Yard ornament issues

[ping]

I'm a "one year" newbie to the Villages. Before purchasing I was made aware that most areas had a ban on yard decorations....unless seasonal holiday displays. When I moved into my Village, I noticed a few homes had discreet, tasteful ornaments in their front yards....a decorative frog, statue or gazing ball. I thought (yes, without checking the restrictions) it was ok for my area. Apparently it was because no one complained. However, when I arrived last month and put out a small 2ft tall mermaid...well she was not out there a week before I got a knock on my door from Community Standards. My area was restricted, mermaid was to be moved. Standards claims that infractions are only in forced if there was a complaint! That's when I noticed that the frog, statue, and gazing ball had also been removed. Apparently a lot of complaints! Now, your opinion please....these things had been displayed for years before I moved in.....neighborhood residents hadn't changed too much...So my question is: did Community Standards respond to an actual "complaint" or do they think they are the Community "Police" bent on in forcing the rules. Just wondering?

[downeaster]

I'm a "one year" newbie to the Villages. Before purchasing I was made aware that most areas had a ban on yard decorations....unless seasonal holiday displays. When I moved into my Village, I noticed a few homes had discreet, tasteful ornaments in their front yards....a decorative frog, statue or gazing ball. I thought (yes, without checking the restrictions) it was ok for my area. Apparently it was because no one complained. However, when I arrived last month and put out a small 2ft tall mermaid...well she was not out there a week before I got a knock on my door from Community Standards. My area was restricted, mermaid was to be moved. Standards claims that infractions are only in forced if there was a complaint! That's when I noticed that the frog, statue, and gazing ball had also been removed. Apparently a lot of complaints! Now, your opinion please....these things had been displayed for years before I moved in.....neighborhood residents hadn't changed too much...So my question is: did Community Standards respond to an actual "complaint" or do they think they are the Community "Police" bent on in forcing the rules. Just wondering?

As far as I know there are no "Community Police". Anyone can contact (anonymous) Community Standards to notify them of a possible infraction. This is the system and it is what will all live by.

BTW standards differ among areas not necessarily defined by District boundaries. Check the deed restrictions you agreed to when you closed on your property.

[Jim 9922]

much...So my question is: did Community Standards respond to an actual "complaint" or do they think they are the Community "Police" bent on in forcing the rules. Just wondering?
You got busted by a self appointed "Troll Patrol". Too bad people don't have more to do than worry about the neighbors' lawns.
Fortunately we live in an area where decorations are allowed, and IMHO most of them are not too objectionable and if done in reasonable taste usually adds a little personality to the neighborhood. Compare your decorations to the wild things that appear all over The Villages at Christmas when apparently it's open season on whatever Sam's Club, or whoever, is selling this year, or worse. But it's enjoyable to see anyway, lasts about a month, and goes away. That's part of the fun in The Villages.
As for your problem, it is my understanding there is little restriction on what is placed near the house under the eves or in the back yard far from the prying eyes of the "Troll Patrol"

[redwitch]

They really don't do anything unless someone complains. The complainant could have been a neighbor, someone on an adjoining street or, sadly, someone just driving by. Regardless, if your C&Rs say no lawn ornaments, that really does mean no lawn ornaments. If you'd like to have your mermaid, there are neighborhoods where it would be allowed. The further south you go, the more restrictive the rules are, up to and including backyard items.

[raynan]

Put her in your entryway or anywhere under an eave and you'll be in compliance. We had one neighbor who didn't get along with anyone and they drove around and made a list of all house numbers that had lawn ornaments and filed a complaint. Everyone got a knock on the door. Thank God they moved to NC.

[DonH57]

You got busted by a self appointed "Troll Patrol". Too bad people don't have more to do than worry about the neighbors' lawns.
Fortunately we live in an area where decorations are allowed, and IMHO most of them are not too objectionable and if done in reasonable taste usually adds a little personality to the neighborhood. Compare your decorations to the wild things that appear all over The Villages at Christmas when apparently it's open season on whatever Sam's Club, or whoever, is selling this year, or worse. But it's enjoyable to see anyway, lasts about a month, and goes away. That's part of the fun in The Villages.
As for your problem, it is my understanding there is little restriction on what is placed near the house under the eves or in the back yard far from the prying eyes of the "Troll Patrol"

" Troll Patrol ". That's an excellent way of putting it. A great reason I'm happy about the neighbors and village we picked. :pepper2:

[Sandtrap328]

I'm a "one year" newbie to the Villages. Before purchasing I was made aware that most areas had a ban on yard decorations....unless seasonal holiday displays. When I moved into my Village, I noticed a few homes had discreet, tasteful ornaments in their front yards....a decorative frog, statue or gazing ball. I thought (yes, without checking the restrictions) it was ok for my area. Apparently it was because no one complained. However, when I arrived last month and put out a small 2ft tall mermaid...well she was not out there a week before I got a knock on my door from Community Standards. My area was restricted, mermaid was to be moved. Standards claims that infractions are only in forced if there was a complaint! That's when I noticed that the frog, statue, and gazing ball had also been removed. Apparently a lot of complaints! Now, your opinion please....these things had been displayed for years before I moved in.....neighborhood residents hadn't changed too much...So my question is: did Community Standards respond to an actual "complaint" or do they think they are the Community "Police" bent on in forcing the rules. Just wondering?

All of the actions are complaint driven. Obviously, at least one person did not appreciate lawn decorations - and thought all residents should abide by the covenants and restrictions they had signed off when buying in the community.

North of 466, there are not the lawn ornament restrictions. No one has anything that could be offensive. People seem to love my flock of pink flamingoes!

[DougB]

Yes, different areas have different restrictions. But I believe all of The Villages from one corner to the next has restrictions on mermaid ornaments. :loco:

[Chi-Town]

Yes, different areas have different restrictions. But I believe all of The Villages from one corner to the next has restrictions on mermaid ornaments. :loco:
Even the topless ones? [emoji6]

[downeaster]

All of the actions are complaint driven. Obviously, at least one person did not appreciate lawn decorations - and thought all residents should abide by the covenants and restrictions they had signed off when buying in the community.

North of 466, there are not the lawn ornament restrictions. No one has anything that could be offensive. People seem to love my flock of pink flamingoes!

There are lawn ornament restrictions in some units north of 466. To check on a particular area go to: Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/download.aspx).

Unit number can be found on individual Villages ID card.

[graciegirl]

I LOVE deed restrictions.

I chose this place partially because it had deed restrictions.

I love ARC.

[lamplighter]

Come to Alhambra...I'm pretty sure a Mrs Kravitz doesn't live here and if she does, we have been so welcoming to her she has become joyful like the rest of us.

[rubicon]

"Community Police" "Troll Patrol" thank you. One of my biggest fears living here is that the promises made concerning deed restrictions would go by the wayside.

I don't wish to offend but quite honestly I have driven past some front yards north of 466 and well was glad that I live south of 466.

Keep it going patrol

[Vladimir]

"Community Police" "Troll Patrol" thank you. One of my biggest fears living here is that the promises made concerning deed restrictions would go by the wayside.

I don't wish to offend but quite honestly I have driven past some front yards north of 466 and well was glad that I live south of 466.

Keep it going patrol

I agree...If I did not like the deed restrictions I would not have moved here, and so, a big reason I moved here is because the front yards were restricted and things are neat and orderly.

[DonH57]

Come to Alhambra...I'm pretty sure a Mrs Kravitz doesn't live here and if she does, we have been so welcoming to her she has become joyful like the rest of us.

LOL. Mrs. Kravitz. That's pretty funny.

[zcaveman]

It could have been that someone in the neighborhood was reported and had to remove something and then they went around and reported everyone else.

I have noticed that with the Community Watch not reporting violations that the lawn decorations are starting to creep out in the non-decorations allowed areas.

Z

[ping]

Thanks for the comments, but my question is still......does Community Standards respond only to complaints, or do the patrol for infractions and then knock on your door? I have no problem with deed restrictions, but I also have no problem with an occasional tasteful ornament. When an area has had a few decorations with no notoriety, was action taken solely because of a complaint or does Community Standards become the ornament police!

[quirky3]

I'm confused....you're speaking as if holding people to the restrictions they already agreed to in writing is a bad thing.

No two people have the same taste; but written, signed restrictions are clear to everyone. Well, almost everyone.

[Walter123]

Thanks for the comments, but my question is still......does Community Standards respond only to complaints, or do the patrol for infractions and then knock on your door? I have no problem with deed restrictions, but I also have no problem with an occasional tasteful ornament. When an area has had a few decorations with no notoriety, was action taken solely because of a complaint or does Community Standards become the ornament police!

Your question has been answered several times. It's complaint driver. Bye-bye mermaid. Put her in the pool where she belongs.:wine:

[TNLAKEPANDA]

" Troll Patrol ". That's an excellent way of putting it. A great reason I'm happy about the neighbors and village we picked. :pepper2:

There will always be those old biddies looking for something to complain about!

Too bad because people just want to personalize their property.

[downeaster]

Thanks for the comments, but my question is still......does Community Standards respond only to complaints, or do the patrol for infractions and then knock on your door? I have no problem with deed restrictions, but I also have no problem with an occasional tasteful ornament. When an area has had a few decorations with no notoriety, was action taken solely because of a complaint or does Community Standards become the ornament police!

Community Standards does not employ people to patrol for infractions. The system is complaint driven.

An occasional lawn ornament would probably not raise any eyebrows. However, once one goes unchallenged we start down the proverbial slippery slope. It can soon get out of hand and that is when some one(s) says enough. Maybe that is what happened in your neighborhood.

Your situation seems to indicate the system is working.

[downeaster]

I LOVE deed restrictions.

I chose this place partially because it had deed restrictions.

I love ARC.

My sentiments exactly.

Having had negative experience in none deed restricted communities, we moved to a deed restricted community only to find the restrictions were selectively enforced. I vowed I would try not to make that mistake again. When the time came to select our retirement home we included deed restrictions and their enforcement as a top priority. The Villages seemed a perfect fit and after many years we have never been disappointed.

[downeaster]

"Community Police" "Troll Patrol" thank you. One of my biggest fears living here is that the promises made concerning deed restrictions would go by the wayside.

I don't wish to offend but quite honestly I have driven past some front yards north of 466 and well was glad that I live south of 466.

Keep it going patrol

I share your concern but I am pretty confident our deed restriction enforcement will continue. One of our top priorities when selecting our retirement home was based on our confidence.

I also agree with your comments on the area where lawn ornaments are permitted. However, I have seen worse in other communities. I wonder if driving through lawn ornament restricted areas could cause second thoughts about perching a pair of gnomes at the end of the driveway.

[CFrance]

I LOVE deed restrictions.

I chose this place partially because it had deed restrictions.

I love ARC.
Your pool pump better not make any noise BWAHAHAHAH!!!:wave:

[CFrance]

Thanks for the comments, but my question is still......does Community Standards respond only to complaints, or do the patrol for infractions and then knock on your door? I have no problem with deed restrictions, but I also have no problem with an occasional tasteful ornament. When an area has had a few decorations with no notoriety, was action taken solely because of a complaint or does Community Standards become the ornament police!
Yes, definitely. It has been clearly stated in news bulletins and other places that the violations are strictly complaint driven, and that there is no policing by TV otherwise.

But it you want to be completely sure, call community standards or deed compliance, or wherever Bogie says to call, and ask them. Bogie, what's it called?

I think it's deedcompliance.

[JoMar]

Everyone has an opinion on what looks "great" and what looks "junky". I came from an area where residents could put out anything they wanted on their property. I for one, am glad that isn't what goes on here and that there are community standards. I'm also happy there are those trolls out there who help enforce the deed restrictions. With the density we have, everything we do to our property has a positive or negative impact on our neighbors and not all of us have great taste.

[rhood]

Nearly all of the community watch driver are villagers. Nothing to stop one of the drivers to file the complaint. Might not have been a neighbor at all.

[Bogie Shooter]

Come to Alhambra...I'm pretty sure a Mrs Kravitz doesn't live here and if she does, we have been so welcoming to her she has become joyful like the rest of us.

Is she the one that got busted for armed robbery?

[Bogie Shooter]

Thanks for the comments, but my question is still......does Community Standards respond only to complaints, or do the patrol for infractions and then knock on your door? I have no problem with deed restrictions, but I also have no problem with an occasional tasteful ornament. When an area has had a few decorations with no notoriety, was action taken solely because of a complaint or does Community Standards become the ornament police!

Go to the District web site and click on Community Standards Department to find an answer to your question.
Community Standards does not search for violations or become the ornament police.
_________________________________________

Due to the diversity of the Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions, it is important that you familiarize yourself with your particular set.

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]

There will always be those old biddies looking for something to complain about!

Too bad because people just want to personalize their property.

"Personalize" means different things to different people.

[snowbird22154]

[QUOTE=TNLAKEPANDA;968648]There will always be those old biddies looking for something to complain about!




:BigApplause:

[graciegirl]

[QUOTE=TNLAKEPANDA;968648]There will always be those old biddies looking for something to complain about!




:BigApplause:

NEVER call ANYONE an old biddy.
http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/75/99/db/7599db4548a7fdd5c0afa0e49687398c.jpg


These are our new squirt guns girls. Whatdyathink???????

[observer]

Yes , their are many. Bully's hide they are cowards,the program that let's them get away with it is community standards. If. You don't t like my yard have the courage to admit it. I have lived here 6 years and have met some of the nicest people ever, and some of the most hateful people u can imagine. This is a grate place the people that have spent their lives helping others ignore the mean people,embrace they people that want to finish their lives in peace I know my typing is not good, but my message is computers are not my friend. Thanks

[graciegirl]

Yes , their are many. Bully's hide they are cowards,the program that let's them get away with it is community standards. If. You don't t like my yard have the courage to admit it. I have lived here 6 years and have met some of the nicest people ever, and some of the most hateful people u can imagine. This is a grate place the people that have spent their lives helping others ignore the mean people,embrace they people that want to finish their lives in peace I know my typing is not good, but my message is computers are not my friend. Thanks


Observer, did you find a good place for your loved one with Alzheimers? I know how hard that can be. You are right, there are so many good people here.

[patfla06]

There are many lawn ornaments in Gilchrist.
I have never seen anything offensive.
Cannot imagine calling Community standards.

[JoMar]

There are many lawn ornaments in Gilchrist.
I have never seen anything offensive.
Cannot imagine calling Community standards.

Then don't.......but just because you don't find stuff offensive doesn't mean someone else doesn't. I'm still amazed that people buy a house here, know what the deed restrictions are then for some reason, think they don't apply to them. Let the trolls continue the patrol.

[pbkmaine]

Lots of lawn ornaments here in Santiago. I have come to enjoy them. To get to my house, you make a left at the sparkly tree, then turn right at the donkeys.

[Chi-Town]

Is it true it's not a lawn ornament if water runs through it?

[Bonanza]

There will always be those old biddies looking for something to complain about!

Too bad because people just want to personalize their property.

A great post!

Now when someone comes home after they've had one or two too many,
they have an excuse for walking into the wrong house.
They all look the same!

Viva Levittown!!!
:loco:

[wudda1955]

There is one in every neighborhood, I think. I'd like to know what makes those people so much more special than the ones who keep their word and do what they agreed to do.

I understand wanting to personalize your property, but come on. We all agreed to the terms when we bought. I don't understand why someone would agree, then break the agreement, and then have the nerve to get upset when they're reported for not following the terms they signed to follow!

Someone who breaks such a simple agreement so readily just proves to me they can't be trusted.

[graciegirl]

Remember, you can do anything with permission, south of 466. Take it by ARC. They may agree it's lovely. North of 466 their restrictions are less, so if you haven't moved here and are pining for a cannon or a large carved bear to show your individuality, go for it.

[Mikeod]

There will always be those old biddies looking for something to complain about!

Too bad because people just want to personalize their property.

And there will always be those who feel deed restrictions do not apply to them. And that their taste in decorating must be accepted by everyone else despite violating the restrictions they agreed to when they bought here.

[ping]

Loving the Villages....residents are a hoot! Thanks for all the advise, rule interpretation, etc. Know that my lovely mermaid is sunning herself in private in our backyard. Glad to hear that it was just some law enforcing neighbor/guest that reported my transgression and not a vigilant Troll police making his rounds....making his quota of complaint citations! I have no problem with the restrictions, but did believe it didn't apply to my area since others had lawn ornaments.....but now we are ALL in compliance. Viva complaint management, long live Mrs. Kravites

[pbkmaine]

Listen to graciegirl re the ARC. We put in a two-level herb garden by our front door. We got approval from the ARC just to be safe. Now no herb-hating troll can take it away from us.

[rdhdleo]

Remember, you can do anything with permission, south of 466. Take it by ARC. They may agree it's lovely. North of 466 their restrictions are less, so if you haven't moved here and are pining for a cannon or a large carved bear to show your individuality, go for it.

Let me clarify a bit, it is true most anything seems to go north of 466 if you're in Sumter County. Once you enter Marion County which starts just behind Harmeswood it becomes very strict again ;) I know because I live there LOL

[graciegirl]

Let me clarify a bit, it is true most anything seems to go north of 466 if you're in Sumter County. Once you enter Marion County which starts just behind Harmeswood it becomes very strict again ;) I know because I live there LOL


THANK YOU for clarifying. It is so lovely where you live.

I do so like simple and unadorned.

[rdhdleo]

THANK YOU for clarifying. It is so lovely where you live.

I do so like simple and unadorned.

Gracie I don't think there's a place in TV's that isn't beautiful, we're all blessed to be here! Thank you though! I chuckle when I think back because when we mode here where I'm at WAS the newest section! LOL What still amazes me is that while heaven forbid I put a "lawn ornament" in my front yard there is no restriction for what goes in my back yard OR side yard. Since we have a very large corner lot and are on the beginning of a cul de sac what most people see is our side and back yard...I'm just glad we can decorate for the holidays! Our neighbors really enjoy it since out place lights up the cul de sac :)

[zcaveman]

Remember, you can do anything with permission, south of 466. Take it by ARC. They may agree it's lovely. North of 466 their restrictions are less, so if you haven't moved here and are pining for a cannon or a large carved bear to show your individuality, go for it.

There are parts of "NORTH OF 466" that have the same deed restriction as those south of 466.

For all of you reading this, please do not try to think that all of north of 466 are a wide-open area. I have seen only one cannon on this side and it is aimed at the area south of 466. As old as it is I doubt if it would hit the house across the street. :pepper2:

Z

[downeaster]

Let me clarify a bit, it is true most anything seems to go north of 466 if you're in Sumter County. Once you enter Marion County which starts just behind Harmeswood it becomes very strict again ;) I know because I live there LOL

A little more clarification is needed. Not all of the units in Sumter County north of 466 are free of lawn ornament restrictions.

Go to Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/download.aspx) for the real info.

I previously posted this same info on this thread (post#46) but it has been largely ignored.

[looneycat]

"Community Police" "Troll Patrol" thank you. One of my biggest fears living here is that the promises made concerning deed restrictions would go by the wayside.

I don't wish to offend but quite honestly I have driven past some front yards north of 466 and well was glad that I live south of 466.

Keep it going patrol

amen! :agree:

[rdhdleo]

A little more clarification is needed. Not all of the units in Sumter County north of 466 are free of lawn ornament restrictions.

Go to Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/download.aspx) for the real info.

I previously posted this same info on this thread (post#46) but it has been largely ignored.

Very true I didn't mean all I thought I said "most" anything goes especially in the sections west f Spanish Springs and east of Buena Vista. After over 12 years here I know better tun to generalize too much LOL And it's not every house but some people do feel if they can they will personalize their "home". Actually this doesn't bother me at all why it may not be my taste my feeling is it's their home. I personally don't like the Stepford look. Everyone has their own tastes and unless a home is in foreclosure I think everyone does a good job of taking pride in their homes.

[rubicon]

Yes , their are many. Bully's hide they are cowards,the program that let's them get away with it is community standards. If. You don't t like my yard have the courage to admit it. I have lived here 6 years and have met some of the nicest people ever, and some of the most hateful people u can imagine. This is a grate place the people that have spent their lives helping others ignore the mean people,embrace they people that want to finish their lives in peace I know my typing is not good, but my message is computers are not my friend. Thanks


Hi observer: I suppose one could define people who report infractions as bullies cowards, etc.

I suppose one could say that its unfair that ARC, (District function) forces residents to complain before they will do their due diligence.

I suppose these residents would need not to complain if other residents complied with their deed restrictions, eliminating the need

I suppose residents could all mind their own business but I suspected we would discover a whole lot of toilets contain Ivy sitting in residents front yards.

Personal Best Regards:

[rdhdleo]

Hi observer: I suppose one could define people who report infractions as bullies cowards, etc.

I suppose one could say that its unfair that ARC, (District function) forces residents to complain before they will do their due diligence.

I suppose these residents would need not to complain if other residents complied with their deed restrictions, eliminating the need

I suppose residents could all mind their own business but I suspected we would discover a whole lot of toilets contain Ivy sitting in residents front yards.

Personal Best Regards:

Wow , ok... while i truly agree with a lot of what was said, you must not hold many Villagers in high regard if you think the wonderful people that chose to live out their lives here would use toliets for planters! Another reason I will never leave my wonderful neighbors I am blessed to have ....whew....

[Bogie Shooter]

Hi observer: I suppose one could define people who report infractions as bullies cowards, etc.

I suppose one could say that its unfair that ARC, (District function) forces residents to complain before they will do their due diligence.

I suppose these residents would need not to complain if other residents complied with their deed restrictions, eliminating the need

I suppose residents could all mind their own business but I suspected we would discover a whole lot of toilets contain Ivy sitting in residents front yards.

Personal Best Regards:
You forgot to add to your reply to observer.....good luck in the sale of your home, using the little sign.

[Madelaine Amee]

I guess I'm in the minority here, but I don't have a problem with a bird bath, a small tasteful garden ornament placed in with your flowers and bushes, or even a small plaque telling the world your grand kids think you are the best Grandmother in the whole world. In fact I don't really notice what other people are doing, unless it is outrageous.

What would really bother me would be a loud TV on someone's open lanai, loud music at their private pool, outside parties several nights a week ..........

I do, however, get very annoyed that we cannot seem to do anything to help the people who live next door to abandoned properties, that really is disgraceful and is far more egregious than an ornament in someone's yard!

[rdhdleo]

I guess I'm in the minority here, but I don't have a problem with a bird bath, a small tasteful garden ornament placed in with your flowers and bushes, or even a small plaque telling the world your grand kids think you are the best Grandmother in the whole world. In fact I don't really notice what other people are doing, unless it is outrageous.

What would really bother me would be a loud TV on someone's open lanai, loud music at their private pool, outside parties several nights a week ..........

I do, however, get very annoyed that we cannot seem to do anything to help the people who live next door to abandoned properties, that really is disgraceful and is far more egregious than an ornament in someone's yard!

:agree: We lived through having a foreclosed on home right behind us for almost 3 years! Constantly having to complain because of weeds sometimes 3 set high and all we got rom the VCDD or anyone else was it was bank owned and they could do nothing about it! Finally into the second year someone came to cut the grass etc. now and then.

[Chi-Town]

:agree: We lived through having a foreclosed on home right behind us for almost 3 years! Constantly having to complain because of weeds sometimes 3 set high and all we got rom the VCDD or anyone else was it was bank owned and they could do nothing about it! Finally into the second year someone came to cut the grass etc. now and then.
Had a foreclosed home across the street. The owners who had maintained a beautiful yard just upped and left. Until the bank gets ownership nothing gets done. After that it's spotty but better than nothing, Believe me, a toilet planter would have been an improvement.

[graciegirl]

They have had two information filled articles on the not to be named online news. "They" will come and cut the grass and trim, but have to be notified each time. They place a lien against the property for the service. There is only so much anyone can do as the property does not belong to The Villages or to us. However some very good suggestions have been offered as to what neighbors can do. I think it wouldn't hurt to have an email campaign to the bank. One woman talked the owner into selling. She had moved away.

Thank goodness there are not a lot of them, but when they are near you they affect values in a negative way.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Put her in your entryway or anywhere under an eave and you'll be in compliance. We had one neighbor who didn't get along with anyone and they drove around and made a list of all house numbers that had lawn ornaments and filed a complaint. Everyone got a knock on the door. Thank God they moved to NC.

Gee, I wonder why she didn't get along with anyone.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

My sentiments exactly.

Having had negative experience in none deed restricted communities, we moved to a deed restricted community only to find the restrictions were selectively enforced. I vowed I would try not to make that mistake again. When the time came to select our retirement home we included deed restrictions and their enforcement as a top priority. The Villages seemed a perfect fit and after many years we have never been disappointed.

As long as the restrictions are complaint driven, they are being selectively enforced.

I don't understand why Community Watch is not empowered to report infractions.

[graciegirl]

And there will always be those who feel deed restrictions do not apply to them. And that their taste in decorating must be accepted by everyone else despite violating the restrictions they agreed to when they bought here.


Right again, Doc.

I present this lovely creature as evidence.

http://modcloth.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/1lg3fancyladybum.jpg

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Had a foreclosed home across the street. The owners who had maintained a beautiful yard just upped and left. Until the bank gets ownership nothing gets done. After that it's spotty but better than nothing, Believe me, a toilet planter would have been an improvement.

I don't believe that it's true that nothing can be done. It is my understanding that in these cases, Community Standards sends a crew to the property to cut the grass and otherwise clean it up. They then place lien on the property for the cost. I see it done quite often in the Historic District.

[Madelaine Amee]

Right again, Doc.

I present this lovely creature as evidence.

http://modcloth.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/1lg3fancyladybum.jpg

Now that is outrageous, and where do you come up with this stuff?

[sunnyatlast]

Now that is outrageous, and where do you come up with this stuff?

I've actually seen that Mrs. BigButtBloomers Weeding placard in yards in other states. THAT is why there are deed restrictions:

Somebody's actually DONE that!

If you allow for some yard ornaments that look okay, eventually you will have a neighbor-hoarder that has the front yard full and looking like a junk yard, while normal people in front of or beside them have their home listed for sale and can't attract a buyer.

Didn't people learn how hard it can be to sell their well-kept, beautiful home when trying to do so in other states a few years ago??

Some seem to never think of anybody but themselves, and never beyond next week.

[downeaster]

My sentiments exactly.

Having had negative experience in none deed restricted communities, we moved to a deed restricted community only to find the restrictions were selectively enforced. I vowed I would try not to make that mistake again. When the time came to select our retirement home we included deed restrictions and their enforcement as a top priority. The Villages seemed a perfect fit and after many years we have never been disappointed.

As long as the restrictions are complaint driven, they are being selectively enforced.

I don't understand why Community Watch is not empowered to report infractions.

Let me expand on my "selectively enforced" remark. In the subject community infractions were reported but not enforced. Enforcement depended on who you were or who you knew.

I have since learned there is now no enforcement in that community. The HOA which was supposed to be governing was disbanded as a result of no one willing to serve in any capacity.

As to CW being empowered to enforce, there have been a few references to that in local media. Frankly I don't remember the reasons given but it seemed to make sense to me at the time. I have never heard of any situation where infractions have been reported and not investigated by Community Standards.

I am satisfied with the current system, recognizing it is not perfect. It means my neighbor can place a lawn ornament on his/her lawn and if no one finds it objectionable it can stay. It also means if I sell my house and the new owner finds it objectionable he/she can file an anonymous complaint and have it removed.

[rdhdleo]

I don't believe that it's true that nothing can be done. It is my understanding that in these cases, Community Standards sends a crew to the property to cut the grass and otherwise clean it up. They then place lien on the property for the cost. I see it done quite often in the Historic District.

The problem is they don't do it often enough. Believe me all our
neighbors complained on a regular basis, some even came and cut the grass themselves my husband even did once. This went on for almost 3 years! Also there are a lot more foreclosed homes than we'd like to think here. I think it's gone down a bit though.

[Bogie Shooter]

The problem is they don't do it often enough. Believe me all our
neighbors complained on a regular basis, some even came and cut the grass themselves my husband even did once. This went on for almost 3 years! Also there are a lot more foreclosed homes than we'd like to think here. I think it's gone down a bit though.

Don't the come every time you call?
Community Standards is not in the business of cutting lawns on a scheduled basis.
It was suggested in the article in the DS to do just that, call and keep calling.

[janmcn]

I've actually seen that Mrs. BigButtBloomers Weeding placard in yards in other states. THAT is why there are deed restrictions:

Somebody's actually DONE that!

If you allow for some yard ornaments that look okay, eventually you will have a neighbor-hoarder that has the front yard full and looking like a junk yard, while normal people in front of or beside them have their home listed for sale and can't attract a buyer.

Didn't people learn how hard it can be to sell their well-kept, beautiful home when trying to do so in other states a few years ago??

Some seem to never think of anybody but themselves, and never beyond next week.



Mrs Big Butt Bloomers and a flock of pink flamingos would be allowed in districts one, two and three, and all of Lake County in The Villages, but not allowed in districts four through twelve. The problem arises when residents don't like the rules of their district. There are choices. Choose the one that's right for you and abide by it.

[salpal]

Drive down Cazaras Ave. in Santo Domingo and check out Snow White and all seven of her dwarfs lined up......Classy!

Personally I wish zero lawn ornaments were permitted.

[gomoho]

I am satisfied with the current system, recognizing it is not perfect. It means my neighbor can place a lawn ornament on his/her lawn and if no one finds it objectionable it can stay. It also means if I sell my house and the new owner finds it objectionable he/she can file an anonymous complaint and have it removed.

Thank you for that common sense approach to this situation.

[rdhdleo]

Don't the come every time you call?
Community Standards is not in the business of cutting lawns on a scheduled basis.
It was suggested in the article in the DS to do just that, call and keep calling.

Nope most of the time we were all told they could do nothing about it because of the house being bank owned. The house was bought about a year ago and remodeled and fixed up and since has been sold to a couple that won't be moving here full time for a couple of years. They have a regular lawn service and everything is fine now but for over 2 years it was a mess. What really made it an eyesore was i was a corner lot! Very visible.

[downeaster]

Mrs Big Butt Bloomers and a flock of pink flamingos would be allowed in districts one, two and three, and all of Lake County in The Villages, but not allowed in districts four through twelve. The problem arises when residents don't like the rules of their district. There are choices. Choose the one that's right for you and abide by it.

Not all of district 3. There are units in district 3 that have lawn ornament restrictions.

[Bonanza]

I would be willing to bet that most of those who said they bought here because of deed restrictions, never read them before they signed a contract.

Deed restrictions are both good and bad, depending upon who wrote them, if they've been updated in a timely manner, etc. I must admit there are some pretty strange ones in TV's restrictions. Some of the things I have found that don't make sense are we must maintain a certain percentage of grass. Why? On the other hand, TV changed the choice of grass from St. Augustine to Zoysia. They both require about the same amount of water so why the change? Is it cheaper? Going back to the percentage of grass, if they are trying to restrict water usage, doesn't it make sense that less grass is better?

Then there is the rule that you can't have a lampost in your back yard because it will annoy neighbors. Do you know anyone who doesn't have some kind of window treatment on their bedroom window? Furthermore, if you enclose your lanai and make it a permanent room like the rest of the house, code enforcement requirements say you must have exterior lighting permanently installed on the house. Is there really a difference if you have say, coach lights on your house or if you have a lamppost? No! Of course not.

There are many other things that simply do not make sense. Deed restrictions are not always good and if you've ever iived in other communities that have them, you know what I mean.

[graciegirl]

I would be willing to bet that most of those who said they bought here because of deed restrictions, never read them before they signed a contract.

Deed restrictions are both good and bad, depending upon who wrote them, if they've been updated in a timely manner, etc. I must admit there are some pretty strange ones in TV's restrictions. Some of the things I have found that don't make sense are we must maintain a certain percentage of grass. Why? On the other hand, TV changed the choice of grass from St. Augustine to Zoysia. They both require about the same amount of water so why the change? Is it cheaper? Going back to the percentage of grass, if they are trying to restrict water usage, doesn't it make sense that less grass is better?

Then there is the rule that you can't have a lampost in your back yard because it will annoy neighbors. Do you know anyone who doesn't have some kind of window treatment on their bedroom window? Furthermore, if you enclose your lanai and make it a permanent room like the rest of the house, code enforcement requirements say you must have exterior lighting permanently installed on the house. Is there really a difference if you have say, coach lights on your house or if you have a lamppost? No! Of course not.

There are many other things that simply do not make sense. Deed restrictions are not always good and if you've ever iived in other communities that have them, you know what I mean.

It is what it is. You are a realtor. You know about contracts.

[Moderator]

This thread has degenerated to bickering. The topic has been covered. This thread is closed.