WHEN IS A PERMIT REQUIRED FOR EXTERIOR WORK TO A TOWNHOUSE?
When exterior work including repairs, repainting, reroofing and additions is planned, approval of both the Townhouse Association (BVTA) and the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) is required. Before starting work, please contact the BVTA office (855-9328) for the appropriate paperwork. Once BVTA approves the project it goes to ACC for final approval and issuance of a permit. Things such as cleaning gutters, power-washing siding or replacing heating/air units do not require a permit.
WHAT IS LIMITED COMMON PROPERTY
Limited Common Property is the land that belongs to the Bella Vista Townhouse Association (BVTA) therefore it is land that belongs to all members. When they were built, most townhouses had a five foot area foot print of the house that belongs to the townhouse owner. The remaining land is limited common property belonging to BVTA. This is not always true because the townhouses were plotted before construction and no surveys were used.
WHERE IS THE PROPERTY LINE?
In general, the property line extends five feet out from the original construction outline (foot print) of a townhouse. Because the land was not surveyed, at the time of construction, there may be some exceptions. Questions need to be resolved by the Association board at the time of inquiry.
WHO TAKES CARE OF TRASH?
Sanitation Service is provided by the City under contract to Allied Waste Services and is included in the water bill. Most townhouse courts have curbside pickup or dumpsters, and a few have wooden corrals that hold townhouse owner's trash cans. Owners are responsible for providing an appropriate trash can(s) with a lid.
HOW MANY PARKING SPACES DOES EACH TOWNHOUSE HAVE?
Townhouses have two (2) assigned parking spaces, however they may not be together or directly in front of the townhouse. For townhouses with a carport or garage, the second parking space may be behind the space in the carport or garage. Some courts have a limited number of guest parking spaces.
IF A COURT LIGHT IS OUT WHO SHOULD BE NOTIFIED?
Please call the townhouse office at 855-9328 if a light is out. BVTA has no way of knowing if a light is out and rely on residents for notification.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR TRIMMING OR CUTTING DOWN TREES?
Most trees are on BVTA Limited Common Property and therefore the responsibility of the Association. If a tree is hitting or endangering a townhouse, the Association will trim or cut it down at the Association's expense. In certain cases, trees can be trimmed or removed at the owner's expense with approval of the Association's General Manager.
CAN VINYL SIDING BE INSTALLED ON A TOWNHOUSE?
Vinyl siding can be installed even if the attached townhouse does not have it. The siding color must match as close as possible the paint on the other unit(s) and a break will have to be used between the siding and the painted unit. Association approval and a permit are required prior to installation.
WHEN IS THE TOWNHOUSE ASSESSMENT DUE?
The monthly assessment is due the first of the month. Assessments not received by the 15th of the month incur late fees. Automatic bank draft is encouraged for convenience and to avoid late fees.
WHAT COLORS ARE PERMITTED FOR PAINTING, ROOFING OR SIDING?
The color to paint, roof or side a townhouse must match the attached unit(s). If all attached townhouses are making the improvement, an earth-tone color complementary to the area can be used. All colors must be approved by the Association, with final approval and permit issued by ACC.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTANCE OF THE DRIVEWAY, SIDEWALK, PARKING AREA AND UTILITY LINES?
It is the townhouse owner's responsibility to maintain the parking area, driveway, sidewalk leading to the door(s) and utility lines. The parking area, sidewalk and utilities may be on Limited Common Property but an easement to that property is granted.
WHAT CONTROL DOES THE ASSOCIATION HAVE ON A TOWNHOUSE?
You have full control of what is done inside your townhouse, but what happens to the exterior or the grounds around your townhouse requires approval by the Association.
CAN THE LANDSCAPING AROUND A TOWNHOUSE BE CHANGED?
While the Association understands and appreciates the desire to beautify landscaping, it can have a significant impact on regular grounds maintenance services. Before making any changes, please contact the Association General Manager for approval.
