HOMEOWNERS MANUAL. Allentown, PA Upper Macungie Township. pennfieldplace.org

Transcription

1 HOUSE NUMBER HOMEOWNERS MANUAL Allentown, PA Upper Macungie Township pennfieldplace.org A copy of the Covenant and By-Laws can be found on the Pennfield Place website. ALL RESIDENTS SHOULD READ THIS HOMEOWNERS MANUAL CAREFULLY. ANY QUESTIONS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE ASSOCIATION S BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Replacement cost of Manual: $10.00 Revised - August

2 Table of Contents & Replacement Information Topic Pennfield Place Homeowners Association Introduction 3 Fees, Fines and Penalties 4 Map of Pennfield Place Community 5 Exterior Front Door and Shutter Colors 6 Decks 7 Sheds 7 Windows 8 Awnings 8 Rear Door Entry 9 Outdoor Lighting 10 Front Entry Door 10 Garage Doors 11 Siding 12 Gutters 12 Shutters 13 Storm/Screen Door, Front & Rear 13 Privacy Dividers 14 Roof 15 Fences 15 Page Additional Restrictions/Violations Clotheslines/Laundry 16 Swimming Pools 16 Wading Pools 16 Vehicle Storage 16 Animal Control/Pet Policy 16 Garbage/Recycling 17 Recreational 17 Grass 17 Street Trees 17 Sidewalks 17 Birdfeeders 17 Firepits 17 Resale of Home 18 Signs 18 Property Policies 18 Leasing 19 Additional Approved Restrictions 20 Resale Certificate

3 PENNFIELD PLACE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION INTRODUCTION All residents should read this Manual carefully; any questions should be directed to the Pennfield Place Homeowners Association Board of Directors. Many of the Rules and Regulations express the wishes of the majority of Pennfield Place residents, and they are intended to: 1) Preserve property values 2) Promote the safety of residents 3) Maintain the overall appearance and aesthetics of the community This Manual is not intended to supersede or replace the Covenant or By-Laws. To that extent any additions, deletions, differences or distinctions in this Manual are intended to codify, merge, replace, update and/or supersede any and/or all pertinent and affected prior Resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors. ALL homeowners and residents must abide by the provisions of the Association documents. All homeowners and residents shall be in possession of a copy of the Homeowners Manual. Homeowners are required to provide copies of the Manual to resident tenants upon leasing or renting of a home or to the buyer upon the sale of a home. Owners are also responsible for providing tenants with any updates or modifications to the Rules and Regulations whenever such modified rules or regulations become effective. Homeowners and Resident Tenants are also responsible for upholding the Covenant and By-Laws, found on pennfieldplace.org. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The affairs of the Association are governed by a Board of Directors consisting of three to seven members elected in accordance with the provisions of the Association By-Laws. Current committees: Grounds Communications Hospitality Audit RESIDENT OWNER A resident owner is the owner of a recorded home and the permanent Resident of that home. A visiting member of the family is not considered a Resident, but is a guest subject to all the provisions of the Association By-Laws. NON-RESIDENT OWNER A Non-Resident Owner is the owner on record of a home. A Non-Resident Owner does not reside in the home. RESIDENT TENANT A Resident Tenant of a home is required to abide by all the rules and regulations of Pennfield Place By-Laws and its Covenant. A Non-Resident Owner is responsible for the actions of a Resident Tenant

4 FEES, FINES AND PENALTIES ASSOCIATION FEES All Homeowners are responsible for payment of the Association Fees. Fees are $230.00/year. Payments may be made in full by January 31 of each year, or two installments of $ each may be made. The first installment is due January 31 of each year, and the second is due by July 31 of the same year. These fees are determined in accordance with an annual budget adopted by the Board of Directors. A partial list of items covered by the fees include: ADMINISTRATION: Insurances, Legal Fees GROUNDS: Landscaping, Snow Removal, Street Lights DEFERRED MAINTENANCE: Tree Removal, Paving Lots Visit pennfieldplace.org/faqs for where to mail dues. LATE FEES FOR NON-PAYMENT OF HOA FEES There is a $10.00 per month late fee for any payment not received by the Treasurer when such payment is due. This policy is strictly enforced. In addition, the Homeowner will be responsible for any and all legal costs. ASSESSMENT OF FINES AND PENALTIES All violations of HOA Restrictions are subject to fines and penalties for each violation as follows: - First Offense Written Warning Notice - Second Offense $ Third Offense $ Fourth Offense $ Additional Offenses will be directed to the District Magistrate, with a possible lien being placed on the property. Homeowners will be responsible for all court costs and associated fees. Penalties pertain to non-compliance of Pennfield Place Homeowners Association Rules and Regulations

5 MAP OF PENNFIELD PLACE COMMUNITY - 5 -

6 EXTERIOR FRONT DOOR AND SHUTTER COLORS The below tables list the exterior front door and shutter colors by address. Colors are set by the By-Laws filed with the Court and are not changeable. There are two suppliers for our paint colors, listed below. You need to mention you live in Pennfield Place when purchasing paint from them. Buss Paint and Wallpaper 327 Main St. Emmaus, PA Sherwin-Williams Paint Store Tilghman Square 4690 Broadway St. Allentown, PA Barn Swallow Ln. Address Door Color: Light Green (Buss Paint) OR Van Ness (Sherwin Williams) Shutters: Same as door. Barn Swallow Ln. Address Door Color: Salmon (Buss Paint) OR Original Cinnamon (Sherwin Williams). Shutters: Same as door Barn Swallow Ln. Address Door Color: Dark Green or Light Blue (Buss Paint) OR Loch Ness or London Sky (Sherwin Williams). Shutters: Light Blue/London Sky only. Yale Ct. Address Door Color: Dark Green or Light Blue (Buss Paint) OR Loch Ness or London Sky (Sherwin Williams). Shutters: Light Blue/London Sky only Pennfield Ct. Address Door Color: Light Green (Buss Paint) OR Van Ness (Sherwin Williams). Shutters: Same as door. Pennfield Ct. Address Door Color: Dark Green (Buss Paint) OR Loch Ness (Sherwin Williams). Shutters: Same as door

7 DECKS Decks are permitted with written requests submitted and approved by the Board of Directors. Minimum size for the deck is 10 by 14. A deck can extend over the setback line a maximum of 6 feet. Upper Macungie Township (UMT) MUST approve the location and size of the deck and a permit from the township is required prior to beginning construction. Any new or enlarged deck MUST have approval from both the Homeowners Association (HOA) and a permit from UMT before any construction begins. It is the homeowner s responsibility to maintain their deck. SHEDS Sheds are permitted only on end units with two approved sizes, 8 x8 and 10 x10. The design and color must be approved by the Homeowners Association Board of Directors. Prior to purchase of a shed the Board of Directors MUST be notified and a permit from UMT is required prior to installation. It is recommended the shed be the same color as the exterior color of the house Wheat if the shed is wood, or Almond if the shed is vinyl

8 WINDOWS Windows must be 12 panes. Wood trim MUST be painted Wheat. Window frames are the responsibility of the homeowner to maintain. If you replace wood trim with vinyl siding, the color of the vinyl siding must be Almond. AWNINGS Retractable awnings are permitted for rear decks only and MUST be approved by the Board of Directors and MUST be maintained by the homeowner

9 REAR ENTRY DOOR Rear entry doors should be 15 panel window doors and MUST be painted Wheat

10 OUTDOOR LIGHTING Exterior light by front door: Any type of lamp may be mounted on the wall next to the front door. Walkway/path lights are permitted and can be installed at the homeowner s discretion. Post Lantern: Driveway lamp posts are permitted and can be installed at the individual homeowner s expense. The driveway lamp post MUST be either black or white. The township mandates that these be installed beyond the 10 setback (10 from the curb toward the house and within 1 from the driveway). FRONT ENTRY DOORS The style MUST be a 4-panel door with window(s) at the top of the door. The door MUST be painted the color specified according to your address. See page 6 for your specific color. Styles are shown below

11 GARAGE DOORS Replacement garage doors MUST be 16 panels, solid doors (no windows). They may be either metal (vinyl) or wood (styles are shown below and on page 12). All doors of metal (vinyl) or wood MUST be approved by the Board of Directors prior to installation. Metal (vinyl) garage doors MUST be painted Almond. See page 12 for wood garage doors

12 Wood garage doors MUST be painted Wheat. SIDING Any siding replaced MUST match the original siding. The original siding installed was Dutch Lap style, Almond in color. Contractors MUST get approval by the Board of Directors prior to installation. GUTTERS Down spouts and gutters MUST be Almond in color

13 SHUTTERS Shutters MUST be painted the approved color for your unit. See page 6 for your specific color. They MUST be the same size as the shutter being replaced. STORM/SCREEN DOOR, FRONT AND REAR Front and rear storm doors must be full view glass doors. They may be divided into two parts, with both parts being glass. It may contain a screen. They must be almond in color. Styles are shown below

14 PRIVACY DIVIDERS A variety of privacy dividers have been approved by the Board of Directors. Please submit plans for approval before any work is started. They have a maximum height of 6 off the ground or off the deck, and a 3 panel maximum. Styles are shown below

15 ROOF If you have any questions about the roof, see the HOA Board of Directors for clarification. The Board of Directors recommends that you use GAF Timberline Architectural shingles. The color is Weathered Wood. If you choose a different brand, the color and style must match Timberline Weathered Wood. FENCES Fences are allowed, but are limited to 4 in height. The fence MUST be constructed of either pressure treated lumber or vinyl. Fences shall be a minimum of 10 from the rear of the property line and MUST follow all easements (the Homeowners Association MUST be contacted for full explanation of UMT rules)

16 ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS APPROVED 1. CLOTHESLINES/LAUNDRY: Clotheslines are not allowed. Hanging laundry outdoors is prohibited. 2. SWIMMING POOLS: Swimming pools of any style (above or below ground) are prohibited. Jacuzzis/Hot Tubs can be installed per township regulations and permitting. 3. WADING POOLS: Wading pools will be permitted under the following guidelines. Only small, toddler sized pools are allowed in the Association. Wading pools MUST be monitored by an adult at all times. When the wading pool is unattended or not in use, the water MUST be emptied. If the wading pool is placed in the front yard, it MUST be removed when not being used by owner. The Association is not responsible for any accidents or damage incurred by the use of such a pool. 4. VEHICLES: All vehicles parked within the confines of the Association must be in operable condition and must have current license plates and inspection stickers. Vehicles may not be stored on the premises. Any vehicle not in conformance with the parking and storage policy of the Association will be removed without further notice, at the full expense of the owner, after reasonable efforts to locate the vehicle s owner have failed. All vehicles must be parked in the direction of the flow of traffic. No vehicle may be parked over a sidewalk. This will be enforced by the Upper Macungie Township Police Department. Vehicle storage: Storage of recreational vehicles or inoperable, non-registered or noninspected vehicles anywhere in The Pennfield Place Community is prohibited. Business vehicles cannot be stored within the Association. 5. ANIMAL CONTROL/PET POLICY a) In accordance with Township Ordinance, all pets must be restrained on a leash when outside a home. At no time are pets allowed to run free on Association Property or any neighbor s property. b) No Resident shall keep or maintain any animal that habitually barks, cries, or acts in any way so as to disturb the peace and quiet of other Residents. c) Owners must pick up all droppings from their pets immediately and properly dispose of them in tied off plastic bags placed in their trash. Droppings shall not be stored outside of a home even on a temporary basis, nor disposed of in a storm drain

17 6. GARBAGE/RECYCLING Trash and recycling containers may be placed out no earlier than 6:00 PM the night before the scheduled collection and must be brought in no later than 8:00 PM the day of collection. 7. RECREATIONAL It must be stressed that neither the streets nor the common areas are playgrounds. Upper Macungie Township ordinance prohibits playing in the street. Basketball Boards (with hoop) placed at the curb along Barn Swallow Lane are not allowed. This is a safety issue. 8. GRASS Grass must be cut on a regular basis and cannot exceed 10, this is an Upper Macungie Township ordinance and will be enforced by the Homeowners Association. Failure to comply will result in either fines or contracted out to a landscaper and the homeowner will be responsible for payment. 9. STREET TREES Homeowners that have a street tree on their property are responsible for its maintenance and in the event it needs to be replaced, it will be the at the homeowner s expense and must be replaced within six (6) months of removal. Stumps must be removed as well. The new tree must conform to the selected trees required by Upper Macungie Township. It is recommended to plant new trees in either spring or fall. BEFORE ANY TREE REMOVAL OR PLANTING, SEE A BOARD MEMBER FOR INSTRUCTIONS. 10. SIDEWALKS Pennfield Place requires that the sidewalks be kept free from hazards to pedestrians, such as snow, ice, and trip factors. Responsibility for safe maintenance of sidewalks is on the owner of the property adjacent to the sidewalk, and owners will be liable for any accidents or injuries incurred due to non-maintenance of their sidewalk. 11. BIRDFEEDERS Birdfeeders should be maintained to prevent spillage on the ground, which attracts rodents. Spreading of birdseed or other food attractive to rodents (such as peanuts) is prohibited. Birdfeeders must be kept in backyards. 12. FIREPITS There are two types of firepits allowed in Pennfield Place: a. Chiminea b. Propane Firepit No open firepits are allowed per Upper Macungie Township Fire Department

18 13. RESALE OF HOME (Also see page 21) It is the obligation of the Seller to notify the Association of the estimated closing date of the sale of a home at the time at which the home goes under contract. The Seller must provide the Buyer with a copy of the Homeowners Manual, as well as a Certificate of Resale that discloses any and all items relevant to the sale of the home. The Certificate of Resale will be issued by the Treasurer within ten (10) days of a request by a Seller after the following two items have been completed: 1) the Treasurer confirms the Seller s fees are up to date, and 2) the property is inspected by the Grounds Committee to insure all relevant items are adhered to as directed by the By-Laws. A seller must send written notice to the Association s Board of Directors with the buyer s name, address, phone number and closing date within seven (7) days of the closing. 14. SIGNS Political signs must be removed within 5 days after an election. Construction signs must be removed within 15 days of project completion. Realtor signs must be removed after sale of a home. 15. PROPERTY POLICIES It is your responsibility to respect your neighbor s property. Be courteous of your neighbors. For example, children, pets, toys, etc., are not allowed on the property of others without their permission. Driving on your neighbor s driveway is prohibited. Maintenance of your property is your responsibility. This includes removing mold on the siding, keeping your front door paint in good condition and the proper color, and maintaining all exterior trim. Toys and other items should be removed after use. Maintenance of flower beds on your property are your responsibility. Flower beds must be maintained and weeded periodically. No food of any kind is allowed to be left on the ground. Any bushes or trees that extend onto your neighbor s property must either be neatly trimmed or cut and all trimmings must be removed promptly. Before making any major changes to the outside of your property, please get approval from the Board of Directors to assure all changes are in accordance with Pennfield Place and Upper Macungie Township policies

19 LEASING The ratio of non-owner occupied homes within this community may impact new and present homeowners. Therefore, strict control is to be exercised in the leasing of homes located within this Association. Accordingly, any homeowner desiring to lease their home must comply with the following guidelines. 1) There are only 12 leased units allowed at one time in Pennfield Place. If all 12 units are currently leased, residents may be placed on a waiting list if interested in leasing their unit. Please contact the Homeowners Association to request a form for the waiting list. 2) The homeowner must provide the Board of Directors a copy of the lease within ten days of lease execution. 3) Homeowners desiring to lease their premises must comply with the following requirements: a. Homes may not be leased for less than one year. b. A tenant may not sublet home. c. Landlord is responsible for the payment of the Association Fee. d. All leases must state that tenants must comply with the provisions of the Associations Covenant and By-Laws. e. The homeowner is required to supply a copy of the Association documents to the tenant upon execution of a lease. Any violation of the provisions of the Association Documents shall constitute a default of the lease. In the event a homeowner does not enforce compliance, the Board of Directors may do so at the homeowner s expense. f. All landlords are required to fill out and submit a Pennfield Place issued form that contains their mailing address, current phone number and address. This form is to be kept on file with the Board of Directors. g. The homeowner of the residence must provide the Association with a copy of rental insurance. h. Landlords are responsible for all maintenance of their property. The Board of Directors will notify the landlord of any problems. Landlords can contact their renter to correct the problem(s). If neither the homeowner nor renter rectify the problem, the Board of Directors will take care of the problem using money from the escrow account. i. Landlords are allowed to sell their property to another landlord. This is considered a transfer. Any and all questions should be brought to the Board of Directors for clarification. j. In the event of a hardship, a homeowner MUST put their situation in writing and submit it to the Board of Directors to be reviewed. If approved, the homeowner will be given an exemption and may lease/rent their unit for a period of up to 24 months, as long as the Unit Owner is actively trying to sell the unit

20 k. A Unit Owner in violation shall pay a fine to the Association in the amount of $1, per month during any period of non-compliance. Leasing Escrow: There will be a required fee of $ paid by the Homeowner to the Association when their home is leased. These fees are to ensure that the property is properly maintained and to offset any costs for enforcing Association policies. Should that amount be spent before the tenant moves, an additional $ fee will be re-issued to the Association. Any part of the escrow money that remains will be returned at the termination of the lease, following inspection by the Board of Directors. ADDITIONAL APPROVED RESTRICTIONS August 1995: The ballot to increase the number of board members and adopt a rotational system was approved There may be 7 Board members, each to serve a term of 3 years. September 1996: The Association is only responsible for paving common areas and has no involvement or responsibility with individual driveways for Yale Court Homeowners. October 1996: Homeowners in the Courts MUST remove their cars or park them in front of their garage door during snow removal operations. Plows or snow removal operators have the right to refuse service if any vehicles impede their ability to remove snow. September 1998: NOT ALLOWED: Some homeowners have closed off the 10 right of way behind their homes. This 10 right of way must remain at all times. Homeowners Association Property Restrictions: Some homeowners who have the Pennfield Place Associations common wooded area adjoining their property have extended their property into the Association s property. Homeowners and renters doing this proceed at their own risk and will be responsible for maintaining the area. The Homeowners Association will not be liable for personal injury. July 2010: A motion was passed to increase the Administration Fee for all court cases which go before the District Magistrates from $25.00 to $75.00 and can be adjusted by Magistrate increases. July 2011: A motion was passed to increase the dues for 2012 from $200.00/year to $230.00/year. Letters will be sent to homeowners in October with an explanation given at the November annual meeting. Payments may be made in full by January 31 or two installments of $ by July 31 (second installment). See page 4 for late fees for yearly fees. September 2015: The Board of Directors voted that terms served may be extended as necessary. June 2018: Proxy vote taken and passed for limitation of 12 leases in Pennfield Place. Proxy filed in Lehigh County Courthouse July

21 RESALE CERTIFICATE RESALE OF HOME It is the obligation of the Seller to notify the Association of the estimated closing date of the sale of a home at the time at which the home goes under contract. The Seller must provide the Buyer with a copy of the Homeowners Manual, as well as a Certificate of Resale that discloses any and all items relevant to the sale of the home. The Certificate of Resale will be issued by the Treasurer within ten (10) days of a request by a Seller after the following two items have been completed: 1) the Treasurer confirms the Seller s fees are up to date, and 2) the property is inspected by the Grounds Committee to insure all relevant items are adhered to as directed by the By-Laws. A seller must send written notice to the Association s Board of Directors with the buyer s name, address, phone number and closing date within seven (7) days of the closing. Page 22 is a copy of a Resale Certificate, which is a legal document and must be completed and presented at the closing of a sale. The Homeowner and Realtor are both liable for a show of proof that the Resale Certificate is completed. There is a $50.00 charge for the Resale Certificate and process. Note: Any current or former Board Members are not liable for the $50.00 fee. See page 22 for an example of the Resale Certificate

22 Mr. /Ms. (Realty Company w/address) Dear Sir: EXAMPLE OF RESALE CERTIFICATE 427 Barn Swallow Lane Allentown, PA As the listing agent for the property at, please be advised that your seller is required by Pennfield Place Homeowners Association to provide a signed Resale Certificate to our Association, and a copy of same to the buyer. 1. For a Certificate blank, please call at. 2. Resale Certificate must be submitted no later than ten days after the agreement of sale is signed (sale pending), and the Certificate must be signed by the seller and sent to 427 Barn Swallow Ln, Allentown, PA 18104, for approval by the Association. 3. The Association will return the approved copy to the seller or to you prior to settlement. For property that will be leased by the owner, please request Pennfield Place Homeowners Association Rules for Lessors as revised May, For more information about leasing a property please call the Treasurer at. (Treasurer)