Letter to All Homeowners Regarding Lot Improvements & Compliance

Dear Maple Hill Homeowners:

The ultimate goal of the Homeowner’s Association (HOA) is to maintain and enhance property values while promoting a sense of neighborly community.  It’s been almost 20 years since our neighborhood was founded, and as such there are some general upkeep projects that need to happen. Just like the Board is responsible for the reserve projects for the common interest assets in the community, homeowners are responsible for the safety and appearance of their individual lots.

Covenant 5.2: Lots and Public Right-of-Way Area. Subject to the provisions of any Supplemental Declaration which may create different maintenance responsibilities for a certain Neighborhood, and subject to the Section 5.2 provisions below regarding association-provided services, each Owner shall maintain, keep in good repair and replace as necessary all Improvements on the Owner's Lot. Such maintenance and repair shall be performed in a manner considered acceptable to the Design Review Committee, and in a manner which complies with this Declaration and the Association's Rules and Regulations.

Covenant 8.17: Damage or Destruction. In the event any Residence or other structure constructed on a Lot is damaged, either in whole or in part, by fire or other casualty, said Residence or other structure shall be promptly rebuilt, repaired or remodeled to comply with this Declaration.

For a complete copy of any of the governing documents, please visit maplehillhoa.org and click on Documents in the navigation menu. PW = MapleHill2024!

Please take some time this summer to assess your lot to determine if there is a need for improvement(s). Specifically, we are asking that you take a critical look at:

1. The exterior paint of your house (DRC approval required for all painting)

• If the wood is showing through the paint on the trim/accent please touch up the paint in these areas with the existing trim or accent color(s).

• If the paint on the body of the house is oxidizing, please contact a professional for a complete repainting. Seek DRC approval before proceeding.

2. The concrete in your driveway and front porch (DRC approval required for changes)

• If the concrete on your property has minor cracks, please fix this with filler. 

• If your concrete has major cracks or is sinking, please contact a professional for concrete jacking or replacement.

3. The landscape of your front yard (DRC approval required for changes)

• Water your grass (if you haven’t xeriscaped) if it is browning and dying

• Pull all of the weeds

Once you have decided which improvements need to be made to your lot, please submit an application no later than August 31, 2024 at maplehillhoa.org/design-review-request. This does not mean that the project must be completed by that date, but you should have a general timeline in mind to put on the application.

The DRC can provide information about approved paint schemes, they can come over and color match your current scheme, and they can also answer any questions about concrete or lawns, including anything regarding xeriscapes. Please reach out with any questions to drc@maplehillhoa.org.

Please note that some homeowners have received a waiver or a variance for certain landscaping requirements and/or exterior paint requirements. Contact the DRC if you need special consideration for your property.

The Maple Hill Compliance Team will begin sending violation notices to lots that require improvements but have not submitted an application in September 2024.

Some additional reminders and tips regarding property maintenance and compliance:

1. Homeowners with newer trees can remove the tree stakes after ~1.5 years for best tree health. Keeping stakes on for longer than necessary can choke and eventually kill the tree.

2. Please trim up the tree shoots at the base of trees for a clean appearance.

3. Basketball hoops must be stored laying down exclusively on the homeowner’s side yard, placed upright entirely on the homeowner's driveway, or stored in the garage when not in use. 

4. Trash cans must be stored in such a manner that they cannot be seen from the street.

5. Boats, jet skis, other watercraft, trailers, campers, trucks (other than pickup trucks), motor homes, recreational vehicles, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and inoperable vehicles of any type shall not be stored or parked on any lot or the streets adjacent to any lot for more than 48 hours in any calendar week except within a fully enclosed garage.

6. Only gas-fueled fireplace and fire pit features are permitted on a lot. Exterior fireplaces and/or fire pits must be contained within the rear yard. A fireplace or fire pit must be located a minimum of five (5) feet from any property line. A fireplace or fire pit taller than six (6) feet must be located a minimum of ten (10) feet from any fence.

7. Front yards should closely follow the preexisting design in Maple Hill: 

1. a primary section of grass/turf or xeriscaping

2. the edges bordered by river rock and/or mulch

3. at least four (4) low-water perennials in front of any exposed foundation

4. a tree (this tree is in ADDITION to the tree in the city’s right-of-way)

OR follow a pre-approved professional design plan.

Missing elements are to be replaced in or near the same location. 

The grass/turf or xeriscaping in the city’s right-of-way must be maintained by the homeowner but the city owns and trims the tree.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Board of Directors at bod@maplehillhoa.org or by calling/texting (970) 281-7062.

Sincerely,

Your 2024 Maple Hill Board of Directors