Q: How can I get in touch with the Homeowners Association?
A: This website is designed to foster better communication and outline the operation and maintenance of our subdivision. The directory link on the right of the web page has a list of contacts for the current board members.
Q: What do my dues pay for?
A: By far, this is the most asked question of the board. It is our intention to make all operations of the board as transparent as possible, including a breakdown of the yearly budget, expenditures as they occur, and posting a list of paid/unpaid dues for the current year. We are also working to make it easier to pay your dues, including an electronic link to Paypal, should you wish to pay your dues this way.
Primarily, dues pay for the street lights, upkeep of the common areas, dumpster rentals, and mailings, which includes keeping the P.O. Box, sending out notices for dues, late notices, responses to complaints in the subdivision, filing fees for liens, insurance, snow removal and salting.
The dues amount to approximately $10 per month. This fee is three to four times less than most incorporated homeowners associations in the city of Louisville.
Q: Do the members of the board pay dues?
A: By accepting the responsibility to commit time and effort attending to the affairs of the subdivision, members of the board are exempt from paying the yearly association fee. This benefit is outlined in the original bylaws of the Association. The Board meets monthly for typically two hours at one of the board member's homes on the first Tuesday of every month. Homeowners are welcome at any meeting with a little notice so space can be made for guests.
Q: Which Phase of the subdivision is my house in? Where can I find a copy of the covenants, conditions, and restrictions?
A: There are actually four phases to the Charleswood Forest Subdivision. The covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs), most commonly referred to as the covenants, are the governing documents that dictate how the homeowners association operates, but more importantly, what rules the owners, including their guests must obey. While you should have received a copy of the CCR appropriate for your plot, the four phases of Charleswood Forest subdivision are further subdivided into six CCR documents that can be downloaded on the Resource Center page. The homeowners association is working towards merging all the covenants into a single document.
Q: Who do I complain to about parking? What are the parking rules for Charleswood Forest?
A: This is another common question received by the board. While each CCR document is different (however subtly), the language for parking is as follows:
"No trailer, truck, commercial vehicle, camper trailer, camping vehicle or boat shall be parked or kept on any lot at any time unless placed on a concrete pad large enough to accommodate said vehicle or boat. No automobile which is inoperable shall be habitually or repeatedly parked or kept on any lot (except in the garage) or on any street. No trailer, boat, truck or other vehicle, except an automobile, shall be parked on any street in the Subdivision for more than twenty-four (24) hours cumulative in any one calendar year."
Simply stated, no parking on the grass, work vehicles can only be temporarily parked on the street, i.e. not overnight, and no car can be habitually parked on the street, i.e. for several days. Additionally, it is a city ordinance that parking any vehicle on a front (or side) lawn is not allowed.
Q: Can I place a sign for a business in my yard? Can I support my local candidate running for office?
A: According to the CCR's, no signs are allowed except "For Sale" signs.
Q: Can I run a business out of my house?
A: According to the CCR's "No trade or business of any kind . . . shall be conducted on any lot". Generally, you cannot operate a business that is incorporated (regardless of type) out of your home. This means that you can work from home for your employer, but if you have customers coming to your house you would be in violation of the CCR's.