Great Sky Estates Homeowner s Handbook 2011 1
Great Sky Estates Owners Association, Inc. P. O. Box 5714 Boise, Idaho 83705 208 385 9650 greatsky@amihome.net Welcome to Great Sky Estates! On behalf of all the members of Great Sky Estates, welcome to the neighborhood! We are proud of our community and look forward to getting to know you. To help you understand and appreciate our special neighborhood, the following Homeowner's Handbook has been prepared. It contains important information about Great Sky Estates, including the organization and management of our homeowners association, key protective covenants, rules and regulations and other items of interest and importance to you as a homeowner and member of Great Sky Estates Owners Association, Inc. Our common goal in Great Sky Estates is very simple: to preserve and enhance the value and appeal of our neighborhood for those who own homes here. We welcome your involvement in the homeowners association and appreciate your taking time to read and follow the covenants and guidelines in this handbook. Your comments and questions are always welcome. Contact our management company any time with your thoughts and suggestions. Phone numbers and addresses are listed at the end of the handbook. Sincerely, The Board of Directors Great Sky Estates Owners Association, Inc. 2
About The Great Sky Estates Owners Association, Inc. All property owners within Great Sky Estates are members of the homeowners association which is governed by the Master Declaration including design criteria and requirements as included in the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, the Architectural Specifications and Rules & Standards, as well as the By-Laws, collectively referenced in this handbook as the Governing Documents. Board of Directors Each year at the Annual Meeting as required by the Association By-Laws, members of the Association elect five homeowners to the board of directors. Board members serve as unpaid volunteers. The Board meets monthly on the third Tuesday of each month at the Great Sky Estates clubhouse or more often if needed to manage the affairs of the Association. Starting time is 6:30 P.M. Homeowners are welcome to attend any meeting. Committees In addition to the board, all can play an important role in the Great Sky Estates community through work on one of your committees. The Board of Directors approves all committee members. These include the Architectural Control Committee, Landscape Committee, Facilities Committee or other committees that may be established from time to time. All members of the committees serve as unpaid volunteers. Architectural Control Committee The Architectural Control Committee (ACC) exists to help ensure consistent application of the Governing Documents. All proposed exterior changes to homes and landscaping must be reviewed and approved by the committee. Some examples include changes in house colors, installation of a new roof, addition of more living space or garage space, placement and design of a storage shed, staining, constructing or altering a fence or significant change to the landscaping in your yard. 3
Nominating Committee This committee is for the purpose of nominating candidates for Board positions to be voted on at the annual meeting. Landscape Committee The Landscape Committee oversees the common area landscape maintenance that includes the entrance signs, the central clubhouse grounds and interior common areas. The committee works with the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) to help review proposed landscaping changes by homeowners. The committee also serves as a liaison with our landscape maintenance contractor to ensure that the care of our common areas is done as contracted. Facilities Committee The facilities committee oversees the day-to-day maintenance and operation of the clubhouse, pool, playground, and basketball court. The committee also serves as a liaison with our pool contractor to ensure that the care of the pool and clubhouse facilities is done as contracted. Homeowners' Assessments The homeowners association levies and collects assessments from each homeowner. The homeowners' assessments cover costs such as maintenance of common areas, pool and clubhouse, utilities, neighborhood communications, management and other operating expenses. Here is an explanation of these various assessments: Regular Assessments: Based on the annual operating budget and set annually by the Board of Directors. It is currently set at $90 per quarter. Special Assessment: For large and unusual expenses incurred by the association. This type is rarely used. Here is an explanation of how delinquent accounts are handled: Late Payment Fee: Accounts are delinquent if assessment not paid within 15 days from the due date on your assessment bill and a 12% per annum interest rate is charged on all past due amounts. 4
Facility Restrictions: Suspension of rights to the pool, clubhouse, and all common areas when accounts are past due or for infractions of rules and regulations. Final Notices: Sent to members behind two quarters on their assessments. Liens Filed: 15 days after final notice mailed and account not satisfied. All expenses incurred by the association for this process are assessed to the member. Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions All properties within Great Sky Estates are governed by the Governing Documents. These legal documents are usually provided to each homeowner during financial closing, and each homeowner is required to abide by the terms and conditions of the Governing Documents. The Governing Documents can be found on our association management company s website, amihome.net. Architectural Specifications and Rules & Standards Authority (Article V, Section 5.29 of the Master Declaration) The ACC has authority to adopt rules and standards consistent with the Master Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Great Sky Estates Subdivision which govern certain activities in the Great Sky Estates Subdivision. The ACC has adopted the following architectural specifications and rules & standards which shall apply to all residences and common areas and are effective as of July 22, 2008. These rules & standards replace and supercede all previous standards for the Association. Application Owners must request and obtain ACC approval for the construction, renovation, alteration, modification, removal and demolition of any improvements located on their property in Great Sky Estates Subdivision. The owner must submit a written architectural review and approval form which must be signed by the Owner and contains all information requested and be accompanied by all other materials to be submitted as outlined below. This form must be approved by the ACC and returned to the Owner before work can begin. This form can be obtained by contacting our association management company or their website. 5
Additions and Modifications Any addition or modification to the exterior of any home requires prior approval of the Architectural Control Committee (ACC). In general, an addition will be considered for approval on the basis of its consistency with existing structures, the Governing Documents and with these architectural rules/standards. Full plans and specifications must be submitted for approval before any construction begins on any addition to any home. Antennae and Receiving Devices All such devices shall require prior approval by the ACC before installation. In general, all such devices shall be installed in such a way, to the extent possible, as to be hidden from view from adjoining property owners and not visible from the street. Driveways, Walkways and Parking Areas All driveways, parking areas and walkways must be concrete and maintained by routing and filling cracks or by removing and replacing damaged areas or sections. Any driveway, walkway, and parking area addition, replacement or modification, must have prior approval of the ACC. Fences All fences shall be constructed, installed and maintained in good appearance and condition at the expense of the homeowner. Six-foot vertical cedar fences with 6x6 posts are the construction standard, however some wrought iron fences may be approved by the ACC, on a case-by-case basis. All new fence construction, replacement, or modification and color treatment of an existing fence requires prior approval of the ACC. If posts or boards are damaged or need to be replaced for any reason, materials shall meet initial construction standards. The ACC approved stain colors for wooden fences are natural cedar or cedar tone. General guidelines the ACC will consider with each application are to require that homeowners, to the extent possible, to match the same color as their adjoining/connecting neighbor s fence and that all fences facing individual common areas need to be a uniform color/treatment. Power washing may be required prior to stain application to achieve a uniform appearance. Any questions regarding this can be sent to the ACC prior to submission of approval form. 6
On a case-by-case basis, variances from the approved colors may be granted by the ACC in accordance with Section 10.06 of the Master Declaration when resulting application is consistent with meeting the general guidelines noted above. The perimeter fence segments behind the clubhouse and along the Association s western boundary in the common areas on South Silver Bow Avenue are owned and maintained by the association. All other fences are the responsibility of individual homeowners whose properties they border. Flag Poles Flagpoles are permitted but must have prior approval by the ACC before installation. Flagpoles are not to exceed 14 in height from the original ground level (not from the top of berms or mounds). Flags are not to exceed 3 feet by 5 feet in size. U.S. code requires that a flag must be lit if flown after dark. Flag lighting must also get approval from the ACC prior to installation. If the architectural request form does not designate flag lighting, the ACC will follow up with the homeowner. A light beam will not be permitted to shine on the flag in such a way that the light will be disturbing to neighboring properties. Architectural Lighting Any other permanent architectural or landscape lighting requires approval by the ACC. House Numbers House numbers shall be of adequate size and location to be easily visible from the street. Mail Boxes All mailboxes are initially provided and installed by the developer. In most cases, one mailbox stand will serve for two homes. Mailbox stands and mailboxes shall be maintained in good condition by homeowners at their individual expense. Outbuildings and Other Structures All other structures including outbuildings, storage sheds, animal enclosures, gazebos, deck covers, railings, ramps, walkways and any other structures require prior approval of the ACC before any construction, installation or modification begins. Building permits may also be required by the city in some cases and shall be included with the application. 7
Back yard storage sheds are allowed if they are adequately set back from property lines, match your house in terms of siding and roofing materials and colors, and are approved in advance by the ACC. Exterior Painting and Staining The ACC must approve all exterior painting and staining prior to application. Colors shall be selected and used which are compatible with other buildings on the Lot and on neighboring Lots with the goal that all such buildings will present a unified and coordinated appearance. Porches & Decks All porch and deck construction, whether new construction, replacement or modification of existing components requires prior ACC approval. Roofs All roofs must be constructed of black architectural material with dura ridge (dura ridge caps). Any other style of equivalent quality and appearance may be used but all roof materials to be used, whether similar or different from existing roofs, shall, in all cases be submitted for approval by the ACC before any renovation or replacement is started. Basketball Standards and Backboards No permanent basketball structures are allowed except in the rear yard of a lot (with prior approval from the ACC) or unless otherwise fully screened from view from a public street. If the equipment is portable it may be out during day use periods but shall be stored in an enclosed area (backyard or garage) when not in use. Storage of play and garden equipment Garden and lawn maintenance equipment, children s play equipment, bicycles and other household items must be stored out of sight or behind fence when not in use. Commercial Use Prohibited No lot shall be used at any time for commercial or business activity. 8
Holiday Decorations Decorations can be put up at most four weeks prior and shall be removed within four weeks after the holiday. Landscape Maintenance The level and quality of landscape maintenance in our neighborhood is an important component of neighborhood appeal. Accordingly, all homeowners are expected to maintain their landscaping in a way that meets or exceeds the following standards: Landscape Materials: At all times, all yards including front, back, and side yards shall be landscaped with sod, perennials, shrubs, stone or bark planting beds and trees, maintained in a condition which is essentially weed-free and not hazardous. Trees: Front yards shall have no less than two 1 ½ caliper trees. Recognize that trees grow out as well as up. Provide sufficient set back from property line so as to prevent overhang onto your neighbors property when tree is full-grown. If trees die, they must be promptly removed and replaced with a minimum 1 ½ tree if the two tree minimum is violated. Weed Control: Lawns and bedding areas shall be essentially weed-free at all times. Mowing and Trimming: Lawn areas shall be mowed at least once every ten days. Edging and trimming shall be done along with mowing on the same schedule. Back yard Maintenance: Back yards visible from another homeowner s residence or along common areas shall be kept free of stored items and maintained in an attractive manner. Watering: Lawns are required to be watered on a proper interval so they maintain a healthy green color. Parking and Storage Vehicles used for every-day transportation shall be parked in the garage or driveway. For safety and visibility of drivers and for aesthetic reasons, parking in the street shall be avoided. Visitors shall also avoid parking in the street. Inoperable vehicles are to be enclosed in the garage or moved to off site storage. The driveways are to be used for operable vehicles only. A vehicle not moved for three continuous days is considered inoperable (unless the owner is on vacation). 9
Boats, campers, travel trailers, motor homes, snowmobiles, motorcycles, watercraft, tent trailers, and other recreational vehicles must be parked in the garage, out of sight behind your fence or at an off-site storage facility. It is permissible to park these units in your driveway for up to 72 hours in a seven (7) day period for cleaning, loading and unloading. Work vehicles, utility/work trailers or vehicles other than automobiles used for hauling items such as furniture, recreational vehicles, and landscape or construction materials may be temporarily parked in your driveway while in use. Such vehicles shall to be parked out of sight from public roadways or stored off site when not actually in use. The primary use for garages shall be to park vehicles and the secondary use shall be for storage. Garage doors shall remain closed when not in use. Pet Etiquette No more than 2 domestic dogs and/or cats, or other small household pets, which do not unreasonably bother or constitute a nuisance to others may be kept provided that they are not kept, bred or maintained for any commercial purpose. Pets shall be on a leash and under control at all times when outside the confines of fenced areas of your yard. Cats and dogs shall not be allowed to roam free at any time and it is the pet owner s responsibility to remove pet litter immediately. Kennels or dog runs must be screened, placed inside the lot fences, and approved by the ACC prior to construction. Specific pet problems and/or complaints shall be directed to the Eagle Sheriff s Department and/or Animal Control for enforcement of city ordinances. Signs Signs other than For Sale signs are not permitted. This includes campaign signs. For sale signs are not permitted in any common areas without prior written approval from the Board of Directors and only open house signs will be permitted for display on the weekends. One For Sale sign is permitted per lot. Trash Pick Up Trash pick up is normally on Monday. Containers shall not be placed out more than 24 hours before pickup and the containers shall be stored within 24 hours after pick up. Containers are to be screened or enclosed so they cannot be seen from the street or nearby homes. 10
Covenant/Rules/Standards Enforcement All members of our neighborhood have agreed to abide by the Governing Documents as a condition of ownership of their homes. However, violations may occur and will be handled according to the following process: 1. The Neighborhood Manager will mail a Covenant Reminder Notice to the homeowner in question noting the violation. The homeowner has the right to request a meeting with the ACC or submit a written appeal for consideration. 2. If the violation is not corrected or the owner has not responded as requested, the Neighborhood Manager shall contact the homeowner via phone, mail or email in another attempt to resolve the matter. If the contact cannot be made or if the homeowner is unresponsive, the matter is turned over to the Association Management administrative office for follow up. 3. If the violation persists without cooperation, a letter is sent the Association Management administrative office offering the homeowner two options for contact. This step results in a nonrefundable charge of $100 to the homeowners assessment account. 4. If the homeowner does not respond to the letter from the Association Management within ten days, the matter is turned over to legal counsel and an administrative fee of $200 is added to the homeowner s assessment account. Legal counsel shall then mail a certified letter and also send the letter by regular mail. If legal counsel receives no response within ten days, legal counsel provides advice and a decision is made on how to proceed with the case. Any and all costs incurred during this process shall be assessed to the homeowner. Neighborhood Complaints Complaints will be handled and addressed on an individual basis by the Board of Directors. Complaints shall be made in writing via letter or email through our association management company for record keeping and documentation. Anonymous complaints are not considered a valid way to register a complaint or concern. The identity of a member who complains about a neighbor may, upon request, be kept confidential. 11
Renters If owners elect to rent their home, owner shall make sure tenants have a copy of this handbook and the Governing Documents. Owners shall provide our association management company with the names and phone numbers for all tenants. Many times, landscape maintenance suffers at rented homes. All owners shall make arrangements for landscape maintenance in accordance with subdivision standards. Owners are responsible for the action/inaction of their renters. Neighborhood Safety The speed limit in all sections of our subdivision is 25 mph. Homeowners shall report violators promptly to the police. Avoid parking on the street to increase visibility for drivers and safety for children, joggers, cyclists and other pedestrians. Avoid parking on sidewalks at all times, even partially. Vehicles parked on sidewalks represent a safety hazard for children and an inconvenience for walkers. Streets shall be used only by vehicles and bicycles. Avoid using neighborhood streets for any type of play including basketball, street hockey and other sports. It is encouraged that homeowners leave exterior lights on or the timer adjusted so that the lights are on from dusk to dawn. Other Tips and Information The homeowners association schedules one neighborhood-wide garage sale each year. Members shall avoid having individual garage or yard sales and shall participate in the community sale instead. Advertising of the group sale provided by the Association will be beneficial for all involved. The clubhouse may be reserved for various activities. The reservation form can be found on the association management company s website. The pool is not available for reservation. 12
When possible, avoid storing items in view of neighbors or visible from the street or common area. Lumber and other building materials, saw horses, exercise and play equipment, gardening tools and supplies and all other household items shall be stored out of sight or off site. If an Owner permits any improvement, including any landscaping, which is the responsibility of such Owner to maintain, to fall into disrepair so as to create a dangerous, unsafe, unsightly or unattractive condition, the Board, upon fifteen (15) days prior written notice to the Owner, shall have the right to correct such condition, and to enter upon said Lot and into any building or structure thereon, if necessary, for the purpose of correcting or repairing the same, and such Owner shall promptly reimburse the Association for the cost thereof. Pool Rules and Guidelines General Policy The Clubhouse, Swimming Pool and other amenities in Great Sky Estates are intended for family use by the members and guests of our community and shall be kept clean and safe for all by following these rules and guidelines. Entrance and Exit Use only provided keys to the pool gate. No jumping fences or propping gate open at any time shall be allowed. Be sure gates are closed and locked after entering and exiting. Hours of Operation The pool is open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Entrance is prohibited into the pool area outside of these operating hours. Entrance after hours is considered trespassing and the Eagle Sheriff Department has permission to cite violators. Pool Safety There is no lifeguard on duty at any time. All persons who use the pool do so at their own risk. No running or diving is allowed. 13
Prohibited Items and Activities Pets, roughhousing, skateboards, bicycles, roller blades, glass containers, alcohol, all tobacco products, foul language, and inappropriate display of affection or lewd acts of any kind are all prohibited items and activities. Age Restriction An adult must accompany children under 14 years of age at all times. Food Prohibited Food and drink must be consumed under the patio area and kept away from the pool and lounging area. Swim Diapers Young children must wear diapers specifically designed for swimming. Flotation Devices Only small personal flotation devices are permitted due to the size of our pool. Guests Homeowners guests are welcome but the resident host must be present with guests at all times. Homeowners, Children and guests of homeowners who fail to follow these rules may be asked to leave the pool area. Homeowners are responsible for children and guests and can loose all rights to the pool area if repeated offenses occur. If you notice unsafe conditions or individuals not abiding by the Pool Rules please contact our Neighborhood manager or Board member immediately. 14
Clubhouse Rules and Guidelines Maximum Occupancy No more than 25 persons are allowed at one time in the clubhouse facility. Entrance and Exit Use only provided keys to the clubhouse. The clubhouse must be locked when not in use. Hours of Operation The clubhouse is available for use from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day by reservation for family activities. Entrance is prohibited into the clubhouse area outside of these operating hours. Entrance after hours is considered trespassing and the Eagle Sheriff Department has permission to cite violators. Prohibited Items and Activities Pets, roughhousing, alcohol, all tobacco products, foul language, and inappropriate display of affection or lewd acts of any kind are all prohibited items and activities. Age Restriction An adult must accompany children under 14 years of age at all times. Guests Homeowners guests are welcome but the resident host must be present with guests at all times. Cleaning The clubhouse and surrounding area shall be cleaned and trash removed immediately following the reserved function. Homeowners, Children and guests of homeowners who fail to follow these rules may be asked to leave the clubhouse area. Homeowners are responsible for children and guests and can loose all rights to the clubhouse area if repeated offenses occur. If you notice unsafe conditions or individuals not abiding by the Clubhouse Rules please contact our Neighborhood manager or Board member immediately. 15
Whom to Contact Our management company provides business office functions and services to our homeowners association. The Board of Directors is ready and willing to address neighborhood concerns, but our first line of communication shall be through our association management company. Your call or letter will be logged and promptly reported to the board. Call any time and please leave a message if you call after normal business hours, 8 to 5, Monday through Thursday and 8 to noon on Friday. Association Management, Inc. (AMI) P. O. Box 5714 Boise, Idaho 83705 Phone: 208 385 9650 ext 209 Fax: 208 381 0252 Emergency: 208 382 9650 then touch 1 for emergencies Email: greatsky@amihome.net Website: www.amihome.net 16