Help with HOA rules

Hi!

I moved from England to GA last year and bought a house at the beginning of 06. At the time of signing, we had no idea that these rules exist. no one told us anything about them. i though we were free to do what we want on our land.

I want to put a greenhouse up in the backyard. I have been checking the covenant and it says:

No temporary buildings or tents and no mobile, modular or relocatable homes.

Utility buildings must be made of wood or block, compatible with the house......

Is a greenhouse an utility building? Or is it a temporary one? I would put it up in a place that is not visible from the street nor the neighbours.

Thank you for any help.

anna

what should I do? They are sooooo fussy in this subdivision. :o(

In my experience, these types of rules are SO very localized that it would be difficult for anyone other than your HOA to make those determinations.

Although, you might start with reputable local tradesman (ie, contractors/landscape designers) who have experience in your subdivision (ask your neighbors for names). If they're good, they'll know the rules and make recommendations in accordance.

I feel your pain -- when hubby and I moved, our one absolute "deal-breaker" was that we would not live in a "deed restricted" neighborhood... then we discovered that this particular city has laws almost as ... annoying.

On this side of the pond we have a love/hate relationship with our HOAs. I dare say, more hate. However, in your case, I would say the first thing to do is ask your HOA about your plans for a greenhouse. They might have some guidelines that you can apply for your project. (maybe like a conservatory-looking structure).

Don't be surprised if you get the rounaround, so just keep asking, asking, until somebody gives you an answer (which might be an answer that won't suit your plans).

I hope you get to deal with some reasonable folks (but don't hold your breath)

( pulling out my expert creds, polishing to a fine sheen...)

OK, here is what you do -- most HOAssn boards have an Architectural Review Committee. WHATEVER you do in the way of structures must be approved by the committee. (In our case, that includes the color of your window sashes & curtains!) Yes, it can be very daunting, but you will find that if you present architectural drawings of the structure you want to put in, with very specific color and size indicated, you may be able to get it approved. Maybe. And if you do, put the original approval letter in your safedeposit box, mail a copy to your lawyer for safekeeping, and store several copies with friends. Because in the event of a turnover in the HOA board, if anyone raises objections to your greenhouse you will need to prove that it was completely approved. Even if the approval was noted in the minutes of last month's meeting!

It also helps if you can find and photograph similar structures in your neighborhood or in similar developments.

Also, watch out for local (city, county) inspectors. They like to impose "stop work" orders on stuff that may require a fee from said local authority to begin work. CALL the county and city to make sure, don't depend on someone else's say so.

I hope this helps.

signed, your local HOA Landscape Committee Chairperson

We have HOA rules in our neighborhood also and it seems people are of the 'beg for forgiveness' over ask 'for permission'. If it out of site from the street they usually don't have a problem but the usual way to go about it is through the architectual committee.

Good luck...

thank you very much for all the help and advice. I will keep you posted.