Who is "The Developer"?

[alohakerry]

I learned, from ARC, that installing pavers in front of the house - small paver area/patio within retaining wall - is not allowed. (retaining wall and stones allowed - - just no pavers)
I am unable to find any rule stating this is not allowed. I was advised this is an unpublished rule that was decided upon by the Developer (will be published upon next update to rules). Sort of like having a speed limit but it is not posted. You only find the rule/law out when pulled over by an Officer.
When I asked for the name of the Developer I was advised "we are not allowed to give out that information".
Is there a special curtain to pull back in order to find out who the Developer/Wizard is?

I surely want to abide by all the ARC rules . . . just think they should be posted for all to know.

[golfing eagles]

I learned, from ARC, that installing pavers in front of the house - small paver area/patio within retaining wall - is not allowed. (retaining wall and stones allowed - - just no pavers)
I am unable to find any rule stating this is not allowed. I was advised this is an unpublished rule that was decided upon by the Developer (will be published upon next update to rules). Sort of like having a speed limit but it is not posted. You only find the rule/law out when pulled over by an Officer.
When I asked for the name of the Developer I was advised "we are not allowed to give out that information".
Is there a special curtain to pull back in order to find out who the Developer/Wizard is?

I surely want to abide by all the ARC rules . . . just think they should be posted for all to know.

All I can say, Dorothy, is that you're not in Kansas anymore:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Stu from NYC]

Gather you are new to the villages. Go to one of the new people meetings and you will learn all about this place. Dates published in the Sun.

[KsJayhawkers]

I learned, from ARC, that installing pavers in front of the house - small paver area/patio within retaining wall - is not allowed. (retaining wall and stones allowed - - just no pavers)
I am unable to find any rule stating this is not allowed. I was advised this is an unpublished rule that was decided upon by the Developer (will be published upon next update to rules). Sort of like having a speed limit but it is not posted. You only find the rule/law out when pulled over by an Officer.
When I asked for the name of the Developer I was advised "we are not allowed to give out that information".
Is there a special curtain to pull back in order to find out who the Developer/Wizard is?

I surely want to abide by all the ARC rules . . . just think they should be posted for all to know.

The Villages "Developer" is Director of Development Tommy McDonough.
His contact info:
Tommy McDonough
4450 N.E. 83rd Road | Wildwood, Florida 34785
Direct: 352.753.6219 | Fax: 352.753.6725
Email: Tommy.McDonough@thevillages.com

The Developer will not help you in this case. You need to look at your Deed Restrictions to see if pavers are allowed. If you feel they are allowed and ARC says they are not, you can appeal their decision to your District Board.

The Villages is owned and operated by the Morse Family under the corporation name The Villages of Lake-Sumter, Inc.

[Bogie Shooter]

The Villages "Developer" is Tommy McDonough.
His contact info:
Tommy McDonough
4450 N.E. 83rd Road | Wildwood, Florida 34785
Direct: 352.753.6219 | Fax: 352.753.6725
Email: Tommy.McDonough@thevillages.com

The Developer will not help you in this case. You need to look at your Deed Restrictions to see if pavers are allowed. If you feel they are allowed and ARC says they are not, you can appeal their decision to your District Board.
This a new name to me. What is his role?

[alohakerry]

The Villages "Developer" is Tommy McDonough.
His contact info:
Tommy McDonough
4450 N.E. 83rd Road | Wildwood, Florida 34785
Direct: 352.753.6219 | Fax: 352.753.6725
Email: Tommy.McDonough@thevillages.com

The Developer will not help you in this case. You need to look at your Deed Restrictions to see if pavers are allowed. If you feel they are allowed and ARC says they are not, you can appeal their decision to your District Board.


Thank you so much for the info! ARC told me they did not make this rule - that the Developer did. . .and that it isn't published . . yet.
I am unable to find any documentation - in ARC rules nor Deed restrictions - about no pavers in a front patio setting.
I fully intend to abide by all rules - - officially published rules.
Again, thank you!!

[BrianL99]

I learned, from ARC, that installing pavers in front of the house - small paver area/patio within retaining wall - is not allowed. (retaining wall and stones allowed - - just no pavers)
I am unable to find any rule stating this is not allowed. I was advised this is an unpublished rule that was decided upon by the Developer (will be published upon next update to rules). Sort of like having a speed limit but it is not posted. You only find the rule/law out when pulled over by an Officer.
When I asked for the name of the Developer I was advised "we are not allowed to give out that information".
Is there a special curtain to pull back in order to find out who the Developer/Wizard is?

I surely want to abide by all the ARC rules . . . just think they should be posted for all to know.

I think you're interpreting this situation, incorrectly.

The ARC has control over most any change to your home or grounds ... including landscaping and hardscaping.

In this case, the ARC has decided or been informed that "pavers" will not be "approved" ... no different if they decided a particular color was acceptable. It's not necessarily a written rule, it's just part & parcel of the approval process. If you present a plan that includes pavers, it's not going to be approved.

To my knowledge, there's no "rule" that prohibits statues of pink gargoyles, but you're probably not going to be approved, if you present a plan that shows such, in your front yard landscaping.

There's no Wizard or any curtain hiding the rules ... just read your Deed.

[alohakerry]

KsJayhawkers: Thanks so much! I appreciate the 'top secret' information. The only reason I am seeking to further delve into this issue is due to the lack of transparency.
After doing my due diligence by reviewing deed restrictions and ARC rules, I simply wanted to see the written rule. According to my phone call with ARC, the rule isnt published . . . just yet. She stated "the Developer made this rule". I wasn't going down this road until she brought it up.
I should think that the rules we must abide by - which I agreed to when I bought here - then, at the very least, the "rules" should be published.

[alohakerry]

I think you're interpreting this situation, incorrectly.

The ARC has control over most any change to your home or grounds ... including landscaping and hardscaping.

In this case, the ARC has decided or been informed that "pavers" will not be "approved" ... no different if they decided a particular color was acceptable. It's not necessarily a written rule, it's just part & parcel of the approval process. If you present a plan that includes pavers, it's not going to be approved.

To my knowledge, there's no "rule" that prohibits statues of pink gargoyles, but you're probably not going to be approved, if you present a plan that shows such, in your front yard landscaping.

There's no Wizard or any curtain hiding the rules ... just read your Deed.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________

Thank-you! Appreciate your perspective . . . .allows for further thought.

[champion6]

The Villages "Developer" is Tommy McDonough.
His contact info:
Tommy McDonough
4450 N.E. 83rd Road | Wildwood, Florida 34785
Direct: 352.753.6219 | Fax: 352.753.6725
Email: Tommy.McDonough@thevillages.com
That is definitely not "the developer."
This is: The Villages of Lake-Sumter, Inc, 3619 Kiessel Road, The Villages, FL 32163.
Mark Morse, President and CEO

[Bill14564]

I learned, from ARC, that installing pavers in front of the house - small paver area/patio within retaining wall - is not allowed. (retaining wall and stones allowed - - just no pavers)
I am unable to find any rule stating this is not allowed. I was advised this is an unpublished rule that was decided upon by the Developer (will be published upon next update to rules). Sort of like having a speed limit but it is not posted. You only find the rule/law out when pulled over by an Officer.
When I asked for the name of the Developer I was advised "we are not allowed to give out that information".
Is there a special curtain to pull back in order to find out who the Developer/Wizard is?

I surely want to abide by all the ARC rules . . . just think they should be posted for all to know.

What District (CDD) are you in? If you are in the very newest area then it is possible that the area is not yet turned over to a CDD and still "owned" or "controlled" by the Developer. If that is the case then the rules and restrictions for your area may not yet be final.

If you are not in one of the newer areas then you can look your deed restrictions on districtgov.org (perhaps you have already done that). The ARC must follow those restrictions - if it isn't written and signed then it doesn't exist. The ARC cannot deny something because of a new rule that might be coming in the future.

On the other hand, the ARC is not likely to just roll over because you question them and the cost for fighting this might be more than it is really worth.

[Topspinmo]

Need more information, what district (new development?)(which developer hasn’t soldout to a district?) and what type of layout, CYV, designer. I can tell in my district in CYV you can practically paver ( rectangle stone) the whole front yard

[WindyCityzen]

Better stated elsewhere.

[bowlingal]

New Resident Night and the Golf Cart Safety clinic are a MUST for new residents. NO charge and are given every month. Make it your business to attend both for your and everyone else's safety and CORRECT information.

[Rwirish]

Good lord, things might be better in The Land Of Dorothy.

[Goldwingnut]

Your starting place for what is allowed is the Architectural Review Manual for your CDD VCDD Community Standards (https://districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/ArchReviewManuals.aspx) and the deed restriction for your community Village Community Development Districts (https://districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/download.aspx) and the District Adopted Rules for your CDD VCDD Community Standards (https://districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/DistrictAdoptedRules.aspx)

The ARC must follow these rules to determine if the desired changes are allowable. In the newer areas (CDD13) where the communities are not fully completed the approval comes from a representative of the developer's office, who follows the same sets of rules.

If you feel that your ARC application was denied unjustly or improperly, there is an appeal process to the CDD board that can address the issue and render a final decision. The CDD Board of Supervisors sets and has final say on the ARM and Adopted rules for their CDD. The ARC answers to the CDD boards, not the developer. There are no unwritten rules by the developer being enforced by the ARC.

[GizmoWhiskers]

I learned, from ARC, that installing pavers in front of the house - small paver area/patio within retaining wall - is not allowed. (retaining wall and stones allowed - - just no pavers)
I am unable to find any rule stating this is not allowed. I was advised this is an unpublished rule that was decided upon by the Developer (will be published upon next update to rules). Sort of like having a speed limit but it is not posted. You only find the rule/law out when pulled over by an Officer.
When I asked for the name of the Developer I was advised "we are not allowed to give out that information".
Is there a special curtain to pull back in order to find out who the Developer/Wizard is?

I surely want to abide by all the ARC rules . . . just think they should be posted for all to know.

Spend some time on ToTV and you will learn that "the Developer" makes their own rules even if contrary to ARC rules. Like granting RV garages in tight home site spaces like the house next to Water Lily Rec Center in DeLuna. Until property is transfered to TV from "the Developer", the Wizzard of OZ has a different yellow brick road for some Villagers. Pavers just might be what's allowed.

After transfer of property, it may not be a written rule. Other Villagers complaining is what determines anything not "written", selective enforcement, and don't ask don't tell. You may or may not have to remove them.

[NoMo50]

The Villages "Developer" is Tommy McDonough.

Tommy McDonough works for the developer. In a legal sense, the developer is a corporation. In a practical sense, the developer is the Morse family...Mark Morse, CEO, and his sisters Jennifer Parr and Tracy Mathews.

[Rainger99]

The Morse family.

H. Gary Morse - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._Gary_Morse?wprov=)

[bluecenturian]

Spoke to spoke to Tom who is a very nice guy. He represents the Construction entity that is the Morses.

Asked him about a birdcage being put in a landscape buffer zone. There are numerous houses with pools and birdcages in this area but ARC denied our permit. He said had we submitted the permit before the district was turned over to The Villages, he would have approved it as the developer as an exception to the rule however, once the districts get turned over all management falls to the villages.

The ARC commissioner is not a friendly person and has said “I stick to the restrictions 100% and no one gets an acception for any reason, period”. He is very rude and disrespectful and drunk with the power he has thinking he is a little dictator.

Unfortunately, if your district is under The Villages only other action is a civil suit if you want to pay and hope you win.

[Mushkie]

Thank you so much for the info! ARC told me they did not make this rule - that the Developer did. . .and that it isn't published . . yet.
I am unable to find any documentation - in ARC rules nor Deed restrictions - about no pavers in a front patio setting.
I fully intend to abide by all rules - - officially published rules.
Again, thank you!!

Your story is odd/vague on a couple of levels. I think it’s either how you are describing the story here or to the ARC.

1). Reputable contractors that regularly work in The Villages know the rules very very well and don’t propose any project that won’t pass ARC approval. So either your contractor is not reputable or a newbie to The Villages or are you planning to do the work yourself??

2) You didn’t include what type of home you have- patio villa, courtyard villa, designer, veranda

3). I think the term retaining wall is the issue. Do you mean, the low stone (made of cement not rocks but stone like paving stones) edging around landscaping or as tall as the stone walls around the cement pads? Retaining wall is something that holds back or retains a mountain of dirt from eroding- can’t imagine you mean that. There are low walls- usually no higher than knee height around the cement pads or front porches - with seating and/or fire pits, etc all the time so I think there is either something wrong with your wording or the contractor you chose.

4). Did you submit actual plans to the ARC or just speak to someone ?? I don’t know if a situation of a rule that would be enforced that isn’t written down.

[jimkerr]

The Developer is the Morse family.

[ThirdOfFive]

I learned, from ARC, that installing pavers in front of the house - small paver area/patio within retaining wall - is not allowed. (retaining wall and stones allowed - - just no pavers)
I am unable to find any rule stating this is not allowed. I was advised this is an unpublished rule that was decided upon by the Developer (will be published upon next update to rules). Sort of like having a speed limit but it is not posted. You only find the rule/law out when pulled over by an Officer.
When I asked for the name of the Developer I was advised "we are not allowed to give out that information".
Is there a special curtain to pull back in order to find out who the Developer/Wizard is?

I surely want to abide by all the ARC rules . . . just think they should be posted for all to know.
Nobody really knows...but rumor has it that The Developer is a nasty old curmudgeon who has his office in one of those second-floor "apartments" across from Kilwin's in Spanish Springs.

Has a bookkeeper named Bob Cratchit, I believe...

[Dot Rheinhardt]

Everyone says to look at deed restrictions. If my deed says one thing and ARC says it has been changed, how can they change it without notifying everyone affected?

[Petersweeney]

Tommy said it’s ok just do it and worry about it later….

[njbchbum]

Might your plans reduce the amount of front lawn to less than 51% sodded? There is a rule re external landscaping which states "Each home and homesite must contain a concrete driveway, the lawn must be sodded, and a lamppost erected in the front yard of each homesite. To qualify as sodded, al least 51% of the yard area visible from all adjacent roadways and golf courses must be sodded."

Don't know if it is in the rules for your District, but you can look that up here
VCDD Community Standards (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/DistrictAdoptedRules.aspx)

[jammaiora]

I learned, from ARC, that installing pavers in front of the house - small paver area/patio within retaining wall - is not allowed. (retaining wall and stones allowed - - just no pavers)
I am unable to find any rule stating this is not allowed. I was advised this is an unpublished rule that was decided upon by the Developer (will be published upon next update to rules). Sort of like having a speed limit but it is not posted. You only find the rule/law out when pulled over by an Officer.
When I asked for the name of the Developer I was advised "we are not allowed to give out that information".
Is there a special curtain to pull back in order to find out who the Developer/Wizard is?

I surely want to abide by all the ARC rules . . . just think they should be posted for all to know.
The Developer is the Morse Family. If you drive through neighborhoods in The Villages, you will see many paver patios in the front of houses.

[Lisanp@aol.com]

Are you in CDD 13 (new area)? I have been told by my contractor that in that area of the villages they will allow pavers, just not cement in the front or sides of the house. The pavers have to be laid in sand. If you had plans showing pavers over a cement pad, that might be your issue? Many homes in that area have exactly what you are referring to.

[Ptmckiou]

That’s odd. I live below 44, in the new area and about 10% of all the homes have had paver driveways, sidewalks, patios, etc. put in. The one I personally know did have ARC approval.

[pauld315]

You need to look back into the documents you signed at closing. The deed restrictions should be one those items. If it is down in CDD 13 look to see if you signed something saying you are aware the developer could change the deed restrictions at any time until the property is turned over to The Villages. In the absence of that you probably have a winnable case if you were to take it to a lawyer but I wouldn't do that until I went through the appeal process with the CDD.

[MartinSE]

Tommy said it’s ok just do it and worry about it later….

Not sure if this was meant to be funny, but it isn't. And it is VERY BAD advice. Doing something that costs thousands to do, then having to undo it for more thousands is what this advice will lead to.

This story is missing something. Don't know what, but if the "retaining wall" is simply hard scaping, then my guess is the OP called or talked in person with someone and they did not communicate clearly. Retaining wall is not hard scaping which is allowed after approval.

The "rules" and restrictions are available online, and the process of filing an application is easy. I did my own application when we had some hardscaping done. If I were to do it again, I will hire a landscaper that filled the necessary paper work. Just because I am that lazy.

[Sjshanl]

I’ve seen several properties with pavers in front yard landscaping. They got them approved someway.

[Stu from NYC]

Hire an experienced contractor and make sure he gets the approval before starting work. A good ones knows what is needed to get it approved.

[Bogie Shooter]

Tommy said it’s ok just do it and worry about it later….

Where did I recently hear that quoted?

[Lindaws]

Every month you can go to Savannah Center and “meet the Developer”

[Stu from NYC]

Every month you can go to Savannah Center and “meet the Developer”

Not every month believe it is once a year. However we do to his house once a month or so to talk about the state of the villages.

[njbchbum]

I’ve seen several properties with pavers in front yard landscaping. They got them approved someway.

Or didn't!

[maistocars]

I learned, from ARC, that installing pavers in front of the house - small paver area/patio within retaining wall - is not allowed. (retaining wall and stones allowed - - just no pavers)
I am unable to find any rule stating this is not allowed. I was advised this is an unpublished rule that was decided upon by the Developer (will be published upon next update to rules). Sort of like having a speed limit but it is not posted. You only find the rule/law out when pulled over by an Officer.
When I asked for the name of the Developer I was advised "we are not allowed to give out that information".
Is there a special curtain to pull back in order to find out who the Developer/Wizard is?

I surely want to abide by all the ARC rules . . . just think they should be posted for all to know.
Absolutely look at deed restrictions. The ARC did this to me once saying that I needed a 9' setback front street when the deed restriction said I didn't and I appealed citing the deed restriction document that I attached and they reversed their decision.

[DaleDivine]

Might your plans reduce the amount of front lawn to less than 51% sodded? There is a rule re external landscaping which states "Each home and homesite must contain a concrete driveway, the lawn must be sodded, and a lamppost erected in the front yard of each homesite. To qualify as sodded, al least 51% of the yard area visible from all adjacent roadways and golf courses must be sodded."

Don't know if it is in the rules for your District, but you can look that up here
VCDD Community Standards (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/DistrictAdoptedRules.aspx)

Have several homes in our neighborhood that have NO GRASS in the front yards. Some have NO GRASS in their yard at all.
These homes were sold like this by The Villages.

:thumbup::thumbup:

[merrymini]

When I landscaped in district 10, while it was being developed, I saw the developers representative. I was told, at the time, that he would be easier to deal with than ARC. Do not know if that was true or not but I applaud sticking to the rules by ARC, when so many are only too happy to break them.

[GizmoWhiskers]

Are you in CDD 13 (new area)? I have been told by my contractor that in that area of the villages they will allow pavers, just not cement in the front or sides of the house. The pavers have to be laid in sand. If you had plans showing pavers over a cement pad, that might be your issue? Many homes in that area have exactly what you are referring to.

Deluna Villa... ARC said "NO concrete, no pavers, it would alter the STRUCTURE of a house." to fill the mud pit next to the garage.

Word of advice, within your one yr warranty move all the pine needles they throw down. Check your drainage!

You have 30 days to report grass/yard issues after closing on house. They will only fix drainage issues IF water stands for 48 hrs.

Your neighbors roof runoff will be your problem if they do not have gutters. Many people end up having to put in french drains for that reason.

Use your one year warranty carefully.

[nn0wheremann]

I learned, from ARC, that installing pavers in front of the house - small paver area/patio within retaining wall - is not allowed. (retaining wall and stones allowed - - just no pavers)
I am unable to find any rule stating this is not allowed. I was advised this is an unpublished rule that was decided upon by the Developer (will be published upon next update to rules). Sort of like having a speed limit but it is not posted. You only find the rule/law out when pulled over by an Officer.
When I asked for the name of the Developer I was advised "we are not allowed to give out that information".
Is there a special curtain to pull back in order to find out who the Developer/Wizard is?

I surely want to abide by all the ARC rules . . . just think they should be posted for all to know.
Welcome to the Twilight Zone.

[RICH1]

They know everything…Drones are monitoring yard improvements and tubed skylights. follow the rules and be careful who you talk to. Loose lips sink ships. and dont ask questions I moved here because of the Rule enforcement

[MillerD]

I was told yesterday by the CDD, Community Development District
Districtgov.org. 352 751 3912 that we are in a deed restricted community. We can only work within the perforated lines of our building site plan which should have been in our closing docs.

We cannot use edging or curbing around flower beds and any shrubs plantings must be submitted for approval.

I was astonished a bit. I thought we owned our little piece of heaven.


I dislike looking at my neighbors bare white vinyl siding and gas meter but I have no clue what to use to grow a vine of flowers.

So, I just do nothing which doesn't feel like 🏡.

[Bill14564]

I was told yesterday by the CDD, Community Development District
Districtgov.org. 352 751 3912 that we are in a deed restricted community. We can only work within the perforated lines of our building site plan which should have been in our closing docs.

We cannot use edging or curbing around flower beds and any shrubs plantings must be submitted for approval.

I was astonished a bit. I thought we owned our little piece of heaven.


I dislike looking at my neighbors bare white vinyl siding and gas meter but I have no clue what to use to grow a vine of flowers.

So, I just do nothing which doesn't feel like 🏡.

You would benefit from attending a Resident's Academy to learn more about how your local govt. works.

You should also take a look at your deed restrictions. These should have been part of your closing package but you can also find them online at districtgov.org -> How Do I -> Download My Deed Restrictions (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/download.aspx). You will need to know your neighborhood's unit number which is on the front of your Villages ID card.

[Stu from NYC]

I was told yesterday by the CDD, Community Development District
Districtgov.org. 352 751 3912 that we are in a deed restricted community. We can only work within the perforated lines of our building site plan which should have been in our closing docs.

We cannot use edging or curbing around flower beds and any shrubs plantings must be submitted for approval.

I was astonished a bit. I thought we owned our little piece of heaven.


I dislike looking at my neighbors bare white vinyl siding and gas meter but I have no clue what to use to grow a vine of flowers.

So, I just do nothing which doesn't feel like 🏡.

We do kind of sort of own our little piece of heaven but we are restricted as to what we can do with it.

[Toddy]

Place is run by dictator so get use to it.

[Stu from NYC]

Place is run by dictator so get use to it.

But mostly a benevolent one but than again nobody is forcing anyone to live here. We sure like this place

[Altavia]

Place is run by dictator so get use to it.


"No one goes there nowadays, it’s too crowded."