ARC/Deed Restriction Compliance

[downeaster]

I recently decided to construct a raised planting bed using landscape blocks. I presented the plan to The Architectural Review Committee. The Committee denied my request because it extended 3' into an easement I didn't know existed. It seems there are 12' between me and my neighbor and 10' of that is easement. They suggested just moving so there was no encroachment. I agreed and the project was approved (and almost completed).
I have since noticed there are numerous homes with construction extending well beyond a possible easement.
I have talked to a lot of my friends about this and none knew of any easements between homes. So I thought a "heads up" here was in order.
My advice is do not construct or plant without ARC approval. The process is pretty straight forward.

[yabbadu]

I recently decided to construct a raised planting bed using landscape blocks. I presented the plan to The Architectural Review Committee. The Committee denied my request because it extended 3' into an easement I didn't know existed. It seems there are 12' between me and my neighbor and 10' of that is easement. They suggested just moving so there was no encroachment. I agreed and the project was approved (and almost completed).
I have since noticed there are numerous homes with construction extending well beyond a possible easement.
I have talked to a lot of my friends about this and none knew of any easements between homes. So I thought a "heads up" here was in order.
My advice is do not construct or plant without ARC approval. The process is pretty straight forward.

I followed the guidelines and happy I did. My new neighbor behind me has not and I have yet to decide what my next step will be. They installed plants/mulch right up to their property line because their landscaper said it was OK. They did NOT take out the permit!

[Villager Joyce]

I followed the guidelines and happy I did. My new neighbor behind me has not and I have yet to decide what my next step will be. They installed plants/mulch right up to their property line because their landscaper said it was OK. They did NOT take out the permit!

A friend said there is a difference between hardscape and softscape. IMO mulch and plants are softscape; raised beds are hardscape. I would need to feel I was harmed, really harmed, before I took any action, including broaching the subject with the neighbor.

[rubicon]

ARC Deed Restriction Compliance was one of the major factors for relocating to The Villages. I hope they never back off for all of our protections. We all have seen what happens to a town with adequate zoning rules that are enforced

[Warren Kiefer]

I recently decided to construct a raised planting bed using landscape blocks. I presented the plan to The Architectural Review Committee. The Committee denied my request because it extended 3' into an easement I didn't know existed. It seems there are 12' between me and my neighbor and 10' of that is easement. They suggested just moving so there was no encroachment. I agreed and the project was approved (and almost completed).
I have since noticed there are numerous homes with construction extending well beyond a possible easement.
I have talked to a lot of my friends about this and none knew of any easements between homes. So I thought a "heads up" here was in order.
My advice is do not construct or plant without ARC approval. The process is pretty straight forward.

Sadly, the ARC is more of a paper lion than anything. if you study the covenants you will discover there are practically no specifics other than unattached buildings or roof top antennas. We fought an issue for nearly a year and the final decision not in our favor was the wording "aesthetically pleasing". ARC defined this to mean " beauty is in the eye of the beholder".. Further defined as what is ugly to one person might be beautiful to another.
Our entire neighborhood found that ARC basically has no power to deny anything. If it is not specifically noted in the covenants, you have ne recourse.

[Villager Joyce]

Inconsistency is what I find so frustrating. Not long ago there was a threat that went on for days because a person reported everyone with a yard gnome or whatever. It was reported here that each offending homeowner got a letter advising them to fix the violation. It is being reported in this thread that ARC has no power. Which is right?

[Polar Bear]

Architectural restrictions are often subjective and enforcement may be iffy. But if there is an encroachment into an easement, that is a different situation. The easement is in favor of a body or bodies (utility companies, etc.), legally binding, and are very enforceable.

And it is not in a party's best interest to build anything (hard or soft, but especially hard) into an easement. Worst case it could encumber the home when it is time to sell.

[njbchbum]

Inconsistency is what I find so frustrating. Not long ago there was a threat that went on for days because a person reported everyone with a yard gnome or whatever. It was reported here that each offending homeowner got a letter advising them to fix the violation. It is being reported in this thread that ARC has no power. Which is right?

ARC does have authority over any project presented to it.

Violations of deed restrictions must be reported by the offended and that outcome determined by the other part of Deed Compliance Division.

[redwitch]

Architectural restrictions are often subjective and enforcement may be iffy. But if there is an encroachment into an easement, that is a different situation. The easement is in favor of a body or bodies (utility companies, etc.), legally binding, and are very enforceable.

And it is not in a party's best interest to build anything (hard or soft, but especially hard) into an easement. Worst case it could encumber the home when it is time to sell.

And here I thought the worst that could happen would be tree and bush roots becoming entangled with whatever is under the easement. I never even considered the encumbrance issues and the joys of having to remove fully grown plants.

[graciegirl]

Inconsistency is what I find so frustrating. Not long ago there was a threat that went on for days because a person reported everyone with a yard gnome or whatever. It was reported here that each offending homeowner got a letter advising them to fix the violation. It is being reported in this thread that ARC has no power. Which is right?

Joyce, I think there was a big brouhaha a few weeks back because one single person drove around and made dozens of complaints by email.


There have been folks who built something tangible without permission and it extended into the no-no zone and it had to be removed, I remember reading that on this forum when we first moved here.. If you have a yard gnome that isn't under the eaves and it is reported, you need to tuck that guy under the eaves or put him in the back or you will get a fine if he is reported.


There has been a good deal of reporting and the yards are pretty much uncluttered south of 466 and south of 466A near Morse. I see a lot more "stuff" in people's yards near Lake Deaton when we go to visit friends. If someone reports them, they will be notified and if they don't comply they will be fined.


I know this because a close neighbor in our first neighborhood here had a BUNCH of yard stuff and she was very vocal about the process.

[queasy27]

A friend said there is a difference between hardscape and softscape. IMO mulch and plants are softscape; raised beds are hardscape.

In addition to possible encumbrances during a sale, if easement access is ever needed/enforced, those nice softscape plants could be goners.

downeaster, what are you putting in your raised beds? Edibles? :)

[JoMar]

We just received our ARC approval today from out landscaper for the landscaping we are doing next month. It does extend into the easement on the side of the house and we are aware that if a utility needs to get in there they can dig it up. Our project will involve hardscape and softscape but we were willing to take the risk. My understanding is if the Community Standards questions and you have ARC approval Community Standards will back off. Without ARC approval Community Standards will enforce through notifications, fines and eventually escalating liens. They are trying to keep our neighborhoods consistent and we all know what lawn ornaments can bring. Your'r might be tasteful but others may figure that if you can have them so can they then the flamingo's start to show up, or the 5' statues. What's nice is we enforce our own neighborhoods for the most part. Because of the density, what our neighbors do impacts us, both in aesthetics and value. Also, if you want to make a complaint, call it in, don't email.

[downeaster]

Architectural restrictions are often subjective and enforcement may be iffy. But if there is an encroachment into an easement, that is a different situation. The easement is in favor of a body or bodies (utility companies, etc.), legally binding, and are very enforceable.

And it is not in a party's best interest to build anything (hard or soft, but especially hard) into an easement. Worst case it could encumber the home when it is time to sell.

Good point.

BTW, the easements are not only for utilities. They are also for drainage. There have been subdivisions built in the past with little or no regard for drainage and they later paid the price. Deltona is an example.

The Developer has done a great job in controlling flooding.

[rjm1cc]

You want to find the plot plan for your area. That should show the easements. Try the county building office if the builders sales office does not have a copy. I know in my loop I share a 5 foot easement with the neighbor on my left but none on the right. Most of the houses on the loop do not have and easement between houses. I can plant in the easement but the HOA does not have to repair any of my planting if they need to use the easement.
Your plot plan that you got at settlement should show your easements.

[Polar Bear]

...Most of the houses on the loop do not have and easement between houses...

Could be, but would be fairly unusual if so. There are usually at least drainage easements between houses, where the rainfall runs between homes either to the street or to drainage swales to the rear.

Best be certain.

[downeaster]

In addition to possible encumbrances during a sale, if easement access is ever needed/enforced, those nice softscape plants could be goners.

downeaster, what are you putting in your raised beds? Edibles? :)

Crepe myrtle, roses so far. Room for more to be decided by She Who Must Be Obeyed.

[cmj1210]

Joyce, I think there was a big brouhaha a few weeks back because one single person drove around and made dozens of complaints by email.


There have been folks who built something tangible without permission and it extended into the no-no zone and it had to be removed, I remember reading that on this forum when we first moved here.. If you have a yard gnome that isn't under the eaves and it is reported, you need to tuck that guy under the eaves or put him in the back or you will get a fine if he is reported.


There has been a good deal of reporting and the yards are pretty much uncluttered south of 466 and south of 466A near Morse. I see a lot more "stuff" in people's yards near Lake Deaton when we go to visit friends. If someone reports them, they will be notified and if they don't comply they will be fined.


I know this because a close neighbor in our first neighborhood here had a BUNCH of yard stuff and she was very vocal about the process.


Gracie, not all homes to the south have deed restrictions for lawn ornaments. We live in Lake Deaton & there aren't any restrictions. We had a neighbor that had a bird feeder, a neighbor complained, down it came then to find out there are no restrictions so back up it went.

[dirtbanker]

I followed the guidelines and happy I did. My new neighbor behind me has not and I have yet to decide what my next step will be. They installed plants/mulch right up to their property line because their landscaper said it was OK. They did NOT take out the permit!

That has to be disturbing to stare at...the mulch beds would look way better with grass between them and your property line, it would also make your yard appear larger (and yet he would have to mow that area for you!). :cryin2:

It is your duty as a Villager to turn him in !!!:22yikes:

[vette]

Sadly, the ARC is more of a paper lion than anything.

We fought an issue for nearly a year and the final decision not in our favor was the wording "aesthetically pleasing". ARC defined this to mean " beauty is in the eye of the beholder".. Further defined as what is ugly to one person might be beautiful to another.

Our entire neighborhood found that ARC basically has no power to deny anything. If it is not specifically noted in the covenants, you have ne recourse.

Hi Warren,
Maybe it's only because I haven't had my 2nd cup of coffee yet, but I'm confused by your post! My understanding of it says the ARC can't deny anything but then you state how you were denied? So please help me understand. TIA :mornincoffee:

[gomsiepop]

Make sure that the landscaper you hire submits a drawing and plan to ARC. As the homeowner, I was responsible for making sure this was done. Because I trusted the landscaper I hired I assumed that he was doing what was necessary. I found out after my neighbor filed a complaint with ARC and I was informed that I have a violation on record. Because I am not on speaking terms with the landscaper I emailed him only to receive a very, very nasty letter from his wife stating that it was my fault that the plans were submitted and then "retracted" by the landscaper. Be very careful who you hire and don't assume anything is being done unless it is in writing. There are very unscrupulous landscapers working in The Villages who will take our money and do what they will. I cannot name the company I hired because his wife monitors this site. I had all my posts removed by the Administrator after the landscaper's wife reported these posts. If anyone wants to know who this landscaper is all they have to do is PM me and I will let them know who this company is. $20,000 and I'm still paying for his lack of knowledge.

[Bogie Shooter]

You want to find the plot plan for your area. That should show the easements. Try the county building office if the builders sales office does not have a copy. I know in my loop I share a 5 foot easement with the neighbor on my left but none on the right. Most of the houses on the loop do not have and easement between houses. I can plant in the easement but the HOA does not have to repair any of my planting if they need to use the easement.
Your plot plan that you got at settlement should show your easements.

What HOA?

[yabbadu]

A friend said there is a difference between hardscape and softscape. IMO mulch and plants are softscape; raised beds are hardscape. I would need to feel I was harmed, really harmed, before I took any action, including broaching the subject with the neighbor.

Thank You for your opinion However the ARC told me directly and gave me guidelines to follow and one thing for sure is that you CANNOT put any scape onto or up to the property line which could possibly inhibit water flow or access to the underground utilities.
If you do not believe me feel free to check out the guidelines at the ARC offices. I am in District 9

[yabbadu]

That has to be disturbing to stare at...the mulch beds would look way better with grass between them and your property line, it would also make your yard appear larger (and yet he would have to mow that area for you!). :cryin2:

It is your duty as a Villager to turn him in !!!:22yikes:

Thank You.

[gap2415]

Gracie, not all homes to the south have deed restrictions for lawn ornaments. We live in Lake Deaton & there aren't any restrictions. We had a neighbor that had a bird feeder, a neighbor complained, down it came then to find out there are no restrictions so back up it went.

We had a bird feeder, two rats loved it and they entered our garage when driving out. We trapped the rats and down came the feeder. Now two doors down I see a feeder in my neighbors yard. I will mention it to him one on one but just tell him my story. We left an area because of the Pharisees...always trying to see what "others" we're doing wrong. They were hated by the rest of the subdivision but that didn't hinder their compulsion and attacks on others.

Please uphold the "spirit" of the rules to keep values up in a neighborhood and not be a busybody nit picker that hurts others. You will be found out....and nobody likes a snitch. If it really bothers you. Kindly reflect why and how much it really hurts the situation. If that doesn't work, politely talk to your neighbor and do listen to his or her reply. Who knows, it may be the start of a beautiful friendship no matter what the outcome.

[Villager Joyce]

Thank You for your opinion However the ARC told me directly and gave me guidelines to follow and one thing for sure is that you CANNOT put any scape onto or up to the property line which could possibly inhibit water flow or access to the underground utilities.
If you do not believe me feel free to check out the guidelines at the ARC offices. I am in District 9

I did not mean to imply you were not telling the truth. I will not apologize for stating my opinion.

[Villager Joyce]

We had a bird feeder, two rats loved it and they entered our garage when driving out. We trapped the rats and down came the feeder. Now two doors down I see a feeder in my neighbors yard. I will mention it to him one on one but just tell him my story. We left an area because of the Pharisees...always trying to see what "others" we're doing wrong. They were hated by the rest of the subdivision but that didn't hinder their compulsion and attacks on others.

Please uphold the "spirit" of the rules to keep values up in a neighborhood and not be a busybody nit picker that hurts others. You will be found out....and nobody likes a snitch. If it really bothers you. Kindly reflect why and how much it really hurts the situation. If that doesn't work, politely talk to your neighbor and do listen to his or her reply. Who knows, it may be the start of a beautiful friendship no matter what the outcome.

I don't have a bird feeder for the same reason. Fortunately my story ended in the yard, not the garage!! I would let a neighbor know about unwanted guests just in case they didn't know.

[Challenger]

Gracie, not all homes to the south have deed restrictions for lawn ornaments. We live in Lake Deaton & there aren't any restrictions. We had a neighbor that had a bird feeder, a neighbor complained, down it came then to find out there are no restrictions so back up it went.

I would re read your restrictions. It is highly unlikely that there are "no restrictions " that would prevent or limit yard ornaments.

[NavyNJ]

Gracie, not all homes to the south have deed restrictions for lawn ornaments. We live in Lake Deaton & there aren't any restrictions. We had a neighbor that had a bird feeder, a neighbor complained, down it came then to find out there are no restrictions so back up it went.

CMJ - Not sure where in Lake Deaton you live, but in Unit 234 where we are, Section 2.16 of the Deed Restrictions & Covenants pretty clearly states what types of signs and/or structures a homeowner is allowed to erect. And it also clearly states that Lawn Ornaments, except for seasonal/holiday stuff, are prohibited. Is your Unit handled differently?

[cmj1210]

I would re read your restrictions. It is highly unlikely that there are "no restrictions " that would prevent or limit yard ornaments.


We have read & reread the restrictions on this. Nothing is stated in the deed restrictions regarding ornaments, therefore it is legal. Believe me I am not a fan of lawn ornaments & there are some in my area that I am not a fan of. I do wish there was a restriction.

[twoplanekid]

For deed compliance for all Districts in Sumter County go to and read -> VCDD Deed Compliance - Sumter County (http://www.districtgov.org/departments/Community-Standards/deedrestrict-SumterCounty.aspx)

For my house in Lake Deaton it says in Section 2.16 " No sign ...... Lawn ornaments are prohibited, except for seasonal displays ...."

May have to take my clothesline down!:angel:

[Warren Kiefer]

Joyce, I think there was a big brouhaha a few weeks back because one single person drove around and made dozens of complaints by email.


There have been folks who built something tangible without permission and it extended into the no-no zone and it had to be removed, I remember reading that on this forum when we first moved here.. If you have a yard gnome that isn't under the eaves and it is reported, you need to tuck that guy under the eaves or put him in the back or you will get a fine if he is reported.


There has been a good deal of reporting and the yards are pretty much uncluttered south of 466 and south of 466A near Morse. I see a lot more "stuff" in people's yards near Lake Deaton when we go to visit friends. If someone reports them, they will be notified and if they don't comply they will be fined.


I know this because a close neighbor in our first neighborhood here had a BUNCH of yard stuff and she was very vocal about the process.


Covenants, deed restrictions and easements are totally different issues. In addition, deed restrictions and covenants vary throughout the Villages. For instance, in my neighborhood there are no restrictions regarding lawn ornaments while in nearby Marion County ornaments are forbidden. Easements are established boundaries providing for utilities, drainage and etc. ARC has very limited regulations in most areas and their decisions can easily be over ruled by your local CDD board on appeal.

[RickeyD]

We live in Lake Deaton, I know there are no restrictions regarding lawn ornaments, therefore anything goes even a replica of Michaelangelo's David if one so desires.

[Challenger]

We live in Lake Deaton, I know there are no restrictions regarding lawn ornaments, therefore anything goes even a replica of Michaelangelo's David if one so desires.

Article 5, Section 4--No ornaments - last sentence

[villagetinker]

Thank You for your opinion However the ARC told me directly and gave me guidelines to follow and one thing for sure is that you CANNOT put any scape onto or up to the property line which could possibly inhibit water flow or access to the underground utilities.
If you do not believe me feel free to check out the guidelines at the ARC offices. I am in District 9

I was told the same as above. A previous neighbor and I were going to do a COMMON privacy hedge between the houses, and to avoid a 4 ft grass area between the hedges, we contacted ARC about planting in the "drainage area", and we were told absolutely NO planting, especially NO ground cover in drainage areas.

[RickeyD]

Article 5, Section 4--No ornaments - last sentence


...

[cmj1210]

Article 5, Section 4--No ornaments - last sentence


Thank you for the info. I see this now. Don't know how I missed it. [emoji12]

[Challenger]

Thank you for the info. I see this now. Don't know how I missed it. [emoji12]

Understandable
Small print- kind of hidden

Sic em!

[Bogie Shooter]

Speed reading?

[cmj1210]

Speed reading?


[emoji6]

[cmj1210]

Understandable

Small print- kind of hidden



Sic em!


[emoji6]

[RickeyD]

Lake Deaton, you are hereby on notice ! All lawn ornaments are to be gone by next Tuesday. And that includes all the fat lady's with the polka dot underwear !

[Challenger]

Lake Deaton, you are hereby on notice ! All lawn ornaments are to be gone by next Tuesday. And that includes all the fat lady's with the polka dot underwear !

Is that the famous singing Fat Lady?:sing:

[JoMar]

We have read & reread the restrictions on this. Nothing is stated in the deed restrictions regarding ornaments, therefore it is legal. Believe me I am not a fan of lawn ornaments & there are some in my area that I am not a fan of. I do wish there was a restriction.

If you are in District 10 there is a restriction......not sure what you are reading. If you are not in District 10 you might have something different. Of course if someone objects to something you do to your home I guess the District will help with the interpretation.

[JoMar]

Covenants, deed restrictions and easements are totally different issues. In addition, deed restrictions and covenants vary throughout the Villages. For instance, in my neighborhood there are no restrictions regarding lawn ornaments while in nearby Marion County ornaments are forbidden. Easements are established boundaries providing for utilities, drainage and etc. ARC has very limited regulations in most areas and their decisions can easily be over ruled by your local CDD board on appeal.

There was an article recently about a lady that built a wall, had it painted a funky color which created a neighborhood revolt. The took it to Community Standards who tried to force the removal until they found the ARC approval then then backed off. I understand the CDD did the same thing since the CDD rarely challenges the decisions made by the District.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

A friend said there is a difference between hardscape and softscape. IMO mulch and plants are softscape; raised beds are hardscape. I would need to feel I was harmed, really harmed, before I took any action, including broaching the subject with the neighbor.

That seems reasonable. If soft scape were banned, you wouldn't be able sod the area.

[downeaster]

That seems reasonable. If soft scape were banned, you wouldn't be able sod the area.

Not sure of the definition of "softs scape" but without ground cover there would be erosion leading to an ugly ditch between houses.

[Barefoot]

We have read & reread the restrictions on this. Nothing is stated in the deed restrictions regarding ornaments, therefore it is legal.

I've heard that most of the gardening centers are now sold out of Fat Ladies with Polka-dot Underwear. :doh:
To Lake Deaton residents.

[Polar Bear]

Softscape is an unofficial, non-technical term. All yard areas...especially drainage areas...should be sodded if no other use is approved.

[yabbadu]

I did not mean to imply you were not telling the truth. I will not apologize for stating my opinion.

Do not expect you to apologize!. But in the end its facts that dictates what is allowed, Not opinions.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Is it the ARC that you would complain to for someone that has a car parked on the grass or fences around their property?

[John_W]

There are parts of Lake Deaton that are nothing like the rest of TV. Yesterday I went to a Rays game and on the way back we had to drop off someone who lived in Lake Deaton. His street 'Wading Heron Way' was the most beautiful homes I've seen in TV. The guy we dropped off paid $1.1 million for his home, and that doesn't include all the extensive landscaping and other stuff they had done. He said his neighbor owns 30 motorcycles and drives a different one everyday. I do believe they are not too concerned about lawn ornaments.

[RickeyD]

There are parts of Lake Deaton that are nothing like the rest of TV. Yesterday I went to a Rays game and on the way back we had to drop off someone who lived in Lake Deaton. His street 'Wading Heron Way' was the most beautiful homes I've seen in TV. The guy we dropped off paid $1.1 million for his home, and that doesn't include all the extensive landscaping and other stuff they had done. He said his neighbor owns 30 motorcycles and drives a different one everyday. I do believe they are not too concerned about lawn ornaments.


Not too sure about that, the lawn ornaments I mean. About 3 houses down from Warnock on Heron way stood a beautiful half scale metal horse sculpture on the front lawn of one of these houses. Now it's gone. I can only surmise it was told to be taken down.

[Challenger]

There are parts of Lake Deaton that are nothing like the rest of TV. Yesterday I went to a Rays game and on the way back we had to drop off someone who lived in Lake Deaton. His street 'Wading Heron Way' was the most beautiful homes I've seen in TV. The guy we dropped off paid $1.1 million for his home, and that doesn't include all the extensive landscaping and other stuff they had done. He said his neighbor owns 30 motorcycles and drives a different one everyday. I do believe they are not too concerned about lawn ornaments.

" we shall fight (them) on the beaches,
we shall fight (them) in the streets and fields
we shall fight (them) in the hills" Sir Winston

He was obviously talking about Lawn Ornaments--

[John_W]

Not too sure about that, the lawn ornaments I mean. About 3 houses down from Warnock on Heron way stood a beautiful half scale metal horse sculpture on the front lawn of one of these houses. Now it's gone. I can only surmise it was told to be taken down.

That road doesn't have any through traffic, and as I posted earlier they're all close to a million dollars or more in price. If that horse was as beautiful as you say, someone has to be mighty jealous to want to have it removed.

[dotti105]

So, I have a question. Please be kind and don't make me look it up!!

If the homes on our side of the street BACK up to a main road, in our case it is Pinellas, are there restrictions on lawn ornaments, etc.?

I got the impression that the restrictions only apply to the front yard. Is it different if the BACK yard is in open view? In our case more people pass our back yard then the front yard. With 11 homes on our street backing up to Pinellas, I am wondering what the restrictions may be.

Thanks, to all who are aware of the fine print!

[Bogie Shooter]

So, I have a question. Please be kind and don't make me look it up!!

If the homes on our side of the street BACK up to a main road, in our case it is Pinellas, are there restrictions on lawn ornaments, etc.?

I got the impression that the restrictions only apply to the front yard. Is it different if the BACK yard is in open view? In our case more people pass our back yard then the front yard. With 11 homes on our street backing up to Pinellas, I am wondering what the restrictions may be.

Thanks, to all who are aware of the fine print!

Community Standards
Phone: 352-751-3912

[OldManTime]

I recently decided to construct a raised planting bed using landscape blocks. I presented the plan to The Architectural Review Committee. The Committee denied my request because it extended 3' into an easement I didn't know existed. It seems there are 12' between me and my neighbor and 10' of that is easement. They suggested just moving so there was no encroachment. I agreed and the project was approved (and almost completed).
I have since noticed there are numerous homes with construction extending well beyond a possible easement.
I have talked to a lot of my friends about this and none knew of any easements between homes. So I thought a "heads up" here was in order.
My advice is do not construct or plant without ARC approval. The process is pretty straight forward.

So many people moving into the Villages never take a good look at all there deed restrictions before signing there purchase agreement. They seem to be starstruck, and just want to have fun :mad:

[downeaster]

Is it the ARC that you would complain to for someone that has a car parked on the grass or fences around their property?

See below.

Community Standards
Phone: 352-751-3912

[Northwoods]

Does anyone know if any action has been taken against a homeowner that has lawn ornaments, has received a warning letter, but chooses to ignore the letter? Do they "enforce" this rule? Or do they send a letter and then do nothing?

[Happinow]

I don't have a bird feeder for the same reason. Fortunately my story ended in the yard, not the garage!! I would let a neighbor know about unwanted guests just in case they didn't know.

We asked our neighbor to take down their bird feeder over a year ago and they haven't spoken to us since. They just moved last week.....

[JoMar]

Does anyone know if any action has been taken against a homeowner that has lawn ornaments, has received a warning letter, but chooses to ignore the letter? Do they "enforce" this rule? Or do they send a letter and then do nothing?

Community Standards will enforce......up to and including putting a lien against the property (although that will take a long time). As has been mentioned here many times, either call Community Standards or attend any of the District programs that will explain everything Villages.

[Villager Joyce]

We asked our neighbor to take down their bird feeder over a year ago and they haven't spoken to us since. They just moved last week.....

Unwanted guests in yard versus neighbor talking to me. Took me one second to weigh out the options.