RIVER HILLS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION C/O Caruso Management Group, Inc. 800 W 5 th Avenue, Suite 110B Naperville, IL 60563 RULES AND REGULATIONS July 2014 1
RIVER HILLS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION C/O Caruso Management Group, Inc. 800 W 5 th Avenue, Suite 110B Naperville, IL 60563 630-717-7188 TABLE OF CONTENTS Objective and Purpose of the Rules and Regulations..3 Assessments...3 Renters.3 Existing Renters 4 Future Renters..4 Addition and Alteration Process 4 Procedures.4 Rules.5 Undeveloped Lots.5 Grade...5 Mowing.....5 Use of signs....5 Developers/Builders/Contractors/Subcontractors 5 Developed Lots.6 Landscape...6 Retaining Walls...7 Patio..7 Patio fireplace or fire pit.7 Planting beds..7 Driveway materials.7 Back of the house..8 Sidewalks and Driveways.8 Parking.8 Common Area...9 Foot path..9 Grassed Areas 9 Pets...9 Mailboxes...9 Enforcement Procedures.10 Violations.10 Appeals...11 2
OBJECTIVE The long-term property values of our homes depend upon how well the homes and lots are maintained The Rules and Regulations are a collection of procedures and policies adopted by the River Hills Board of Directors to protect property owners and values by maintaining and improving the character of the River Hills neighborhood. They are intended to supplement the Declaration of Covenants and other governing documents of the Association, not supplant or amend them, and in the event of an inconsistency or conflict between these Rules and the other governing documents of the Association, the provisions of the other governing documents will supersede and apply. Each owner is encouraged to review the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions, and Easements for the River Hills Neighborhood Association in addition to the following rules and regulations in order to fully understand the responsibility of each member. All further information including definitions is stated in the Declarations of Covenants. These standards are subject to change at any time to the community by written notice sent to the homeowners of record. OWNERSHIP OF OBJECTIVE All who qualify as a member of the River Hills Association not limited to but including the owner of each lot, home owner, tenant, renter, land owner, and all current and future developers. ASSOCIATION PURPOSE The purpose of this Association is to act on behalf of its members collectively, as their governing body with respect to preservation, maintenance, replacement, improvement, enhancement, operation and administration of both real and personal property, including but not limited to the entryways, Common Ground Area, Storm Water Detention Area, to ensure the safety and welfare of the Members of the Association. ASSESSMENTS Regular assessments are collected annually by the Homeowners Association Property Management Company from all homeowners. The funds collected are used to promote the recreation, health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Riverhills and in particular for the operation, maintenance, and repair of the Homeowners Association common ground properties in and surrounding the perimeter of the subdivision. The annual assessment approved by the Board of Directors is due January 1 st of each year. A late fee of fifty ($50) dollars is assessed as of February 1 st with an additional twenty-five ($25) dollars per month accruing for each additional month that the assessment is not received. RENTERS The following rules apply to Homeowners who wish to rent their River Hills home as well as current and future renters of property in our subdivision: 1. No home will be built with the intent to rent. 2. New homeowners must live in the residence for a minimum of one year before renting will be approved. 3. Renters must obtain annual permits and approval from the homeowners association and the Village of Bolingbrook. 4. If a homeowner cannot sell their home and is forced to rent, the home may only be rented for one (1) year, with a one (1) year extension due to hardship, for a maximum of two (2) years. This one (1) year extension must be approved by the homeowners association. 5. The homeowner must inform the association that they are renting their home. Failure of the homeowner to reveal renter status to the board shall result in a fine of $1,000. 3
Existing renters: The homeowner must submit a renter application for verification of renter status to Caruso Management Company for board review no later than August 1 st 2014. If the application is not received by August 1 st, 2014 the homeowner will receive a fine of $150. Future Renters: 1. Board must receive and review the following documents prior to the binding agreement between the renter and homeowner: a. RHA(River Hills Association) Request to Rent Form b. Renters Application c. Copy of lease agreement 2. The lease must be reviewed by the board prior to agreement between the homeowner and the renter. The lease must comply with the rules entirely. 3. Occupancy of the home by renters will not commence until approval by the Board. ADDITION AND ALTERATION PROCESS Riverhills Association has guidelines to follow for any homeowner to alter or add to their existing property. Below are the procedures you need to follow if you want to add or change anything to your property. In addition, Riverhills association has declarations in order for our community to have uniformity. All Bolingbrook village ordinances and codes must be met and are the homeowner s responsibility to gain confirmation. If any homeowner is delinquent with annual assessments or fines they will not be permitted access of approval. NO REQUESTS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY ADDITIONS OR ALTERATIONS INCLUDING FENCES AND PATIOS DATED FROM NOVEMBER 15 TH THROUGH FEBRUARY 1 ST. Procedures for any additions or alterations to any lot 1. Read the community declarations to verify your alteration or addition meets guidelines. 2. Fill out Variance form with details of materials, color, height, etc. Include a plat of survey with dimensions showing the location of improvements relative to the existing structure. Also include the contractor's proposal and contractor's certificate of insurance. 3. Fax or Mail all completed forms to Caruso Management Group. Caruso Management Group 800 W 5th Ave Suite 110 B Naperville, IL 60563 Phone: 630-717-7188 Fax: 630-305-7804 info@carusomanagementgroup.com 4. Caruso will forward the information to the board. Approval or denial will be given within 30 days. 5. Homeowner will obtain Bolingbrook Village Permit in addition to contacting J.U.L.I.E PRIOR to any variance. 4
THE FOLLOWING RULES HAVE BEEN ADOPTED BY THE RIVER HILLS BOARD OF DIRECTORS. CREATED AND ADOPTED ON THE 1 st DAY OF JULY 2014 AND EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. UNDEVELOPED LOTS 1. Grade profile to facilitate; 1.1. Landowner must mow the grass during the growing season until construction starts and grass or weeds cannot exceed 8 inches tall. 1.2. Spray to control weeds during the growing season until construction starts. 2. Mowing; 2.1. April 1 ST through December 1 ST or when grass exceeds 8 inches in height. 2.2. Mow entire lot. 2.3. Trim around sign posts and utility structures. 3. Control weeds to eliminate noxious varieties and undesirable annuals such as dandelions. 4. Signs are permitted to advertise the availability of the lot for sale and to advertise the builder during construction so long as it meets the following criteria; 4.1. Not exceed 6 feet in height on lots and 6 feet on common ground. 4.2. Located 20 feet from the curb line of the street centrally on the lot. 4.3. Professional lettering with company name, contact information and statement 4.4. No price point or price range statement. 5. No dumping. 6. No parking of vehicles, machines or recreational vehicles. 7. No pre fab storage building(s). 8. No purpose built shed or out building. 9. No partial/ abandoned construction. 10. No dirt bike/atv track. 11. No structure for freezing water to construct a skating rink. 12. No fences. 13. No Loitering. 14. No animal grazing. 15. Pets must be kept on a leash and droppings removed by the owner. DEVELOPERS/BUILDERS/CONTRACTORS/SUBCONTRACTORS * All hired employees from the builder are included in these rules* 1. Do not use adjoining property for access to the rear of the building under construction. 2. Do not start excavation until silt fences are erected on the property perimeter. 3. Locate portable toilet on property under construction prior to start of excavation. The portable toilet must be located away from any parkway tree or street light in case it is knocked over in a storm. 4. Backfill and rough grade foundation as soon as foundation forms are removed. 5. Backfill against curb to avoid damage from heavy truck traffic. 6. Do not clean construction trucks on undeveloped lots or common area. 7. Work hours: Monday Friday 7am 7pm (Saturday 8am to 4pm) Delivery includes any construction activity in addition to bringing or delivering ALL MATERIALS (machines, equipment, dirt, rocks, bricks, stone, lumber, siding, port-a-potties, etc) includes delivery) 8. Dumpster must be placed on site prior to construction. 9. Weed control and mowing during growing season is required as set forth in the Undeveloped Lots section of the rules and regulations. 10. Remove loose material scattered on site each day. 5
11. Store material neatly and safely to prevent harm to non-construction traffic. 12. Remove any mud, dirt, sand, gravel, stone or other construction from the street immediately. 13. Do not park vehicles, trailers or machinery on adjacent lots or common areas. 14. Do not store soil or other construction material on adjacent lots or common areas. 15. No parking overnight of self-propelled licensed vehicles on the construction site. 16. Parked construction trailer must be secured to prevent unauthorized entry into trailer. 17. Park large trucks on only one side of the street to avoid obstruction. 18. Unload trucks from the curb side. 19. Do not leave truck doors open obstructing street. Do not block access to mailboxes, driveways or bus stops. 20. Park responsibly adjacent to the curb. 21. Do not park non road machinery such as earthmovers and telehandlers on construction site unless in use. 22. Do not play loud music on the construction site. 23. Refrain from offensive behavior and language on the construction site. 24. Do not dig in the easement from the curb to 20 feet toward the house until clearance is obtained for the street lights (contact the management company) as well as the other utilities identified by JULIE. 25. A builder sign is permitted when constructed in accordance with sign requirements for the subdivision from the Board. Subcontractor advertising signs are not permitted on the lot. 26. Modifications or additions to existing structure may not commence without Board approval. 27. No flags, builder balloons or any other marketing material to draw attention to the lot or home unless for a single day open house. 28. No storage of any items or materials on the lot prior to Board approval and County permit. 29. Do not use developed driveways to turn around on for any reason. 30. Do not step on neighboring property for any reason 31. Do not communicate with community members unless it is strictly regarding a safety or construction issue that immediately affects any homeowner 32. Do not block the road with any construction or personal trucks/cars eliminating the community access to driveways, bus stops, etc. 33. Do not park any utility or construction truck, machinery, or other builder equipment at or near any community bus stop. Please contact the school district for actual bus stop corners. 34. The builder must install the homeowner mailboxes per our uniformity and match the black Frankfort Series found at US POST COMPANY http://www.uspostmailbox.com/mailboxes.html. 35. No Loitering. 36. Developer must sod front, back, and all sides of property prior to the closing of the home. 37. Landscape must be in place PRIOR to the issuance of any occupancy permit unless continuous weather prohibits. DEVELOPED LOTS 1. Landscape; 1.1. Requires review and approval from the Board in conjunction with the house arch approval. 1.2. Changes to the original approval require resubmission, review and approval of the revision. 1.3. Annual plant varieties do not need approval from the Board. 1.4. Dead trees and plants must be removed and replaced. 1.5. Parkway trees are maintained by the Homeowner. Please contact the village of Bolingbrook if trees are sick or need to be replaced. 1.6. Lawns must be mowed on a continuous basis and grass may not exceed 4 inches tall. 6
2. Retaining walls; 2.1. Natural stone. 2.2. Concrete simulated stone products and Brick. 2.3. Interlocking concrete exposed rough surface blocks. 3. Patio; 3.1. Natural stone. 3.2. Interlocking pavers. 3.3. Paving blocks. 3.4. Bricks. 3.5. Concrete and stamped concrete 4. Patio fireplace or fire pit; 4.1. Masonry, brick, concrete or stone fireplace located beyond deck overhang. 4.2. Masonry, brick, concrete, stone or iron fire pit located beyond deck overhang. 4.3. Complies with all local fire and construction codes. 5. Planting beds; 5.1. Cover the exposed soil with stone, 5.2. Mulch, or 5.3. Ground cover complimentary to the other plantings. 6. Decorative fountains shall be reviewed and approved for installation in the lawn area visible from the street by the Board. 7. Sidewalks shall be concrete, stone or pavers. 8. Driveway materials; 8.1. Concrete, 8.2. Stone, 8.3. Pavers, or 8.4. Asphalt 9. The approved HOA mailbox must be installed by the builder 7 days prior to the occupancy of the home. Mailbox is Frankfort Series located at US POST COMPANY, http://www.uspostmailbox.com/mailboxes.html 10. No advertising signs are allowed to be displayed on the lots. RULE DOES NOT APPLY TO DISCREET SIGNS INDICATING HOME HAS A SECURITY SYSTEM. 11. Holiday lights must be removed within 60 days of the holiday for which it was displayed. 12. Refuse should not be put out prior to 6:00 pm the night before the scheduled pick up day. Garbage cans and recycle bins need to be placed in garages during the week. Recycling cans must be returned to the inside of the garages by the end of the garbage collection day. 13. It shall be the responsibility of each Owner to prevent the development of any unclean, unhealthy, unsightly, or unkempt condition on the Lot. The outdoor pursuit of hobbies or other activities, which might tend to cause disorderly, unsightly, or unkempt conditions, shall not be pursued or undertaken on any part of the Properties. 14. No portion of the Properties shall be used, in whole or in part, for the storage of any, property or thing that will cause it to appear to be in an unclean or untidy condition or that will be obnoxious to the eye; nor shall any substance, thing, or material be kept upon any portion of the Properties that will emit foul or obnoxious odors or that will cause any noise or other condition that will or might disturb the peace, quiet, safety, comfort or serenity of the occupants of surrounding property. No noxious or offensive activity shall be carried on upon any portion of the Properties, nor should anything be done thereon tending to cause embarrassment, discomfort annoyance, or nuisance to any person using any portion of the Properties. 15. Structures, ornamental designs, or any other objects (i.e. fountains, birdhouse, decorative wells, etc) are not permitted in the front yard unless board approved. 7
BACK OF HOUSE 1. No vehicles, trailers, recreational vehicles or machinery parked or stored. 2. No vehicle repair. 3. No driveway to the rear of the home site. 4. All play structures (including the nature, size, material and color) and their respective placement on the property must be approved by the Board prior to installation. 5. Structures and large sports equipment must be anchored to prevent movement by storms. 6. Patio furniture and pool equipment must be restrained to avoid movement by winds/storms. 7. No above ground swimming pools 8. Fences to be maintained in a rust free condition. 9. No archery or gun target practice. 10. No storage sheds of any type, including prefabricated storage sheds. 11. No pole mounted spot lights. 12. No clothes lines. 13. While the American Flag and Military flags can be displayed, the location and size of any flagpoles must be approved by the Board. SIDEWALKS AND DRIVEWAYS 1. Clear sidewalks of snow and ice promptly. 2. Repair or replace damaged (cracked, missing concrete or asphalt, etc) driveways and entryway sidewalks leading to the home or toward the rear of home. 3. Public sidewalk must be concrete. 4. Private walks to the rear can be concrete, natural stone, bricks or concrete based paving blocks. 5. Private driveways must be concrete, asphalt, brick or concrete based paving blocks. 6. No gravel or dirt driveways and parking aprons permitted. 7. Do not obstruct driveway or mailbox access. 8. Do not leave sports equipment, recreational vehicles, gardening equipment and toys on driveways overnight. 9. Do not obstruct the sidewalk. 10. Permanent basketball structures must be approved by the Board. PARKING 1. No unsightly trade vehicles can be parked overnight on a driveway. Trade vehicles may be parked on driveway if vehicle is relatively free from rust, in working order and is pleasant to the common eye. If contested, discretion will be up to the board. 2. Guest RV parking is permitted for 48 hours MAX on a driveway but not stored. 3. Homeowner RV vehicles and boats can be parked overnight at the start or completion of use. 4. Observe and comply with traffic laws regarding intersections. 5. Observe and comply with traffic laws regarding cross walks. 6. Observe and comply with traffic laws regarding fire hydrants. 7. No inoperable vehicles on driveways, street, common area, developed or undeveloped lot. 8. No parking of any type of vehicles on grass including personal property, developed lots, or common area property. 8
COMMON AREA *No Price Point on Signs in Common Area* 1. Foot path; 1.1. No motor driven vehicles except motorized conveyance for handicapped persons by ordinance of Will County 1.2. Keep pets on a leash using path. 1.3. Collect pet waste from path and deposit in containers provided. 1.4. Bicycles yield to pedestrians. 1.5. Cross streets at the designated crosswalks. 1.6. Do not deface the path surface. 2. Grassed areas; 2.1. Do not deface or destroy trees, plantings and structures. 2.2. Do not remove storm sewer inlet covers. 2.3. Do not play near the inlet covers. 2.4. Do not play on the storm drain outlets into the lakes or remove rocks and boulders from the drainage structures. 2.6. Do not dump yard, construction or any form of waste on the common areas. 2.7. Do not tap fire hydrants for water. 2.8. Do not burn yard waste or start any fire on common area grass. 2.9. Do not operate motorized vehicles such as dirt bikes, ATV s and snow mobiles on the grassed areas. 2.10. Do not park or leave vehicles or machines of any kind on the common ground unless they are there in support of maintenance of the area. 2.11. Do not place any signs on the common area without specific authorization from the association. 3. Pets; 3.1. Must be kept on a leash when in common areas and public sidewalks, parkways and streets. 3.2. Owner must remove any droppings left by the pet in the common area including path. MAILBOXES 1. If your mailbox is damaged it is the homeowners responsibility to replace with the original mailbox which is found at US POST COMPANY, Frankfort Series, http://www.uspostmailbox.com/mailboxes.html. 2. Builder must install a Frankfort Series mailbox from US POST COMPANY, http://www.uspostmailbox.com/mailboxes.html. NOTICE OF ENFORCEMENT AND OBLIGATIONS, ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURE, ETC is relocated below the actual rules since it is the enforcement policies. River Hills will provide notice of any violation of the Covenants of River Hills to homeowner. Notice may be provided by any one or more of the following manners: a) U.S. Mail to the last known address of the homeowner; b).email to the homeowner or any resident of the premises; c) Phone; d) In person by hand delivery to the homeowner or any resident of the premises; e) Posting notice on the premises. The Date of notice is the date the HOA sends, post, or delivers the notice. Actual receipt of the notice is not required and will not be a basis for appeal. It is recommended that each homeowner make sure the email and phone number in their profile is up to date and accurate at all times. 9
ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURE The following sanctions shall apply to violations of the Association s governing documents: An Owner shall be sent written warning notice of a violation. If the violation remains uncured AFTER 15 DAYS of DATE OF NOTICE, the Board of Directors or managing agent will notify the owner of such and a fine may be charged to the assessment account of the Owner. The Owner shall pay all fines and/or other charges assessed within thirty (30) days of notification that such charges are due. Failure to make payment within this time period shall subject the Owner to all of the legal and equitable remedies available for the collection of assessments. Unless otherwise stated, the following fine schedule shall be used: 1. Warning notice, no fine (15 days to cure violation unless otherwise noted) 2. $50.00 for the first violation 3. $75.00 for the second violation of the same rule within a twelve-month period 4. $100.00 for each subsequent violation of the same rule within a twelve-month period 5. $100.00 per day for violations of a continuing nature beyond twelve months Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board, in its sole discretion, may, but shall have no obligation to, issue a warning notice in lieu of a fine in cases where a violation has been or will be promptly corrected. FAILURE TO RECEIVE BOARD APPROVAL $500 per incident. **Due to the potential impact to surrounding properties and the rest of the community, failure to receive Board approval for a major ground breaking construction project (i.e.: pools, fences, home additions, etc.) will result in an immediate $500 fine. The remedies hereunder are not exclusive. In the event of any violation of the Declaration and By-Laws or these Rules, the Board reserves the right to utilize any and all remedies, both legal and equitable, to prevent violations or to compel enforcement. Any election of a particular remedy by the Association shall not preclude the Association from seeking any other remedy. VIOLATIONS CREATING A HAZARD TO THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE OF THE OWNERS AND RESIDENTS: The Board may impose fines not to exceed $1000.00 for each violation. VANDELISM AND OR INTENTIONAL RECKLESS DESTRUCTION OF COMMON AREAS: $300.00 plus repair costs. 10
The failure of the homeowner to file an appeal, as set forth herein, within the prescribed time will serve as a waiver of the homeowners right to contest the violation, fine and/or remedy imposed by the HOA. APPEAL PROCESS A homeowner may appeal a non compliant notice or violation notice decision of the HOA by email to info@carusomanagementgroup.com of such an appeal. An appeal must be filed within twenty (20 days) of the first notice, or in the case of a Lawn maintenance or Trash violation within 7 days of the notice. In the event there is a dispute as to whether a timely appeal was filed, the computer generated acknowledgment of sending email received by the homeowner shall serve a rebuttable presumption that such an appeal was filed. 11