, pads or what ever is necessary to eliminate damage to the
                road edges.

        F. Controlled Burns

            1. Any debris that is burned shall be reduced to ashes before it can be buried. All fires should be extinguished before
                leaving.

            2. All burns shall be controlled burns (notify the Hilltop LakesVolunteer Fire Department). Burns shall be started
                between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and not be left unattended. Wind-drought conditions, burn ban, etc. will effect the
                approval of controlled burns.

            3. Burn barrels located on the construction lot are for use during work hours only and not to be left unattended unless
                authorized by Hilltop Lakes Volunteer Fire Department personnel.

        G.  Dumpster - REVISED 8/6/2007
 
       A dumpster is required on all construction sites where building a new home or any major remodeling of such property is being done.

 

VIII.    OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
 
  1. All construction and modifications should be in compliance with:

1.  Southern building code (Contact your builder).

                                2.  Dwelling House Construction with Amendments, 1988 Edition or later revision (Contact your builder).

3.  Manufacturer’s recommendations for installation of materials, equipment, etc.

                                4.  Deed restrictions for applicable Section.

5. POA Guidelines to Home Construction & Maintenance.
 

        B.  Electrical: All electrical installation should be in compliance with the National Electrical Association Code (latest
             revision).
 

        C.  For additional recommendations please refer to the POA Guidelines to Home Construction & Maintenance.
 

IX.    EXHIBITS

1. Architectural Control Application

2. Development Plan Acknowledgement

3. Workers Compensation Acknowledgement

                        4. POA Guidelines to Home Construction & Maintenance

X.    RECOMMENDATIONS

      The ACC recommends that all persons acquiring property from someone else, make sure you get a copy of the Title
      Transfer for your own records.

Revisions Approved: 08/24/2006


PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION OF HILLTOP LAKES, INC.

ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL APPLICATION

 

Homeowner Name_____________________________ Phone No.:________________ Date: __________________

Physical Street Address: ________________________________Sec. #__________ Blk. #________ Lot #________

Mailing Address: (Physical and P. O. Box) _________________________________________________________
                            (City, State, Zip Code)

Contractor/Builder Address & Phone No.: __________________________________________________________

 

Brief Description: (for what you are submitting; home, fence, septic system, garage, etc.) _____________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

IF APPLIES:

Area of Ground Floor: _______________ Sq. Ft. Total Area _____________ Sq. Ft.

FOUNDATIONS:

Footings-Strength PSI ________________________ Foundation Material _________________________________

INDICATE MAKEUP OF EXTERIOR WALLS: _____________________________________________________

INDICATE ROOF COMPOSITION: _______________________________________________________________

 

______________________________________________ ________________________
Property Owner’s Signature (required)                        Date

______________________________________________
Builder (optional)

APPROVED: ____________________________
ACC Committee Member

DATE: _____________________

Copies: Homeowner and/or Builder Contractor


PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION OF HILLTOP LAKES, INC.

DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACKNOWLEDGMENT

OWNER: _________________________ CONTRACTOR: ____________________________

ADDRESS:___________________________________ PHONE: _________________________

TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION: ____________________________________________________

PERMIT #_________________ SECTION __________ BLOCK __________ LOT ________

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

    1. Architectural Control Application
    2. Paid Up Fees Receipt
    3. Electric Distribution
    4. Elevations
    5. Survey
    6. Acknowledgment Form
    7. Deed (proof of ownership)
    8. Two (2) Sets Construction Drawings
    9. Plot Plan and Septic Drawing including drain fields
    10. Check Payable to POA of Hilltop Lakes, Inc.
    11. 911 Address

12. Suggest you ask for copy of Title Transfer if acquiring from another property owner.

NOTICE: The homeowner/builder/contractor will be responsible for daily clean-up and

removal of any and all unsightly trash and debris.

 

By signing this receipt, I acknowledge that I have received a copy of the Architectural Control Committee’s Guidelines and
General Plan of Development and agree to abide by the Policy.

                                                                                                                   ___________________________________________________
                                                                                                                   Property Owner Signature                             Date

                                                                                                                    _________________________________ __ _______________
                                                                                                                    Builder/Contractor Signature                       Date

                                                                      ________________________________________
                                                                     
ACC Member                                                     Date
 


PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION OF HILLTOP LAKES, INC.

ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL COMMITTEE

 

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The builder/contractor agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the Architectural Control Committee and Property Owners Association of Hilltop Lakes, Inc. for any and all occurrences that take place on the worksite.

SECTION NUMBER ________________

BLOCK NUMBER __________________

LOT NUMBER ____________________

Further, said builder/contractor acknowledges and agrees that the rules and regulations of the Property Owners Association of Hilltop Lakes, Inc. Architectural Control Committee (ACC) shall be followed. All Certificates of ACC Approval are to be obtained prior to any work beginning.

 

_______________________________________
Building Contractor

_______________________________________
Date

_______________________________________
ACC Committee Member

_______________________________________
Date


PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION OF HILLTOP LAKES, INC.

ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL COMMITTEE

BUILDING PERMIT NO._______________

 

STREET ADDRESS:

Section, Block & Lot :

OWNER:

TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION:

CONTRACTOR:

ISSUE DATE:

EXPIRATION DATE:

 

Authorized by: ______________________________
                           ACC Committee Member Only

Footnote: Building permits shall be displayed at each construction site and be visible from the roadway.

    1.  All construction must agree with plans submitted to the ACC.
    2.  ACC must be contacted after structure is laid out prior to forming and pour. Call 936-855-2222, Extension 168.
    3.  Construction site must be kept and maintained such that no potential wind blown material leaves the site.

   
  4.  Portable restrooms are required throughout the entire construction.  
    5.  Contact 936-855-2222, extension 168 upon project completion or for permit