[MartinSE]

Originally Posted by Petersweeney

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

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

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

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

[Sjshanl]

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

[Stu from NYC]

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

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Petersweeney

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

Where did I recently hear that quoted?

[Lindaws]

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

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Lindaws

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

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

[njbchbum]

Originally Posted by Sjshanl

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

Or didn't!

[maistocars]

Originally Posted by alohakerry

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 I was advised this is an unpublished rule that was decided upon by the Developer (will be published upon next update to rules).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

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

Absolutely look at deed restrictions. The ARC did this to me once saying that I needed a 9' setback front street when the deed restriction said I didn't and I appealed citing the deed restriction document that I attached and they reversed their decision.

[DaleDivine]

Originally Posted by njbchbum

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

Don't know if it is in the rules for your District, but you can look that up here
VCDD Community Standards

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

[merrymini]

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

Originally Posted by Lisanp@aol.com

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

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

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

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

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

Use your one year warranty carefully.

[nn0wheremann]

Originally Posted by alohakerry

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

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

Welcome to the Twilight Zone.

[RICH1]

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

[MillerD]

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

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

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


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

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

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by MillerD

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

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

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


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

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

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

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