You Ask – Charlie Brown Answers in Compliance Corner With Charlie Brown – Volume 8
Charlie Brown, HSVPOA Director of Code Enforcement, responded to five questions on assorted topics in Compliance Corner with Charlie Brown Volume 8.
Compliance-related questions may be asked in the comment section of the HSV Gazette website or submitted to hsvgazette@gmail.com. Please state “Compliance Corner” in the subject line. Thanks!
Q – What are the current requirements for home landscaping? It used to be that X% had to be natural & rocks were not considered natural. If a developed property reduces the number of plants to reduce their water bill, will they be fined?
A – A certain percentage is no longer the requirement. However, landscaping must include some vegetation, and landscaping is required on all improved lots. Each landscaping plan will be reviewed to determine if the plan has enough vegetation breaking up the hardscape. The administration and the ACC are understanding of reducing water usage and will not require an unreasonable amount of vegetation/softscape. We also encourage the use of drought-tolerant plants recommended for our area. We suggest contacting our local garden clubs for plant information.
Landscaping requirements can be found in our Rules and Regulations, Section 3.4. This document is on our website under governance-governing documents.
Q – We noticed on our walks a few downed trees on common property and in ditches along the roadways. We always have small campfires in the fall and winter if it is not too dry, and we do have a permit from the fire department for our fire ring where we burn. Are we allowed to cut up the old, dead, and decaying trees that are already down as long as we stay on common property? We would only do this in our neighborhood.
A – Wood that has already fallen may be picked up for non-commercial purposes as long as a chainsaw is not used to cut the wood. Wood large enough to need to be cut by a chainsaw may not be taken without a permit obtained through Common Property & Forestry. Permit applications may be obtained and submitted through the Permitting & Inspections Department in the Administration Building.
Q – Charlie, our home is situated very close to the common property. We have not been here quite a year yet. The downed trees and dead branches are a real eye-sore. I had an estimate of $2,600 to remove some on one side of the house. Some are as close as 20 feet. Is it our responsibility to pay to have this removed?
A – A Class-1 or Class-2 Common Property Permit (Class-1 trees are less than 3 inches in diameter at 12 inches above ground, and class-2 trees are larger than 3 inches) would need to be obtained for all trees on common property. If a permit is approved, you can clear trees at your cost. A permit application may be obtained through the Permitting & Inspections Department in the Administration Building. Class-1 permits are at no cost, and class-2 permits are $50.00.
Q – Can cats roam free within the Village?
A – Yes, if the cat has been registered with the POA and is wearing a tag. The Village has no leash laws for cats. However, cats that are considered a nuisance may require enforcement from animal control, which could result in penalties for the owner. Please report homeless or feral cats to Animal Control.
Q – Where can I park my golf cart and trailer?
A – Pursuant to the most recent board-approved rules & regulations, golf carts may be parked in driveways, carports, or other ACC-approved locations. Golf cart trailers meeting the size restrictions (10′ x 6′ x 36″ high, tongue not included) may be parked in the same locations as stated for golf carts. The golf carts may not be stored on the trailer. For complete restrictions for storage/parking of vehicles on residential property, see Rules & Regulations, Section 2.3. This can be found on our website under governance-governing documents.
Charlie’s Corner
With Charlie Brown
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Please leave your comments and questions in the comment section below, or if you prefer, email hsvgazette@gmail.com and Charlie will answer them in the next installation of Compliance Corner. Thanks!
Trees 2-3 or 4 inches need a chain saw 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 work force.
Dave, you are wasting your time. POA does what’s best and easiest for POA, and/or generates another “fee” to help fill POA coffers, period. Nobody cares what the common property or vacant lots look like or if there are downed trees, brush piles or whatever else. If they did there wouldn’t be all the debris and such all over the place that nobody ever cleans up. It has been this way for decades and won’t change.