The Gardens Condominiums D/B/A Shades of South Mountain Condominium

What The Gardens Condominiums D/B/A Shades of South Mountain Condominium's governing documents say

The Gardens Condominiums (d/b/a Shades of South Mountain) is a condominium community in Phoenix, AZ. You own your unit's interior and share ownership of the building and common areas with all other unit owners. The association maintains common elements and enforces rules, which include restrictions on use, alterations, and flooring in upper units.

• What you own & maintain: Your unit includes interior finished surfaces, interior partitions, and systems serving only your unit (e.g., HVAC, plumbing). You also have exclusive use of a limited common element: a patio (first floor) or balcony (second floor), a garage, and a driveway. You are responsible for maintaining your unit and these limited common elements.
• Residential use & occupancy: Units are for residential use by a single family — meaning a reasonable number of related persons or up to three unrelated persons living as a household. Limited home-based businesses are allowed if not detectable from outside, no customer traffic, and consistent with residential character.
• Architectural changes & approvals: Nonstructural interior changes do not require approval, but structural alterations, changes to fire partition walls, and any addition visible from neighboring property need prior board approval. Structural changes require a 3/4 board vote and an architect/engineer certification. Second‑floor units cannot install hard flooring (tile, wood, etc.) except in kitchens, laundry areas, and entryways without board approval.
• Flooring restrictions (upper units): If your unit is above another unit, you cannot install hard floor coverings (tile, marble, stone, laminate, wood, engineered flooring) except in the kitchen, laundry area, and front entry. Any other hard flooring requires board approval in its sole discretion.
• Parking & vehicles: Each unit has a garage and driveway as limited common elements. Parking on driveways is prohibited except as allowed by the rules. Parking spaces in common areas are for guest or resident use subject to association rules.
• Assessments & fees: Unit owners pay common expense assessments, special assessments, and user fee assessments. The association may also impose enforcement assessments, late fees, interest (12% per year), and collection costs. A reserve contribution and transfer fee are also mentioned.
• Dispute resolution: Claims and disputes arising under the condominium documents must go through alternative dispute resolution: first notice, then mediation, then binding arbitration (or litigation if arbitration not agreed). This applies to most disputes between owners and the association.
• Easements & association access: The association has easements to enter units and limited common elements for inspection, maintenance, repairs, and pest control. In emergencies, entry without notice is allowed. Owners have easements over common elements for utilities and support.

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.