BELLA VISTA
TOWNHOUSE ASSOCIATION
POLICY MANUAL

Sincerely,

Your Bella Vista Townhouse Association Board of Directors & Staff

To find a specific item within the Policy Manual please use the browsers FIND function (ctrl +F).

Administration

Assessments - Owner Obligations

The BVTA is authorized by Article XII of the By-Laws to collect assessments.  Assessments are due the first day of the month and incur a penalty if not received by the 15th and additional charges if not received by the 30th.  Payment may be made monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. Any returned checks are subject to a charge of $20.00 plus bank fees. Payment coupons, furnished annually, are to be mailed to the BVTA office.  Owners are encouraged to use automatic bank draft as the method of payment.  A form for initiating auto-pay is available from the BVTA office or online at www.bvth.com. All current assessment and fee schedules can be obtained from the BVTA office.  Additional copies of this policy manual can be printed online at www.bvth.com or are available for purchase at the BVTA office for $5.00 each.

Assessments - Association Obligations

Utilize funds to maintain Limited Common Property as determined by the Board of Directors and finances available. Grounds maintenance includes, but is not limited to, mowing, weedeating, shrub and tree trimming, weed spraying in rock beds, leaf cleanup and maintenance of facilities and infrastructure.  Please direct all questions or requests for these services to the BVTA office.

Maintenance of a blanket liability insurance policy of $2,000,000.00 on the limited common property and property insurance on the equipment and buildings which it owns. Payment of real estate taxes on the limited common properties, payroll and income taxes, if any.  Payment of utility bills occurred in maintaining the limited common properties.

Maintenance of an office with up to date records of all transactions and expenses involving townhouse properties. Maintain for rent, by townhouse occupants, a limited number of golf cart/storage sheds.

Utilities & Other Service Fees

In addition to fees set by the BVTA, you are also responsible for:

• Electric, telephone, cable TV, real estate taxes and dwelling/household insurance.

• Village Wastewater (sewer system) is a separate corporation not connected to the BVTA. Fees are set and collected separately

• Bella Vista Property Owners Association (BVPOA) is a separate corporation not connected to the BVTA. Besides the POA assessment this organization provides and collects fees for water service and refuse pick-up throughout the City.

Please be aware that you are responsible for repair or replacement of all utility lines including the main water and sewer line for your townhouse. Restoring BVTA limited common property damaged or disturbed as a result of utility work is also your responsibility. This includes adequately burying cable TV and telephone lines so they are not cut or damaged by mowers or other equipment.

Grounds Maintenance Services

BVTA primary services of mowing, weedeating, shrub trimming, weed spraying and leaf cleanup are all performed on a regular cycle and schedule on a court-by-court basis.  We can not and do not notify owners/residents when these services will be performed, nor can we return, prior to the next regular cycle, if you don't want service the day we are there.  Trees are trimmed so that riding lawn mowers can cut the grass under the trees. If you don't want the tree trimmed it is your responsibility to maintain the yard at your expense.  If you elect to do your own maintenance the BVTA monthly fee must still be paid in full.  If you request for BVTA not perform any of these services, please contact the BVTA office and you will be put on the "Do Not" list for that service for that cycle or the length of time you request.

Please refrain from asking BVTA employees about other services while they are working, as we maintain a tight schedule and must perform services for all 1,048 townhouses. Instead, please call, email or stop by the office with your questions or requests.

 Landscaping

Changes or additions to any landscaping on limited common property including but not limited to trees, bushes, shrubs, flowers and plants are not permitted unless approved by the BVTA General Manager.

BVTA will remove dead shrubs and bushes at the owner's request and may replant up to 5, no larger than 3-gallon in size, in rock beds, if provided by the owner.  Please call the BVTA office in early spring or fall for this service.     

BVTA does not replace trees that die or require removal for any  reason.  Fertilizing, weed control and watering of lawns is the responsibility of the owner.  BVTA is not responsible  for any sprinkler head or ornamental light broken or  damaged by our employees or equipment.

Trees -- Trimming, Removing & Planting

Townhouse owners can make written application to BVTA to trim or remove trees, underbrush and vines in the immediate area surrounding their townhouse, at their own expense. If approved, BVTA must be notified when work is to be done and will monitor all work. No dirt work is allowed because of potential wash out problems.

If an owner has trees removed he/she is responsible for all clean up. Any stump removal will be at owner's expense.

When a townhouse owner requests a tree be trimmed or cut down, BVTA will do the following:

1. If a tree is determined to be a danger to the townhouse, BVTA will trim or pay for the removal of the tree. If the owner wants the stump removed, it is at the owner's expense.

2. If the tree is determined to be of no danger to the townhouse, but the owner wants it trimmed or removed and the General Manager approves, it can be trimmed or removed at the owner's expense.

BVTA does not replace trees that died, had to be cut down or removed. Owners may be permitted, with approval of BVTA General Manager, to plant a replacement tree at their expense.

Meeting Facility

• BVTA members in good standing may use the meeting facility located at 2 Cora Circle in Drake Courts.  Current charge is $20,00 per use for each ½ day, full day or evening. Each additional day/event will be another $20.00 charge. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid at time of reservation.  Contact BVTA office for reservation application.
•  Security Deposit: A $50.00 deposit is required and is fully refundable if facility, including outdoor area, restrooms and kitchen, are cleaned, swept/vacuumed, and returned to "as was" condition.
• Equipment: Table, chairs and fully equipped kitchen. No audio/visual equipment available. (Table set up, etc. responsibility of applicant).
  
• Capacity: No more than 40 persons, per fire regulations.
• Person in Charge: Applicant must be present at all times when the building is in use. Building will be locked when not occupied.
• Profit making business ventures, gambling, smoking and pets are not permitted.

Dwelling Maintenance

• Interior

All work including but not limited to, painting, plumbing, appliances, etc. shall be the responsibility of owner - no permit required by BVTA.  Plumbing and electrical work may require a permit from ACC and/or the City.   

• Exterior

All building or site modifications including but not limited to, additions; carports; walkways; deck extensions, enclosures and additions; awnings; painting; roofing; windows and doors require application and approval from BVTA, ACC and/or the City.  Snow removal and cleaning of debris from walks, gutters/French drains, parking areas, decks, roofs and window cleaning is the responsibility of the owner.

• Painting

All individual buildings, whether they are one, two, three or four units must be, as near as possible, to the same color. If all units are not to be painted at the same time, the individual owner or owners are, upon approval of their application, responsible for the paint match. It is recommended that a chip from an inconspicuous place be taken to a paint store where it can be matched. In all cases color selection must be within the range approved by the Bella Vista Architectural Control Committee (ACC).  If the entire building is to be painted then the approved color must be compatible and in harmony with all other buildings in the same court.

• Vinyl Siding

It is recognized that maintenance free exteriors are desirable. However, compatibility is a major factor in granting approval. It is most desirable to have an entire building done at one time. If that is not possible, then the approved color must be as close as possible to the rest of the structure, including the foundation. If the entire building is to be done at one time, the approved color must be compatible and in harmony with all other buildings in the same court.  The installation of vinyl siding shall be vertical over vertical and/or horizontal over horizontal.  All horizontal and vertical trim boards shall be capped with flat vinyl fascia panels (not lap panels) the same trim around windows and doors. Examples of trim boards are the 1x8's located at the bottom of wood structure and concrete block foundation. Approved provision shall be made for a clean break between units where a continuous common wall exists. All vinyl siding shall be grooved or textured.

• Roofing

It is most desirable to have all units in a single building be roofed at the same time. If this is not possible, then the approved color, texture and style must match as near as possible to the remaining roof.  If the entire building is to be re-roofed, the approved color, texture and style should be compatible and in harmony with all other units in the same area.  Existing shake roofs can be repaired only.  If full replacement is required, it must be done with an architectural covering.

• Propane

Installation of tanks, over 20 lb. capacity, for heating, fireplace use or cooking must meet all State requirements and be approved by the BVTA General Manager.  Only 2, one hundred (100) pound (not gallon) cylinders are allowed with permission from the General Manager and must be within 5' of the unit and covered or screened.

• Approval

All exterior work must first be approved by BVTA and then submitted to ACC (see enclosed letter) for final approval. Contact BVTA office for forms and instructions on proper procedures.

H.  All permit applications must be accompanied by a color sample and material sample, if applicable.  A site visit will be made and applications will be available for pickup within 2 business days. The Bella Vista ACC, as always, has final approval of any color, material, construction, etc.  PLEASE SECURE A PERMIT BEFORE STARTING!

Maintenance of Structures, Parking Pads/Driveways & Sidewalks or Access Walks

 A member who has restricted use of BVTA Limited Common Property for that member's or his or her guests' exclusive use shall be responsible for the proper maintenance of structures located on that property.  Proper maintenance shall include the cost of structural maintenance or replacement of structures located on the Limited Common Property.  Structures are defined to include carports, sidewalks, parking pads, retaining walls and railings, driveways, docks, ramps, bridges and other similar structures which are restricted in use to the member.

Parking, Recreational & Commercial Vehicles

Two (2) spaces are allocated for each unit, however, these spaces may not always be together in front of the unit. Townhouse areas may have some visitor parking spaces.
No boats, motor homes, trailers, cargo trailers, campers, trucks over ¾ ton or commercial vehicles are allowed to park in townhouse areas. In rare cases, special permission may be obtained from the BVTA General Manager.  In some areas parking spaces are pre-assigned. If an unauthorized vehicle is parked in space pre assigned to another unit, the owner of the pre-assigned parking space may, after a failed request to move the vehicle, have the unauthorized vehicle moved at the owner's expense.  Also see Motor vehicles under Nuisance on page 10.

Carports and front entry areas are not to be used for any type of exposed storage, including but not limited to appliances, trailers, boats, campers and other recreational vehicles.

TV antennas only and satellite dishes less than 1 meter in diameter are permitted within FCC guidelines so long as they are in no way affixed on Limited Common Property or neighboring units. Please contact BVTA prior to installation.

Propane: Standard barbecue grills tanks 17 lb. capacity and under require no permit. For all larger tanks see section F under Building Maintenance.

Charcoal Grills are not permitted on wooden decks.

Dogs must be walked on leashes and all pet droppings promptly cleaned up and properly disposed of. Fences of any kind including invisible fences, dog houses, runs, pens or chains are not allowed on limited common property, in carports or on decks and patios. Exotic pets must be kept inside at all times. Exterior pet habitats for domestic or feral animals are prohibited.

Refuse

Sanitation is most important to the health of residents and the appearance of our townhouse areas.

In most courts either dumpsters or curb side pickup is the method of service. A few courts have a wooden bin or fenced collection area for trash cans. In any case, all garbage must be tied in plastic garbage bags and placed in container.

On streets or in Courts where no collection areas are provided, and only curb side service is available, owners of Rental Units or their Agents are responsible for the weekly removal of all garbage, trash etc.

In courts with a fenced collection area, owners are required to provide a covered container, large enough to hold a week's garbage, which is to be kept in the fenced area or placed there prior to published pick-up day. When replacing cans, with new, be sure old ones are removed. Because of animals, container should have locking lids. Both container and cover must be numbered with proper house number.

For personal ease of handling and because all refuse contracts are based on tons collected, everyone is encouraged to recycle. A recycling center is located on the east side of Hwy. 71 between Hwy. 340 and Pinion Dr.

Remember, collectors do not pick up and empty cans, they just remove bags from them. It is most important that there is no un-bagged material in the container or left on the floor of the collection areas.

Be a good neighbor. As soon as possible after pick-up, put all covers back on containers in your collection area and remove containers from the street.

The Bella Vista Townhouse Association does not contract for garbage pickup. The contract is let by the City of Bella Vista. All questions regarding this service and their recycling program should be directed to the City at 876-1255.

Some areas are served by neighborhood box units. Owners may contact the BVTA office to check for a key. Renters should pick up the key from the rental office. In other areas, rural style mail boxes, supplied by the townhouse owner, are still in use. These will be found grouped in convenient neighborhood locations, as approved by the U. S. Post Office.

Nuisance

In consideration of all townhouse occupants, all noise, disturbances, music, musical equipment and amplifiers will be kept inside the units at all times. Outdoor activities on decks and/or lawn areas must be kept to a minimum after 10:00 P.M.

Fireworks are not permitted in townhouse areas at any time.

Clotheslines are not permitted. Bedding, clothing, towels or other items are not to be displayed or hung on decks or railings.  Mopeds and/or other mechanized vehicles are to be used for transportation only, not for racing or other sports activity in the townhouse areas.  "Jungle gym" and other recreational equipment, including but not limited to, swing sets, trampolines, fences, etc. shall not be situated on limited common property.  Motor vehicles, recreational vehicles, trailers or other conveyances that do not display current registration that have not been moved for an extended time and appears to be abandoned are determined to constitute a nuisance.  BVTA, upon such discovery of a nuisance conveyance, shall make an effort to determine the ownership of said conveyance.  The owner shall be notified that unless evidence to the contrary is received, or the property in question is removed within ten days, action will be taken by BVTA to declare the conveyance "abandoned".  If the owner cannot be determined, posting of such notice on the conveyance, at the Townhouse office as well as in the Bella Vista Weekly Vista & the Benton County Daily Record, shall be deemed adequate notice.  Upon such declaration and notice to the owner by  BVTA, the BVTA may arrange removal of the conveyance at the owner's expense.

Suspension of Privileges

All townhouse occupants, owner, renter, lessee and approved guests are expected to abide by all BVTA policies. The Board of Directors may suspend privileges of anyone found in violation of BVTA policy.

Any sign stating "For Sale", "For Rent" and/or "For Lease" either by owner or realtor cannot be larger than five (5) square feet in size or displayed over five (5) feet from any townhouse. Signs must be mounted on the structure or in an existing rock bed.  It cannot be displayed on Townhouse Common Property and in any way that interferes with regular grounds maintenance.  Only one sign per unit may be displayed unless the unit is on a golf course or lakefront, then a sign may be displayed front and rear.  Signs found in violation or in unkempt condition will be picked up and taken to the BVTA maintenance building.  No other signs allowed unless approved by the BVTA General Manager, ACC and/or the City.

Important Telephone Numbers

Area code 479

Police, Fire, Ambulance Emergency 911

Non-Emergency Police 855-3771

Non-Emergency Fire 855-8048

Bella Vista Townhouse Association 855-9328

City of Bella Vista Administration 876-1255

Village Waste Water Company 855-7613

Bella Vista Village Architectural Control 855-8080

Bella Vista Property Owners Association 855-8000

U. S. Post Office, Bella Vista 855-6121

Village House (Adult Day Care) 855-4449

AARP Recycling Center 876-5343

Animal Shelter 855-6020

Riordan Hall 855-8170

This booklet is prepared for your convenience with the approval of Bella Vista Townhouse Association Board of Directors.

Adopted New Manual January 2010 -- Eliminating references to recreation.
April 2010 – Page 4: Meeting Facility revised to reflect change to allow alcohol and deposit increase to $50.00