We’re keeping track of the type and frequency of CC&R violations so that we can work on educating our homeowners in the future. This started out as a top ten list but now there are eleven. So, up through the end of May 2017 these are the top violations based on the number of times we have had to address these issues:

1. RV Parking.  Article VII, Section 6 says in part that “All boats, trailers, and RV’s shall be stored in an appropriate area behind a screen or fence no closer to the street than the front of a garage.” It’s usually OK to park an RV for a day or so before you leave on a trip and for a day or so after you get back to unload and unpack. Parking for longer than that creates a traffic issue, a safety issue for the kids in our neighborhood, and is unsightly for your neighbors. Also keep in mind that Article VII, Section 5 specifically says that no RV may be used as a residence, temporarily or permanently, in our neighborhood.
2. Fences. Article VII, Section 12 says in part that “all fencing shall conform to the design and specifications including cap and bevel set forth in the attached Exhibit B” and that “No fence shall protrude past the front of the residence.” Putting up metal fences, using chicken wire fencing material, lattice fencing, or extending a fence of any type out past your home violates the rules. Homeowners are required to submit an approval form before starting any work on these projects, which allows your HOA an opportunity to make sure you know about these rules. Having to remove a fence or replace it to follow the rules can be expensive and time consuming.
3. Missing Armstrong Maple Tree. Article VII, Section 8 says that all homes in our neighborhood must have a minimum of one Armstrong Maple tree per lot in an area determined by the Architectural Review Committee. If a storm knocks down or damages your tree, it has to be replaced by an Armstrong Maple with at least a trunk diameter of one and a half inches. You may need to have the stump ground out and removed in order to replace the tree.
4. Landscaping Changes. Article VII, Section 8 says in part that homeowners must seek approval of all landscaping projects “prior to commencement of landscape work” and Section 7 says no owner may “materially alter any shrub or tree or make any material changes in landscaping without first obtaining written consent of the Architectural Review Committee.” Ripping out a lawn or bushes might end up being something the HOA approves of. But if not the HOA can go through the violation process and have the homeowner replace the landscaping. See our webpage about the requirements in Article V, Section 4 for getting approval of your landscaping project by clicking here.
5. Trash and Debris.  Article VII, Section 4 says “No noxious or offensive or unsightly conditions shall be permitted upon any part of said Property, nor shall anything be done thereon which may be or become an annoyance or nuisance to the neighborhood.” Article VII, Section 3 states that no part of our lots may be “used or maintained as a dumping ground for rubbish, trash, garbage, or any other waste.” Keep your lot clean of piles of debris, wood or construction materials, bags of trash, old Christmas trees, etc.
6. Chickens. Article VII, Section 2 states in part that “No animals, livestock or poultry of any kind shall be raised, bred, or kept on any part of said property”. While the City of Springfield may permit chickens, and fresh eggs are great, our neighborhood does not allow chickens. Keep in mind that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn about the risks of Salmonella and Avian Flu, especially in children under 5 and adults over 65. Read their report by clicking here. In early 2017 the CDC reported that 47 states have reported cases of human salmonella connected with backyard chicken flocks and 71 people have been hospitalized. The infection is usually spread by chicken droppings which can be spread easily.
7. Project Vehicles.  Article VII, Section 6 states in part that “All unsightly or inoperable project vehicles shall be removed from the streets and open parking areas and parked within the confines of an enclosed garage so as not to hinder the overall beauty of the area.” Long term parking of cars you are working on, that are damaged or don’t run, or are otherwise ‘unsightly’ must be in your garage or in paid storage.
8. Exterior Painting.  Article VII, Section 7 says that all homeowners must maintain the exterior of their homes. Article VII, Section 11 says in part that “Paints and stains shall be of good quality and shall consist of earth tone colors.” Your HOA has provided a paint approval form that you can download and print to submit for approval before painting by clicking here. As with landscaping changes without approval, a homeowner’s unapproved paint may end up being an earth tone color that the HOA approves of and so no action is taken. But if not the HOA can go through the violation process and have the homeowner repaint the house to an earth tone it approves of pursuant to the CC&R’s.
9. Window Mounted Air Conditioners. Article VII, Section 15 says in part that “Window mounted air conditioners shall not be allowed.” Before you think there’s a loophole and decide to cut a hole in your wall next to the window, Section 15 also says that the location of exterior air conditioners must be approved by the Architectural Review Committee.
10. Signs. Article VII, Section 1 as amended says that temporary signs shall be allowed for 30 days prior to the event they relate to. Each sign shall not be more than five square feet in size and all the signs shall not be more than 30 square feet in total.
11. Fence Painting. Article VII, Section 12 says in part “Fences shall be all wood and treated only with natural preservatives (no paint). Please don’t paint your wood fences. There are a variety of high quality stains and preservatives that do not violate the rule against painting fences.

Please keep in mind several things when working on your home or property:

1. You must submit an architecture/landscaping approval form before beginning any projects covered by our CC&R’s. You may find the form and instructions for submitting it on our website.
2. Your HOA only meets about once per month. You must give the HOA sufficient time to review your application and approval form, consult with outside arborists, etc., and make a decision.
3. A delay in responding to your approval form does not mean you may proceed.
4. If you proceed without explicit approval of your submission the HOA may take action to have you return your property to the condition it was in before you began the unapproved change. This may include having you repaint your home in the color it was before you repainted it, replace a tree or other landscaping, or remove an unapproved building or fence.

Important – Please Read

These statements or summaries are provided to help the homeowners who are a part of the Ambleside Meadows HOA understand the CC&R’s that apply to property in our neighborhood. They do not replace, waive, or supplant the CC&R’s, and are not a substitute for reading and following the actual text of the CC&R’s. Please take time to read the actual CC&R’s and become familiar with their terms, conditions, restrictions, and rules regarding property ownership in our neighborhood. If you have any questions regarding the CC&R’s, please contact your HOA Board or speak to a qualified attorney. Ambleside Meadows HOA adheres to all fair housing laws and welcomes requests for reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications pursuant to the law. Ambleside Meadows HOA does not discriminate according to Federal law on the basis of:

• Race • Color • National Origin (also referred to as ethnicity) • Sex • Familial status • Disability (physical or mental)

Ambleside Meadows HOA also does not discriminate according to Oregon fair housing law which includes the basis of:

• Marital status • Sexual orientation (this includes gender identity) • Source of income including Section 8 as of July 1, 2014 • Domestic violence

If you have a request for a reasonable accommodation or reasonable modification, please address it in writing to Ambleside HOA, 2300 33rd Street, Springfield, Oregon 97477.