CDDs say no more free pass on deed violations

[Villages PL]

This was in today's Daily Sun newspaper, on page C4. (Mar. 22, 2014)

Sounds a little confusing at first, as if you wouldn't get a warning - just a fine. But you would get a warning and an opportunity to come into compliance. This involves districts 5 through 8.

Fines for first time violations were increased to $50. from $25.

Second violations have been increased to a per day charge. No more free violations.

This involves "signs, outside animals, noise, truck and RV parking and lawn ornaments," among other unnamed violations.

No fines will be imposed until the district board holds a public hearing.

All of the above will be "complaint driven." No one will be bothered unless there is a complaint.

The changes were made because some residents did not take first warnings seriously. Violations often draged on because there was no fear of getting a fine.

The problem is: No one likes to complain. My experience has been that everyone waits for someone else to complain. What would it take for you to complain? Where do you draw the line?

[cquick]

hurray!

[Madelaine Amee]

I've been subjected to a barking dog all day. It sounds like a very small yapper. The sound is new to the area, so - is it a visitor, is a renter, is it a new neighbor (please NO). Should I complain - not today, if it goes on for more than a day or so I may get the courage to do something about it. I hate to make waves in this nice little neighborhood!

[rayschic]

buggyone...Here's a map of the districts.

VCDD Districts Map (http://www.districtgov.org/yourdistrict/districtmap/index.aspx)

Somehow, buggyone's post got deleted, but he/she asked how to find out which district they live in.

[buggyone]

I've been subjected to a barking dog all day. It sounds like a very small yapper. The sound is new to the area, so - is it a visitor, is a renter, is it a new neighbor (please NO). Should I complain - not today, if it goes on for more than a day or so I may get the courage to do something about it. I hate to make waves in this nice little neighborhood!

Find out which house the little yapper is in, knock on the door, introduce yourself, and politely tell them the dog barking is bothering you. They will most likely apologize and keep the dog inside most of the time.

Naturally, the key is to be positive and polite - which I am sure you are.

Good luck.

[Challenger]

This was in today's Daily Sun newspaper, on page C4. (Mar. 22, 2014)

Sounds a little confusing at first, as if you wouldn't get a warning - just a fine. But you would get a warning and an opportunity to come into compliance. This involves districts 5 through 8.

Fines for first time violations were increased to $50. from $25.

Second violations have been increased to a per day charge. No more free violations.

This involves "signs, outside animals, noise, truck and RV parking and lawn ornaments," among other unnamed violations.

No fines will be imposed until the district board holds a public hearing.

All of the above will be "complaint driven." No one will be bothered unless there is a complaint.

The changes were made because some residents did not take first warnings seriously. Violations often draged on because there was no fear of getting a fine.

The problem is: No one likes to complain. My experience has been that everyone waits for someone else to complain. What would it take for you to complain? Where do you draw the line?

I have and will complain if I see a violation continue over a period of time. Deed restrictions and covenants are part of the mix that makes this a beautiful place to live. Residents were informed of them prior to buying (they are in the public record) . Ignorance is no excuse .

I would not be upset if a neighbor made me aware that I had a violation and would promptly correct the issue.

[buggyone]

I have and will complain if I see a violation continue over a period of time. Deed restrictions and covenants are part of the mix that makes this a beautiful place to live. Residents were informed of them prior to buying (they are in the public record) . Ignorance is no excuse .

I would not be upset if a neighbor made me aware that I had a violation and would promptly correct the issue.

You are absolutely right. Everyone knows what is and is not allowed in the deed restrictions.

You are saying, aren't you, that if it was a neighbor - or person close by your house - that you would first tell them in person that they have some violation before calling it to the attention of Deed Compliance? That would be the friendly thing to do - but also may be tough to handle if they did not correct the violation and you called it in later.

[gomoho]

I am very happy to see this will be strictly complaint driven. I have seen many lawn ornaments that in my view are very tastefully done and appreciate the opportunity to see them. If it was a hard fast rule - no lawn ornaments - even the beautiful ones would not be allowed. If there is something offensive to someone then they have the opportunity to complain. I see this as a more fair and balanced way to approach things of this nature. I hope someone doesn't complain just for the sake of complaining or worse yet to get back at someone. We'll see - probably nothing will really change!

[Challenger]

I am very happy to see this will be strictly complaint driven. I have seen many lawn ornaments that in my view are very tastefully done and appreciate the opportunity to see them. If it was a hard fast rule - no lawn ornaments - even the beautiful ones would not be allowed. If there is something offensive to someone then they have the opportunity to complain. I see this as a more fair and balanced way to approach things of this nature. I hope someone doesn't complain just for the sake of complaining or worse yet to get back at someone. We'll see - probably nothing will really change!

unfortunately one person's beauty is another's not so beautiful. It is in the eye of the beholder. Just go to any large art museum- even educated critics cannot agree. Best to follow the "Rule"

Lack of action is a slippery slope (JMHO)

[janmcn]

These new rules only apply to districts south of 466 where it is a hard and fast rule - no lawn ornaments and no signs.

[JourneyOfLife]

How can the CCD ignore known violaters just because a neighbor did not complain?

That will end up resulting in a law suit from some angry home owner.

[graciegirl]

How can the CCD ignore known violaters just because a neighbor did not complain?

That will end up resulting in a law suit from some angry home owner.



How could that happen?

[rubicon]

First: I believe the CDD's should enforce their rules they wrote them.

Second: To assist residents the CDD should publish illustrations of what violates deed compliances.

Third: community Watch could be a source of identifying violators.

Fourth: I would not have a problem issuing a complaint provided the aforementioned suggestions were adopted.

Fifth: It has been my experience that most dog owners do not want their animals to bother neighbors but there are a few out there they believed that their babies are so precious who could be bothered by their noise.

[Warren Kiefer]

This was in today's Daily Sun newspaper, on page C4. (Mar. 22, 2014)

Sounds a little confusing at first, as if you wouldn't get a warning - just a fine. But you would get a warning and an opportunity to come into compliance. This involves districts 5 through 8.

Fines for first time violations were increased to $50. from $25.

Second violations have been increased to a per day charge. No more free violations.

This involves "signs, outside animals, noise, truck and RV parking and lawn ornaments," among other unnamed violations.

No fines will be imposed until the district board holds a public hearing.

All of the above will be "complaint driven." No one will be bothered unless there is a complaint.

The changes were made because some residents did not take first warnings seriously. Violations often draged on because there was no fear of getting a fine.

The problem is: No one likes to complain. My experience has been that everyone waits for someone else to complain. What would it take for you to complain? Where do you draw the line?

I live in District #2 and can assure you that except for a few specific restrictions, most deed restrictions are not enforceable. It is a fact you cannot have an out roof antenna, you cannot have an unattached building such as a shed etc. and there are certain restrictions governing signs. Our covenants speak of aesthetics. Because of an issue in my district, we found that aesthetics are "in the eye of the beholder".. This means what might be attractive to one person, might be ugly to another. EVERY RESTRICTION REFERRING TO AESTHETICS IS TOTALLY UNENFORCEABLE. In district #2, you can do almost anything you want to your property, afterall, who is going to enforce restrictions that cannot be enforced ??

[janmcn]

A lot of the confusion comes from having different deed restrictions for different sections of The Villages. A new resident might know he or she can't have lawn ornaments, but he sees them in yards in other areas and thinks why not. Study your deed restrictions before you buy. If you can't abide by them, don't buy.

[JourneyOfLife]

I am no legal expert, but it seems to me that... A flaw in the concept is when the CCD ignores known violations (because of no complaint).

Can they ignore a known violation because some owner did not complain? Is a violation, the act of not complying with the rule? A complaint does not turn it into a violation! A complaint is a notification to the authorities of a potential violation! My guess is that a potential violation must be verified by the authorities before they register it as a violation and subseqently impose the fine.

I suspect the problem will be when people working for the CCD sees other violations or are otherwise aware of other violations and ignores them?

Could an owner construe it as a breach of contract?

Might it be construed as a form of harrassment or discrimination by some. Could the CCD be used as a means to harrass or target someone, yet ignore others... by not being even handed!

Possibly other little dusty corners of the law where a person might claim they were wronged by the practice.

[Xavier]

The two of us can't recall where we saw it, but when out in the golf cart within the past week, we saw a full-sized cannon in someone's front yard. It looked like it had been there for some time. Let's get real! I'm sure the home owner is a really nice person, but, I certainly wouldn't want it in my neighbors yard.

It would make a nice landmark though. "We're the house right after the cannon."

Xavier

[JourneyOfLife]

When people report a violation, can they do it anonymously?

[redwitch]

When people report a violation, can they do it anonymously?

Not sure if you can report anonymously, but rest assured your complaint will remain anonymous. Community Watch is very good about not saying who complained, just that someone complained (even if the complaint is completely inaccurate).

[rayschic]

When people report a violation, can they do it anonymously?

Yes.
Covered in the last paragraph on this link.

VCDD Deed Compliance - Lake County (http://www.districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/deedrestrict.aspx)

The telephone number and email address for Deed Compliance is given at the top of this link.

Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/faq.aspx)

[ajbrown]

unfortunately one person's beauty is another's not so beautiful. It is in the eye of the beholder. Just go to any large art museum- even educated critics cannot agree. Best to follow the "Rule"

Lack of action is a slippery slope (JMHO)

I could not agree more about the slippery slope. I have never thought the compliant driven enforcement made sense. As long as we have a Community watch they could also be the complainer in addition to the neighbors. I am not advocating it is their main job, but they could certainly note things that could be followed up on.

[rayschic]

Not sure if you can report anonymously, but rest assured your complaint will remain anonymous. Community Watch is very good about not saying who complained, just that someone complained (even if the complaint is completely inaccurate).

Community Watch and Deed Compliance are two different things.
You can make an anonymous complaint to Deed Compliance.

[gomoho]

I could not agree more about the slippery slope. I have never thought the compliant driven enforcement made sense. As long as we have a Community watch they could also be the complainer in addition to the neighbors. I am not advocating it is their main job, but they could certainly note things that could be followed up on.

Now let me get this straight - if someone has a lawn ornament in their yard that doesn't offend anyone and is enjoyed by many you think it should not be allowed period. I don't live on that side of the street. If the owner likes it and the neighbors aren't bothered what is the problem?

[JourneyOfLife]

Is the CCD a form of quasi-government-ish entity? IOW serves as a replacement for certain aspects of local government?

What made me think that they might be is the special tax treatment on the bonds.

[Bonanza]

Keep this in mind . . .

In any community with deed restrictions, the rules, regulations, by-laws, etc., were all written before the first property was ever sold. Many of these things were taken from communities that already had them in place and usually, an attorney who wrote them is used for a new community, meaning that the attorney has prior experience with the restrictions, etc.

I've lived in communities that had restrictions. However, after a fair amount of time goes by, some of the restrictions need attention and need to be revised and recorded, even if it's only one little word to change the meaning of something.

I have not heard that this ever has been done anywhere in the Villages.

Does anyone have any insight into this??? Is there a committee that looks into this? It seems to be that there are some things that need to be modified.

[DonH57]

I have no problem with a complaint driven system as long as there are no anonymous complaints. That would prevent any revenge or I don't like my neighbor to begin with calls which I'm sure already happens.

[graciegirl]

Keep this in mind . . .

In any community with deed restrictions, the rules, regulations, by-laws, etc., were all written before the first property was ever sold. Many of these things were taken from communities that already had them in place and usually, an attorney who wrote them is used for a new community, meaning that the attorney has prior experience with the restrictions, etc.

I've lived in communities that had restrictions. However, after a fair amount of time goes by, some of the restrictions need attention and need to be revised and recorded, even if it's only one little word to change the meaning of something.

I have not heard that this ever has been done anywhere in the Villages.

Does anyone have any insight into this??? Is there a committee that looks into this? It seems to be that there are some things that need to be modified.



I don't.

[rayschic]

Keep this in mind . . .

In any community with deed restrictions, the rules, regulations, by-laws, etc., were all written before the first property was ever sold. Many of these things were taken from communities that already had them in place and usually, an attorney who wrote them is used for a new community, meaning that the attorney has prior experience with the restrictions, etc.

I've lived in communities that had restrictions. However, after a fair amount of time goes by, some of the restrictions need attention and need to be revised and recorded, even if it's only one little word to change the meaning of something.

I have not heard that this ever has been done anywhere in the Villages.

Does anyone have any insight into this??? Is there a committee that looks into this? It seems to be that there are some things that need to be modified.

The Deed Compliance office is located in Laurel Manor.
Here is a link to the people that run Deed Compliance.
Deed Restrictions have been changed in the 8 years that I have lived here.

Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/staff.aspx)

[janmcn]

Keep this in mind . . .

In any community with deed restrictions, the rules, regulations, by-laws, etc., were all written before the first property was ever sold. Many of these things were taken from communities that already had them in place and usually, an attorney who wrote them is used for a new community, meaning that the attorney has prior experience with the restrictions, etc.

I've lived in communities that had restrictions. However, after a fair amount of time goes by, some of the restrictions need attention and need to be revised and recorded, even if it's only one little word to change the meaning of something.

I have not heard that this ever has been done anywhere in the Villages.

Does anyone have any insight into this??? Is there a committee that looks into this? It seems to be that there are some things that need to be modified.

There was a modification done just two years ago when all signs were banned in the villages north of 466 where they had been previously allowed. As I recall, it was done simply by Janet Tutt ordering it.

Some of the deed restricitions in the original villages are quite different than they are today. For instance; residents were restricted to one pet per household weighing no more than 45 pounds in the beginning. There is no restriction on lawn ornaments anywhere north of 466, but they are not allowed south of 466.

Another change that was recently made was the choice of colors for outside paint jobs. Previously, there were no rules. This was agreed upon by the elected district representatives.

To research all this, you would have to look up the restictions for each village. They are all the same for the newer areas, except that villa neighborhoods have their own rules.

[Bonanza]

The Deed Compliance office is located in Laurel Manor.
Here is a link to the people that run Deed Compliance.
Deed Restrictions have been changed in the 8 years that I have lived here.

Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/staff.aspx)

When they are changed, do they send out the changes to the residents that are affected by the change?

Otherwise, no one is aware of them

[rayschic]

When they are changed, do they send out the changes to the residents that are affected by the change?

Otherwise, no one is aware of them

I have never received a notice. I actually found out about the sign change (north of 466) on TOTV.

[Bonanza]

I have no problem with a complaint driven system as long as there are no anonymous complaints. That would prevent any revenge or I don't like my neighbor to begin with calls which I'm sure already happens.

I disagree, Don. Even though the complainer remains anonymous to the home owner,
I have seen too many complaints being lodged upon people
that are revenge complaints or simply based upon meaness.

I would much rather see those things handled by the powers that be.
If something is so obviously horrible and/or in bad taste, let the big guys take care of it.
If the big guys never noticed it, how bad could it be?

[ajbrown]

Now let me get this straight - if someone has a lawn ornament in their yard that doesn't offend anyone and is enjoyed by many you think it should not be allowed period. I don't live on that side of the street. If the owner likes it and the neighbors aren't bothered what is the problem?

I always have an issue when rules enforcement is subjective, no matter what the rule. If it is a rule, I would rather is was simply enforced. That way it is never personal. Once folks can decide what is OK even though not within the rules, it becomes subjective.

[gomoho]

The status quo is not necessarily the best way to go!

[graciegirl]

The status quo is not necessarily the best way to go!



I can't think how it could be better. Usually change comes with a price increase. I am more than satisfied.

[janmcn]

When they are changed, do they send out the changes to the residents that are affected by the change?

Otherwise, no one is aware of them


All these changes are debated at the district meetings, so to find out about a change to the deed restrictions you would have to attend a meeting or read the minutes of that meeting. Not all districts agree on certain changes, so you could have different rules for different districts. The information is available, but sometimes you have to dig to find it.

[DonH57]

We feel pretty blessed by the fact we chose a great house in the district we are in. Not only for not as many restrictions but we are further away from high traffic and volume compared to further south of 466 and 466A. I can only imagine it getting worse as build out gets close.

[Bogie Shooter]

How can the CCD ignore known violaters just because a neighbor did not complain?

That will end up resulting in a law suit from some angry home owner.

How would they know of the "know violaters"?

[Bogie Shooter]

Not sure if you can report anonymously, but rest assured your complaint will remain anonymous. Community Watch is very good about not saying who complained, just that someone complained (even if the complaint is completely inaccurate).

First of all you don't report violations to Community Watch. And yes complaints can be reported anonymously.
++++++++++++++++++
Its all here waiting to be read.............
VCDD Community Standards (http://www.districtgov.org/departments/Community-Standards/community-standards.aspx)
Concerns about possible deed restriction violations may be provided to the Community Standards Deed Compliance Division by phone, fax, mail, electronic mail, or in person and may be made anonymously. The Community Standards Deed Compliance Division is entirely complaint driven.

[Bogie Shooter]

Is the CCD a form of quasi-government-ish entity? IOW serves as a replacement for certain aspects of local government?

What made me think that they might be is the special tax treatment on the bonds.

Me thinks this will help you..................


Community Development District Orientation

You are invited to attend our “Introduction to your Special Purpose Local Government” informational program. You will learn how the districts operate and learn other important community information about the people, services, and other supporting entities that help make The Villages a premier community.

No sign-ups or fees are required for this presentation. Sessions are held every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at the District Office, 3201 Wedgewood Lane, in the Conference Room at the east end of the building next to the Customer Service Center.

You may call 352-753-4508 for additional information

[DonH57]

I was always curious if one given house on a street in a given district had a illegal lawn ornament in the yard and not one neighbor ever filed a complaint how would the responsible district know there was a violation? Just asking.

[Bogie Shooter]

When they are changed, do they send out the changes to the residents that are affected by the change?

Otherwise, no one is aware of them

Yep!

[Indydealmaker]

All these changes are debated at the district meetings, so to find out about a change to the deed restrictions you would have to attend a meeting or read the minutes of that meeting. Not all districts agree on certain changes, so you could have different rules for different districts. The information is available, but sometimes you have to dig to find it.

Deed restrictions can never be changed once the title has passed from the original owner who established the restrictions.

However, what has happened here in the past is that the enforcement has been on again, off again. IMO that is a breach of fiduciary responsibilities. If there is an agency that is charged with enforcement of deed restrictions (different than "rules"), then that agency should not be allowed to decide when and where or if they will enforce.

[Bogie Shooter]

I have never received a notice. I actually found out about the sign change (north of 466) on TOTV.

It was coverd in the Daily Sun.

[Bogie Shooter]

I disagree, Don. Even though the complainer remains anonymous to the home owner,
I have seen too many complaints being lodged upon people
that are revenge complaints or simply based upon meaness.

I would much rather see those things handled by the powers that be.
If something is so obviously horrible and/or in bad taste, let the big guys take care of it.
If the big guys never noticed it, how bad could it be?

The "big guys" will not notice....................because the system is complaint driven.

[Bogie Shooter]

We feel pretty blessed by the fact we chose a great house in the district we are in. Not only for not as many restrictions but we are further away from high traffic and volume compared to further south of 466 and 466A. I can only imagine it getting worse as build out gets close.

What getting worse, high traffic or restrictions?

[Bogie Shooter]

Deed restrictions can never be changed once the title has passed from the original owner who established the restrictions.

However, what has happened here in the past is that the enforcement has been on again, off again. IMO that is a breach of fiduciary responsibilities. If there is an agency that is charged with enforcement of deed restrictions (different than "rules"), then that agency should not be allowed to decide when and where or if they will enforce.

Isn't there a clause in the deed restrictions covering changes? I seem to recall reading that.

[Happinow]

These new rules only apply to districts south of 466 where it is a hard and fast rule - no lawn ornaments and no signs.

I live south of 466a and there are a lot of deed rules that are broken. From signs in the yards from the landscapers to lawn ornaments. Some tasteful and some not so much. It will only get corrected if a complaint is made.

[villagetinker]

Interesting points above, I saw the article also, and went to the VCDD website this morning and downloaded the deed restrictions for area 224 (this is South of 466A), and did a word search for Ornament and Lawn, and neither were in there. My suggestion, everyone reading this, go to the VCDD website, and do the same, get a copy of your deed restriction and look it over. There appears to be a lot of misinformation. I believe a previous post stated no lawn ornaments south of 466, which does not appear to be the case south of 466a.
Here is the link for Sumter county: VCDD Deed Compliance - Sumter County (http://www.districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/deedrestrict-SumterCounty.aspx#dist9)
Hope this helps.

[Average Guy]

Interesting points above, I saw the article also, and went to the VCDD website this morning and downloaded the deed restrictions for area 224 (this is South of 466A), and did a word search for Ornament and Lawn, and neither were in there. My suggestion, everyone reading this, go to the VCDD website, and do the same, get a copy of your deed restriction and look it over. There appears to be a lot of misinformation. I believe a previous post stated no lawn ornaments south of 466, which does not appear to be the case south of 466a.
Here is the link for Sumter county: VCDD Deed Compliance - Sumter County (http://www.districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/deedrestrict-SumterCounty.aspx#dist9)
Hope this helps.

I looked at your deed restrictions, as well as mine, using the link that you referenced. Article 2.16 addresses the prohibition of lawn ornaments and signs.

[DonH57]

What getting worse, high traffic or restrictions?

Hopefully not both. I never wish bad luck on anybody. not good karma.

[Barefoot]

Now let me get this straight - if someone has a lawn ornament in their yard that doesn't offend anyone and is enjoyed by many you think it should not be allowed period. I don't live on that side of the street. If the owner likes it and the neighbors aren't bothered what is the problem?

I think there are some posters that feel every deviation should be reported, even if residents in the neighborhood are A-OK with the situation. Perhaps I've misunderstood the comments.

[buggyone]

I think there are some posters that feel every deviation should be reported, even if residents in the neighborhood are A-OK with the situation. Perhaps I've misunderstood the comments.

Shouldn't all be treated equally? Either report every violation or do away with the deed compliance completely.

[KittyKat]

I'd like to report all those who decorate for every holiday. I thought decorations were only allowed for 30 days at Christmas-time. Now I'm seeing crap out for Valentines, St Patrick's and especially Easter. If it was only one item it wouldn't be so bad but some places have stickers with a message on their garage doors plus things in the flower beds, lightpost and around the front door. This is white-trash tacky, people. You live in $2-300K houses for heaven's sake. Haven't you ever heard of the decorating motto "less is more"? I took the cart to Sweetbay tonight and I can't tell you how many trees with white lights I saw on lanais and white lights all around the lanais. There are two regular trees in my neighborhood that still have white lights wrapped around the trunk--Christmas is over so take the lights down, even though they are white. And I also vote for NO PLASTIC FLOWERS!! You're not fooling anybody and they look horrible.

[njbchbum]

I'd like to report all those who decorate for every holiday. I thought decorations were only allowed for 30 days at Christmas-time. Now I'm seeing crap out for Valentines, St Patrick's and especially Easter. If it was only one item it wouldn't be so bad but some places have stickers with a message on their garage doors plus things in the flower beds, lightpost and around the front door. This is white-trash tacky, people. You live in $2-300K houses for heaven's sake. Haven't you ever heard of the decorating motto "less is more"? I took the cart to Sweetbay tonight and I can't tell you how many trees with white lights I saw on lanais and white lights all around the lanais. There are two regular trees in my neighborhood that still have white lights wrapped around the trunk--Christmas is over so take the lights down, even though they are white. And I also vote for NO PLASTIC FLOWERS!! You're not fooling anybody and they look horrible.

Boy, Howdy! I wonder what you think of us folk on the historic side! I wonder - but I really don't give a hoot!

[Barefoot]

Shouldn't all be treated equally? Either report every violation or do away with the deed compliance completely.

I hear you Buggy, but who should report each and every violation? If the neighbors are fine with the situation, or even enjoy it, as in Gomoho's example, why would "outsiders" want to complain?

When I bicycle through local Villages, I see lots of violations. Lots! The neighbors are obviously OK with the status quo. If something is not offensive to me, why on earth would I complain? I would feel like a real snitch if I made a call to Deed Compliance every time I got home from a bicycle ride. Peace and serenity are my goals, not being a tattletale.

[DonH57]

I'd like to report all those who decorate for every holiday. I thought decorations were only allowed for 30 days at Christmas-time. Now Ile seeing crap out for Valentines, St Patrick's and especially Easter. If it was only one item it wouldn't be so bad but some places have stickers with a message on their garage doors plus things in the flower beds, lightpost and around the front door. This is white-trash tacky, people. You live in $2-300K houses for heaven's sake. Haven't you ever heard of the decorating motto "less is more"? I took the cart to Sweetbay tonight and I can't tell you how many trees with white lights I saw on lanais and white lights all around the lanais. There are two regular trees in my neighborhood that still have white lights wrapped around the trunk--Christmas is over so take the lights down, even though they are white. And I also vote for NO PLASTIC FLOWERS!! You're not fooling anybody and they look horrible.

You thought decorations are for christmas only and for 30 days? Heaven forbid someone celebrate other holidays throughout the year. Truly sorry you are so miserable to call your neighbors white trash. Chances are you never met any of them . Peace.

[mickey100]

I hear you Buggy, but who should report each and every violation? If the neighbors are fine with the situation, or even enjoy it, as in Gomoho's example, why would "outsiders" want to complain?

When I bicycle through local Villages, I see lots of violations. Lots! The neighbors are obviously OK with the status quo. If something is not offensive to me, why on earth would I complain? I would feel like a real snitch if I made a call to Deed Compliance every time I got home from a bicycle ride. Peace and serenity are my goals, not being a tattletale.

I'm with you. If the neighbors are okay with the violation, why would anyone else care? I may drive through a neighborhood and not like someone's plastic flowers, but if I don't live there, I feel its not my business.

[buggyone]

I hear you Buggy, but who should report each and every violation? If the neighbors are fine with the situation, or even enjoy it, as in Gomoho's example, why would "outsiders" want to complain?

When I bicycle through local Villages, I see lots of violations. Lots! The neighbors are obviously OK with the status quo. If something is not offensive to me, why on earth would I complain? I would feel like a real snitch if I made a call to Deed Compliance every time I got home from a bicycle ride. Peace and serenity are my goals, not being a tattletale.

Sounds fine to me. Your vote is to do away wth the Deed Compliance completely. Some may feel that a community filled with pink plastic flamingoes and star gazer balls may be perfect. I have no complaint with that. This is Florida!

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Find out which house the little yapper is in, knock on the door, introduce yourself, and politely tell them the dog barking is bothering you. They will most likely apologize and keep the dog inside most of the time.

Naturally, the key is to be positive and polite - which I am sure you are.

Good luck.

Well said... I agree.

[Barefoot]

Sounds fine to me. Your vote is to do away wth the Deed Compliance completely. Some may feel that a community filled with pink plastic flamingoes and star gazer balls may be perfect. I have no complaint with that. This is Florida!

That's not what I said. My vote is NOT to deal away with Deed Compliance completely! Not at all. My vote is to let the neighbors in a community decide what is offensive to them.

I have yet to spot even one pink plastic flamingo on my bike rides. I sincerely doubt there will suddenly be communities filled with them! :ohdear:

[Parker]

Well I don't know about you but I'm going to report every tacky neighborhood I see, but I haven't seen one yet. The whole place looks pretty great to me.

[rayschic]

I'm with you. If the neighbors are okay with the violation, why would anyone else care? I may drive through a neighborhood and not like someone's plastic flowers, but if I don't live there, I feel its not my business.

I used to hate the plastic flowers until I rode around in the golf cart with my mother. She has very poor eyesight but noticed the "beautiful" flowers at the sides of someone's driveway. As we were driving past the next day, the woman was outside and we stopped and talked to her. She said she used to love gardening and always had beautiful flowers but now her hips and knees were so bad and she could not take care of the real flowers anymore. She loved seeing the color from her breakfast nook window every morning and my mother loves passing the plastic flowers in her golf cart. I still don't like the plastic flowers but I have a new outlook on them and smile when I see them.

[Bogie Shooter]

I'd like to report all those who decorate for every holiday. I thought decorations were only allowed for 30 days at Christmas-time. Now I'm seeing crap out for Valentines, St Patrick's and especially Easter. If it was only one item it wouldn't be so bad but some places have stickers with a message on their garage doors plus things in the flower beds, lightpost and around the front door. This is white-trash tacky, people. You live in $2-300K houses for heaven's sake. Haven't you ever heard of the decorating motto "less is more"? I took the cart to Sweetbay tonight and I can't tell you how many trees with white lights I saw on lanais and white lights all around the lanais. There are two regular trees in my neighborhood that still have white lights wrapped around the trunk--Christmas is over so take the lights down, even though they are white. And I also vote for NO PLASTIC FLOWERS!! You're not fooling anybody and they look horrible.

Guess you would like holiday's defined in the deed restrictions, not really necessary we all know what a holiday is. BTW where did you get the idea regarding 30 days only at Christmas?

Interesting from Wikipedia;
White trash is a derogatory American English term referring to poor white people, especially in the rural South of the US, suggesting lower social class and degraded standards. The term suggests outcasts from respectable society living on the fringes of the social order who are seen as dangerous because they may be criminal, unpredictable, and without respect for authority whether it be political, legal, or moral.[1] The term is usually a slur, but may also be used self-referentially by working class whites to jokingly describe their origins

[skip0358]

I do have a question or a problem with the lawn ornament one. I can't have anything in my front yard because it faces the road. Yet someone's rear yard that faces the road can have it look like a flee market and that's ok. Doesn't make much sense to me. JMO

[Barefoot]

I'd like to report all those who decorate for every holiday. .... Now I'm seeing crap out for Valentines, St Patrick's and especially Easter. ... This is white-trash tacky, people.

Since people are allowed to decorate for the holidays, there would be nothing to report! I doubt the people who are decorating think their decorations are crap.

I'd like to think we could be a little more tolerant of people decorating their homes for holidays. After all, it's done with love, and often for visiting grandchildren. And it's just for a few weeks, often less.

[rubicon]

The problem with this entire issue is that the District has allowed a sliding scale, left enforcement to be complaint driven, not defined its rule properly and has not implemented a uniform application/definition throughout The Villages. Its poor planning and its poor management.

The term Deed Compliance speaks for itself and if we lie here we signed onto it.

As a manager, it threw me fits when our Home Office introduced causal dress daily and left enforcement/punishment to us. clearly it was going to crate an unequal application.

The other problem it created and which also has application to this issue is that people interpreted casual differently. Before long women came to work almost bare and men looking like they were homeless both of which were sent home.

Deed Compliance and District are shrieking their responsibility.

[Indydealmaker]

Deed restrictions are not HOA or Condo Association Rules. Deed restrictions can only be changed by the original title holder who established the restrictions, and only then prior to the first title transfer.

The Villages Compliance people, by requiring that Deed Restriction Enforcement be “complaint driven” are violating the spirit of the law. All of the deed restrictions should be enforced by an entity given the authority to do so by the CDDs without regard to whether a resident complains.

Investments were made based upon material representations contained within the deed. There was no written disclosure that enforcement was arbitrary or selective.

[DianeM]

I'd like to report all those who decorate for every holiday. I thought decorations were only allowed for 30 days at Christmas-time. Now I'm seeing crap out for Valentines, St Patrick's and especially Easter. If it was only one item it wouldn't be so bad but some places have stickers with a message on their garage doors plus things in the flower beds, lightpost and around the front door. This is white-trash tacky, people. You live in $2-300K houses for heaven's sake. Haven't you ever heard of the decorating motto "less is more"? I took the cart to Sweetbay tonight and I can't tell you how many trees with white lights I saw on lanais and white lights all around the lanais. There are two regular trees in my neighborhood that still have white lights wrapped around the trunk--Christmas is over so take the lights down, even though they are white. And I also vote for NO PLASTIC FLOWERS!! You're not fooling anybody and they look horrible.

I have a bunny in my flower bed for Easter and it gives me pleasure. Certainly nothing white trash about it. WOW.

[Indydealmaker]

[QUOTE=KittyKat;849738]I'd like to report all those who decorate for every holiday. I thought decorations were only allowed for 30 days at Christmas-time. Now I'm seeing crap out for Valentines, St Patrick's and especially Easter. If it was only one item it wouldn't be so bad but some places have stickers with a message on their garage doors plus things in the flower beds, lightpost and around the front door. This is white-trash tacky, people. You live in $2-300K houses for heaven's sake. Haven't you ever heard of the decorating motto "less is more"? I took the cart to Sweetbay tonight and I can't tell you how many trees with white lights I saw on lanais and white lights all around the lanais. There are two regular trees in my neighborhood that still have white lights wrapped around the trunk--Christmas is over so take the lights down, even though they are white. And I also vote for NO PLASTIC FLOWERS!! You're not fooling anybody and they look horrible.[/QUOTE

I have a bunny in my flower bed for Easter and it gives me pleasure. Certainly nothing white trash about it. WOW.

A Bunny! I love rabbit stew!

Oh yeah, my deed restrictions say nothing about holiday decorations. Instead our restrictions refer to "seasons" for a thirty day duration. I understand the intent was holidays, but it was not very well written. Typical legal document...deliberately "gray" so that lawyers can elicit fees.

[DianeM]

[quote=DianeM;849860]

A Bunny! I love rabbit stew!

LOL. Sorry but this one isn't edible.

[villagetinker]

How right you are so much for the "find" command in Adobe PDF!!

[Average Guy]

How right you are so much for the "find" command in Adobe PDF!!

The problem with trying to use the "find" command is that the document is a scanned document, so "find" does not work.

[perrjojo]

I understand the concern for complaint driven citations but I imagine I know why it is that way. We previously lived in a neighborhood with 1400 homes. Our property manager took 2 days each month to drive the neighborhood and write up violations. He then spent 2 or three days each week sending out notices and dealing with follow up Another day of driving was required to see if there was compliance. With the number of homes in TV, it would take an enormous amount of man hours to complete this process. This would certainly be a big expense to all of us soooooo......complaint driven.

[ajbrown]

Deed restrictions are not HOA or Condo Association Rules. Deed restrictions can only be changed by the original title holder who established the restrictions, and only then prior to the first title transfer.

The Villages Compliance people, by requiring that Deed Restriction Enforcement be “complaint driven” are violating the spirit of the law. All of the deed restrictions should be enforced by an entity given the authority to do so by the CDDs without regard to whether a resident complains.

Investments were made based upon material representations contained within the deed. There was no written disclosure that enforcement was arbitrary or selective.

This is another post I agree with. I am not the kind of person that wants to turn in my neighbor because of something like a lawn ornament (AND NEVER HAVE). I would rather the restrictions simply be enforced.

IMO it is not relevant that the neighbors do not mind an infraction in a particular 'hood. We are all Villagers, these are all our neighborhoods and we have all signed up for this. My deed restriction does not state you will not have lawn ornament that your neighbors do not like, it simply says you will not. Not subjective, not personal…

[Wiserbud47]

I do have a question or a problem with the lawn ornament one. I can't have anything in my front yard because it faces the road. Yet someone's rear yard that faces the road can have it look like a flee market and that's ok. Doesn't make much sense to me. JMO

The deed restrictions apply to any part of a house's property, not just the front.

[Barefoot]

I understand the concern for complaint driven citations but I imagine I know why it is that way. We previously lived in a neighborhood with 1400 homes. Our property manager took 2 days each month to drive the neighborhood and write up violations. He then spent 2 or three days each week sending out notices and dealing with follow up Another day of driving was required to see if there was compliance. With the number of homes in TV, it would take an enormous amount of man hours to complete this process. This would certainly be a big expense to all of us soooooo......complaint driven.

Of course we all want our communities to look lovely, that goes without saying. For the most part, the complain-driven process works well. If the residents of a street and a neighborhood are happy with the ambiance in their community, then let it be.

It would be very expensive to have draconian Violation Police constantly patrolling neighborhoods looking for violations and keeping track of exactly how long each house is displaying holiday decorations.

I doubt people want amenity fees increased to pay for this.

[Fourpar]

This is another post I agree with. I am not the kind of person that wants to turn in my neighbor because of something like a lawn ornament (AND NEVER HAVE). I would rather the restrictions simply be enforced.

IMO it is not relevant that the neighbors do not mind an infraction in a particular 'hood. We are all Villagers, these are all our neighborhoods and we have all signed up for this. My deed restriction does not state you will not have lawn ornament that your neighbors do not like, it simply says you will not. Not subjective, not personal…

:bowdown::bowdown::bowdown:
Well said!

[Barefoot]

IMO it is not relevant that the neighbors do not mind an infraction in a particular 'hood. We are all Villagers, these are all our neighborhoods and we have all signed up for this.

The question is ..... if we don't rely on the complaint-driven process by residents in the neighborhood (which is basically free), then how do you suggest we "catch" the infractions? :confused:

It would require a lot of full-time staff to police each community on a daily basis, to write up infractions, issue citations, collect fines, follow-up on non-payers, keep track of when homeowners put up seasonal decorations and take them down, etc.

Are you willing to pay higher amenities to have ongoing patrols of each and every Village? :$:

[skip0358]

I think IF the Deed restrictions were enforced there would be very few residences that wouldn't receive a notice or fine. Lawn ornaments, hedges over 4' in height, fences are appearing in certain area,. contractors who have planted in the drainage swail areas in the rear and side yards, blocking the boxes in their yards not leaving the 4' from the hinged sides, more then the posted amount of pets etc. Read the restrictions for your area then ride around, you'd be amazed. Hell I have a neighbor that just took his Christmas decorations down last week. No I did not and will not turn him in, although I've been the recipient of a complaint which I won by the way.

[billethkid]

:popcorn:
:boxing2:
:1rotfl:

[ajbrown]

The question is ..... if we don't rely on the complaint-driven process by residents in the neighborhood (which is basically free), then how do you suggest we "catch" the infractions? :confused:

It would require a lot of full-time staff to police each community on a daily basis, to write up infractions, issue citations, collect fines, follow-up on non-payers, keep track of when homeowners put up seasonal decorations and take them down, etc.

Are you willing to pay higher amenities to have ongoing patrols of each and every Village? :$:

It is my opinion that having a complaint driven system is flawed and it is inconsistent. Where you live, who you have for neighbors dictates the restrictions and whether or not they are enforced. I also believe it can potentially put neighbors in an awkward position which many of us do not want to be in, so we live with whatever restriction is being broken. To be clear, I have never been in that position in my hood, but I imagine some people have.

So, about how to solve?

I do not wish to pay more fees.
I do not think there is a major problem to solve.
I am just chatting away over coffee :blahblahblah:


If it is deemed a major problem, then as I said before, maybe the folks that drive around in community watch could ‘anonymously’ leave a complaint the same way a neighbor would. Not for every garden ornament, maybe just start out with washing machine planters, cars on blocks, etc. :1rotfl:

How about volunteers? I bet there are a whole lot of folks that would like to be given a ‘deed restriction deputy badge’ (I am not one of them).

If we believe that having community watch add complaints will overwhelm the existing system, then what does that say about the current enforcement?

Anyway… just chatting over coffee, the world looks good from where I am at..

[Big47moe]

These new rules only apply to districts south of 466 where it is a hard and fast rule - no lawn ornaments and no signs.

In football season I see a lot of team banners. If my team is represented it is a thing of beauty. If it is the rival team (Pittsburg Steelers) I say take it down! Sometimes exceptions are in the eyes of the beholder!

[DonH57]

In my journeys through the villages mainly by golf cart I've never noticed a problem of what I would consider restriction violations. I just don't see any change necessary and I too don't want any more expense. Like AJ said," I'm just chatting over coffee" also.

[Barefoot]

I think IF the Deed restrictions were enforced there would be very few residences that wouldn't receive a notice or fine. Lawn ornaments, hedges over 4' in height, fences are appearing in certain area,. contractors who have planted in the drainage swail areas in the rear and side yards, blocking the boxes in their yards not leaving the 4' from the hinged sides, more then the posted amount of pets etc. Read the restrictions for your area then ride around, you'd be amazed.

Hell I have a neighbor that just took his Christmas decorations down last week. No I did not and will not turn him in, although I've been the recipient of a complaint which I won by the way.

I agree with Skip that if the Deed Restrictions were enforced, there would be very few residences that wouldn't receive a notice or fine. That's exactly what I see when I ride my bike around The Villages. But for the most part, they are common, minor things.

Of course a rusty car on building blocks in a driveway for a month is going to be reported. Or a stuffed moose on a front lawn. Or a purple polk-a-dot garage door.

I personally think that the complaint-driven system is working OK. People aren't offended by minor infractions and don't report them. I don't think we need to get bubbles in our pee because someone in another Village has a trellis in their back yard. If their neighbors are fine with it, then so am I!

Volunteers with "Deed Restriction Deputy Badges"? :boom:

Just chatting over coffee. :mornincoffee:

[mulligan]

I've said it before, it amazes me that so many are not familiar with the restrictions that they signed for and agreed to abide by at closing. Read the last section of any district's covenants, and you will see that we all have an obligation to see that they are enforced up to and including litigation. We are ALL obliged to protect our property value.

[Bogie Shooter]

It is my opinion that having a complaint driven system is flawed and it is inconsistent. Where you live, who you have for neighbors dictates the restrictions and whether or not they are enforced. I also believe it can potentially put neighbors in an awkward position which many of us do not want to be in, so we live with whatever restriction is being broken. To be clear, I have never been in that position in my hood, but I imagine some people have.

So, about how to solve?

I do not wish to pay more fees.
I do not think there is a major problem to solve.
I am just chatting away over coffee :blahblahblah:


If it is deemed a major problem, then as I said before, maybe the folks that drive around in community watch could ‘anonymously’ leave a complaint the same way a neighbor would. Not for every garden ornament, maybe just start out with washing machine planters, cars on blocks, etc. :1rotfl:

How about volunteers? I bet there are a whole lot of folks that would like to be given a ‘deed restriction deputy badge’ (I am not one of them).

If we believe that having community watch add complaints will overwhelm the existing system, then what does that say about the current enforcement?

Anyway… just chatting over coffee, the world looks good from where I am at..

Community Watch once had the responsibility of pointing out deed restrictions.

[janmcn]

Community Watch once had the responsibility of pointing out deed restrictions.


Could it be that the districts are preparing for the day when there are no more community watch employees?

[Bogie Shooter]

Could it be that the districts are preparing for the day when there are no more community watch employees?

Nah.

[Bogie Shooter]

I don't think we need to get bubbles in our pee :boom:

Just chatting over coffee. :mornincoffee:

Bubbles in our pee. :1rotfl::1rotfl: I love it!

[LuckySevens]

Boy, Howdy! I wonder what you think of us folk on the historic side! I wonder - but I really don't give a hoot!

LOVE IT!!! lol
The thing about the Villages that bothers me is how the rules differ from north of 466 to south of 466. This is 'THE' Villages, not 2 separate towns. Even the newspaper puts out 'The Mix' (north and south), so if my northern Villages friends are pictured in 'The Mix', I don't get to see or read about them. Why the division?

[graciegirl]

LOVE IT!!! lol
The thing about the Villages that bothers me is how the rules differ from north of 466 to south of 466. This is 'THE' Villages, not 2 separate towns. Even the newspaper puts out 'The Mix' (north and south), so if my northern Villages friends are pictured in 'The Mix', I don't get to see or read about them. Why the division?



As they grew they tweaked things and changed things that worked better.


Cart paths are separated from major roads after a time, etc.

[mickey100]

Sometimes change is a good thing. :icon_wink:

[gomoho]

I've said it before, it amazes me that so many are not familiar with the restrictions that they signed for and agreed to abide by at closing. Read the last section of any district's covenants, and you will see that we all have an obligation to see that they are enforced up to and including litigation. We are ALL obliged to protect our property value.

In today's world you can sign anything, then say "oh, I didn't know that is what that meant". I don't think the fact people signed something means they are going to abide by those restrictions - they signed it to close on their house cause if they didn't they wouldn't get the keys.

I will protect my property value, but believe that allows for deviation from the deed restrictions. If I see something I don't like I will report it - just as if I do something someone doesn't like they will report it. It's ridiculous to think people will report something so they are abiding by the document they signed - my guess would be most aren't even aware of this provision in the deed restrictions. Why report something that doesn't offend you??? to follow a document you signed???