New Troll Reporting Deed Violations in The Villages

[Bogie Shooter]

Representative from Community Standards advised us today we had a landscape violation. Flowers planted within the 13’ street right-a-way. Regardless that flowers have been there since 2005
Ours was one of 25, so far, submitted by the same individual. All anonymous via email, (the real cowards way). From Lady Lake to Fenny.

The flowers were removed before the Rep. had finished talking to a neighbor across the street….who also had a violation.

[dewilson58]

:ohdear::ohdear::ohdear:

[rustyp]

Representative from Community Standards advised us today we had a landscape violation. Flowers planted within the 13’ street right-a-way. Regardless that flowers have been there since 2005
Ours was one of 25, so far, submitted by the same individual. All anonymous via email, (the real cowards way). From Lady Lake to Fenny.

The flowers were removed before the Rep. had finished talking to a neighbor across the street….who also had a violation.

You are not new to TV. No ifs ands or buts work at the meetings. 2005 is no defense !!! I don't like it either but you need a two front battle. The first one you already lost. The second one is up to you to rally the troops to amend the covenants.

[BrianL99]

You are not new to TV. No ifs ands or buts work at the meetings. 2005 is no defense !!! I don't like it either but you need a two front battle. The first one you already lost. The second one is up to you to rally the troops to amend the covenants.


This is great. We need way more reporting and a lot fewer violations.

If someone didn't like the rules, they shouldn't have bought here.

If they bought with violations in place, they're at fault for being inattentive or just dumb.

[tophcfa]

Representative from Community Standards advised us today we had a landscape violation. Flowers planted within the 13’ street right-a-way. Regardless that flowers have been there since 2005
Ours was one of 25, so far, submitted by the same individual. All anonymous via email, (the real cowards way). From Lady Lake to Fenny.

The flowers were removed before the Rep. had finished talking to a neighbor across the street….who also had a violation.

I’m sure the flowers had a very nice eye appeal and were appreciated by your neighbors. I blows my mind that inconsiderate homeowners can run a neighborhood disrupting revolving door AIRBnB and the deed restrictions violated are ignored, but you are forced to remove flowers? If removing those flowers could possibly slow new home sales south of 44 you could be certain the trolls complaint would have fallen on deaf ears.

[blueash]

Representative from Community Standards advised us today we had a landscape violation. Flowers planted within the 13’ street right-a-way. Regardless that flowers have been there since 2005
Ours was one of 25, so far, submitted by the same individual. All anonymous via email, (the real cowards way). From Lady Lake to Fenny.

The flowers were removed before the Rep. had finished talking to a neighbor across the street….who also had a violation.

If you knew who submitted the notice of your violation to Community Standards, what change would that make in how you would feel? Perhaps you'd like to check their home for violations to exact some revenge? Perhaps you'd like to confront them at their door to give them a piece of your mind? Perhaps you are a big supporter of second amendment solutions?

Maybe you think flowers in violation should require a person to give their name, but wrong paint, or a giant Buddha, or mold and broken lawn mowers on the grass should not? Give us the criteria you would suggest.

[Blueblaze]

OMG! Flowers near the street! Alert the media!

I'm still trying to figure out who has a yard big enough the AVOID putting flowers that close the street. In my neighborhood, nearly everyone has some sort of flowerbed in their front yard. And get this -- some even have 8" crosses!

Sure glad I bought my retirement home amongst a bunch of dangerous rebels just like me! I'd hate to offend a flower-hater!

[Bill14564]

There really ought to be rule that you can only file a complaint for the Unit (neighborhood) where you live. What someone has in their yard up near Lake Sumter Landing is of no concern to me. My property is of no concern to anyone but my neighbors who have to look at it.

There are enough activities in the Villages as it is. We don't need to add trolling for compliance issues.

[justjim]

There are some Landscapers who plant flowers, shrubs, trees and build landscape walls all across The Villages that violate deed restrictions. The number is in the hundreds. That said, residents are legally responsible. Sorry to hear that trolls are active again.

[Mleeja]

Ok, here is your tip. Emails are public records. If the “complaints” came in via email you can file a request to see them.

[dewilson58]

If you knew who submitted the notice of your violation to Community Standards, what change would that make in how you would feel? Perhaps you'd like to check their home for violations to exact some revenge? Perhaps you'd like to confront them at their door to give them a piece of your mind? Perhaps you are a big supporter of second amendment solutions?

Maybe you think flowers in violation should require a person to give their name, but wrong paint, or a giant Buddha, or mold and broken lawn mowers on the grass should not?

It's none of "perhaps" which you post.

It's a troll, 25 complains and on a street the complainer probably does not live.

Yes, a real coward's way.

Speaks volumes about the person.

[Hape2Bhr]

I wonder if the troll was someone who was belittled after posting on TOTV's.

[rustyp]

This is great. We need way more reporting and a lot fewer violations.

If someone didn't like the rules, they shouldn't have bought here.

If they bought with violations in place, they're at fault for being inattentive or just dumb.

Another battle I would like to see is if a home inspection is made and a covenant violation was not identified then the inspection company should be financially liable for correction. None of this BS of returning the cost of the inspection.

[dewilson58]

Another battle I would like to see is if a home inspection is made and a covenant violation was not identified then the inspection company should be financially liable for correction. None of this BS of returning the cost of the inspection.

do home inspectors certify compliance with covenants??

[coralway]

Representative from Community Standards advised us today we had a landscape violation. Flowers planted within the 13’ street right-a-way. Regardless that flowers have been there since 2005
Ours was one of 25, so far, submitted by the same individual. All anonymous via email, (the real cowards way). From Lady Lake to Fenny.

The flowers were removed before the Rep. had finished talking to a neighbor across the street….who also had a violation.




You had a landscape violation - you were wrong. If you feel violated, you can always move. The fewer Karens and Kens we have here, the better

[villagetinker]

Ok, here is your tip. Emails are public records. If the “complaints” came in via email you can file a request to see them.

I was just going to point that out, thanks for doing it.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

do home inspectors certify compliance with covenants??

No, they don't. But I think rusty is saying they should. I agree.

[DonH57]

Representative from Community Standards advised us today we had a landscape violation. Flowers planted within the 13’ street right-a-way. Regardless that flowers have been there since 2005
Ours was one of 25, so far, submitted by the same individual. All anonymous via email, (the real cowards way). From Lady Lake to Fenny.

The flowers were removed before the Rep. had finished talking to a neighbor across the street….who also had a violation.

Now I'm curious if the same troll was on our street a couple days ago. Randomly stopping in front of homes taking pictures and scribbling notes. No one else on the street. When I pulled out of the driveway she left.

[Bogie Shooter]

You are not new to TV. No ifs ands or buts work at the meetings. 2005 is no defense !!! I don't like it either but you need a two front battle. The first one you already lost. The second one is up to you to rally the troops to amend the covenants.

Agree 2005 not a defense or was it intended. We were wrong and it has been corrected.
I posted to provide awareness that a person is turning in a lot of complaints. I don’t believe that was the intent of the original process.
I will not be doing any troop rallying…..the District boards are moving forward on that front.

[golfing eagles]

You had a landscape violation - you were wrong. If you feel violated, you can always move. The fewer Karens and Kens we have here, the better

A little harsh???????

Let's hope nobody opens an AirBnB next door to you.:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Bogie Shooter]

If you knew who submitted the notice of your violation to Community Standards, what change would that make in how you would feel? Perhaps you'd like to check their home for violations to exact some revenge? Perhaps you'd like to confront them at their door to give them a piece of your mind? Perhaps you are a big supporter of second amendment solutions?

Maybe you think flowers in violation should require a person to give their name, but wrong paint, or a giant Buddha, or mold and broken lawn mowers on the grass should not? Give us the criteria you would suggest.

I have no desire to know the name of the person who filed the complaint. But going from village to village and filing random complaints is cowardly and an abuse of the system.

My views on the second amendment have nothing to do with this. I am offended that you even suggest that!

I believe all submissions of deed violations should include the name of the submitter.

[Bogie Shooter]

You had a landscape violation - you were wrong. If you feel violated, you can always move. The fewer Karens and Kens we have here, the better
Do you think if I didn’t feel we were wrong, I would have removed the flowers?

Don’t feel violated. Have no intention of moving.

What is the implication in your last sentence?

[BrianL99]

Another battle I would like to see is if a home inspection is made and a covenant violation was not identified then the inspection company should be financially liable for correction. None of this BS of returning the cost of the inspection.

I agree, except I've never seen a "contract" with an Inspector, that didn't limit damages to the price paid for the Inspection.

[fdpaq0580]

There really ought to be rule that you can only file a complaint for the Unit (neighborhood) where you live. What someone has in their yard up near Lake Sumter Landing is of no concern to me. My property is of no concern to anyone but my neighbors who have to look at it.

There are enough activities in the Villages as it is. We don't need to add trolling for compliance issues.

I agree with this idea. Problems on your street is one thing. But what kind of individual is so filled with bile that they will fill their miserable life with bringing difficulty and unhappiness to so many others. For all we know, the complaints could be from outside the Villages. villages haters!
(MY) New rule: Persons may only generate one violation report per month for adjoining properties. The representative checking out the complaints validity, will have the power to certify the current as being meeting standards if no safety or boundry issues are violated.
The "crying wolf" clause. If a complainer make more than two frivolous complaints which are baseless, that individual will be banned from any future complaints.

Another thought. What if the trolls are actually on the payroll? Could our administration be the source that sows the seeds of discontent? Okay conspiracy buffs, jump on that.

[Velvet]

My impression was the original intent of complaint driven enforcement was that things were okay unless people objected to them (in the neighborhood). For example, distasteful lawn ornaments, anything divisive such as religious or political symbols. I don’t think it was intended that people living far away would have the right to complain since they are not living near by. It was never worded that way in the deed restrictions and some people take advantage, maybe even delight in causing others problems. I can’t imagine how flowers could be distasteful or blocking view of traffic. Talk about nit picking!

[Garywt]

So it wasn’t the 2 ladies with a clipboard in a golf cart, it was someone different. I do agree that rules need to be followed but I feel if you are reporting on someone who lives miles away from your home it should be left to someone in the neighborhood to turn them in or to talk to the homeowner first. From where I live, I don’t care if someone in Fenney has a violation or not.

I thought they were not taking any unsigned complaints anymore or is that just certain districts. At the end of the day there will always be violations where the home owners knows they have them or not.

[Two Bills]

There is a report on the "other" site this morning of a CYV being reported for wrong shingles on roof.
They were there when buyer purchased home.
Multiple/many/several/ quite a few, other roofs of same material/color are also out of compliance in same location, but have not been reported.
Going to be a costly lesson.
May have even been a "Free" roof.

[Laker14]

My impression was the original intent of complaint driven enforcement was that things were okay unless people objected to them (in the neighborhood). For example, distasteful lawn ornaments, anything divisive such as religious or political symbols. I don’t think it was intended that people living far away would have the right to complain since they are not living near by. It was never worded that way in the deed restrictions and some people take advantage, maybe even delight in causing others problems. I can’t imagine how flowers could be distasteful or blocking view of traffic. Talk about nit picking!

I'm with you on this. I hope they stay away from my neighborhood. When I walk around or drive the cart and take "the scenic route" I see some very tastefully done landscaping that might be outside the letter of the law. I don't know for sure because I don't care. It would be fine with me if a neighbor felt the landscaping was "over the top" and didn't like to look at a violation every day, but I haven''t seen anything that anyone would find distasteful.

That someone derives some sort of joy from riding around in neighborhoods removed from their own, just to point out deed restriction violations is ridiculous, and mean spirited.

[Worldseries27]

you are not new to tv. No ifs ands or buts work at the meetings. 2005 is no defense !!! I don't like it either but you need a two front battle. The first one you already lost. The second one is up to you to rally the troops to amend the covenants.
wheres deep throat when you need one

[BrianL99]

My impression was the original intent of complaint driven enforcement was that things were okay unless people objected to them (in the neighborhood). For example, distasteful lawn ornaments, anything divisive such as religious or political symbols. I don’t think it was intended that people living far away would have the right to complain since they are not living near by. It was never worded that way in the deed restrictions and some people take advantage, maybe even delight in causing others problems. I can’t imagine how flowers could be distasteful or blocking view of traffic. Talk about nit picking!

The people "taking advantage" are the folks who ignore the Restrictions they signed up for, when they bought their homes.

What you *think* was intended, isn't relevant, what's in black & white on your contract is what it is.

Play by the rules or move. Simple.

[asianthree]

When I posted clipboard ladies running amuck again, taking pics and filing 75 complaints, “Poster’s said they didn’t exist.”

Sorry OP you got to see first hand, yes they do exist, and probably don’t live anywhere near you.

Bonus about 50% of their complaints are not a crime, as was our “white cross complaint” that was just a Hawaiian vine gone into hibernation.

[Bridget Staunton]

I think the comments here are very rude to a good neighbor. Think before you write she was just sharing information. Remember love one another we are only here for a short time

[Sandy and Ed]

You are not new to TV. No ifs ands or buts work at the meetings. 2005 is no defense !!! I don't like it either but you need a two front battle. The first one you already lost. The second one is up to you to rally the troops to amend the covenants.
I have mixed feelings but agree. We moved to an over 55 community with certain restrictions. I don’t consider them trolls but just folks wanting everyone to honor those restrictions. Otherwise? What other community restrictions would be ignored. Apparently residents need to report community standards violations themselves since The Villages doesn’t seem to have their own monitors. As far as being “cowards”, why completely alienate a neighbor who you would otherwise be friendly toward?? Especially if that neighbor can’t take any criticism or comment about breaking a community standard. Just saying…..

[Cobullymom]

You had a landscape violation - you were wrong. If you feel violated, you can always move. The fewer Karens and Kens we have here, the better
Wow, exactly why I left, Karen..

[Sandy and Ed]

A little harsh???????

Let's hope nobody opens an AirBnB next door to you.:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:
Now THAT needs to be changed. We do not need to turn TV into a daily rate flop house. A bit of an exaggeration, I admit, but someone renting for a month is one thing but for a weekend?? Come on!

[GizmoWhiskers]

Representative from Community Standards advised us today we had a landscape violation. Flowers planted within the 13’ street right-a-way. Regardless that flowers have been there since 2005
Ours was one of 25, so far, submitted by the same individual. All anonymous via email, (the real cowards way). From Lady Lake to Fenny.

The flowers were removed before the Rep. had finished talking to a neighbor across the street….who also had a violation.
Pretty strange the anonymous part. I had to call to report a neighbor whose house is a full time rental for something and Community Standards tried to talk me out of making a complaint by saying "you know, you have to give your name." I told them go ahead, put down my name. Same thing happened when I called about another rental in my parent's villa area. HAD to give my name and they tried again to disuade me.

Selective enforcement in T V is rampid.

[Bill14564]

There is a report on the "other" site this morning of a CYV being reported for wrong shingles on roof.
They were there when buyer purchased home.
Multiple/many/several/ quite a few, other roofs of same material/color are also out of compliance in same location, but have not been reported.
Going to be a costly lesson.
May have even been a "Free" roof.

There should be a way to get a Deed Compliance inspection prior to purchase to certify that there are no external violations or a grandfathering of any violations that were present.

I have no idea if my shingles are the right color or if my paint is the right hue or if that shrub in my front yard was approved. All were there when I purchased the house. As much time as I've spent learning how this place works, I don't know where I would go today to learn if my home is completely in compliance. If the answer is Community Standards/Deed Compliance, if that is the office that can determine if my home has a violation, then there should be a way to get a certificated from them stating as much.

[NJRICHARD]

WHY ARE FLOWERS A VIOLATION? IF THERE IS A good REASON ok, IF NOT CHANGE IT!

[Bill14564]

Pretty strange the anonymous part. I had to call to report a neighbor whose house is a full time rental for something and Community Standards tried to talk me out of making a complaint by saying "you know, you have to give your name." I told them go ahead, put down my name. Same thing happened when I called about another rental in my parent's villa area. HAD to give my name and they tried again to disuade me.

Selective enforcement in T V is rampid.

Are you sure they were trying to discourage you from making a complaint? Perhaps they were trying to make you aware that your district does not allow anonymous complaints.

I have to believe that most people "know" the complaints can be anonymous and would be upset if they found that their name was attached to the complaint that they filed. In most districts they can be anonymous but there is at least one (might be two and possibly three) where anonymous complaints are not allowed. Rather than accusing Community Standards of trying to dissuade you from making a complaint, I would give them credit for alerting you that your complaint will not be anonymous like you might have thought it would be.

[asianthree]

I have mixed feelings but agree. We moved to an over 55 community with certain restrictions. I don’t consider them trolls but just folks wanting everyone to honor those restrictions. Otherwise? What other community restrictions would be ignored. Apparently residents need to report community standards violations themselves since The Villages doesn’t seem to have their own monitors. As far as being “cowards”, why completely alienate a neighbor who you would otherwise be friendly toward?? Especially if that neighbor can’t take any criticism or comment about breaking a community standard. Just saying…..
But they are not your neighbors, just lonely, vindictive, people who probably live miles away from where they are filing complaints. When I was visited with the white cross incident (not going to happen anywhere in my lawn) the very nice gentleman gave me the complaint, walked to the side of my house, and laughed at what was construed as a white cross.

He stated half of the crap filed by these people aren’t even an issue, just a waste of time and resources, by someone who files 50 plus complaints at a time. Hoping someday that rules would change, and one must reside in the village they are filing a complaint, or charge $5 per filed complaint, and refunded if the complaints stand. He said that would take the starch out of the clipboard ladies.

So he wasted gas, his and my time, for something that if you looked very sideways could never be considered as a cross, for regular people, but in these filers, they just need to find something

[Debra.t.robinson]

Ok, here is your tip. Emails are public records. If the “complaints” came in via email you can file a request to see them.
Yes, they are able and willing to print any emails received.

[golfing eagles]

Now THAT needs to be changed. We do not need to turn TV into a daily rate flop house. A bit of an exaggeration, I admit, but someone renting for a month is one thing but for a weekend?? Come on!

Absolutely!!!!

What does community standards/deed compliance think people would rather have next door? Flowers or a revolving door motel occupied by 6 unrelated 20 somethings for a "Weekend at Bernie's"? Where do they think most Villagers would want them to expend their resources????

[toeser]

This is great. We need way more reporting and a lot fewer violations.

If someone didn't like the rules, they shouldn't have bought here.

If they bought with violations in place, they're at fault for being inattentive or just dumb.

"Flowers planted within the 13’ street right-a-way."

Seriously, this triggers you? Get help.

[Malsua]

do home inspectors certify compliance with covenants??

No. I am a licensed, certified and Insured home inspector in the state of Florida.

There is no jurisdiction in the USA that requires home inspectors to certify deed or hoa compliance.

This is not to say someone hasn't offered that service. I'm quite sure someone has.

I'll do it. Your home inspection, with a certification of deed compliance filed with a local attorney and 1 year performance bond will be $15,000, payable before close.

Any takers?

[Jazzman]

This is great. We need way more reporting and a lot fewer violations.

If someone didn't like the rules, they shouldn't have bought here.

If they bought with violations in place, they're at fault for being inattentive or just dumb.

Please, where talking about flowers here, not crosses, statues or bird fountains. Give it a break.

[rustyp]

There should be a way to get a Deed Compliance inspection prior to purchase to certify that there are no external violations or a grandfathering of any violations that were present.

I have no idea if my shingles are the right color or if my paint is the right hue or if that shrub in my front yard was approved. All were there when I purchased the house. As much time as I've spent learning how this place works, I don't know where I would go today to learn if my home is completely in compliance. If the answer is Community Standards/Deed Compliance, if that is the office that can determine if my home has a violation, then there should be a way to get a certificated from them stating as much.

How about if you buy your house thru a Villages "sales agent" that they are responsible for identifying any infraction which exist at time of sale. A certificate of compliance should be issued by the ARC as part of the closing process. Include resolution in the usual 1% inspection correction clause.

[Ele201]

You had a landscape violation - you were wrong. If you feel violated, you can always move. The fewer Karens and Kens we have here, the better
So the name Ken is the counterpart to Karen? Hadn’t heard that. Not sure how this “Karen” thing started anyway. It’s such a nice name and there are plenty of lovely Karen’s around so why disparage the name?

[midiwiz]

You are not new to TV. No ifs ands or buts work at the meetings. 2005 is no defense !!! I don't like it either but you need a two front battle. The first one you already lost. The second one is up to you to rally the troops to amend the covenants.

aside from TV strongarm approach, you're acctually incorrect. While they may pay/influence/ whatever the courts around here, the reality is that none of this would stand in a federal court. IF those plants have been there since 2005 that is actually a defense, TV can not by pass (as in allow) an infraction and then call it back. That qualifies as selective enforcement, and all Florida courts (not controlled by TV) will side with the home owner for this. Once selective enforcement has been determined - all the "rules" are void.

There is a process to rectify the selective enforcement, but I don't see that mentioned here either. Personally I would have told the person to stick it and lawyer up. As a former HOA president our atty was both local and federal, learned a lot, just waiting to use it (yes I like a good fight)

[asianthree]

So the name Ken is the counterpart to Karen? Hadn’t heard that. Not sure how this “Karen” thing started anyway. It’s such a nice name and there are plenty of lovely Karen’s around so why disparage the name?

From Live it’s Saturday Night

[airstreamingypsy]

Ours was one of 25, so far, submitted by the same individual. All anonymous via email, (the real cowards way). From Lady Lake to Fenny.

Seriously, the complainer is clearly mentally ill, it takes a lot of research to know which rules apply to which village. Lady Lake to Fenny? This is so out of hand, and how are flowers a problem anyway? I'm sorry you had to pull them up, it's ridiculous, and I'm sorry for some of the responses you have gotten.... TV is no longer the friendliest anything.

[MrFlorida]

Rules are here for a reason, if everybody did their own thing, this place wouldn't be what it is.... and that's what we all came here for.

[dhdallas]

What is really disgusting is that TV makes these deed restrictions but then does no policing of properties themselves and expects the residents who pay their salaries to rat on our neighbors before they will do anything. I do not see why Community Watch personnel when cruising the neighborhoods could not jot down the addresses of violations they see and forward the info to the Community Standards dept. It might cut down on their hand waving time but I don't see it as a huge imposition to Community Watch. This "Neighbor vs. Neighbor" policy is really unbelievable in a community whose catchphrase is "Florida's Friendliest Hometown"!

[Velvet]

There should be a way to get a Deed Compliance inspection prior to purchase to certify that there are no external violations or a grandfathering of any violations that were present.

I have no idea if my shingles are the right color or if my paint is the right hue or if that shrub in my front yard was approved. All were there when I purchased the house. As much time as I've spent learning how this place works, I don't know where I would go today to learn if my home is completely in compliance. If the answer is Community Standards/Deed Compliance, if that is the office that can determine if my home has a violation, then there should be a way to get a certificated from them stating as much.

There is, get a home inspector like D’Angelo before you sign the final contract. You will know exactly what you’re getting.

[donfey]

Representative from Community Standards advised us today we had a landscape violation. Flowers planted within the 13’ street right-a-way. Regardless that flowers have been there since 2005
Ours was one of 25, so far, submitted by the same individual. All anonymous via email, (the real cowards way). From Lady Lake to Fenny.

The flowers were removed before the Rep. had finished talking to a neighbor across the street….who also had a violation.

CDD 2 agreed last week to ignore anonymous "complaints." If a violation is serious enough to warrant a complaint, have the stones to identify yourself. Busy bodies need not apply.

[Djean1981]

There really ought to be rule that you can only file a complaint for the Unit (neighborhood) where you live. What someone has in their yard up near Lake Sumter Landing is of no concern to me. My property is of no concern to anyone but my neighbors who have to look at it.

There are enough activities in the Villages as it is. We don't need to add trolling for compliance issues.
Agreed. And, maybe only so many a year. Or, no action is taken unless there are two complaints about the same thing. I agree that we should all follow the rules, but this would help reduce the trolls that report because they don't have a life - and save the district from having to investigate the most petty complaints.

[daniel200]

Silly question on my part, but I do not know the answer. How hard is it to have a group change the deed restrictions on flowers from 13 feet to 8 feet? Is that unrealistic?

[CoachKandSportsguy]

current anonymous trolls are trying to beat the clock when anonymous complaints are not longer allowed, and then they will have to go find some other way of feeling superior or in charge of rules

[golfing eagles]

Silly question on my part, but I do not know the answer. How hard is it to have a group change the deed restrictions on flowers from 13 feet to 8 feet? Is that unrealistic?

Good question. I believe the 13 feet is for utility easements---storm drains, water mains, power lines and sewers are all along the side of the street and may at some time have to be dug up for repairs, which is why they don't want anything a homeowner places there in their way. Why specifically 13 feet? I don't know, but perhaps community standards does.

Of course, in this case, it was just flowers. I'm sure there is lawn there, so the difference is marginal at best. I wonder if the troll brought a tape measure and stepped on his property. If I catch someone doing that at my house, I'll make a citizen's arrest for trespassing and wait for the police to come.

[Cybersprings]

The people "taking advantage" are the folks who ignore the Restrictions they signed up for, when they bought their homes.

What you *think* was intended, isn't relevant, what's in black & white on your contract is what it is.

Play by the rules or move. Simple.

Here's hoping you get a ticket every single time you are 1 mph over the speed limit, don't have your windshield wipers on the second it rains, or don't come to a complete stop in your golf cart at every stop sign. Cheers!

[Bill14564]

There is, get a home inspector like D’Angelo before you sign the final contract. You will know exactly what you’re getting.

There are home inspectors (D'Angelo) that will check for violations of Villages Deed Restrictions? Given the number of violations we are hearing about that were present when the home was last sold, checking on those is not typically part of a home inspection.

[mbene]

There is a report on the "other" site this morning of a CYV being reported for wrong shingles on roof.
They were there when buyer purchased home.
Multiple/many/several/ quite a few, other roofs of same material/color are also out of compliance in same location, but have not been reported.
Going to be a costly lesson.
May have even been a "Free" roof.

I thought all shingles had to be approved by the ARC? If this was done then that should be on the ARC, not the owner.

[shut the front door]

I wonder if the troll was someone who was belittled after posting on TOTV's.

:agree:

Karma!

[Cybersprings]

deleted

[Bill14564]

Good question. I believe the 13 feet is for utility easements---storm drains, water mains, power lines and sewers are all along the side of the street and may at some time have to be dug up for repairs, which is why they don't want anything a homeowner places there in their way. Why specifically 13 feet? I don't know, but perhaps community standards does.

Of course, in this case, it was just flowers. I'm sure there is lawn there, so the difference is marginal at best. I wonder if the troll brought a tape measure and stepped on his property. If I catch someone doing that at my house, I'll make a citizen's arrest for trespassing and wait for the police to come.

That is what I have heard in the past.

Funny thing is, I have also seen notices that the utilities will not repair the painting on your driveway if they have to dig through it. So digging through concrete is expected but digging up a few flowers is too much to ask?

Kind of makes you wonder whose property it actually is. I thought it was mine. I thought I could ask someone to get off my lawn even if they were only two feet off the roadway. I pay taxes on the size of my property measured to the street. I am responsible for maintaining the grass all the way to the street. Yet I cannot place flowers on the easement? I always thought the easement granted permission for the utilities to come onto my property, I didn't realize it actually meant I had the right (and the obligation) to mow the grass on land the utilities controlled.

[Marine1974]

This is great. We need way more reporting and a lot fewer violations.

If someone didn't like the rules, they shouldn't have bought here.

If they bought with violations in place, they're at fault for being inattentive or just dumb.

Ironic you would be inattentive to the rules on TOTV , no public shaming . Calling out someone for being dumb , really ?

[merrymini]

So tired of these complaints. You know what the rules are, follow them.

[Nucky]

Well,well,well. Are you certain that there were no other posts on this subject since 2005 that you should have looked into before starting this thread? This is definitely Karma in action. What a waste of flowers. I feel bad for you Bogie. Take it easy on the next newbie who you want to roast for their post because it’s been discussed before. Each post is important to each poster.

[JDRVKR]

It is interesting that one can have 2 vehicles parked in their driveway 24/7, and yet can receive a violation if there is a little metal bird in their flower bed.

[PugMom]

It's none of "perhaps" which you post.

It's a troll, 25 complains and on a street the complainer probably does not live.

Yes, a real coward's way.

Speaks volumes about the person.

agreed. lost, lonely souls that have made this activity the highlight of their day. no time for friends, golf or anything positive. imagine how lonely a person must be to appoint themselves savior of the district enforcement team :shrug:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I have mixed feelings but agree. We moved to an over 55 community with certain restrictions. I don’t consider them trolls but just folks wanting everyone to honor those restrictions. Otherwise? What other community restrictions would be ignored. Apparently residents need to report community standards violations themselves since The Villages doesn’t seem to have their own monitors. As far as being “cowards”, why completely alienate a neighbor who you would otherwise be friendly toward?? Especially if that neighbor can’t take any criticism or comment about breaking a community standard. Just saying…..

Because these weren't neighbors. They were people living in one area of the villages, reporting people living in a different part of the villages. They don't really care that these peoples' yards violate code, because they have no need or reason to ever be in those neighborhoods. They have an axe to grind. Either they think Community Standards doesn't work hard enough, or they had violations on their own property and they want everyone else to suffer, or maybe they aren't even residents of the Villages at all, and just want to annoy Villagers because it's a trendy thing to do.

[Richpetty42]

Trolling your neighbor is very disturbing when we should be living in peace with one another and not have to be worried about someone looking out their window or driving by just looking for something to report you on unless it’s something big that needs immediate attention, not flowers. We all need to live in peace with each other and make TV a better place to live in and not have to worry about trolling neighbors but talk with them about the wonderful activities or the next tee time.Representative from Community Standards advised us today we had a landscape violation. Flowers planted within the 13’ street right-a-way. Regardless that flowers have been there since 2005
Ours was one of 25, so far, submitted by the same individual. All anonymous via email, (the real cowards way). From Lady Lake to Fenny.

The flowers were removed before the Rep. had finished talking to a neighbor across the street….who also had a violation.

[PugMom]

Because these weren't neighbors. They were people living in one area of the villages, reporting people living in a different part of the villages. They don't really care that these peoples' yards violate code, because they have no need or reason to ever be in those neighborhoods. They have an axe to grind. Either they think Community Standards doesn't work hard enough, or they had violations on their own property and they want everyone else to suffer, or maybe they aren't even residents of the Villages at all, and just want to annoy Villagers because it's a trendy thing to do.

:bigbow::agree:

[justjim]

Now THAT needs to be changed. We do not need to turn TV into a daily rate flop house. A bit of an exaggeration, I admit, but someone renting for a month is one thing but for a weekend?? Come on!

Yes, unfortunately you can rent out your home for the weekend, by the week or the month.

[PurePeach]

Now THAT needs to be changed. We do not need to turn TV into a daily rate flop house. A bit of an exaggeration, I admit, but someone renting for a month is one thing but for a weekend?? Come on!

We came to FL in 2020, heading to Tampa, and stayed in TV for the weekend to visit a friend and look around. Actually bought a house on that trip and moved here permanently 2 months later! So a weekend stay is not always a bad thing.

But, regarding restrictions — we made a trip to the sales and leasing office and asked for a copy of the C&R for the area we were purchasing in and was given a very “vague” list consisting of about 10 or so items. A year or so later did I manage to find the actual document for our area, which was very detailed. So, I thought I did my due diligence before purchasing, but TV staff didn’t provide the correct info. . . :22yikes:

[roob1]

Are you "living in peace" when you violate rules that your neighbors possibly expected and hoped would be followed when they decided to live here?


Trolling your neighbor is very disturbing when we should be living in peace with one another and not have to be worried about someone looking out their window or driving by just looking for something to report you on unless it’s something big that needs immediate attention, not flowers. We all need to live in peace with each other and make TV a better place to live in and not have to worry about trolling neighbors but talk with them about the wonderful activities or the next tee time.

[Slk9786]

This is great. We need way more reporting and a lot fewer violations.

If someone didn't like the rules, they shouldn't have bought here.

If they bought with violations in place, they're at fault for being inattentive or just dumb.
:MOJE_whot:

[justjim]

It is interesting that one can have 2 vehicles parked in their driveway 24/7, and yet can receive a violation if there is a little metal bird in their flower bed.

When you close on your home, you will get a copy of your deed restrictions. Many residents have never bothered to read them. They look around their neighborhood and “generally”
follow what most residents are doing regarding metal birds or other yard ornaments they might like. Lawn ornaments in most districts not allowed according to deed restrictions. However, you can have a dozen large flower pots in your front yard filled with flowers (all legal) but very “tacky” IMHO but not a little white cross. (Not legal). Moral of this post read your deed restrictions.

[TerryCamlin]

Wow from reading these negative mean comments you folks need a lesson in compassion. Do you wake up everyday thinking how can I make some commenter today feel miserable? Yes rules were in place but give me a break we are talking beautiful flowers how on earth could this be a violation?? Trolling is absolutely wrong. You have an issue with somebody give your name otherwise you are just a coward,

[RedChariot]

You had a landscape violation - you were wrong. If you feel violated, you can always move. The fewer Karens and Kens we have here, the better

WOW!!! Thank you Karen for that sound heartfelt advice. What goes around, comes around.

[Geodyssey]

Ok, here is your tip. Emails are public records. If the “complaints” came in via email you can file a request to see them.

Lol, no they aren't. And no you can't.

[Geodyssey]

I have no desire to know the name of the person who filed the complaint. But going from village to village and filing random complaints is cowardly and an abuse of the system.

My views on the second amendment have nothing to do with this. I am offended that you even suggest that!

I believe all submissions of deed violations should include the name of the submitter.

Then you could teach them a lesson or two. In person, man-to-man.

[Johnsocat]

If you knew who submitted the notice of your violation to Community Standards, what change would that make in how you would feel? Perhaps you'd like to check their home for violations to exact some revenge? Perhaps you'd like to confront them at their door to give them a piece of your mind? Perhaps you are a big supporter of second amendment solutions?

Maybe you think flowers in violation should require a person to give their name, but wrong paint, or a giant Buddha, or mold and broken lawn mowers on the grass should not? Give us the criteria you would suggest.

I was taught it shows integrity and honesty to try to solve problems at the lowest levels before elevating.

It also breeds distrust amongst us when we don't know which neighbor basically stabbed us in the hack as opposed to simply having a friendly/civil discussion about something we may not even be aware of...

[Number 10 GI]

I'm glad there are restrictions on what a homeowner can do, however I have a problem with the anonymous reporting. It fosters suspicion and distrust of your acquaintances and neighbors.

[Vermilion Villager]

do home inspectors certify compliance with covenants??

nope!

[Vermilion Villager]

WOW!!! Thank you Karen for that sound heartfelt advice. What goes around, comes around.

Other than the Karen part… Tell me what in their post was wrong?

[Velvet]

I was taught it shows integrity and honesty to try to solve problems at the lowest levels before elevating.

It also breeds distrust amongst us when we don't know which neighbor basically stabbed us in the hack as opposed to simply having a friendly/civil discussion about something we may not even be aware of...

I know my neighbors if I did something wrong, it would be by mistake but whoever would report me sure wouldn’t be one of my neighbors! What kind of neighbor is a person if they are worried about theirs?

[Vermilion Villager]

Then you could teach them a lesson or two. In person, man-to-man.

Now that everyone in Florida can carry a weapon without a permit or anything else you may want to rethink that line of reasoning.

[Vermilion Villager]

Representative from Community Standards advised us today we had a landscape violation. Flowers planted within the 13’ street right-a-way. Regardless that flowers have been there since 2005
Ours was one of 25, so far, submitted by the same individual. All anonymous via email, (the real cowards way). From Lady Lake to Fenny.

The flowers were removed before the Rep. had finished talking to a neighbor across the street….who also had a violation.

How do you know if it was the same individual if they are all anonymous? I know the community standards people who contact you do not have any information about the person filing the complaint.

[Vermilion Villager]

aside from TV strongarm approach, you're acctually incorrect. While they may pay/influence/ whatever the courts around here, the reality is that none of this would stand in a federal court. IF those plants have been there since 2005 that is actually a defense, TV can not by pass (as in allow) an infraction and then call it back. That qualifies as selective enforcement, and all Florida courts (not controlled by TV) will side with the home owner for this. Once selective enforcement has been determined - all the "rules" are void.

There is a process to rectify the selective enforcement, but I don't see that mentioned here either. Personally I would have told the person to stick it and lawyer up. As a former HOA president our atty was both local and federal, learned a lot, just waiting to use it (yes I like a good fight)

I think you lost us when you tried to imply that flowers being placed too close to a street would be heard by a " federal court":1rotfl:

[jimjamuser]

My impression was the original intent of complaint driven enforcement was that things were okay unless people objected to them (in the neighborhood). For example, distasteful lawn ornaments, anything divisive such as religious or political symbols. I don’t think it was intended that people living far away would have the right to complain since they are not living near by. It was never worded that way in the deed restrictions and some people take advantage, maybe even delight in causing others problems. I can’t imagine how flowers could be distasteful or blocking view of traffic. Talk about nit picking!
You have made a good point about "FLOWERS". But, don't forget that "flowers" usually have a stalk that supports the "flowers" up to some certain height. Suppose that the stalk height is 3 ft or 4 ft. Now we have a bush with flowers and that could present a visual safety hazard for oncoming vehicles;
......Now that 13 ft back from the street seems WAY excessive, maybe 5 or 6 ft would be reasonable.
.......At the exit of the Southside pool there is a large bush that forces cars to go out into the middle of the street in order to see if other cars are coming. That is a safety hazard created by plants and it is 2 ft from the road and it is on Village property, not a resident's.
.......The excessive plants on ALL the roundabouts create a traffic safety hazard.
........Just saying that it is possible for plants to create a LEGITIMATE hazard and therefore a need to be written up.
........I can't make a judgment in this particular case because there are other factors like is the street straight or does it curve. And other factors.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

There is a report on the "other" site this morning of a CYV being reported for wrong shingles on roof.
They were there when buyer purchased home.
Multiple/many/several/ quite a few, other roofs of same material/color are also out of compliance in same location, but have not been reported.
Going to be a costly lesson.
May have even been a "Free" roof. wrong she hired the roofer in 2020 to put new roof on ,the fault is on her not anyone else , it’s tough but buyer beware, almost all the roofers doing business in the villages know these rules and have to get building permits , it should have been caught before it was completed

[Quietman]

Don't they dig up the flowers at intersection R-O-W whenever they need to (without any extrea effort) ????

[BlueStarAirlines]

Wow, exactly why I left, Karen..

So......you don't even live here?? I never understood the need to read\comment on a place I formally lived. A lot of people Facebook stalk old girlfriends and wives, so maybe its the same compulsion.....

[Bogie Shooter]

Well,well,well. Are you certain that there were no other posts on this subject since 2005 that you should have looked into before starting this thread? This is definitely Karma in action. What a waste of flowers. I feel bad for you Bogie. Take it easy on the next newbie who you want to roast for their post because it’s been discussed before. Each post is important to each poster.

New troll.

[Bogie Shooter]

How do you know if it was the same individual if they are all anonymous? I know the community standards people who contact you do not have any information about the person filing the complaint.

The complaints were emailed in with the same email address, shared by the Community Standards rep.

[roob1]

Hopefully next time they will use an anonymous email service.


The complaints were emailed in with the same email address, shared by the Community Standards rep.

[Two Bills]

wrong she hired the roofer in 2020 to put new roof on ,the fault is on her not anyone else , it’s tough but buyer beware, almost all the roofers doing business in the villages know these rules and have to get building permits , it should have been caught before it was completed

Yep. Misread it.
Early in morning before coffee is my only excuse.

[nn0wheremann]

Another battle I would like to see is if a home inspection is made and a covenant violation was not identified then the inspection company should be financially liable for correction. None of this BS of returning the cost of the inspection.
Or, if the sale was made through The Villages real estate sales office, if they are liable for not disclosing the violation or remediation of the violation prior to the sale?

[fdpaq0580]

You have made a good point about "FLOWERS". But, don't forget that "flowers" usually have a stalk that supports the "flowers" up to some certain height. Suppose that the stalk height is 3 ft or 4 ft. Now we have a bush with flowers and that could present a visual safety hazard for oncoming vehicles;
......Now that 13 ft back from the street seems WAY excessive, maybe 5 or 6 ft would be reasonable.
.......At the exit of the Southside pool there is a large bush that forces cars to go out into the middle of the street in order to see if other cars are coming. That is a safety hazard created by plants and it is 2 ft from the road and it is on Village property, not a resident's.
.......The excessive plants on ALL the roundabouts create a traffic safety hazard.
........Just saying that it is possible for plants to create a LEGITIMATE hazard and therefore a need to be written up.
........I can't make a judgment in this particular case because there are other factors like is the street straight or does it curve. And other factors.

The "13 feet" is to allow utility or emergency equipment access as needed. Think interns of an alleyway behind or between homes.

[fdpaq0580]

Yep. Misread it.
Early in morning before coffee is my only excuse.

Excellent excuse! You have been exonerated. Release the prisoner.

[John Mayes]

Because these weren't neighbors. They were people living in one area of the villages, reporting people living in a different part of the villages. They don't really care that these peoples' yards violate code, because they have no need or reason to ever be in those neighborhoods. They have an axe to grind. Either they think Community Standards doesn't work hard enough, or they had violations on their own property and they want everyone else to suffer, or maybe they aren't even residents of the Villages at all, and just want to annoy Villagers because it's a trendy thing to do.

This!!!

[fdpaq0580]

Wow from reading these negative mean comments you folks need a lesson in compassion. Do you wake up everyday thinking how can I make some commenter today feel miserable? Yes rules were in place but give me a break we are talking beautiful flowers how on earth could this be a violation?? Trolling is absolutely wrong. You have an issue with somebody give your name otherwise you are just a coward,

FYI! Trolls have no heart, therefore, no compassion. They hate every flower except stink weed. And they eat babies, furry or shaved.

[Whitley]

It's none of "perhaps" which you post.

It's a troll, 25 complains and on a street the complainer probably does not live.

Yes, a real coward's way.

Speaks volumes about the person.

I agree with you 100%. It is as sad as someone who needs to identify as a specific type of person in order to give their life meaning. "Today I am going to go and measure how far the pansy is from the road" or "I am going to show how clever I am by inserting my objection to the second amendment to a post about pansies and petunias".

[Kathyo]

It's none of "perhaps" which you post.

It's a troll, 25 complains and on a street the complainer probably does not live.

Yes, a real coward's way.

Speaks volumes about the person.

As someone suggested perhaps only accepting complaints from people that live in their own village would help. But the bottom line still is - Why do you want to know who made the complaint. What would you do with that information? I would love to hear the honest answer to that question.

[Bill14564]

Can someone point me to the deed restriction that mentions no flowers in a 13' easement?

I can find mention of a 10' easement but no mention of flowers. Even if "no flowers" is understood as a standard restriction on an easement, I still don't see 13' mentioned.

[asianthree]

So a community standards person, mentioned to more than one household in the 65 complaints at our old neighborhood, one of the original clipboard ladies was turned in for the multitude of white crosses in their front, side yard.

She fought the complaints, and lost, and fines were incurred, Weeks later she started filling out complaints in her own neighborhood, because she didn’t know who turned her in. Then with a partner it escalated to traveling to other villages. Because if she couldn’t have whatever in her yard, than nobody else would either.

Our complaints were from the original red golf cart clip board ladies. For all anyone knows she may have expanded into a organization group with monthly meetings:1rotfl:

[golfing eagles]

So a community standards person, mentioned to more than one household in the 65 complaints at our old neighborhood, one of the original clipboard ladies was turned in for the multitude of white crosses in their front, side yard.

She fought the complaints, and lost, and fines were incurred, Weeks later she started filling out complaints in her own neighborhood, because she didn’t know who turned her in. Then with a partner it escalated to traveling to other villages. Because if she couldn’t have whatever in her yard, than nobody else would either.

Our complaints were from the original red golf cart clip board ladies. For all anyone knows she may have expanded into a organization group with monthly meetings:1rotfl:

True origin of the clipboard ladies?-----maybe
Urban legend?-------------------------------------maybe

Kind of like the "People who live in Harmeswood don't have to rake traps" story that's been circulating for over 10 years.

[fdpaq0580]

Can someone point me to the deed restriction that mentions no flowers in a 13' easement?

I can find mention of a 10' easement but no mention of flowers. Even if "no flowers" is understood as a standard restriction on an easement, I still don't see 13' mentioned.

10' became 13' due to inflation.

[mtdjed]

No, they don't. But I think rusty is saying they should. I agree.

No problem. Just tell them what you want along with your expectations for correction of defects if they miss. That way, they can calculate the bill for the added responsibility or politely suggest that you go elsewhere.

[Trishakaye]

Wow

[Inexes@aol.com]

As I sat here reading all the comments I noticed that not one person mentioned that. I believe, as you, that the easement is 10'.

[fdpaq0580]

As someone suggested perhaps only accepting complaints from people that live in their own village would help. But the bottom line still is - Why do you want to know who made the complaint. What would you do with that information? I would love to hear the honest answer to that question.

I would fart in their general direction!

Actually, give them the "stinkeye". But it would allow me to know which neighbor is a tattle tale and guard my privacy accordingly.

Or drag a gator to their front door.

[golfing eagles]

As I sat here reading all the comments I noticed that not one person mentioned that. I believe, as you, that the easement is 10'.

Um, post #105. So at least one person mentioned it

[Gator_Girl]

I thought I read somewhere that they were doing away with anonymous complaints.

[jimjamuser]

As I sat here reading all the comments I noticed that not one person mentioned that. I believe, as you, that the easement is 10'.
I said that the 13 ft seemed excessive.

[mtdjed]

I'm with you on this. I hope they stay away from my neighborhood. When I walk around or drive the cart and take "the scenic route" I see some very tastefully done landscaping that might be outside the letter of the law. I don't know for sure because I don't care. It would be fine with me if a neighbor felt the landscaping was "over the top" and didn't like to look at a violation every day, but I haven''t seen anything that anyone would find distasteful.

That someone derives some sort of joy from riding around in neighborhoods removed from their own, just to point out deed restriction violations is ridiculous, and mean spirited.

The Villages is one big community trying to establish standards which enhance the community. These standards have evolved as the community grows. There is plainly a reason that they ban fences, mailboxes along the street, sheds etc. Other restrictions may be less obvious but likely have valid reasons. We, the property owners need to adhere to these standards and put our big people pants on if in non-compliance. It shouldn't be an issue with the reporter of the compliance or where they are located. The problem is the person in non-compliance.
I have no idea why flowers too close to the road are non-compliant. It may be something as simple as trying control front yard lawn appearance.

[Larchap49]

This is great. We need way more reporting and a lot fewer violations.

If someone didn't like the rules, they shouldn't have bought here.

If they bought with violations in place, they're at fault for being inattentive or just dumb.

You're certainly bright spot in someone's life. Glad it's not mine

[Bogie Shooter]

I thought I read somewhere that they were doing away with anonymous complaints.

District 5 has for sometime……complaints went down.
District 2 just approved….effective May 1.

[Larchap49]

If you knew who submitted the notice of your violation to Community Standards, what change would that make in how you would feel? Perhaps you'd like to check their home for violations to exact some revenge? Perhaps you'd like to confront them at their door to give them a piece of your mind? Perhaps you are a big supporter of second amendment solutions?

Maybe you think flowers in violation should require a person to give their name, but wrong paint, or a giant Buddha, or mold and broken lawn mowers on the grass should not? Give us the criteria you would suggest.

If a person has the nerve to ride all over interfering in other people's lives then they should have the courage and the nerve to sign their name to it. In my opinion they are a coward.

[fdpaq0580]

I thought I read somewhere that they were doing away with anonymous complaints.

Good! Then we'll find out where the fiends are hiding. The Burgermiester says lock the women and children in doors, get torches and gather the hounds. We'll track the fiends to their lair and we'll....
Um. Sorry, I got carried away.

[justjim]

Now that everyone in Florida can carry a weapon without a permit or anything else you may want to rethink that line of reasoning.

I understand this option doesn’t Start until July 1. However, you make a good point.

[NavyVet]

Good! Then we'll find out where the fiends are hiding. The Burgermiester says lock the women and children in doors, get torches and gather the hounds. We'll track the fiends to their lair and we'll....
Um. Sorry, I got carried away.
Now THAT is the funniest thing I've read all day. Thanx! LOL

[justjim]

As the “inmates” take charge of the “asylum” unusual and sometimes very unnecessary “things” happen. It happens in most retirement communities.

[fdpaq0580]

The Villages is one big community trying to establish standards which enhance the community. These standards have evolved as the community grows. There is plainly a reason that they ban fences, mailboxes along the street, sheds etc. Other restrictions may be less obvious but likely have valid reasons. We, the property owners need to adhere to these standards and put our big people pants on if in non-compliance. It shouldn't be an issue with the reporter of the compliance or where they are located. The problem is the person in non-compliance.
I have no idea why flowers too close to the road are non-compliant. It may be something as simple as trying control front yard lawn appearance.

Is "big people pants" code for "adult diapers"?

[fdpaq0580]

Now THAT is the funniest thing I've read all day. Thanx! LOL

Thanks, "ship mate".

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Yep. Misread it.
Early in morning before coffee is my only excuse. ha ha been there , done that .I can’t even talk before coffee

[JMintzer]

Then you could teach them a lesson or two. In person, man-to-man.

What if it's a woman who filed the complaint?

[JMintzer]

Now that everyone in Florida can carry a weapon without a permit or anything else you may want to rethink that line of reasoning.

Except that's not true...

[JMintzer]

I would fart in their general direction!

Actually, give them the "stinkeye". But it would allow me to know which neighbor is a tattle tale and guard my privacy accordingly.

Or drag a gator to their front door.

I'd offer to have my dog poop on their lawn if it would help...:icon_wink:

[Aloha]

So many of the so-called Covenants need to be repealed and totally removed. An organization needs to be created within The Villages to concentrate solely on this worthy task. Citizens are being harassed by senseless rules passed by previous controlling idiots.

[JMintzer]

I understand this option doesn’t Start until July 1. However, you make a good point.

Except it's not true...

[Maker]

Somebody please post the exact wording of the section that was cited as the complaint

[BrianL99]

"Flowers planted within the 13’ street right-a-way."

Seriously, this triggers you? Get help.

If you buy into the rules, you don't get to pick and choose which ones you want to follow and which ones you want to ignore.

Did you ever raise children? Did you allow them to choose which of your rules they had to abide by and which they could ignore?

[BrianL99]

The Villages is one big community trying to establish standards which enhance the community. These standards have evolved as the community grows. There is plainly a reason that they ban fences, mailboxes along the street, sheds etc. Other restrictions may be less obvious but likely have valid reasons. We, the property owners need to adhere to these standards and put our big people pants on if in non-compliance. It shouldn't be an issue with the reporter of the compliance or where they are located. The problem is the person in non-compliance.
I have no idea why flowers too close to the road are non-compliant. It may be something as simple as trying control front yard lawn appearance.

Good post.

In general, "plantings" are prohibited in Rights of Ways and/or easements, because whoever is the beneficiary of the Easement or owner of the ROW, doesn't want to be responsible, particularly if they have to dig it up to do repairs or whatever may occur. (There are obviously are other reasons, but what I mentioned is typical.)

[pablo cruze]

How about if you buy your house thru a Villages "sales agent" that they are responsible for identifying any infraction which exist at time of sale. A certificate of compliance should be issued by the ARC as part of the closing process. Include resolution in the usual 1% inspection correction clause.
there are too many existing violations that they know about. they would rather hide behind "I didn't know" rather than have to disclose to potential buyers. Village agents aren't fiduciary - of course their best interest is high commission.

[chris38wise]

We had a troll post violations in our neighborhood through email.
We were able to ascertain who the individual was. Once this information is put into writing it is now available as public information. They may not have signed the email, but you would be able to get their email address.
In our neighborhood, they were able to find the physical address and people started sending them cards.

[pablo cruze]

When you close on your home, you will get a copy of your deed restrictions. Many residents have never bothered to read them. They look around their neighborhood and “generally”
follow what most residents are doing regarding metal birds or other yard ornaments they might like. Lawn ornaments in most districts not allowed according to deed restrictions. However, you can have a dozen large flower pots in your front yard filled with flowers (all legal) but very “tacky” IMHO but not a little white cross. (Not legal). Moral of this post read your deed restrictions.
I used to live in a deed restricted sub. But the homeowners could govern themselves. If a rule doesn't make sense an amendment could be enacted. This creepy place is much different - the homeowners really have no say even if it is a majority. The poor people in D7 with the mis-colored roofs. Sure it was their doing, but if all the homeowners are OK with it, why can't the CDD "supervisors" try to get the developer to make an amendment. It's a shame that they work for the developer and not for the homeowners. The reason they don't want to help the Villa roof people is they don't want to open themselves to work (they call it Pandora's box)

[pablo cruze]

Wow from reading these negative mean comments you folks need a lesson in compassion. Do you wake up everyday thinking how can I make some commenter today feel miserable? Yes rules were in place but give me a break we are talking beautiful flowers how on earth could this be a violation?? Trolling is absolutely wrong. You have an issue with somebody give your name otherwise you are just a coward,
it would be cool if the rules made sense. they cannot be changed. the CDDs are ruled like N. Korea.
The owners don't have representation at least in Hadley they don't

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

So many of the so-called Covenants need to be repealed and totally removed. An organization needs to be created within The Villages to concentrate solely on this worthy task. Citizens are being harassed by senseless rules passed by previous controlling idiots.

Some of them can't even legally be enforced. Such as the "no antenna" rule and the "no clothesline" rule.

The covenants/deed restrictions/community standards need to be updated at /least/ to comply with state and federal law. While they're at it they could probably amend some existing things like flowers in the easement/right-of-way. Basically - if all you'd need is a hand-propelled lawnmower to mow it down, a bunch of flowers should be permissible. If it gets too long you tell the homeowner to either prune it or mow it.

[asianthree]

True origin of the clipboard ladies?-----maybe
Urban legend?-------------------------------------maybe

Kind of like the "People who live in Harmeswood don't have to rake traps" story that's been circulating for over 10 years.

Neighborhood Has very clear videos of their red cart, their faces, while they took pics of the houses, filing 60 complaints. 45 were dismissed for landscaping violations, because developers put in the bushes. I have video of the back of one walking on the side of my house to get pic of the Hugh white cross. She filed I won, no white cross will live anywhere in my home or yard.

One can access videos on neighborhood website, with your sign in code.

[badkarma318]

I've lived in various types of communities across most of the U.S. over the years, and this I know: Whether in a HOA-type of community, or just your "average" neighborhood, every single time there was an issue between neighbors, it either permanently damaged/ended their relationship, or led to physical violence. Every. Single. Time.

Absolutely nothing good comes from knowing who reported you. Those who are so eager to discover that information, and say "I want to face my accuser" (already sounds aggressive - this is not the Spanish Inquisition) , why? What would you do with the information? Quietly stew about it until you explode one day? Think of ways to get even? March right over and confront him/her - do you think that will end well (hint: it won't)? Many people believe some version of this fantasy: "Bob and I have been close friends for years and we're both reasonable adults, so we'll just clear the air, then share a few beers and a few laughs over this silly situation" - not going to happen. Sometimes, the feud escalates to the point where one party is forced to move out of the area. And it's laughable to call an anonymous complainant a coward.

There definitely needs to be some way to prevent (or at least greatly reduce) those who abuse the system from doing so. Some suggestions I've seen so far include the so-called "troll" having to provide proof of their identity to the powers that be for every complaint (but that information would not be made public, and the same person could not exceed a set number of complaints), or a fee ($20?) would have to be paid for each filing, or you could only file a complaint if you can see the alleged offense from your property, or some combination of these.

Those who say that complaints are down in the district that has done away with the anonymous component of the system, of course they're down - residents are now scared to report violations, for some of the reasons I've listed above. That doesn't mean that there are less violations than before, just that they're now not being reported nearly as often, and people have to just live amongst all of the violations, or risk alienating their neighbors forever. An absolutely terrible decision by that district's leaders, which will hopefully be reversed soon. If other districts follow suit, that will be the end of "Florida's Friendliest Hometown".

[RICH1]

I’m glad the Rules get enforced… The owners are well aware of the Rules, and ignorance is not an excuse…. If I have an issue with a neighbor violating the rules, I approach them , Man to Man or Man to Women… sometimes a friendship may develop… Love is in the Air

[jimjamuser]

We had a troll post violations in our neighborhood through email.
We were able to ascertain who the individual was. Once this information is put into writing it is now available as public information. They may not have signed the email, but you would be able to get their email address.
In our neighborhood, they were able to find the physical address and people started sending them cards.
So, basically, they harassed the harasser. That reminds me of the old philosophy, "2 wrongs do NOT make a right"!

[Bill14564]

I’m glad the Rules get enforced… The owners are well aware of the Rules, and ignorance is not an excuse…. If I have an issue with a neighbor violating the rules, I approach them , Man to Man or Man to Women… sometimes a friendship may develop… Love is in the Air

Since you must be one of the owners who is well aware of the Rules, can you please point to the rule the states there is a 13' easement in front of the house and that no flowers can be planted in that easement?

I cannot find that in my CDD10 deed restrictions but it could be a restriction in another area. Please show me where it can be found.

[JRcorvette]

If you see women driving around your neighborhood taking pictures and writing stuff down follow them in your cart to their home. Take pictures of them an their home and post it!

[mikeycereal]

98040

[Greg L]

If you let the small violations pass then the big ones will follow. Judy follow the rules and quit whining.

[MsPCGenius]

There definitely needs to be some way to prevent (or at least greatly reduce) those who abuse the system from doing so. Some suggestions I've seen so far include the so-called "troll" having to provide proof of their identity to the powers that be for every complaint (but that information would not be made public, and the same person could not exceed a set number of complaints), or a fee ($20?) would have to be paid for each filing, or you could only file a complaint if you can see the alleged offense from your property, or some combination of these.


I concur....

[dewilson58]

Neighborhood Has very clear videos of their red cart, their faces, while they took pics of the houses, filing 60 complaints. 45 were dismissed for landscaping violations, because developers put in the bushes. I have video of the back of one walking on the side of my house to get pic of the Hugh white cross. She filed I won, no white cross will live anywhere in my home or yard.


There you go with facts again.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I liked it better when the developer controlled everything , the village’s neighborhood watch guys would come by and give you a ticket , I remember once my landscaper had put a bird bath in that he got somewhere without me knowing , they were by that day and said you can’t have that because of standing water , they would be on you right away for weeds , statues , anything that was wrong , for me those were the good old days ,remember one persons tasteful ornament can become somebody else’s theme park

[Grill Meister]

You are not new to TV. No ifs ands or buts work at the meetings. 2005 is no defense !!! I don't like it either but you need a two front battle. The first one you already lost. The second one is up to you to rally the troops to amend the covenants.

I seriously feel it is way past time to review the purposes of the deed restrictions/covenants. I should think they were instituted to create appeal to potential residents and to protect and maintain property values.

Until, perhaps ten years ago, the Community Watch authority had the responsibility to police and enforce any infractions. They, at that time, were "pro-active"....they are now only "reactive". Flowers planted within a certain restricted area would in all probably not be considered sufficient violation in the tenets to require any action. Can you imagine flowers being in conflict with creating appeal and protecting and maintaining property values. Come on...get real. And having deed restrictions policed by trolls. What idiot would think that this is in the best interest of anything? :cus::cus::cus:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If you see women driving around your neighborhood taking pictures and writing stuff down follow them in your cart to their home. Take pictures of them an their home and post it!

Actually - I did see a woman in a golf cart - wearing a Villages "uniform" shirt. It looked like it had been converted into a utility golf cart - maybe a rec center cart? She was ahead of me, going very slowly. She didn't stop at anyone's houses but she would slow down and make some kind of mark with a fat black magic marker on a surface. I couldn't see what it was she was writing on, I only saw the top end of the marker moving in her hand.

This was in the "historic" section. I caught up to her at the Boone Gate, and she was ahead of me on Paradise and up Lauren, where she turned onto West Schwartz.

She would slow down significantly every couple of houses, look at the house, and make a mark before speeding up again.

[fdpaq0580]

So, basically, they harassed the harasser. That reminds me of the old philosophy, "2 wrongs do NOT make a right"!

Maybe not, but 3 rights (turns) make a left!
Root out the weed so the grass can grow.

[tophcfa]

Why do you want to know who made the complaint. What would you do with that information? I would love to hear the honest answer to that question.

It would be nice to know who the coward is who doesn’t have the intestinal fortitude to talk face to face. It would also significantly reduce frivolous complaints so efforts could be focused on the violations that truly disrupt the neighborhood instead of things like flowers and little white crosses.

[fdpaq0580]

Absolutely nothing good comes from knowing who reported you. Those who are so eager to discover that information, and say "I want to face my accuser" (already sounds aggressive - this is not the Spanish Inquisition) ,

Spanish Inquisition? Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

Actually, it is kind of like it since you are, in essence, damned if you have or have not "sinned". And no one knows who the real witch is pulling the strings for their own twisted evil.
Snipers can and do cause a lot of harm and concern even among the innocent. Take the weapon of anonymity away, and the concern in the community goes down. Wouldn't you want to know who the child molester, rapist, thief or murderer is that lives in your community?

[Pairadocs]

I’m sure the flowers had a very nice eye appeal and were appreciated by your neighbors. I blows my mind that inconsiderate homeowners can run a neighborhood disrupting revolving door AIRBnB and the deed restrictions violated are ignored, but you are forced to remove flowers? If removing those flowers could possibly slow new home sales south of 44 you could be certain the trolls complaint would have fallen on deaf ears.

Selective "enforcement" appears to be just a micro example of the collective wishes of the nation's entire population. When you think about it for more than a second or two. We, as a people, have condoned selective enforcement of laws period; from illegal immigration to common theft, I believe the way many seniors (including myself !) understood "fair and equal enforcement of the law", has evolved due to the many cultural changes (which don't need to be listed on this type of forum of course) we've experienced. Some may think, what has THAT to do with The Villages ignoring enforcement of some while ignoring other violations. But actually, the collective culture of a nation does effect every aspect of life. Combine that with the mental state of various seniors in ANY community, you have a further explanation. People range from a normal concern for their own, and their neighbor's, property values and pride in their surroundings, to those whose cognitive processing has changed over the years, and who now find a purpose, personal satisfaction, in "doing the right thing and protecting their community". This includes what we call "trolls", those who have taken on a personal "mission" and get meaning and satisfaction from it. I've posted previously that we have relatives in similar communities in Florida and in other states... all are experiencing the same phenomenon... selective enforcement with petty violations (flowers, "wrong" color or type of stone/gravel in landscaping, etc.), while age, number of residents residing in a home, lawns completely overgrown in weeds, multiple overflow vehicles on residential streets night after night (perfectly legal but makes life for regular residents very difficult), etc. all "over looked". A "few" communities like ours, very few, but some have actually organized to the extent that they went to the long, involved legal process of changing how enforcement is accomplished, and also setting stricter rules concerning renting one's property. A "string" of rental properties as a business venture, is different from a resident who owns a single property and decides to rent it for the 6 months they might leave the area, but there is nothing to distinguish among those two examples. Nothing solves everything, but there are things that could be changed that would really help. As to changing the personalities of aging, angry, bitter, possibly ill, residents, whose focus is on "nit picking (and "nit picking" has greatly different meanings to different people) on such things as how many inches a flower garden is from something ... well, enough said about priorities...LOL !

[Pairadocs]

there are too many existing violations that they know about. they would rather hide behind "I didn't know" rather than have to disclose to potential buyers. Village agents aren't fiduciary - of course their best interest is high commission.

While I agree that it is not at all wise to assume any real estate agent puts their personal goals and needs above those of any client, disclosure of "things" an agent knows about a property is simply not going to happen. Just like "we the people" found out we had to have laws require the disclosure of some things (past sink holes, asbestos, and so on), there should be NO controversy over requiring disclosure of deed restriction violations in communities that have them. I can think of few things as "unfair" as innocently purchasing a property, only to be faced with a major expense for something that has existed for 15, 20 years and through 3 or 4 owners. Our present culture is obsessed with equality and fairness, this issue needs some attention again, meaning nation wide.

[golfing eagles]

If you let the small violations pass then the big ones will follow. Judy follow the rules and quit whining.

I agree in principle, but I also feel there is something inherently wrong with citing a home for flowers while ignoring the revolving door flop house air BnB right next door.

[LuvNH]

I agree in principle, but I also feel there is something inherently wrong with citing a home for flowers while ignoring the revolving door flop house air BnB right next door.


I am actually incensed by the use of Deed Restrictions for minor offenses.

I live in a very quiet small village tucked around Glenview GC. Some years ago we had a man and woman move into one of the homes and shortly after they moved in a young woman with a very young child moved in. Then we started to notice different cars arriving at all hours of the day and evening. Then an awful filthy broken recliner appeared on their driveway, followed by a filthy mattress. These items stayed for a couple of weeks. Then broken down cars were parked in their lot on both the grass and driveway. One day, quite recently, they must have done a moonlight flit, the house was then TENTED for several days, torn apart and put back on the market at a very high asking price.
When have you ever seen a home in TV TENTED?

Their immediate neighbors and the surrounding neighborhood had to put up with this and The Villages did nothing. So much for Deed Restrictions.

[Byte1]

Interesting how one district has little if any restrictions and others have a long list of restrictions. Personally, at my age I enjoy homes that are personalized and not cookie cutter, military style homes. I may not care for some of my neighbor's preferences, but I really don't think it is any of my business as to what makes them happy, as long as it does not offend me. I have not seen any trucks or old cars on blocks or toilet flower planters, but even those might look OK if done right. Point is that I believe in live and let live at this juncture of my life. I've seen everything here in the Villages, including landscape edging consisting of beer bottles and a cast iron pig. Just stay off of my lawn, especially with your dog that wishes to use my lawn as a toilet instead of yours. Pick up your trash that might blow on my property and we will all be fine.
If you have a complaint about my landscaping, please feel free to complain to my face. I am not going to get violent with anyone that does not like my style. If I feel that your complaint is valid I'm willing to make modifications. Personally, I don't give a rat's @&& if others do not like my style. And I do not care what my neighbors do with their home as long as what they do does not purposely bother me. As far as I am concerned, deed restrictions are there as a tool to keep folks from going to the extreme. And yes, if I don't like it here, I will move. Or, if you don't like my home then you can move.

[jimjamuser]

If you see women driving around your neighborhood taking pictures and writing stuff down follow them in your cart to their home. Take pictures of them an their home and post it!
I have seen situations where an overgrown tree has branches that were blocking the view of a 4-way stop sign. That is a SAFETY HAZZARD and needs to be written up. Eventually, those branches were cut by the Villages, I guess, but it took a long time to get that fixed. There are a lot of plants, trees, and vegetation in TV Land that can get overgrown and cause sight hazards and safety problems.
......That is why I lean toward anonymous reporting of these problems. Some "ticky-tacky" problems will be written up, but also many legitimate problems will get fixed. The powers that do the deciding can filter out which are worthwhile and which are not.

[jimjamuser]

It would be nice to know who the coward is who doesn’t have the intestinal fortitude to talk face to face. It would also significantly reduce frivolous complaints so efforts could be focused on the violations that truly disrupt the neighborhood instead of things like flowers and little white crosses.
Very few people would take the time and effort to knock on a neighbor's door and say that there is something about your property that I don't think meets the neighborhood standards. They would likely say, "What do YOU care, are you some kind of busybody". Then the door likely would get slammed.
.......Either a representative of a Village needs to do the knocking on of the door. Or there needs to be an anonymous write-up system. The anonymous write-up system would be less costly because it involves volunteers.

[fdpaq0580]

I have seen situations where an overgrown tree has branches that were blocking the view of a 4-way stop sign. That is a SAFETY HAZZARD and needs to be written up. Eventually, those branches were cut by the Villages, I guess, but it took a long time to get that fixed. There are a lot of plants, trees, and vegetation in TV Land that can get overgrown and cause sight hazards and safety problems.
......That is why I lean toward anonymous reporting of these problems. Some "ticky-tacky" problems will be written up, but also many legitimate problems will get fixed. The powers that do the deciding can filter out which are worthwhile and which are not.

Safety hazards should be reported and no one should be afraid of having their name associated with doing a public service. It is the use of what should be a public service to randomly, like a roadside shooter picking on random cars, harass individuals from behind the shield of anonymity. That's where the problem is. The Troll, for lack of a real name, has demonstrated by the number of failed complaints that he/she/it/they are doing this for harassment and NOT for any positive motive.

[jimjamuser]

I am actually incensed by the use of Deed Restrictions for minor offenses.

I live in a very quiet small village tucked around Glenview GC. Some years ago we had a man and woman move into one of the homes and shortly after they moved in a young woman with a very young child moved in. Then we started to notice different cars arriving at all hours of the day and evening. Then an awful filthy broken recliner appeared on their driveway, followed by a filthy mattress. These items stayed for a couple of weeks. Then broken down cars were parked in their lot on both the grass and driveway. One day, quite recently, they must have done a moonlight flit, the house was then TENTED for several days, torn apart and put back on the market at a very high asking price.
When have you ever seen a home in TV TENTED?

Their immediate neighbors and the surrounding neighborhood had to put up with this and The Villages did nothing. So much for Deed Restrictions.
I have seen houses in TV Land tented for excessive ROACHES. Florida has tons more insect problems than "up north".

[Jayhawk]

Interesting how one district has little if any restrictions and others have a long list of restrictions. Personally, at my age I enjoy homes that are personalized and not cookie cutter, military style homes. I may not care for some of my neighbor's preferences, but I really don't think it is any of my business as to what makes them happy, as long as it does not offend me. I have not seen any trucks or old cars on blocks or toilet flower planters, but even those might look OK if done right. Point is that I believe in live and let live at this juncture of my life. I've seen everything here in the Villages, including landscape edging consisting of beer bottles and a cast iron pig. Just stay off of my lawn, especially with your dog that wishes to use my lawn as a toilet instead of yours. Pick up your trash that might blow on my property and we will all be fine.
If you have a complaint about my landscaping, please feel free to complain to my face. I am not going to get violent with anyone that does not like my style. If I feel that your complaint is valid I'm willing to make modifications. Personally, I don't give a rat's @&& if others do not like my style. And I do not care what my neighbors do with their home as long as what they do does not purposely bother me. As far as I am concerned, deed restrictions are there as a tool to keep folks from going to the extreme. And yes, if I don't like it here, I will move. Or, if you don't like my home then you can move.

And this attitude is the very reason there are deed restrictions. There are none among us unless maybe on the far north side, who did not sign off on their district deed restrictions. Just because you "don't give a rat's ass" doesn't mean others don't. And disagreements should ALWAYS be settled in favor of the folks who follow the agreed-upon standards.

It's not just YOUR business, it is everyone's business in the district.

And by the way, keeping dogs off your lawn is not a right you have by deed restriction. But you want to impose your will apparently. You sound like the last guy I'd want to complain to face-to-face based on your comments.

Have a nice day.

[Clarkee]

Representative from Community Standards advised us today we had a landscape violation. Flowers planted within the 13’ street right-a-way. Regardless that flowers have been there since 2005
Ours was one of 25, so far, submitted by the same individual. All anonymous via email, (the real cowards way). From Lady Lake to Fenny.

The flowers were removed before the Rep. had finished talking to a neighbor across the street….who also had a violation.
The real issue is there a violation of the rules, not who filed the complaint. The rules are the rules.

[DonH57]

Interesting how one district has little if any restrictions and others have a long list of restrictions. Personally, at my age I enjoy homes that are personalized and not cookie cutter, military style homes. I may not care for some of my neighbor's preferences, but I really don't think it is any of my business as to what makes them happy, as long as it does not offend me. I have not seen any trucks or old cars on blocks or toilet flower planters, but even those might look OK if done right. Point is that I believe in live and let live at this juncture of my life. I've seen everything here in the Villages, including landscape edging consisting of beer bottles and a cast iron pig. Just stay off of my lawn, especially with your dog that wishes to use my lawn as a toilet instead of yours. Pick up your trash that might blow on my property and we will all be fine.
If you have a complaint about my landscaping, please feel free to complain to my face. I am not going to get violent with anyone that does not like my style. If I feel that your complaint is valid I'm willing to make modifications. Personally, I don't give a rat's @&& if others do not like my style. And I do not care what my neighbors do with their home as long as what they do does not purposely bother me. As far as I am concerned, deed restrictions are there as a tool to keep folks from going to the extreme. And yes, if I don't like it here, I will move. Or, if you don't like my home then you can move.

Well. True. Each district restrictions would be different since they were written at the time the districts were built. More restrictions were added as each district developed into it's identity.

[BrianNotFromNYC]

Nope. They inspect for safety and structural issues. Some for drainage. None have access to villages approved stuff. By

[fdpaq0580]

[QUOTE=Jayhawk;2210275

And by the way, keeping dogs off your lawn is not a right you have by deed restriction. But you want to impose your will apparently. You sound like the last guy I'd want to complain to face-to-face based on your comments.

Have a nice day.[/QUOTE]

Keeping dogs off your lawn is not a right you have by deed restriction, it is.a right you have by law. It is called trespassing. And that is not about imposing your will, but about expecting your neighbors to respect your property and the law.

[fdpaq0580]

The real issue is there a violation of the rules, not who filed the complaint. The rules are the rules.

It's actually both! The rules are the rules. No argument on that.
But, people do make mistakes. There are times that it serves the intent better by tempering the response, or even not responding. An example would be the vehicle that after cresting a hill gains speed and exceeds the limit by one mph. An officer may decide to ignore the infraction rather than make a traffic stop and incur the many potential dangers that go with any roadside activity. Also, currently, it seems, our Troll is not interested in actually pointing out real issues, but is making up some totally bogus stuff and distributing their often false accusations hither, thither and yon theoughout the length and breadth of The Villages. The Troll is not an honest, upstanding servant of codes, but is actually a person misusing the system, wasting time and money to get some twisted satisfaction through random assertions.
Certainly, if scrutinized closely enough, most of us could be found with "a hair out of place", so to speak. A wise man once admonished an angry mob, "let one among you who is without sin cast the first stone". I doubt our Troll is "without sin" as far as having the moral right to be harassing anyone with complaints. IMHO

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Interesting how one district has little if any restrictions and others have a long list of restrictions. Personally, at my age I enjoy homes that are personalized and not cookie cutter, military style homes. I may not care for some of my neighbor's preferences, but I really don't think it is any of my business as to what makes them happy, as long as it does not offend me. I have not seen any trucks or old cars on blocks or toilet flower planters, but even those might look OK if done right. Point is that I believe in live and let live at this juncture of my life. I've seen everything here in the Villages, including landscape edging consisting of beer bottles and a cast iron pig. Just stay off of my lawn, especially with your dog that wishes to use my lawn as a toilet instead of yours. Pick up your trash that might blow on my property and we will all be fine.
If you have a complaint about my landscaping, please feel free to complain to my face. I am not going to get violent with anyone that does not like my style. If I feel that your complaint is valid I'm willing to make modifications. Personally, I don't give a rat's @&& if others do not like my style. And I do not care what my neighbors do with their home as long as what they do does not purposely bother me. As far as I am concerned, deed restrictions are there as a tool to keep folks from going to the extreme. And yes, if I don't like it here, I will move. Or, if you don't like my home then you can move.

And this attitude is the very reason there are deed restrictions. There are none among us unless maybe on the far north side, who did not sign off on their district deed restrictions. Just because you "don't give a rat's ass" doesn't mean others don't. And disagreements should ALWAYS be settled in favor of the folks who follow the agreed-upon standards.

It's not just YOUR business, it is everyone's business in the district.

And by the way, keeping dogs off your lawn is not a right you have by deed restriction. But you want to impose your will apparently. You sound like the last guy I'd want to complain to face-to-face based on your comments.

Have a nice day.

So we have Byte, who offers an opinion about deed restrictions. And then we have Jayhawk, who offers an opinion about Byte.

Personally - I'd rather live next door to Byte. He seems to understand the concept of civil discourse. I'll keep the dog off his lawn partly because that's what he prefers, and partly because trespassing is against the law.

I live in the Historic Section. We have deed restrictions. They're not as strict as most of the other deed restrictions in the community. The only one that I wish we had, that we don't have, is in regards to storage trailers being left in the driveways. I also wish the county had - and enforced - distance regulations about parking near a corner or more than a foot away from the curb. The landscapers will park right AT the corner. If you're trying to take a left, and the entire right side of your view is blocked by a landscapers' truck and trailer, you have to just pray and hope no one's coming.

But that wouldn't be a deed restriction issue, it's a city/county traffic/parking regulation.

[asianthree]

The real issue is there a violation of the rules, not who filed the complaint. The rules are the rules.

If they are true violations, in each of our neighborhoods, 60% were not violations. Such as a 6’ pink flamingos for someone’s birthday was written up in our neighborhood, what a waste of time, for CS to go to houses that have no issues. Sometimes people are so vindictive, and miserable in their own lives, they feel the need to inflict input on others.

Problem is the roving clipboard picture taking group, doesn’t have a clue from one district to the next what is allowed. It’s what they choose shouldn’t be allowed, then file.

That is the reason it’s becoming a waste if time and resources for CS. Again if there was a fee to file then this would all be corrected

[BrianL99]

Since you must be one of the owners who is well aware of the Rules, can you please point to the rule the states there is a 13' easement in front of the house and that no flowers can be planted in that easement?

I cannot find that in my CDD10 deed restrictions but it could be a restriction in another area. Please show me where it can be found.

It can likely be found in the Deed to your property and probably identified as "Easements and Restrictions of Record". The "restriction" was likely an original condition in the 1st Grant of the Easement and wouldn't necessary be specifically in your Deed.

This is a perfect example of why folks should use Attorneys and not "Closing Mills" when they buy a home. An Attorney would have done a complete Title search and informed you of the specific terms and restrictions effecting your property.

Also, your Title Insurance Policy will have a reference to the Easement Deed, which will point you to the document that contains the terms of the Easement Grant.

If the area in question is indeed an "Easement" on your property, you own the land and unless an activity is expressly prohibited, it is allowed. If as you say, it is not contained in your Restrictions imposed by the Developer or CDD, it's entirely possible that plantings are allowed. You need to have an Attorney do a legitimate Title search and that will give you the answers.

[Bill14564]

Can someone point me to the deed restriction that mentions no flowers in a 13' easement?

I can find mention of a 10' easement but no mention of flowers. Even if "no flowers" is understood as a standard restriction on an easement, I still don't see 13' mentioned.

It can likely be found in the Deed to your property and probably identified as "Easements and Restrictions of Record". The "restriction" was likely an original condition in the 1st Grant of the Easement and wouldn't necessary be specifically in your Deed.

This is a perfect example of why folks should use Attorneys and not "Closing Mills" when they buy a home. An Attorney would have done a complete Title search and informed you of the specific terms and restrictions effecting your property.

Also, your Title Insurance Policy will have a reference to the Easement Deed, which will point you to the document that contains the terms of the Easement Grant.

If the area in question is indeed an "Easement" on your property, you own the land and unless an activity is expressly prohibited, it is allowed. If as you say, it is not contained in your Restrictions imposed by the Developer or CDD, it's entirely possible that plantings are allowed. You need to have an Attorney do a legitimate Title search and that will give you the answers.

Note my post #105 above. I can read the easements section of my deed restrictions but I don't see 13'. Perhaps that number is in the restrictions for a different area which is why I asked someone to point to it.

Too often the reason given is "it's the law" when that isn't at all what the law says. "It must be in there somewhere" isn't evidence either. Documented on paper matters, "that's the way we've always done it" or "that's the way we want it done" means nothing.

[DonH57]

If they are true violations, in each of our neighborhoods, 60% were not violations. Such as a 6’ pink flamingos for someone’s birthday was written up in our neighborhood, what a waste of time, for CS to go to houses that have no issues. Sometimes people are so vindictive, and miserable in their own lives, they feel the need to inflict input on others.

Problem is the roving clipboard picture taking group, doesn’t have a clue from one district to the next what is allowed. It’s what they choose shouldn’t be allowed, then file.

That is the reason it’s becoming a waste if time and resources for CS. Again if there was a fee to file then this would all be corrected

Either a fee to file or fine for filing incorrect complaints wasting resources but the responsible agency should know the difference of what should go in the file 13 can.

[tophcfa]

I am actually incensed by the use of Deed Restrictions for minor offenses.

I live in a very quiet small village tucked around Glenview GC. Some years ago we had a man and woman move into one of the homes and shortly after they moved in a young woman with a very young child moved in. Then we started to notice different cars arriving at all hours of the day and evening. Then an awful filthy broken recliner appeared on their driveway, followed by a filthy mattress. These items stayed for a couple of weeks. Then broken down cars were parked in their lot on both the grass and driveway. One day, quite recently, they must have done a moonlight flit, the house was then TENTED for several days, torn apart and put back on the market at a very high asking price.
When have you ever seen a home in TV TENTED?

Their immediate neighbors and the surrounding neighborhood had to put up with this and The Villages did nothing. So much for Deed Restrictions.

The home was most likely tented to erratic bed bugs brought in from one of the many vehicles arriving at all hours that had stayed at a flee bag motel on their way to the Villages.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If they are true violations, in each of our neighborhoods, 60% were not violations. Such as a 6’ pink flamingos for someone’s birthday was written up in our neighborhood, what a waste of time, for CS to go to houses that have no issues. Sometimes people are so vindictive, and miserable in their own lives, they feel the need to inflict input on others.

Problem is the roving clipboard picture taking group, doesn’t have a clue from one district to the next what is allowed. It’s what they choose shouldn’t be allowed, then file.

That is the reason it’s becoming a waste if time and resources for CS. Again if there was a fee to file then this would all be corrected

Perhaps a refundable fee. IF the violation was valid, and IF the offending property owner was fined for the violation, and IF that fine was paid, then the person submitting the complaint would be refunded their filing fee.

[BrianL99]

Note my post #105 above. I can read the easements section of my deed restrictions but I don't see 13'. Perhaps that number is in the restrictions for a different area which is why I asked someone to point to it.

Too often the reason given is "it's the law" when that isn't at all what the law says. "It must be in there somewhere" isn't evidence either. Documented on paper matters, "that's the way we've always done it" or "that's the way we want it done" means nothing.


As I said, it might not specifically mention the 13' in YOUR deed. Your deed should give references to every Easement ever recorded against your piece of land, but it doesn't have to.

You need to read the ORIGINAL Grant of the Easement and your Deed will not necessarily mention 13'. Your Deed will refer to "matters of record" and those "matters" are where you'll find the original Grant and likely, a plan that shows the dimensions of the Easement.

Deeds vary in language. In most cases, an actually deed can be as simple as "... being the same property conveyed on ________________ and recorded at: _____________.

Which is why a Title search is so important. People accept Deeds that don't tell the whole story and Title companies gloss over this stuff. Your property is subject to: "anything of record", prior to your purchase.

[brianherlihy]

well i live south of 44 and i need help to keep dogs off my lawn from poop and p can the trolls drive by and du her job and keep the trucks off my lawn and park ware the job is i park my car and truck in front of my home all the time

[Inexes@aol.com]

Um, post #105. So at least one person mentioned
it

Yes, that is who I was responding to, agreeing with the 10' vs 13'. I messed up my initial response, tried to edit and it still didn't work out as intended, lol

[Jayhawk]

well i live south of 44 and i need help to keep dogs off my lawn from poop and p

Call the people who keep birds, reptiles, coyotes, and other wildlife from pooping on your lawn. Seems there is no problem with those poopers.

[coffeebean]

OMG! Flowers near the street! Alert the media!

I'm still trying to figure out who has a yard big enough the AVOID putting flowers that close the street. In my neighborhood, nearly everyone has some sort of flowerbed in their front yard. And get this -- some even have 8" crosses!

Sure glad I bought my retirement home amongst a bunch of dangerous rebels just like me! I'd hate to offend a flower-hater!

So true about most front yards not having a 13' clearance from the street. I think my light post is within that 13' that should have clearance. I didn't put in the light post.....the builder did. This is the reason I will not attempt to put in one of those retainer walls around our landscape.

I've seen retainer walls (very low) go all the way to the street. I won't say which village I've seen that but it is not in my village.

[LuvNH]

The home was most likely tented to erratic bed bugs brought in from one of the many vehicles arriving at all hours that had stayed at a flee bag motel on their way to the Villages.

I'm sure there was something, or many things, in there that were nasty and it was awful to get up one day and find a tented house four doors away, but imagine what hell the adjoining neighbor must have gone through with these people living there. However, I am back to "where was the Villages when this was happening, and no CS either! Something very wrong here.

I feel that if TV wants to retain total control they should have an avenue for people with genuine problems to get some assistance; and that assistance should not take years..

[asianthree]

Either a fee to file or fine for filing incorrect complaints wasting resources but the responsible agency should know the difference of what should go in the file 13 can.

They still have to visit the house, and then write up what they found. So yep we pay for them to read complaints, drive to the multitude of houses, inspect the home, speak to the homeowner, or leave a note.

Then write up a follow up, with results. It can’t just be thrown away. In our first neighborhood, it was so new that some complaints on homes were still not occupied. Community standards had to come out inspect each property and write up what they found. The pink flamingos ready made him laugh, said it was the best part of his day proving the person who filed was WRONG

It seems clip boards are a thing if the past. Now they take a pic of the street as they enter, pic of the house number, then the issue. Then email all the complaints at once. Guessing it takes less than 2 minutes per house visit, and maybe 5 minutes to file each address. If form was 3 pages long asking redundant questions might slow them down

[Bill14564]

As I said, it might not specifically mention the 13' in YOUR deed. Your deed should give references to every Easement ever recorded against your piece of land, but it doesn't have to.

You need to read the ORIGINAL Grant of the Easement and your Deed will not necessarily mention 13'. Your Deed will refer to "matters of record" and those "matters" are where you'll find the original Grant and likely, a plan that shows the dimensions of the Easement.

Deeds vary in language. In most cases, an actually deed can be as simple as "... being the same property conveyed on ________________ and recorded at: _____________.

Which is why a Title search is so important. People accept Deeds that don't tell the whole story and Title companies gloss over this stuff. Your property is subject to: "anything of record", prior to your purchase.

You assume I have not read my deed, the original deed, and all easements and restrictions referenced. But I have. Quick summary: there is ni change to the 10' easement and no mention of flowers in the easement.

Again, deed restrictions vary across the Villages and there may be one that does mention 13' and flowers. There are far too many to go through each one so I'm interested in someone pointing to that.

[asianthree]

Call the people who keep birds, reptiles, coyotes, and other wildlife from pooping on your lawn. Seems there is no problem with those poopers.

Ya know there are sprays and home remedies to fix that problem :pepper2:

[coffeebean]

"Flowers planted within the 13’ street right-a-way."

Seriously, this triggers you? Get help.

Regarding the 13' right of way rule.......I won't even attempt to ask for approval for the retainer wall because, as I said, even my light post is withing that 13' that should have clearance from the street. BUT, having said that, I know someone who did receive an approval from ARC for a retainer wall that is about eight feet from the street. The approval was given with a drawing on a copy of the site plan which had no dimensions at all written on the site plan. How can approval be given without not knowing how far from the street that retainer wall was going to be installed? Who knows but the approval WAS given.

[asianthree]

I am actually incensed by the use of Deed Restrictions for minor offenses.

I live in a very quiet small village tucked around Glenview GC. Some years ago we had a man and woman move into one of the homes and shortly after they moved in a young woman with a very young child moved in. Then we started to notice different cars arriving at all hours of the day and evening. Then an awful filthy broken recliner appeared on their driveway, followed by a filthy mattress. These items stayed for a couple of weeks. Then broken down cars were parked in their lot on both the grass and driveway. One day, quite recently, they must have done a moonlight flit, the house was then TENTED for several days, torn apart and put back on the market at a very high asking price.
When have you ever seen a home in TV TENTED?

Their immediate neighbors and the surrounding neighborhood had to put up with this and The Villages did nothing. So much for Deed Restrictions.

The home was most likely tented to erratic bed bugs brought in from one of the many vehicles arriving at all hours that had stayed at a flee bag motel on their way to the Villages.

Y’all forget that they have to tent homes for Termites, have seen more than a few fully tented homes since 07

[Altavia]

aside from TV strongarm approach, you're acctually incorrect. While they may pay/influence/ whatever the courts around here, the reality is that none of this would stand in a federal court. IF those plants have been there since 2005 that is actually a defense, TV can not by pass (as in allow) an infraction and then call it back. That qualifies as selective enforcement, and all Florida courts (not controlled by TV) will side with the home owner for this. Once selective enforcement has been determined - all the "rules" are void.

There is a process to rectify the selective enforcement, but I don't see that mentioned here either. Personally I would have told the person to stick it and lawyer up. As a former HOA president our atty was both local and federal, learned a lot, just waiting to use it (yes I like a good fight)

Maybe ...

Failure to Enforce | FindHOALaw (https://findhoalaw.com/failure-to-enforce/)

Statute of limitations, waiver and covenant enforcement (https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/2014/05/30/statute-of-limitations-waiver-and-covenant-enforcement/30667932007/)

[Altavia]

/// Deleted duplicate post...

[fdpaq0580]

Call the people who keep birds, reptiles, coyotes, and other wildlife from pooping on your lawn. Seems there is no problem with those poopers.

Flippant and foolish answer. But you know that.

[BrianL99]

You assume I have not read my deed, the original deed, and all easements and restrictions referenced. But I have. Quick summary: there is ni change to the 10' easement and no mention of flowers in the easement.

Again, deed restrictions vary across the Villages and there may be one that does mention 13' and flowers. There are far too many to go through each one so I'm interested in someone pointing to that.

There's not a square inch of The Villages that's not encumbered in some way or another.

[Pairadocs]

Representative from Community Standards advised us today we had a landscape violation. Flowers planted within the 13’ street right-a-way. Regardless that flowers have been there since 2005
Ours was one of 25, so far, submitted by the same individual. All anonymous via email, (the real cowards way). From Lady Lake to Fenny.

The flowers were removed before the Rep. had finished talking to a neighbor across the street….who also had a violation.

Of all the traumatic, unsightly, even dangerous, deed restrictions/covenant violations in the villages, dangerous flowers would certainly be the #1 priority for enforcement, far below the unattended, overgrown, properties drawing rodents for sure, flowers are far more annoying than an AB&B right next to your 400K, 500K home, with constant parking blocking of drives, trash put out 5,6 days BEFORE pick up day, and so on. Yes, I agree, flower violations should come above all. Especially if they are not MY favorite types or colors.

[coffeebean]

As someone suggested perhaps only accepting complaints from people that live in their own village would help. But the bottom line still is - Why do you want to know who made the complaint. What would you do with that information? I would love to hear the honest answer to that question.

This is my way of thinking.......knowing who submitted the complaint would eliminate the possibility that it was a neighbor or "friend" of yours in your own neighborhood (if in fact the complainer is someone from outside of your neighborhood). If the complainer is someone from your neighborhood, I would watch my back.

[coffeebean]

So a community standards person, mentioned to more than one household in the 65 complaints at our old neighborhood, one of the original clipboard ladies was turned in for the multitude of white crosses in their front, side yard.

She fought the complaints, and lost, and fines were incurred, Weeks later she started filling out complaints in her own neighborhood, because she didn’t know who turned her in. Then with a partner it escalated to traveling to other villages. Because if she couldn’t have whatever in her yard, than nobody else would either.

Our complaints were from the original red golf cart clip board ladies. For all anyone knows she may have expanded into a organization group with monthly meetings:1rotfl:
I see that you have resided in a few villages since moving here. Which village were you referring to when the original clip board ladies got their start? I live in Mallory. Is it this village?

[Pairadocs]

It would be nice to know who the coward is who doesn’t have the intestinal fortitude to talk face to face. It would also significantly reduce frivolous complaints so efforts could be focused on the violations that truly disrupt the neighborhood instead of things like flowers and little white crosses.

I often wonder the same thing. I assume it is just another manifestation of the last 30 year slide away from direct communication and interaction resulting from technological advances ? Most could never EVER have envisioned a family, sitting at a table in a sit down restaurant, all with their cell phones in hand, "communicating" with each other and with their friends not at the restaurant... who would ever have believed that could happen ? To me, it's not that much of a stretch to imagine neighbors who can't even talk with another neighbor about a problem or impending problem. When I was growing up, if a neighbor's hose had been left partially on the grass of the next house, to the point where the grass was dying under it, the fathers or mothers never seemed to have a problem talking face to face ! And things were discussed without anger, violence, retribution. One father was able to say " Hey Dave, your hose has been laying partially in my back yard for so long it's beginning to kill my grass, you don't mind if I roll it up for you do you ? And almost certainly, when approached in that non confrontational manner, the other person would say "oh my gosh, I completely forgot about that hose, so sorry."

Over our time in the V's, we've found people are much more reluctant to even speak when they move in, so others on our street, including myself, no longer even bother to go introduce ourselves, take some cookies or a treat we made, etc. No more Friday driveway get togethers, bring your own beverage of choice and a chair, and just visit ! Actually I find it a kind of pervasive sadness when I think of how people (not the Villages) have changed, and then Covid put the "nail in the coffin" so to speak, people locked their doors, lowered their shades, and isolated. If you walked to the mail station, people approaching from the opposite direction would CROSS the street rather than take a "chance" on walking past another person outside, so obviously didn't help the gradual move toward unfriendly people ! One neighbor who always made a major effort to make new people feel welcome, went next door with a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies to greet the new people. Man/husband (?) came to door, "Hi there, I'm___ and this is my husband ___. We live next door. The reply was "I'm Bob",
not "Hi, am Bob, and say his partner or wife was not home, or thanks for the cookies, or even a word or two about "glad to meet you don't know anyone yet", just nothing. but "I'm Bob", not even a thank you for the cookies ? Then, closed the door. Neighbor figured that 2 p.m. a Saturday afternoon was just not a good time, and should have waited until they were out in the yard ! Those two words, "I'm Bob" were the only two words ever spoken to the next door neighbors or to anyone on our block in the six years they lived here. Could have happened in any neighborhood in any state I guess.

[Pairadocs]

Well. True. Each district restrictions would be different since they were written at the time the districts were built. More restrictions were added as each district developed into it's identity.

I too believe restrictions in any development are actually there to (hopefully) discourage the EXTREMES you mentioned. The old autos with no tires, the old appliances thrown out and never removed, trash, rodents, etc. but so often the "cart is put in front of the horse"; the "restrictions" are developed but the PLAN and PROCESS for making sure they are enforced is not given as much thought. That leaves a qualitative never never land where trolls find their real calling. So often getting "old" results in getting angry, jealous, mean and hateful... that does NOT have to happen.

[Pairadocs]

So the name Ken is the counterpart to Karen? Hadn’t heard that. Not sure how this “Karen” thing started anyway. It’s such a nice name and there are plenty of lovely Karen’s around so why disparage the name?

"Karen" ? "Ken" ? Just another manifestation of this whole, new, counter world. Ridiculous, vindictive, actually really ignorant when you stop and analyze it. Why not "Susans" or "johns", if it wasn't so prevalent, and demeaning, it would not even be worth discussion !

[Jayhawk]

////

[Velvet]

I often wonder the same thing. I assume it is just another manifestation of the last 30 year slide away from direct communication and interaction resulting from technological advances ? Most could never EVER have envisioned a family, sitting at a table in a sit down restaurant, all with their cell phones in hand, "communicating" with each other and with their friends not at the restaurant... who would ever have believed that could happen ? To me, it's not that much of a stretch to imagine neighbors who can't even talk with another neighbor about a problem or impending problem. When I was growing up, if a neighbor's hose had been left partially on the grass of the next house, to the point where the grass was dying under it, the fathers or mothers never seemed to have a problem talking face to face ! And things were discussed without anger, violence, retribution. One father was able to say " Hey Dave, your hose has been laying partially in my back yard for so long it's beginning to kill my grass, you don't mind if I roll it up for you do you ? And almost certainly, when approached in that non confrontational manner, the other person would say "oh my gosh, I completely forgot about that hose, so sorry."

Over our time in the V's, we've found people are much more reluctant to even speak when they move in, so others on our street, including myself, no longer even bother to go introduce ourselves, take some cookies or a treat we made, etc. No more Friday driveway get togethers, bring your own beverage of choice and a chair, and just visit ! Actually I find it a kind of pervasive sadness when I think of how people (not the Villages) have changed, and then Covid put the "nail in the coffin" so to speak, people locked their doors, lowered their shades, and isolated. If you walked to the mail station, people approaching from the opposite direction would CROSS the street rather than take a "chance" on walking past another person outside, so obviously didn't help the gradual move toward unfriendly people ! One neighbor who always made a major effort to make new people feel welcome, went next door with a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies to greet the new people. Man/husband (?) came to door, "Hi there, I'm___ and this is my husband ___. We live next door. The reply was "I'm Bob",
not "Hi, am Bob, and say his partner or wife was not home, or thanks for the cookies, or even a word or two about "glad to meet you don't know anyone yet", just nothing. but "I'm Bob", not even a thank you for the cookies ? Then, closed the door. Neighbor figured that 2 p.m. a Saturday afternoon was just not a good time, and should have waited until they were out in the yard ! Those two words, "I'm Bob" were the only two words ever spoken to the next door neighbors or to anyone on our block in the six years they lived here. Could have happened in any neighborhood in any state I guess.

I come from a large metropolitan area where you do not open the door to any one. (Unless they have an appointment with you.) The first week I moved in to the house at Mallory, the door bell rang. Bravely, I hid in the bathroom till they went away. Later that day the doorbell rang again, I thought it’s probably that lady who comes with a welcome basket but tries to sell you water filtration systems. Hid again till they went away.

Around supper time the doorbell rang again. I looked out the window this time and saw a golf cart parked in my driveway. I thought well, it would be unusual to sell something by golf cart so I opened the door. It was a charming lady who said she was going to keep coming to my place until she could meet me, to welcome me to the neighborhood. I have answered every doorbell ring since then, and also got a Ring doorbell so I can see who is at the door.

This lady and I now play Mahjongg regularly at one neighbor’s house or another, and several of us golf together. We have lunches and socials and help each other out when needed. That was my introduction to my neighborhood. So, at least in some lucky neighborhoods, the tradition continues.

[coffeebean]

I agree in principle, but I also feel there is something inherently wrong with citing a home for flowers while ignoring the revolving door flop house air BnB right next door.

Are AirBnBs against the rules here? I really don't know the answer to that one. Thank goodness we don't have any of that going on in my neighborhood.

[fdpaq0580]

Are AirBnBs against the rules here? I really don't know the answer to that one. Thank goodness we don't have any of that going on in my neighborhood.

That you ,know of.

[DonH57]

I too believe restrictions in any development are actually there to (hopefully) discourage the EXTREMES you mentioned. The old autos with no tires, the old appliances thrown out and never removed, trash, rodents, etc. but so often the "cart is put in front of the horse"; the "restrictions" are developed but the PLAN and PROCESS for making sure they are enforced is not given as much thought. That leaves a qualitative never never land where trolls find their real calling. So often getting "old" results in getting angry, jealous, mean and hateful... that does NOT have to happen.

So true. It doesn't have to happen. In my occasional travel in the historic areas of the villages I've seen very few eyesores. They are there.

[tophcfa]

Are AirBnBs against the rules here? I really don't know the answer to that one. Thank goodness we don't have any of that going on in my neighborhood.

The answer is yes and no. They are against a couple rules (deed restriction violations), but they are rules that are not enforced. Are rules that aren’t enforced really rules?

[JMintzer]

I come from a large metropolitan area where you do not open the door to any one. (Unless they have an appointment with you.) The first week I moved in to the house at Mallory, the door bell rang. Bravely, I hid in the bathroom till they went away. Later that day the doorbell rang again, I thought it’s probably that lady who comes with a welcome basket but tries to sell you water filtration systems. Hid again till they went away.

Around supper time the doorbell rang again. I looked out the window this time and saw a golf cart parked in my driveway. I thought well, it would be unusual to sell something by golf cart so I opened the door. It was a charming lady who said she was going to keep coming to my place until she could meet me, to welcome me to the neighborhood. I have answered every doorbell ring since then, and also got a Ring doorbell so I can see who is at the door.

This lady and I now play Mahjongg regularly at one neighbor’s house or another, and several of us golf together. We have lunches and socials and help each other out when needed. That was my introduction to my neighborhood. So, at least in some lucky neighborhoods, the tradition continues.

You were the "Californians who moved to Texas"! :1rotfl:

https://youtu.be/HlDWzN6TW5Y

[Velvet]

You were the "Californians who moved to Texas"! :1rotfl:

https://youtu.be/HlDWzN6TW5Y

Yep! LOL

[asianthree]

I see that you have resided in a few villages since moving here. Which village were you referring to when the original clip board ladies got their start? I live in Mallory. Is it this village?

No in the early years in TV, everyone was of a kinder sole. If there was a problem, you just spoke to them, but deed restrictions were not on the table.

2010 seemed to be the start of a few complaints, here or there, but the “White Cross Issue” is when the vengeance showed its ugly head. Since then it has escalated beyond what anyone could imagine.

We got dinged in Pennacamp, for our landscaping, which was what the developer planted, so no violation.

Two years later in Fernandina, again landscaping the developer put in, and the color of our front door, which the builder painted.

Duval was the White Cross incident that was really a Hawaiian vine gone into hibernation.

So three strikes and swing and a miss for them

[jimjamuser]

So we have Byte, who offers an opinion about deed restrictions. And then we have Jayhawk, who offers an opinion about Byte.

Personally - I'd rather live next door to Byte. He seems to understand the concept of civil discourse. I'll keep the dog off his lawn partly because that's what he prefers, and partly because trespassing is against the law.

I live in the Historic Section. We have deed restrictions. They're not as strict as most of the other deed restrictions in the community. The only one that I wish we had, that we don't have, is in regards to storage trailers being left in the driveways. I also wish the county had - and enforced - distance regulations about parking near a corner or more than a foot away from the curb. The landscapers will park right AT the corner. If you're trying to take a left, and the entire right side of your view is blocked by a landscapers' truck and trailer, you have to just pray and hope no one's coming.

But that wouldn't be a deed restriction issue, it's a city/county traffic/parking regulation.
True about the commercial vehicles, the landscapers' trucks, and any truck with a lawnmower in a trailer - they seem to feel that they can park practically in the middle of a street, or on a corner, or wherever. Somehow they have become the anointed ones. They are the masters of the universe of TV Land.
.....It makes me GLAD that I cut my own grass and I wish that everybody that could, should cut their own grass. We should re-assert our right to the all-American concept of self-cutting of one's own grass........a PROUD American Heritage..............made easier by self-propelled electric lawn mowers!

[Velvet]

True about the commercial vehicles, the landscapers' trucks, and any truck with a lawnmower in a trailer - they seem to feel that they can park practically in the middle of a street, or on a corner, or wherever. Somehow they have become the anointed ones. They are the masters of the universe of TV Land.
.....It makes me GLAD that I cut my own grass and I wish that everybody that could, should cut their own grass. We should re-assert our right to the all-American concept of self-cutting of one's own grass........a PROUD American Heritage..............made easier by self-propelled electric lawn mowers!

You know you just kill me (with laughter) with some of your comments.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

One neighbor who always made a major effort to make new people feel welcome, went next door with a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies to greet the new people. Man/husband (?) came to door, "Hi there, I'm___ and this is my husband ___. We live next door. The reply was "I'm Bob",
not "Hi, am Bob, and say his partner or wife was not home, or thanks for the cookies, or even a word or two about "glad to meet you don't know anyone yet", just nothing. but "I'm Bob", not even a thank you for the cookies ?

I'm very fortunate to live in a neighborhood where we greet the newcomers, some get to know them better than others but it is overall a very welcoming area. Sometimes when I'm walking up Kiley to the country club, random folks will stop their golf cart and ask if I want to hitch a ride up. I turn them down only because walking up the hill is good exercise and I enjoy the experience for its own sake. I'm usually listening to music in my hearing aids (they stream to my music app on my phone), and that puts some pep in my step. Other folks sitting in their open garage or carport will wave, and say hello to me as I'm walking. Sometimes someone will say something other than hello and I'll have to walk closer and turn my music off to ask what they said, and it turns into a lovely conversation.

We don't even necessarily introduce ourselves. We're just people who live in the same community, enjoying each others' existence.

[Altavia]

The answer is yes and no. They are against a couple rules (deed restriction violations), but they are rules that are not enforced. Are rules that aren’t enforced really rules?

Selective enforcement and not respecting the 5 yr statue of limitations as required in Florida seem like a risk to me.

Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:

Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0720/0720.html)

[Altavia]

The answer is yes and no. They are against a couple rules (deed restriction violations), but they are rules that are not enforced. Are rules that aren’t enforced really rules?


Is not respecting the 5 yr statue of limitations as required in Florida is different instance of non compliance?

Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:

Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0720/0720.html)

"Section 95.11, Fla. Stat. sets out time limitations within with lawsuits must be filed. This is called a “statute of limitations.” A “legal or equitable action on a contract, obligation, or liability founded on a written instrument…” must be brought within five years of the time of the injury. An action to enforce townhome covenants is, in fact, a legal or equitable action on a contract or written instrument—and so any enforcement action must be brought within five years."

[fdpaq0580]

I'm very fortunate to live in a neighborhood where we greet the newcomers, some get to know them better than others but it is overall a very welcoming area. Sometimes when I'm walking up Kiley to the country club, random folks will stop their golf cart and ask if I want to hitch a ride up. I turn them down only because walking up the hill is good exercise and I enjoy the experience for its own sake. I'm usually listening to music in my hearing aids (they stream to my music app on my phone), and that puts some pep in my step. Other folks sitting in their open garage or carport will wave, and say hello to me as I'm walking. Sometimes someone will say something other than hello and I'll have to walk closer and turn my music off to ask what they said, and it turns into a lovely conversation.

We don't even necessarily introduce ourselves. We're just people who live in the same community, enjoying each others' existence.

Sounds heavenly.

[golfing eagles]

The obvious way to eliminate the trolls is for everyone to abide by their deed restrictions.

Now, assuming that will never happen, I side with those that feel a complaint should only be taken from someone who lives in the neighborhood. It's not so much that violators should get away with it, nor that it really matters who reports it. But there is a cost involved in investigating a complaint, a cost that we all bear through our taxes and fees. These trolls that report 30 violations have essentially made this their "hobby". I, for one, do not feel the need to subsidize the hobby of a stranger living 6 miles away. Besides, it should be incumbent upon those that have to see a violation every day to report it, not some hobby tourist who will probably never pass by again.

[Byte1]

The real issue is there a violation of the rules, not who filed the complaint. The rules are the rules.

Folks ALWAYS say "The rules are the rules" until they are stopped by a cop doing 5mph over the speed limit or only slow down at a STOP sign instead of coming to a complete stop. ALL rules can be flexible. A cop might stop you and give you a verbal warning, while another one will give you a real adamant dressing down and issue you a citation. Judges smack one violator's wrist and give the max to another for the same violation.
Ever heard of "turn the other cheek?" I've seen no damage as a result of the thousands of little white crosses throughout the Villages. I've seen no damage done as a result of that little frog or gator lawn ornament.
Some folks just need to get a life. But, the RULE is that everyone MUST pass from this life eventually. Like a famous little guy named Alfred E. Newman once said "What, Me worry?"

[fdpaq0580]

The obvious way to eliminate the trolls is for everyone to abide by their deed restrictions.

Now, assuming that will never happen, I side with those that feel a complaint should only be taken from someone who lives in the neighborhood. It's not so much that violators should get away with it, nor that it really matters who reports it. But there is a cost involved in investigating a complaint, a cost that we all bear through our taxes and fees. These trolls that report 30 violations have essentially made this their "hobby". I, for one, do not feel the need to subsidize the hobby of a stranger living 6 miles away. Besides, it should be incumbent upon those that have to see a violation every day to report it, not some hobby tourist who will probably never pass by again.

Be careful. If they loose that hobby, they may take up golf and start reporting everything they think is wrong with your game. We'll be hearing reports of you "hooking your slice", or putting out of the sand traps.

[golfing eagles]

Be careful. If they loose that hobby, they may take up golf and start reporting everything they think is wrong with your game. We'll be hearing reports of you "hooking your slice", or putting out of the sand traps.

I'd be willing to chance that. Now, please explain how one "hooks a slice"?????

[fdpaq0580]

I'd be willing to chance that. Now, please explain how one "hooks a slice"?????

When the fairway is "S" shape and you want to snake your ball around the trees, you have to ... to ... Well, I'd have to show you. But, your smart and I'm sure you can figure it out.

😉

[brianherlihy]

this is not a happy place/ like the old days/ i have been her on and off for 30 y/ it was i nice happy place/ now not all happy i am going back home

[fdpaq0580]

this is not a happy place/ like the old days/ i have been her on and off for 30 y/ it was i nice happy place/ now not all happy i am going back home

Where is "home"?

[golfing eagles]

Where is "home"?

And when is he going? :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Altavia]

The answer is yes and no. They are against a couple rules (deed restriction violations), but they are rules that are not enforced. Are rules that aren’t enforced really rules?


Is not respecting the 5 yr statue of limitations as required in Florida is different instance of non compliance?

Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:

Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0720/0720.html)

"Section 95.11, Fla. Stat. sets out time limitations within with lawsuits must be filed. This is called a “statute of limitations.” A “legal or equitable action on a contract, obligation, or liability founded on a written instrument…” must be brought within five years of the time of the injury. An action to enforce townhome covenants is, in fact, a legal or equitable action on a contract or written instrument—and so any enforcement action must be brought within five years."

[fdpaq0580]

And when is he going? :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

And I'm sure we will both be there to wish him, "Bon Voyage".

[golfing eagles]

And I'm sure we will both be there to wish him, "Bon Voyage".

yu meen boon viyagee

[Byte1]

Maybe/maybe, the complaint is about hardscaping and not just flowers? I believe that most of the restrictions regarding easements is that one cannot build hardscaping for their flower gardens if such hardscape infringes on the utility easement. I know many/many homes where there are bushes and flowers planted in those easements. However, I have also heard of folks that had to remove their hardscaping that was on the easement.

[Bill14564]

Maybe/maybe, the complaint is about hardscaping and not just flowers? I believe that most of the restrictions regarding easements is that one cannot build hardscaping for their flower gardens if such hardscape infringes on the utility easement. I know many/many homes where there are bushes and flowers planted in those easements. However, I have also heard of folks that had to remove their hardscaping that was on the easement.

Possible, but the original post also included:

The flowers were removed before the Rep. had finished talking to a neighbor across the street….who also had a violation.

Difficult to imagine hardscaping being removed that quickly.

[Velvet]

Possible, but the original post also included:

The flowers were removed before the Rep. had finished talking to a neighbor across the street….who also had a violation.

Difficult to imagine hardscaping being removed that quickly.

They were flowers not mature oak trees!

[Bill14564]

They were flowers not mature oak trees!

Your point is?

[Bogie Shooter]

Maybe/maybe, the complaint is about hardscaping and not just flowers? I believe that most of the restrictions regarding easements is that one cannot build hardscaping for their flower gardens if such hardscape infringes on the utility easement. I know many/many homes where there are bushes and flowers planted in those easements. However, I have also heard of folks that had to remove their hardscaping that was on the easement.

What Is Hardscape in Landscaping?
The term "hardscape" refers to all of the non-living elements in landscaping, such as a brick patio, a stone wall, or a wooden arbor. It is one of the two major subcategories of landscaping, the other being softscape. Softscape is all of the living and organic elements in a garden or on a lawn, such as trees, flowers, and grass.


No hardscape indicated in the complaint or existing in the bed.
Of the many, many that have bushes and flowers, are in violation being in the easement.
It’s spelled out many places on this site; VCDD Community Standards (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Community-Standards/community-standards.aspx)

[Velvet]

Your point is?

Flowers, pull with hand … gone. Or mow down, a tree is much more involved to get rid of. So I could see how they could get rid of the flowers lickety split.

[Bill14564]

Flowers, pull with hand … gone. Or mow down, a tree is much more involved to get rid of. So I could see how they could get rid of the flowers lickety split.

Which is essentially what I was pointing out. There could not have been any hardscape as was suggested since the flowers were gone before the Rep left.

[Sclawndr]

Representative from Community Standards advised us today we had a landscape violation. Flowers planted within the 13’ street right-a-way. Regardless that flowers have been there since 2005
Ours was one of 25, so far, submitted by the same individual. All anonymous via email, (the real cowards way). From Lady Lake to Fenny.

The flowers were removed before the Rep. had finished talking to a neighbor across the street….who also had a violation.

I have to ask - I’ve read the architectural review manuals that are published on the district gov site but I didn’t see anything that mentioned the distance that flowers can be planted within the right of way. There were several references to 2-3 foot setbacks from property lines but that’s about it. I’m not suggesting that what you’re saying isn’t true - I’m just asking where anyone gets correct info. Are there other guidelines that residents are supposed to follow? Where can I find them?

[Sclawndr]

Representative from Community Standards advised us today we had a landscape violation. Flowers planted within the 13’ street right-a-way. Regardless that flowers have been there since 2005
Ours was one of 25, so far, submitted by the same individual. All anonymous via email, (the real cowards way). From Lady Lake to Fenny.

The flowers were removed before the Rep. had finished talking to a neighbor across the street….who also had a violation.

I have to ask - I’ve read the architectural review guidelines that are published on the district gov site but I didn’t see anything about flowers being planted within 13 feet of anything. There were a few references to 2-3 foot setbacks around property lines but that was about it. Are there more specific guidelines that are published somewhere? Where do residents go to find them ?

[fdpaq0580]

yu meen boon viyagee

Oboelutely! 2 B chur.

[Altavia]

I have to ask - I’ve read the architectural review guidelines that are published on the district gov site but I didn’t see anything about flowers being planted within 13 feet of anything. There were a few references to 2-3 foot setbacks around property lines but that was about it. Are there more specific guidelines that are published somewhere? Where do residents go to find them ?


The Homesite drawing (site plan) for a property shows utility easements along the streets.

This varies per property, in my case, it is 13.5 feet. Sumter County can provide copies off your property drawings via email if you don't have them.

https://sumtercountyfl.nextrequest.com/

In former homes, we were allowed landscaping in easements but if the utility needs to dig it up, they have no responsibility to replace.

[Whitley]

"Karen" ? "Ken" ? Just another manifestation of this whole, new, counter world. Ridiculous, vindictive, actually really ignorant when you stop and analyze it. Why not "Susans" or "johns", if it wasn't so prevalent, and demeaning, it would not even be worth discussion !

The term Karen can even be viewed as a bit racist. Middle aged white woman with a short haircut. Guess I should be offended (BTW a Karen's counterpart is a Kevin.

[Velvet]

The term Karen can even be viewed as a bit racist. Middle aged white woman with a short haircut. Guess I should be offended (BTW a Karen's counterpart is a Kevin.

Hmmm… probably intended differently but that definition makes me think of a woman old enough, and with a nice hair cut, well-off enough, who will not take anyone’s nonsense anymore. I noticed when I golf cart around with some lady friends here in TV they will NOT settle for disrespect or being slighted. Perhaps they may have taken it all their lives previously, but not any more. Yet they are the considerate, thoughtful and generous in nearly all situations.

[JMintzer]

Hmmm… probably intended differently but that definition makes me think of a woman old enough, and with a nice hair cut, well-off enough, who will not take anyone’s nonsense anymore. I noticed when I golf cart around with some lady friends here in TV they will NOT settle for disrespect or being slighted. Perhaps they may have taken it all their lives previously, but not any more. Yet they are the considerate, thoughtful and generous in nearly all situations.

https://i.redd.it/17tt41n9ie281.jpg

[Whitley]

Hmmm… probably intended differently but that definition makes me think of a woman old enough, and with a nice hair cut, well-off enough, who will not take anyone’s nonsense anymore. I noticed when I golf cart around with some lady friends here in TV they will NOT settle for disrespect or being slighted. Perhaps they may have taken it all their lives previously, but not any more. Yet they are the considerate, thoughtful and generous in nearly all situations.

In recent years being "disrespected" has been used by people to justify physical violence, loud inappropriate behaviour, even shootings. I would propose that we not assign too much importance on a stranger's disrespect. When I was bumped then verbally chastised for holding the door for a woman, I assume anyone watching would feel the same pity and sadness I felt towards that person. The last thing I would suggest is to engage the individual for disrespecting me.

[Velvet]

In recent years being "disrespected" has been used by people to justify physical violence, loud inappropriate behaviour, even shootings. I would propose that we not assign too much importance on a stranger's disrespect. When I was bumped then verbally chastised for holding the door for a woman, I assume anyone watching would feel the same pity and sadness I felt towards that person. The last thing I would suggest is to engage the individual for disrespecting me.

Well the ladies seem to be able to (most of the time) tell the difference between an insane person and an entitled one… though not always. And in those little purses they do carry, but I have never seen them use… several served and like to practice at the range. Being a female, especially an older one… can be deceptive.

The ladies are usually not confrontational. Females tend to shun, and talk about a person, to others, social media etc amazing how quickly one’s reputation can get around.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The Homesite drawing (site plan) for a property shows utility easements along the streets.

This varies per property, in my case, it is 13.5 feet. Sumter County can provide copies off your property drawings via email if you don't have them.

https://sumtercountyfl.nextrequest.com/

In former homes, we were allowed landscaping in easements but if the utility needs to dig it up, they have no responsibility to replace.

Then violations of that, should fall under the jurisdiction of the county planning and zoning department, not the community development district. It's the county that sets those guidelines, not the CDD.

[fdpaq0580]

Well the ladies seem to be able to (most of the time) tell the difference between an insane person and an entitled one… though not always. And in those little purses they do carry, but I have never seen them use… several served and like to practice at the range. Being a female, especially an older one… can be deceptive.

The ladies are usually not confrontational. Females tend to shun, and talk about a person, to others, social media etc amazing how quickly one’s reputation can get around.

Hmm... New Super Heroine, The Q-Tip Avenger!!

[Velvet]

Hmm... New Super Heroine, The Q-Tip Avenger!!

Yes, they fought for this country, my cousins (females) one drove a night vision tank the other flew stealth but both were trained for action. So yes, heroine might apply to them.

[fdpaq0580]

Yes, they fought for this country, my cousins (females) one drove a night vision tank the other flew stealth but both were trained for action. So yes, heroine might apply to them.

Please pass along my thanks for their service. Many forget that we have brothers and sisters in arms.

[Altavia]

Then violations of that, should fall under the jurisdiction of the county planning and zoning department, not the community development district. It's the county that sets those guidelines, not the CDD.

Well, our restrictions state what can and can not be done in an easement. That's why it's best to get approval for new landscaping.

I suspect the utility does not care since they can just rip it out if needed and not replace.

[Bill14564]

Well, our restrictions state what can and can not be done in an easement. That's why it's best to get approval for new landscaping.

I suspect the utility does not care since they can just rip it out if needed and not replace.

Which unit or CDD is that? I'd like to see the wording so I know I'm not missing something in my CDD10 restrictions.

[Bogie Shooter]

Update: The complaints filed by this "troll" now total 46. Tactic has changed, the complaints being less specific and are now more broad.
Some state, roof color was it approved, landscaping was it approved, exterior wall color was it approved................for one address.
I think what is happening is beyond the intent of deed compliance.

[ThirdOfFive]

Update: The complaints filed by this "troll" now total 46. Tactic has changed, the complaints being less specific and are now more broad.
Some state, roof color was it approved, landscaping was it approved, exterior wall color was it approved................for one address.
I think what is happening is beyond the intent of deed compliance.
As has been stated innumerable times in several forms, these "trolls" are not responsible for anything. They merely report possible violations. The powers-that-be decide if there is any substance to the reports.

Looking at things from that perspective--we should be thanking said "trolls" for their proactive approach to things. The powers-that-be certainly haven't shown that they have the cojones' to be proactive.

[flflowers]

Ok Karen or Ken whomever you identify with

[Happydaz]

As has been stated innumerable times in several forms, these "trolls" are not responsible for anything. They merely report possible violations. The powers-that-be decide if there is any substance to the reports.

Looking at things from that perspective--we should be thanking said "trolls" for their proactive approach to things. The powers-that-be certainly haven't shown that they have the cojones' to be proactive.

Why would you want to thank a bunch of busy bodies riding around the Villages and launching inquiries against their fellow Villagers? This is an abuse of the system and believe it or not will result in the demise of this “anonymous.” reporting system. More and more districts are ending this abuse to the system. (As an aside this could very well be the intent of the “busybodies.” So a double agent could be responsible!)