- I’d like to change the exterior appearance of my home (paint, roof, driveway, walkway, deck, addition, windows etc…) what should I do?
- What is a homeowner's association?
- What are the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R’s)?
- What are the By-Laws?
- What is the Board of Directors?
- What are the Roles and Responsibilities of the Board and its members?
- Are there any other rules?
- If I am having a problem with a neighbor for a violation of the Policies and Guidlines, what can I do?
- Are Board Meetings open to all residents? If so, where and when are they held?
- If I want to serve on a committee, how do I find out what committees are active and how can I get involved?
- What is my assessment?
- How is the amount of my assessment determined?
- Will my assessment go up?
- What happens if I don't pay my assessment?
A: In order to help maintain the beauty and aesthetics of our neighborhood, the developers and the subsequent Architectural Control Committees developed standards and a process to follow in order to apply for approval for any exterior changes you may be considering. The process is easy – Apply – Approval – Proceed. For more information on the requirements, guidelines, your responsibilities, timing, and process, please refer to the Royal Oaks website “Resource Center” and then click on “Architectural Control Process and Documents”. For further information, please contact a member of the Architectural Control Committee or any Board Member.
Back to TopQ: What is a homeowner's association?
A: It is a formal legal entity created by the real estate developer who transfers ownership of the Association to the homeowners after selling off a predetermined number of lots. Its purpose is to maintain all common areas and to govern the community in accordance with the provision of the legal documents: Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs), and Bylaws. The governing legal documents for the Association may be viewed online here on this site. The Association is financially supported by all members of the homeowners association.
Back to TopQ: What are the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R’s)?
A: The Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R’s) are the governing legal documents that set up the guidelines for the operation of the community as an Association. The CC&Rs were recorded by the Henrico County recorder's office and are included in the title to your property. Failure to abide by the CC&Rs may result in a fine to a homeowner by the Association. The governing legal documents for the Association may be viewed online within this web site.
Back to TopA: The Bylaws are the guidelines for the operation of the Association. The Bylaws define the duties of the various offices of the , the terms of the Directors, the membership's voting rights, required meetings and notices of meetings, as well as other specific items that are necessary to run the Association as a business. The Bylaws for the Association may be viewed online within this web site.
Back to TopQ: What is the Board of Directors?
A: The Board of Directors is the governing body of the Association responsible for operating the Association. They are unpaid volunteers, elected by a vote of the Association members, who donate their time for service. The board has the duty to enforce the CC&R’s and also has a fiduciary duty towards its members, which means it must act in the best interests of its members and the Association. The limitations and restrictions of the powers of the Board of Directors are outlined in the Association governing documents found within this website.
Back to TopQ: What are the Roles and Responsibilities of the Board and its members?
A: Click here for the Roles and Responsibilities of an Association Board (.pdf)
Back to TopA: Royal Oaks has developed Rules and Regulations provided for in the CC&Rs and adopted by the Board of Directors. The Association has adopted Architectural Guidelines with procedures for submitting requests to make exterior changes to your home. Such changes may include landscaping, fences, exterior color changes, roofing changes, and additions. These rules and guidelines are set up to maintain the aesthetic value and integrity of the community on behalf of all owners, and are intended to help protect the market value of your home/investment. Violations of these rules will result in action by the Board of Directors and could include a fine. In addition, if you proceed with an exterior improvement or change, without written approval of the Architectural Committee, as applicable, you will be required to remove or correct the alteration and/or be fined for the violation. For more information about this topic, contact any board member or the Architectural Control Committee.
Back to TopA: If residents cannot resolve a situation between themselves, then turn to your Association. Should you have a situation that does not appear to be resolved through neighborly means, contact in writing either the Architectural Committee or any member of the Board of Directors. If the situation is deemed in violation of the Policies and Guidelines, the Board of Directors will institute the enforcement policy. Your continued assistance may be required.
Back to TopQ: Are Board Meetings open to all residents? If so, where and when are they held?
A: Yes. Notice of the time and place of all board meetings will be made by email and on this web site's Calendar page.
Back to TopA: Your participation on committees is welcomed and encouraged. The strength and success of our association is dependent upon your participation. Feel free to contact any member of the board or committees listed on the “Who to Contact” link.
Back to TopA: The assessment is the periodic amount due from each homeowner to cover the operating expenses of the common area and provide for reserve funds for replacement of common facilities in future years. Your assessments are due by June 30 of each year. Statements will be sent in advance by the Association Treasurer as a reminder of the amount due.
Back to TopQ: How is the amount of my assessment determined?
A: The Association budget is set upon specific guidelines for utilities, landscaping, administration, etc. Reserve funds are monies set aside for future expenses due to the life expectancy of certain items. These amounts are then divided by the number of homes built in the development. Subsequent budgets are developed by the Board of Directors and adjusted periodically to meet anticipated expenses.
Back to TopA: There is no concrete answer to this. The Board of Directors may find it necessary to approve an increased budget, increasing your assessment in order to cover increased costs of operating and maintaining the common area and sufficient reserve funds. Budgets are posted on the Association website. Although not anticipated, special assessments may be necessary to support unexpected expenses. The Board uses history and forward looking planning to help avoid any unexpected assessments.
Back to TopQ: What happens if I don't pay my assessment?
A: The maintenance and services provided by the Association are dependent upon timely receipt of the assessments due from each homeowner. Late payments will result in a late charge. In addition, the CC&Rs allows the Association to charge late charges and interest and proceed with a lien on your property.
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