Carefree Hills

What Carefree Hills's governing documents say

Carefree Hills is a single-family home subdivision in Phoenix, AZ, governed by a 1973 Declaration of Restrictions that applies to Lots 5 through 52 (Lots 1–4 are excluded). All lot owners automatically become members of the Carefree Hills Improvement Association, which oversees common-area maintenance and enforces the rules. This is the primary rulebook for the community; it covers use restrictions, architectural standards, and assessments.

• Residential use & structures: Each lot is for single-family residential use only. One guest house (attached or detached) is allowed for non-paying guests. No temporary buildings, tents, or trailers are permitted except contractor's office during active construction. Lots cannot be resubdivided smaller than the original plat. Minimum living area under roof is 1,400 square feet (exclusive of porches, patios, carports, and garages).
• Architectural control: All construction, fences, walls, or other structures require prior written approval from the Architectural Control Committee (initially appointed by Declarant, later by the Association). Detailed standards include: maximum building height 20 feet (ridge line max 15 feet); no chain link fences or untreated concrete block; walls max 42 inches; exterior lights not directed at streets or other lots; concealed trash areas; garage/carport space for all vehicles including boats and trailers; enclosed storage; roof colors not white, silver, or reflective; no roof-mounted equipment unless concealed; no free-standing antennas without special authorization; setbacks at least 40 feet front/back and 30 feet side unless specially approved. Plans submitted are deemed approved if no action taken within three weeks.
• Pets & animals: Only common household pets are allowed. No commercial breeding, livestock, or poultry. Horses are not permitted on individual lots.
• Signs & businesses: No commercial signs are allowed. One "For Rent" or "For Sale" sign per lot, not exceeding 3 square feet. No business, office, institution, theater, bar, restaurant, or similar commercial activity is permitted on any lot.
• Maintenance & assessments: Each owner must keep their lot and improvements in good, neat, and clean condition. Annual assessments are initially capped at $50 per lot, used for entryway and common-area maintenance. Any increase requires a two-thirds vote of lot owners. Assessments are a personal obligation and a lien on the property.
• Membership & voting: Every lot owner automatically becomes a member of the Carefree Hills Improvement Association (one membership per lot). Voting: Class A (all owners) – one vote per lot; Class B (Declarant) – three votes per lot until total Class A votes equal Class B votes or five years from the Declaration, whichever comes first. Voting rights are suspended if assessments are overdue by 15 days or other defaults.
• Enforcement & amendments: These covenants run with the land and are enforceable by the Association (with consent of 51% of members) or by court action (injunction or damages). Amendments require a recorded instrument signed by two-thirds of Association members; mortgagee consent is needed if it affects their rights. The restrictions originally run until December 23, 2000, and automatically renew for successive 10-year periods unless revoked or amended by two-thirds of lot owners within 90 days before expiration.

Plain-language summary generated from the governing documents on file for this community. It may be incomplete and is not legal advice — read the full documents below or consult the official recorded versions.