Covenants/Restrictions

[nanci2539]

We have friends who moved to Duval last October. We visited a few months ago; they have a very nice Lantana.

She put out a very small cement statue near her front stairs. Not a cheap plastic but a nicely made statue (a little girl holding a flower pot). She received a notice with a page from the covenants circling the restriction on yard art of any type. She never took the statue away and has received three notices each stronger than the prior one.

I certainly don't want to live with such rigid restrictions. I can understand covenants because we have them where we live now but I feel it's a bit extreme to demand a homeowner take away tasteful yard art. We are moving to TV next month (renting) and will be on a hunt for a new home. Can you all tell me which Villages have the more stringent restrictions?

[villages07]

South of 466 the covenants do not permit lawn ornaments in the front...back is ok. Anything in the front has to be under the porch or gutter overhang. If the statue was under the gutters along the entry wall, it should be ok. Out in the middle of the front yard is a violation.

Covenants north of 466 do allow more personal things in the front yard.

All new building is South of 466.

I can understand your concerns, however, as I look out my front window at my beautiful neighborhood I am thankful for the restrictions.

[graciegirl]

Nanci.

:agree:

Although your friends statue was in good taste and there was only one, rules have to start somewhere. I personally would rather have none than one of those fat bend over lady statues across the way. THAT is my taste and up until now, no one has said I have good taste accept for when I picked out Sweetie.

Kindest wishes,

GracieGirl

[chelsea24]

Graciegirl you're too funny! Can't wait until you get here!

Nanci, I wrote you on what we did in Duval and haven't had a problem. But, now that 07 said that, we do not have anything but landscaping bordering trees on the frontlawn. The floor hanging plant holder is on the porch. The backyard's another story.

As I think of it, down the block from us, some neighbors have beautiful landscaping and they used to that two Crain statues. Very expensive looking, just elegant in their landscaping. But, I don't see those out now, so maybe they were told to move them. :dontknow:

[TomW]

I too have never been accused of having great taste with the lone exception of choosing a spouse. But, we had to nix an otherwise lovely home in TV with just the things we were looking for because of the gawd-awful concrete statue display across the street from the house. It is OK because that is the deal in those neighborhoods but, it just wasn't our cup of tea.

[meriboo]

It was mentioned that in the back was OK. Can we have a 'pot' garden in the back? To be more specific.....roses, tomates, peppers growing in pots....not the other kiind of pot.

[Muncle]

Covenants for south of 466 prohibit "lawn ornamentation" anywhere around a house, front yard, back yard, or side yard --- except under a roof. People often put random junk in the backyards and are not cited because its not seen by the kitsch kops or :edit:ed about by a neighbor. Restrictions do not apply to villa corrals.

Pots, whether filled or not, are allowed anywhere.

Best check with the Deed Compliance office with specific questions.


http://www.districtgov.org/vccdd/deedrestrict.asp

[nanci2539]

We live in a community now with strict covenants about ornamentation, sheds, basketball hoops, etc. Our neighborhood is not overdone and the pots, benches, chairs are ornamental in either cement or iron. I don't think I've ever seen plastic anything. I am totally in agreement about tacky yard art and there should be restrictions on that. I guess what I'm saying is I have a lovely birdbath that I plant flowers in and a pretty ornamental chair and bench that I want to take with me. And I agree, it has to start somewhere but most folks know the difference between tasteful and tacky! Don't they!

I guess I need to go with the flow! Somewhere along the lines there had to be pretty bad stuff on people's lawns for them to become so stringent!

I sure hope I'm ready for all this. My husband says I'll be good for "what did I do" (meaning moving) ten times a day when we get to TV next month!

[Frangyomory]

To find out why the restrictions for homes on the southside of 466, just go over to Country Club Hills and the other Villages over there which were built many years ago without restrictions. Mostly the manufactured homes are the ones that have the lawn ornaments and unsightly "things" in front of their homes. A good drive through this area of statues of jockeys, fountains, lions, etc. will give you an idea of why restrictions.

Unfortunately, like most rules/regulations, the developer went too far and we can't do anything over here in Cherry Vale Villas, courtyard villas. I can't put anything in front of my villa. A friend had a tiny little gnome in with her lights on the ground by her garage door and was told to MOVE it.

We have to go to the architectural board for ANYTHING we do outside the house. Even in my back yard when I wanted to take down an ugly tree that the developer planted, if it had been more than 1 1/2 inches around, I would NOT get permission.

Such is life. All I can say is at least we have nice grass in front and back of our Villa. I have seen some of the new ones that have no grass and are being advertised as water and maintenance free....."green" decorative landscaping so to speak and I couldn't bear it. I like my grass.

Hope your friend does well and hope you will still decide that the lifestyle is far more important than what you can put in your front yard.

[Frangyomory]

Forgot to tell you, we live in a CYV where we have a few more restrictions. We can only have a certain color garage door screen and we cannot paint or otherwise decorate or seal our driveways. :edit:

[graciegirl]

[quote=nanci2539 ]
We live in a community now with strict covenants about ornamentation, sheds, basketball hoops, etc. Our neighborhood is not overdone and the pots, benches, chairs are ornamental in either cement or iron. I don't think I've ever seen plastic anything. I am totally in agreement about tacky yard art and there should be restrictions on that. I guess what I'm saying is I have a lovely birdbath that I plant flowers in and a pretty ornamental chair and bench that I want to take with me. And I agree, it has to start somewhere but most folks know the difference between tasteful and tacky! Don't they?

As my sainted mother would say. "That is where you are wrong MaryJane."

She was confused. My name is Grace.

[captain1202]

Personally, I prefer the silver looking balls and wooden cut-out animals elegantly painted. I can't see why you'd want birdbaths and benches. :joke:

[jadebox]

We were going the back way from the pool at Hacienda Hills Country Club in our golf car. Not sure where we were but I think Santo Domingo. There was a house there with a full size cannon in the front yard. I am sure he thinks that if it is OK for a tasteful statue it is OK for his cannon.

[nanci2539]

I get it! Okay folks; point made. Thanks for the feedback.

[MnGirl]

If you wonder why there are restrictions you only need to drive down Atwell in Polo to find a home with more than 50 dog statues up the walk and around the circular driveway.
Good taste? Who's the judge? Again, common sense. I have to say restrictions are a good thing.

[graciegirl]

Nanci,

Sometimes written communications lack the smile, the wink, the touch of the hand. I know that you have beautiful taste. I absolutely know what you want to bring with you would be elegant and properly placed.

I hope you will come to the villages and enjoy every minute. I too, (we just bought a house last week) am wondering how I can be restricted in gardening. Imagine having to play "Mother May I" to remove a tree that is legally yours, but I feel sure it will work out for both of us. All I can remember from last week is beautiful things to see, my favorite being the smiles on the faces of the residents.

Welcome to Paradise, Nanci!

Hugs, GracieGirl

[nanci2539]

Gracie; I'm not offended at all. Everyone had a right to their opinion and living in a covenant driven comunity, I understand what it all means. My personal feeling is there should be control as there is where I live. No plastic, limited ornamental in front, nothing oversized, etc.

My friend who moved to Duval is really upset. She has a neighbor on one side that she hasn't seen since they moved in. They know people live there because they see the trash out. She went over a few times and rang the bell to introduce herself but nobody came to the door. The neighbor on the other side goes out of his way to ignore them. He will purposely turn away when they wave. When I was visiting, I saw it with my own eyes when I said hello and he ignored me.

So here they are in a neighborhood where the people are not friendly and she can't even put out her favorite piece of yard art! All I'm sayhing is I understand covenants, we have them here but we also have some controlled flexibility. I personally feel that people living with such rigid restrictions would welcome controlled covenants. But then again, I don't live there yet so I'm just making an observation.

[Boomer]

I had to make a decision this morning on where to post my little opinion piece. I thought about putting it in that other active thread that has to do with fences. These discussions are great, but because they take place over time, these discussions are often "second verse same as the first"...except for this time. I hear here that those controversial fences have actually appeared.

And in this thread, the talk has turned to how only those with the most exquisite taste should be allowed to display their treasures for all to see. What does that mean? If the concrete goose is wearing proper golf attire, he can be in the front yard?

You know, the economy is in rough times. It's not only real estate. ROI is getting harder to find. I don't think that busloads of boomers have arrived at TV's gate(s) yet. But you can bet the developer is many steps ahead of me in figuring all that out.

Marketing is the name of the game. And when times are tough, marketing must pull out all the stops. Throw up a few fences. See where that goes. Hey, it's cheaper than television. Can these fences be defined as a form of guerrilla marketing? Whatever. It's marketing and it seems to be working. And that's fine, as long as those fences don't start creeping around in TV.

I still think that the developer is missing out on a marketing campaign that could reap some serious profit in these tough times.

"The Village of Dowhatchawannado"

Just think...
1. Fences, high and low
2. The geegaws of each resident's individual decorating dreams
3. Geegaws can be in the front, the back, on the roof, nobody cares
4. As many pets as anybody wants to have
5. Park whatever wherever you can find a spot
6. And for those who think psychedelic paint jobs are groovy, so be it

And you know what? I don't really care. As long as all this stays in "The Village of Dowhatchawannado" and does not creep into the established village where I want to buy. I will choose to play by the rules. But I do not want those rules changed once I have made an investment in them.

Boomer

...

Wow. Boomer has got herself an edge this morning. I better get her outa here for the rest of the day.

C'mon, Boomer, stop typing. You're pounding the keyboard again. Get up off that exercise ball you use for a desk chair and let's go outside and play.

sorry.
AK :redface:

[Frangyomory]

I think reasonable covenants and restrictions are great but I would like some flexibility about putting a nice bench in front of my corner lot home. I would like to be able to have a place to sit and visit with my neighbors as they take their walks around the block. Happens we live in one of the friendliest neighborhoods and really get along well. We have monthly dinners for birthday celebrations; we have monthly breakfast for all the ladies in the neighborhood. We are a villa neighborhood with about 68 homes.

It would be nice to have a few special pieces in our neighborhood.

I am so sorry to hear that your friend's neighbors are not friendly. This is NOT typical of what I have heard from other Village neighborhoods.

I wish you the best of luck and hope your friend gets some really nice new neighbors.

[SteveZ]

Having unfriendly neighbors are luck-of-the-draw, and I'm very happy to say the luck has been with me. Mine are great!

As far s the covenants go, that's why you review them before you sign a contract, even if reading all that "fine print" takes time. When in doubt about the "understandability" ofthe fine print, you seek help. Real property law is not my forte, and I had the c/r's reviewed and explained, and I'm darned glad I did.

It's obvious that 466-South/466A-North was built with the lessons-learned from 466-North. The C/R's, as well as the width of the cart lanes testify to that. Most likely, 466A-South will also be built with the additional lessons-learned from the previous effort.

All that said - it's a great place to live and beats hands-down any other "retirement" community I've seen so far.

[chelsea24]

Hi Nanci, just a word about moving trees and such. We had a great landscaper and he gets the permits needed. He did move trees around to our liking. Great rules, yes, but they are not completely rigid. I think you'll do just fine. :bigthumbsup:

[fizzbyn]

TV will be our 5th home that has those kind of restrictions, so we're used to it and like that neighbors can't do weird things. A neighborhood where we live now got possession of a pink plastic flamingo that is put in one front yard until they get a notice and then it gets moved to another. Boomers have always been rebels.

[beady]

We moved into a neighborhood in Piedmont that is about 5 years old. Everyone here moved in within a year or so of each other. They are all very friendly except for one (who like your friends neighbor) never says hello or even waves. The rest of the folks have been very welcoming and we see them occasionally for neighborhood events. Four of us on my street are members of a book club. Other than that we wave and chat while out with our dogs. It is really a matter of luck, regarding how you will interact with your neighbors.
re:covenents: they help to make good neighbors. There is no accounting for people's taste which is highly evident over the Christmas holiday's. Thank goodness there is only 1 month with free reign for outside decorations. Generally the decorations are tasteful and quite beautiful, others garish and showy. Which leads me to believe it would be the same if the covenants allowed us to "decorate" our yards at will.
TV is a very special place, due in part by the careful planning of the developer and by the incredibly diverse population.

[graciegirl]

Warning! Thread hi jacking! :o

Boomer. Where have you been? I am so glad to see those little typing hands at it again. I haven't seen anything posted by you in 48 hours. I was terrified that you were thinking to move to West Palm Beach.
As usual, I agree. :agree: :agree: with everything you say.

I just wish I could say it like you do.

I think the developer is 'Up against the Wall' and I sure hope that it doesn't mean that more changes are coming. (That I don't like) Cracked, dried out, dingy Vinyl fences cause me to shudder.

[Halle]

Even though I don't agree with all the Restrictions I do understand the need for them and we abide by them. You will always have people who try to get around them or just think they don't apply to them. Whether it be having more pets them allowed or having yard decorations or numerous other infractions unfortunately it is going to happen. Hopefully the restrictions and covenants will help keep things from getting totally out of control and The Villages will continue to be a wonderful place to call home.

[l2ridehd]

So sad. I sure wish you could have your bench. Then I could have my 23 pink flamingos and the pear tree with a partridge, the statue of Ghangus Khan and the green Buddha. And I wanted to add a set of four maids a milking, so four cows as well. But will have to leave those things behind. And can I park the yellow school bus I made into a camper with a truck bed in the back?

The reason for restrictions as I am sure you realize, and they have to cover everything, is that what I think might be beautiful, someone else would hate. So it's not OK to have a bench, or the next persons bench might want one made for Paul Bunyon or painted a bright yellow or pink. And then they would get their attorney involved and say "well they have a bench, your discriminating because mine is a different color or larger size.

Be thankful the developer had enough foresight to realize everyone would have a different view of what looks great and say no to all of it.

Maybe there is a business opportunity here. Buy 10 acres of land and rent out space for lawn ornaments so people could come and look at their favorite things.

I am sure you will be able to work around it and find a way to enjoy the bits of the past we all want with us. And as to the neighbors who are not very friendly? I am sure it's there loss that they don't get to know the new people in town. Perhaps I was lucky as well, but all mine are really nice, friendly, and offer help and information when ever needed. I hope you find the same.

[njgranny]

Guess I'll have to leave my yard gnome at home. Just kidding folks!!!!!!!! I don't have a problem with the restrictions at all.

[nanci2539]

You know; sometimes you look at something and wonder why did I ever ask that question!!! Are you guys just giving me a bunch of cheap shots or are you just showing your humor? I'm sensitive - tell me it's humor even if it's a cheap shot!

[chelsea24]

Hey Nance, I'm sure it's mostly all humor. But if there are any cheat shots out there, just ignore them. People will be who they are whether they're living in "Paradise" or not. Anyway, I so look forward to meeting you and please don't be afraid to ask all the questions you want. :welcome:

[Boomer]

You know; sometimes you look at something and wonder why did I ever ask that question!!! Are you guys just giving me a bunch of cheap shots or are you just showing your humor? I'm sensitive - tell me it's humor even if it's a cheap shot!


Hi, nanci2539,

It is humor used to make a point. It is not a cheap shot. It is an attempt to redirect the thinking to the big picture. Restrictions can be hard enough to enforce. Imagine trying to enforce taste.

Truly, what does that mean?

I am sure that there are many mavens of good taste living in each and every village. And I am also certain that among such mavens, maybe a few might be found who would be quite thrilled to spend their days critiquing the humble submissions of yard art made by their neighbors.

But then what?

Dueling gnomes? Flame-throwing flamingos? Gazing balls catapulted through front windows?

Where would it all end?

You see, nanci2539, it would not, could not ever end. That is why it cannot start. And that is what I was saying in my post.

I used hyperbole to make a point. It's what I do sometimes. Taking a look at something through the lens of exaggeration may be a help in focusing on the big picture, rather than just on one little statue.

I often invite Humor into certain issues I find myself facing on a personal level, and if I am really lucky she will bring along her good friend Perspective.

I hope things go well for you, nanci. You will certainly be able to find many beautiful homes available in parts of TV where the rules may be more to your liking. Each village is lovely. It is such a good idea to rent first, as you are doing. Take your time to get the lay of the land. You will find the villages you like best, just as we did.

I hope this helps, nanci. As I look back on what I just wrote here in this post, I am thinking that trying to explain humor is much harder even than trying to explain taste. I wish you the best on your journey to your new home in TV.

Boomer :)

[nanci2539]

Now I'm laughing cause your post wasn't the one I was referring to! I know your humor Boomer and trust me, if a neighbor put out a plastic pot, I would be the first to shrill and make note that it was taking away from my beautiful cement pots!

But on a serious note; I do understand covenants and why most communities have them in place. I don't break them; I try to understand them. We came to a happy medium here where I live. Yes, you can have ornamentation; but no, you can't have them over a certain size or material (that would be the cheap plastic stuff). And only a few and if it's more than a few, we get that notice with the covenant circled in bright red attached to the notice.

So, please, no offense taken Boom - I really think you're funny! And by the way, that part about me being sensitive; I'm as sensitive as an earthquake! That part was my humor! Just ask Susan from Susan and Tom - she'll tell you!

[Boomer]

nanci,

OK.

Peace out.

Boomer

[samhass]

Boomer, where can I buy some of those dueling gnomes????? 1rnfl

[chelsea24]

I want the flame-throwing flamingos! Dibs! Dibs!

[samhass]

Chels, I was so torn between the two. Now that I know you want the flamingos, I want them , too. The gazing balls didn't do it for me. I would get so tired of replacing the windows. Don't worry about me having flaming flamingos...remember, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

[chelsea24]

1rnfl Sammy, you are truly divine and nuts!

[TomW]

I think the flamingo proposal has merit!

[Muncle]

If you wonder why there are restrictions you only need to drive down Atwell in Polo to find a home with more than 50 dog statues up the walk and around the circular driveway.
Good taste? Who's the judge? Again, common sense. I have to say restrictions are a good thing.

Minnie -- I happened to be in Polo Ridge today wasting precious gasoline and remembered your post. I even remembered it was Atwell, so I tracked down the house. Industrial Strength Cute!!! Adorable. Sooo sweet I almost went into hypoglycemic shock. Not something I would necessarily describe as classic sculpture a la Michaelangelo, Rodin, or even Frederick Remington, but they were, none the less, statues.

But the trip was well worth the expenditure in diminishing fossil fuels. When I returned south of 466, I felt such a sense of relief, of sensibility, of security, that I won't report my neighbor for having a bench in her back yard.

[njgranny]

Nancy,

My post was meant as humor. Actually, my DH bought me a garden gnome last year, but never got to painting it. The gnome will have to live inside a CYV fence. :) :) :)

We have a very pretty bench in our front yard under a really big oak tree. When we come to TV, it will go live with my son.

I don't live in a restricted community, but all our neighbors take care of their homes. I guess we're very lucky judging from some of the posts I've seen on here.

Have a great day. The sun is shining again in southern NJ.

Jan

[jflynn1]

Define "lawn ornament" A lawn ornament is something that resides on the lawn. Not on a front sidewalk, or alcove etc.

[Boomer]

OK.

This is an absolutely true story. I swear it is.

When we visited TV for a month, we went to a lot of open houses. On the very first day, in the very first open house, the agent was not busy so I started quizzing her at great length, asking her to explain the plan for the governance of TV in the future.

Well, she seemed to know her stuff, and she explained the whole thing in great detail.

But she kept talking about the future governance as dictated by the Florida statues.

Well, you all now know how nice I am, and that I would never intentionally hurt anyone's feelings.

I just politely chewed the inside of my mouth raw so as not to burst out laughing as the agent went on and on about those Florida statues and how they had everything in place so that all would be well with TV in perpetuity.

The Florida statues said this and the Florida statues said that. She was really convincing me that the statues had it all under control. (I kept thinking about how that statue of Walt Disney had been doing a pretty good job.)

Now I realize that I might have been lulled into a false sense of security. I guess I was being a bit of a snot, laughing, albeit on the inside, while she reassured me that the Florida statues would protect our investment in TV property.

Suddenly, as of just now, I am so afraid that agent might have been speaking the absolute truth. And I now know that I am going to lie awake all night, tossing, turning, trying so hard to get a grip, telling myself over and over, "That agent really meant to say statutes. The statutes will take care of the property owners. Yes. Uh huh. That's what she meant to say. She did. Really. Really. She was not talking about statues. Or was she??? OH NO!!!!"

And now...in the newer parts of TV???? OH NO!!!!! OH NO!!!!!

The Florida statues that I learned all about that first day in TV...

Those Florida statues that agent promised would take care of me well into my dotage and beyond...

Those Florida statues that agent said had promised to love, honor and cherish me until perpetuity we do part...

NOW, THOSE FLORIDA STATUES ARE NOT EVEN ALLOWED IN!!!!!

Boomer

[chelsea24]

1rnfl OMG Boomer that is so funny! I love your sense of humor. :bigthumbsup:

[Muncle]

B3,
How quickly you despair. The Florida statue to which the agent was referring was undoubtedly the one of our founder, Harold Schwartz, in Spanish Springs. I'm reassured of our future whenever I look at the thing. I applied to the Architectural Review Panel to erect a similar Harold Schwartz statue next to the putting green in my back yard. I thought the folks south of 466 could use the inspiration. Unfortunately, they would only approve it if it was a fountain and I thought it would be sacrilegious to have Mr. Schwartz spouting water from his mouth or some other body part, potable or non. I'm not giving up, however. I am scouring the Florida statutes on Florida statues in hope of relief.

[samhass]

Boomer, You are a hoot! 1rnfl

[Boomer]

B3,
How quickly you despair. The Florida statue to which the agent was referring was undoubtedly the one of our founder, Harold Schwartz, in Spanish Springs. I'm reassured of our future whenever I look at the thing. I applied to the Architectural Review Panel to erect a similar Harold Schwartz statue next to the putting green in my back yard. I thought the folks south of 466 could use the inspiration. Unfortunately, they would only approve it if it was a fountain and I thought it would be sacrilegious to have Mr. Schwartz spouting water from his mouth or some other body part, potable or non. I'm not giving up, however. I am scouring the Florida statutes on Florida statues in hope of relief.


Oh Munc,

Thank you. I will sleep so much better just knowing that you are working on this. And I completely agree that Harold should never have to spew anything, not even TV Kool-Aid.

And I trust that you will never allow anyone to try to make the beloved Harold assume the position of a bench.

How wonderful that the south side is in your capable hands. You are a true Renaissance man, and I know that you will find the perfect way to use your broad knowledge to handle this important issue.

Go Muncle. Go Muncle. Go Muncle. Go Muncle.

B3

[nancyincharlotte]

We have bonsai and would want to do "japanese-american" landscaping with lanterns, rocks, and lots of inground plantings. Do we need to fall out of love with The Villages and start looking elsewhere?:(

[downeaster]

We have bonsai and would want to do "japanese-american" landscaping with lanterns, rocks, and lots of inground plantings. Do we need to fall out of love with The Villages and start looking elsewhere?:(

Lanterns may be a problem, Nancy. You would need to submit plans to the Architectural Revue Committee. I am not sure how you would accomplish this prior to purchase. Perhaps a detailed discussion with the sales department would help. You may find it won't work here. You may find you can make adjustments in your wishes in order for it to work. It is a matter of priorities.

Hope this helps and good luck.

[uujudy]

We have bonsai and would want to do "japanese-american" landscaping with lanterns, rocks, and lots of inground plantings. Do we need to fall out of love with The Villages and start looking elsewhere?:(

Nancyincharlotte,

I think that if you have a courtyard villa you can do anything you want inside the walls without architectural approval, as long as the neighbors can't see it. Fellow TOTVers, is this right?

If you have a designer or premium home you can landscape with plants and rocks and pots and fountains. I think the lanterns would have to be under the eaves, but I'm not sure, because I see quite a few solar walkway lights in our neighborhood. Do any of you TOTVers know about lanterns?

Judy
PS: Why does 'landscape' have a search hyperlink?

[Bogie Shooter]

We have bonsai and would want to do "japanese-american" landscaping with lanterns, rocks, and lots of inground plantings. Do we need to fall out of love with The Villages and start looking elsewhere?:(

Try calling the Deed Compliance office, they should be able to answer your question. These numbers were found at the VCCD web site, http://www.districtgov.org

Deed Compliance
Phone: 352-751-3912
Fax: 352-751-6707


Architectural Review
Phone: 352-751-6719
Fax: 352-751-6707
Email Architectural Review

Business Hours:
8am to 5pm, EST
Monday – Friday
Excluding Holidays

[uujudy]

Well there ya go! Bogie Shooter knows the answer! Don't we have the smartest people on this forum? :thumbup:

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

Are Pink Flamingos OK? How about used car tire with flowers? :22yikes:

[Uptown Girl]

How about used car tire with flowers? :22yikes:

I once knew a guy who had a coffee table like that....

[mrfixit]

:D:DAre Pink Flamingos OK? How about used car tire with flowers? :22yikes:

YEA>>YEA>>YEA... Ya just keep drivin' by me place... Just Wait 'til Tursdae.........Dat thar 20 gallon SHOP VAC just croaked..... done tru way the top pert...... gots me sum CAMO ta rap da tubb pert ...me gonna use it fer a plantir on whellz ... PLUS... Me old claw foot battub oot back is just rite fer dem taters ta gro in. Duh tubz whyte...matchis da sidin purfic. Yoo well see... me stuff is purdy in da yarid. come git a lookey sea. Furst lef in ta ********** den goe ta duh ind uf da rode. knowbudy in da hood done nevir saide nuttin. Leased knot whin me bee oot thar pollyshin me ryefulls. Cain't wayte tuh gits bak ta duh Vilagees ta see me stuf smore. sea yuh tursdae. Jus az za FER YUR INNFO........dat bees uh trator tyr me pit tham flars inta...knot a car tyr. ( we callz zem "rode on casings" ...knot "used tires.)

[THE NEWCOMER]

How about a bird bath and bird feeder in the back yard of a courtyard villa?

[GeorgeT]

I tried a bird feeder but found that seed would fall on the ground and rodents had a feast.

[Skybo]

A neighborhood where we live now got possession of a pink plastic flamingo that is put in one front yard until they get a notice and then it gets moved to another. Boomers have always been rebels.

I think the Hemmingway roaving flamingo you are referring to is "the party flamingo". It's placed in the yard of anyone who is hosting a driveway party/social that evening. Next time you see the flamingo stop and ask what time the party starts.

[uujudy]

I tried a bird feeder but found that seed would fall on the ground and rodents had a feast.

And where you have rodents you eventually have snakes... :22yikes:

[Barefoot]

We have bonsai and would want to do "japanese-american" landscaping with lanterns, rocks, and lots of inground plantings. Do we need to fall out of love with The Villages and start looking elsewhere?:(

If you call Deed Compliance as Bogie helpfully suggested, could you please post the reply here?

[handyman]

We were going the back way from the pool at Hacienda Hills Country Club in our golf car. Not sure where we were but I think Santo Domingo. There was a house there with a full size cannon in the front yard. I am sure he thinks that if it is OK for a tasteful statue it is OK for his cannon.

So much for concealed carry...........:D

[handyman]

So much for concealed carry...........:D

Sorry, I couldn't help myself....................:smiley:

[Bill-n-Brillo]

So much for concealed carry...........:D

Now THAT..........................was funny! :thumbup:

Bill :)

[GrandmaP]

Our driveway is so stained and am disappointed that we can't paint it or stain it. Doesn't look very nice. We also wanted to improve the outside by putting small windows in the garage door. No to that also! We were given a lengthy explanation that I didn't really understand. Again, disappointed. Guess we should have bought a villa where the builder already had done this.

[Bogie Shooter]

Our driveway is so stained and am disappointed that we can't paint it or stain it. Doesn't look very nice. We also wanted to improve the outside by putting small windows in the garage door. No to that also! We were given a lengthy explanation that I didn't really understand. Again, disappointed. Guess we should have bought a villa where the builder already had done this.

What house did you buy? Where are you located? Driveways are painted all over TV.....did AR turn you down?
People put windows in their garage doors all over TV.
We need more info?

[batman911]

One persons art is another persons eyesore.

[graciegirl]

What house did you buy? Where are you located? Driveways are painted all over TV.....did AR turn you down?
People put windows in their garage doors all over TV.
We need more info?

I think in walled villa neighborhoods that painting driveways isn't allowed, but I don't know that for sure.

BUT I have some answers if your driveway is stained.

[ncr2482]

CYV driveways can be painted. This changed about one year ago. A majority of the owners have to approve the driveway painting and agree on the color. Speckles are allowed, but no borders. Each owner must submit their own request to the ACC. We have 62 homes in our villa neighborhood. We had the required majority and to date 1/3 of the homes painted the driveways. If you sign the petition to prove the painting you are under no obligation to paint your own driveway,this allows those wanting to paint to paint.

[Challenger]

We have lived in two Villa communities and had driveways painted in each. Need to contact AR and talk about process. 51% of residents have to agree to allow painting and decide on allowable collors

[gomoho]

Don't live in a villa, but think painted/stained driveways are so much more attractive than plain old concrete. If ARC can approve that design maybe they could approve some "yard art"??? Oh, they probably don't want to be innundated with requests. Just a thought.l

[galeforce]

So I guess that means no Christmas decorating? I'm renting my home out and have never lived there. Guess I better read up! Here's a question, my realtor said that even though there is a two dog restriction, if you have three when you move in you can keep them all but when something happens to one of them, you need to remain with just two dogs from that point forward. Would you all say this is true or did she just wanted a sale?

[asianthree]

So I guess that means no Christmas decorating? I'm renting my home out and have never lived there. Guess I better read up! Here's a question, my realtor said that even though there is a two dog restriction, if you have three when you move in you can keep them all but when something happens to one of them, you need to remain with just two dogs from that point forward. Would you all say this is true or did she just wanted a sale?

that's true and yes you can have christmas decor

[PaPaLarry]

I'm really enjoying the humor in this thread:pepper2::a040::1rotfl::1rotfl: I don't think I've seen any mention of "flying orniments" etc from a hurricane or storm? I can just see a person bringing charges to a neighborhood, because 3 pink flamingo's, went flying through someones picture window???:mademyday: Well, just look at all the posotive things we have here!! I'm happy with the developers regulations, and I'm happy with my neighbors. Have a Nice day!!!:D

[OpusX1]

All Holiday decorations are good for 30 days I believe.

[sueandskip]

Forgot to tell you, we live in a CYV where we have a few more restrictions. We can only have a certain color garage door screen and we cannot paint or otherwise decorate or seal our driveways. :edit:

Everyone south of 466 has the same restriction on driveway color , but most don't pay any attention to it...I just went to get the approved colors for my driveway and patio and got 3 colors to choose from, for the village of caroline...The approved colors is dependent on the color of your house...Do I like this..Answer yes....When I look at my neighborhood and what it looks like and I think of other neighborhoods I lived in that had no restrictions , I will keep what I have...It seems there are many opinions of what is good and what is bad...The difference is they are not in charge ...

[sueandskip]

Our driveway is so stained and am disappointed that we can't paint it or stain it. Doesn't look very nice. We also wanted to improve the outside by putting small windows in the garage door. No to that also! We were given a lengthy explanation that I didn't really understand. Again, disappointed. Guess we should have bought a villa where the builder already had done this.

Another good reason to buy preowned !

[drcar]

This amazes me! We sign a agreement, DONT read it, then complain about it! I love the rule about the lawn ornaments, because it stops the bull about havig to chose what it in "good" taste! We live in beautiful community, the rules KEEP it that WAY! The only problem with the rule is people have to report people!

[jtdraig]

It was mentioned that in the back was OK. Can we have a 'pot' garden in the back? To be more specific.....roses, tomates, peppers growing in pots....not the other kiind of pot.

I have a really nice looking herb garden on our little grilling pad that I had installed..the herbs look beautiful and it's a nice complement to the back yard.