Merit Crossing

What Merit Crossing's governing documents say

Merit Crossing is a single-family residential subdivision in Scottsdale, AZ governed by a homeowners association. You own your individual lot and detached house; the association maintains common areas, entry gates, and landscaping, funded by per-lot assessments and member-approved special assessments.

• What you own & maintain: You own your detached house and lot, including your yard and landscaping areas. The association maintains all common areas (entry gates, landscaping tracts, utility areas, drainage); you maintain your home exterior, all landscaping on your lot, and keep your lot in clean, neat, and attractive condition.
• Annual assessments & costs: Through December 31, 2000, the maximum annual assessment is $2,400 per lot. After that, the board may increase it up to 10% annually without a member vote; increases between 10% and 20% require a majority member vote, and increases beyond 20% require a two-thirds member vote.
• Special assessments: The association can levy special assessments for capital improvements, unexpected repairs, or extraordinary expenses only with approval by a two-thirds vote at a member meeting. Assessments levied on individual owners for their own violations (such as failure to maintain landscaping) do not require member approval.
• Architectural review & natural area restrictions: All landscaping, plants, shrubs, and trees require Architectural Committee approval before installation. Each lot includes a Natural Area Open Space (approximately 21,780 square feet) that must remain naturally landscaped—no structures, pools, driveways, or walls are permitted on these areas.
• Use restrictions & housing types: Only single-family residential use is permitted; no commercial, manufacturing, or business uses are allowed on any lot (limited home-based business activities are permitted if they use minimal space, involve no client meetings, and comply with local zoning). Prefabricated, modular, and manufactured housing are prohibited; commercial and recreational vehicles may not be used as living quarters.
• Signage & visible improvements: No signs, emblems, logos, or billboards visible from neighboring properties are permitted, except one 'For Sale' sign per lot, approved construction signs (up to 24 months), and religious/holiday decorations. The Architectural Committee must approve any other visible signage in advance.
• Common area access & suspension rights: All owners have the right to use and enjoy common areas. The association may suspend an owner's voting rights and access to common areas if the owner has unpaid assessments or fails to cure a violation within the notice period.
• Insurance & liability: The association maintains comprehensive liability insurance ($1 million minimum) covering common areas. Each owner is solely responsible for obtaining and paying for hazard, flood, and dwelling insurance on their own house and lot.

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.