In Charlie’s Corner – Cracking the Code* Vol. 9, Charlie Brown, Director of Code Enforcement, answers your questions about Hot Springs Village rules and regulations.

Code and compliance-related questions may be asked in the comment section of the HSV Gazette website or submitted to hsvgazette@gmail.com. Please state “Charlie’s Corner” in the subject line.

Click here to visit the Hot Springs Village POA website (Explore the Village) and the governing documents. To see the governing documents, click the “Members” button at your screen’s top right. Click Governance. A drop-down menu will appear. Click Governing Documents.


Q – Charlie, we want a retractable awning installed over our patio. Do we need to get a permit for that? Is it permissible to have any color?

A – The permit ensures color meets color requirements and electrical, if required, is per code. This permit is usually issued in the office, not needing to go to the ACC.

General Rules & Regulations Section 3.12: “Siding, Roofing, and Exterior Paint A- Any change to the exterior of a residential structure (including but not limited to siding, paint, roof, and facade materials) requires a permit. i. Color must be of earth tone. Earth tones are browns, tans, umber, brick red, terracotta, yellow ochre, warm grays, shades of green such as moss and trees, brown oranges, burnt sienna, whites, and some red browns, and some gray-blues. Earth tone colors are muted and flat that emulate the natural colors found in dirt, moss, trees, and rocks.”


Q – Trees 2-3 or 4 inches need a chainsaw as most residents here are not going to use a hand saw and risk getting sick.  If a tree falls on common or private property and is unsightly or causes a problem in any way should be able to be removed, cut or whatever by a responsible resident to keep the Village clean.  You won’t go on private property because I’ve called and the people who own these lots haven’t been here in all the years I’ve lived here.  Asking me or anyone to pay for a permit is ridiculous for actually doing POA’s job.  Someone should review that statute, or the Village is going to be a mess. Let the residents be of use and help our understaffed workforce.

A – Regarding private property: The owner of private property has the property rights of their owned property, not the POA. We certainly encourage property owners to maintain their property appropriately and are subject to the General Rules & Regulations.

General Rules & Regulations Section 2.5- “Exterior Property A. Exterior property must be maintained free from hazardous conditions, building materials (other than active construction sites), appliances, household items, rubbish, garbage, clutter, debris, and similar items, including at yards, sidewalks, driveways, carports, porches, walkways, stairs, parking spaces, and similar areas not completely enclosed. B. Exterior property must be properly maintained regarding paint, repair, replacing and care for trim, roofs, gutters, downspouts, and exterior building surfaces. C. Trees, shrubs, and bushes must be properly maintained, free of disease and not be unsightly.[Empasis Added]”

Regarding common property: Common property is protected for the enjoyment rights of all members. Permits for cutting trees on common property ensure responsible cutting and/or removal of trees.


We are sad to say that Charlie has resigned from the POA, effective in December.

*This column, formerly titled “Compliance Corner With Charlie Brown,” continues the progression of the volume numbers from that publication. Click here to read Volume 8 of the series.


Charlie’s Corner



With Charlie Brown


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