General Info

Understanding the approval process at Riverland Park

Preface

Virtually since incorporation, there has been some confusion on what the approval process is for making modifications to your property here at Riverland Park.

The rather abrupt, and very unprofessional, turnover of control of the HOA from Crescent Builders in December of 2014
The legal issue with former Marshland Communities, our first and only property management company
The creation and subsequent dissolution of the Architectural Control Board (ARB)

To name but a few.

Current Process

Currently, the majority vote of the Board will determine approval of any project proposed by any homeowner in the community. The required documentation remains the same, and is summarized in Article V – Architectural Control, of our governing document, the Declaration of Covenants, Restrictions, and Easements. In addition you will have to comply with all local government permit requirements and local building codes.

Steps to Follow

1
Consult the Current Board Sentiment to see what is generally acceptable or not acceptable.
2
Send an email to members of the Board with all the required documentation as outlined in the Docs.
3
Expect to have one or more Board Member(s) ring your doorbell within a few days. We will schedule with you the day and time. Be prepared to physically show the Board Member(s) what you want to do. This may require your contractor to be present. Be prepared to discuss alternatives to your plan.
4
Once all documentation is received and after the field meeting, there will be a review with all Board Members. If approved, you will get an email telling you to proceed. If rejected, you will get an email explaining why.
5
If, during the course of construction, your plans change you must contact the Board for immediate review. We will try to get to you the same day as we know this can happen unexpectedly and often time is money.

When Do I Need to Ask for Permission?

The short answer is ALWAYS! Be smart and ask for permission first. In order for us to self manage efficiently it is in EVERYONE's best interest to follow the process. Legal proceedings to correct a problem are costly, uncomfortable and can cause unnecessary animosity in the community.

Consequences of Not Getting Permission

There are serious consequences if you try to avoid getting proper approval and your project is deemed unacceptable to the Board. Remember the Board can reject your project simply based on aesthetics. This is what the Board can legally do if necessary:

Levy a daily fine of $50 per day, per offense.
Put a lien on your house once the fines accumulate to any number the Board feels is appropriate. Currently $2,000 is thought to be a good number.
In the case of an infraction (e.g. you don't maintain your lawn), the Board can hire a contractor to remedy the infraction and then charge you the cost.
Bring you to court when you are in violation, after you have been served notice to remedy in 30 days, and you refuse to remedy. Any legal fees incurred by the Board will also be charged back to you.

Suffice it to say, neither the Board, nor the community at large, wants to go down this path. Help us help you!