Carl, finally, we're getting somewhere.
Personally, I resent having the right to stand 15 feet up in people's yards where they do not own but have to maintain while my dog destroys their turf with urine. That's just wrong.
thanks to all for the feedback...and if there is more bring it on.

I will be checking with arc before my landscaping project, which has shrunk considerably based on info gotten here.

by the way, people are landscaping all over this area well into the 15 foot not your property but maintain it zone.

You can landscape but if they decide to widen the road, it will disappear.

Carl, I'm not sure the requirement about a certain percentage of lawn being in sod, is in effect any more. In 2008 Florida legislature enacted the Florida Water Bill, which allows homeowners to convert their lawns to Florida friendly landscaping, and supersedes any homeowner association rules. The state is encouraging homeowners to change from sod to options such as xeriscaping, as it will cut watering costs and be friendlier to the environment. New Florida landscaping law supersedes homeowner association rules | members.jacksonville.com

My deed restriction in section 2.7 says such landscaping is encouraged, but if visible from golf course (rear of my house) and street, must be approved. I had forgotten about the change in law. Damn the torpedoes, I'm back on track.

Keep us posted on how you make out, and pictures please!

8 notes, you make me want to be the poster child for xeriscaping.
video
WaterMatters Multimedia

Glad to hear it.
 

I'm glad to hear it. Prior to that time I had more than one letter to the editor of the Tampa Tribune published in which I advocated a state law forbidding HOAs from requiring a sod lawn.

Due to being busy with the lingering illness and subsequent loss of my wife during the time frame that you mention, I was unaware of the law change,

Actually, I was on thin ice with my Tampa HOA due to the fact that I had expanded my "flower beds" to the point that only about 60% of my lawn was sod. Some of the Native Florida xeriscape plants that I used looked very much like weeds to my neighbors.

I would be interested in the experience that anyone has in working with the ARB on the question of xeriscaping. Being on the end of a cul-de-sac with no one behind us, we have an enormous back lawn. I'd love to xeriscape some of it to cut down on need for watering the lawn.

Just so you know TV says they do not abide by state law, been there done that............and I pushed the issue.

They don't care it will not be permitted.

Might have something to do with the fact that the sodded area restrictions here are part of the Deed Restrictions and not just a simple "rule" by a HOA.

Our deed restrictions in Bonita require 51% of the lawn area to be sodded if it is in sight of the roadway.

The law is the law. The legislation is designed, from what I read, to supersede covenants, which are deed restrictions. If it was me, and I wanted to take out sod and put in more xeriscaping, I'd write a letter or send an email to my legislator to see if The Villages is within its rights in prohibiting such an action. They would either answer you directly or point you in the right direction to the proper State agency who could inform you of your rights and how best to proceed. It looks like the law is fairly new, and there is not a lot of legal precedent, so maybe The Villages is feeling its way along, as are other communities throughout the state.

Florida Community Association Journal

I post this as it claims that xeriscaping is not Florida Friendly landscaping and has a great number of references as to what landscape provisions and goals are being regulated. Here is the law:

Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine

“Florida-friendly landscaping” means quality landscapes that conserve water, protect the environment, are adaptable to local conditions, and are drought tolerant. The principles of such landscaping include planting the right plant in the right place, efficient watering, appropriate fertilization, mulching, attraction of wildlife, responsible management of yard pests, recycling yard waste, reduction of stormwater runoff, and waterfront protection. Additional components include practices such as landscape planning and design, soil analysis, the appropriate use of solid waste compost, minimizing the use of irrigation, and proper maintenance."

suggest you contact Lloyd Singleton for advice. If your plan meets UF standards, you may find him to be an advocate with powers that be:
Sumter County Extension Office ? Solutions for Your Life - UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

Law of getting along with your neighbors
 

Far superceding Federal or State Laws is the law of Perception is Reality...If it looks like a weed, it IS a weed.

Also don't forget in The Villages (at least south of 466) irrigation water is supplied by storm water runoff that ends up in drainage lagoons and cycles back to your yard nurturing green plants that feast on CO2.

I will never understand people who spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy into a community, only to push the envelope at every turn to try and circumvent the rules, regulations, and policies of the same community.

I guess for some, if there is nothing to complain about, life just isn't challenging.

Kitty, I was told this by a neighbor in "The Responsible Dog Owners" club. They told me the front of my lawn is NOT mine and they can walk and toilet their dogs there. I have let it go, because my sign that asks them "please keep dogs off grass" seems to be working. If and when it becomes an issue, I'll certainly revisit this. For now, they seem to be respectful of our wishes, and I appreciate their consideration.