Sandalwood Homeowners Association

What Sandalwood Homeowners Association's governing documents say

This document is a Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for Sandalwood Homeowners Association in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware — a standard single-family HOA. It governs homeowners (the record owners of lots) and sets rules about property use, construction, and assessments. This is a full rulebook, though it references construction standards and a prior declaration that appears to have been revoked shortly after recording.

• Residential use only: All lots are for private single-family residential use only. No agricultural, industrial, or commercial activities are permitted, including stables, hog pens, or manufacturing. Only one single-family dwelling, one attached/detached garage (max 2-car), and one storage shed (max 10x12 feet) are allowed per lot.
• Architectural review: Before any new construction or exterior modification (including fences, walls, or landscaping), plans and specs must be submitted to the New Construction Committee (for original builds) or the Modification Committee (for alterations). Standards include minimum dwelling size (1,300 sq ft single-story, 1,500 sq ft multi-story, first floor at least 900 sq ft, minimum 26 ft depth), building setbacks (40 ft front, 15 ft side, 30 ft rear), and a 5/12 roof pitch minimum. Fences must be under 4 ft and hedges under 10 ft. Carports are prohibited. Approval is deemed given if the committee does not act within 45 days.
• Assessments & fees: Annual assessments are set by the Board, allocated equally among all residential lots. The initial assessment was $200 per lot. Annual increases cannot exceed 20% without member vote, and special assessments over $500 per lot per year require majority approval. Assessments are a continuing lien on the lot and personally owed by the owner at time due. A $300 non-refundable plan review fee applies for new construction.
• Signs & advertising: Only non-illuminated signs 2 square feet or less are generally allowed. Two exceptions: a temporary construction sign (max 6 sq ft, removed within 6 months of permit) and a real estate sign (max 6 sq ft, for sale or rent). Only one of each type at a time per lot.
• Streets & common areas: The subdivision's private streets and ways are for passage only — no stands, vending, nuisances, or obstructions. The Declarant (developer) may later dedicate them to public use. Until then, owners collectively bear repair/maintenance costs. The Board can grant utility easements for water, sewer, electric, cable, etc.
• Term & amendment: The covenants run with the land for an initial 30 years from recording (1994), automatically renewing every 10 years unless a majority of owners votes to change or terminate them within the year before each renewal. Amendments require a two-thirds vote of total association voting power.
• What this document doesn't cover: This document does not address pet limits, leasing restrictions, rental terms, parking rules, age restrictions, or specific amenity descriptions. It also notes that a separate, earlier declaration (recorded 1985) was put back into effect shortly after this 1994 version was recorded — so readers should confirm which version currently applies.

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.