Orchard Lake Homeowners Association Inc

What Orchard Lake Homeowners Association Inc's governing documents say

Orchard Lake is a single-family home HOA in Durham, NC, part of the larger Forest Lakes master-planned community. This declaration binds all homeowners in Orchard Lake, and they must also follow the Forest Lakes master rules. It covers assessments, maintenance, and detailed use restrictions.

• What you own & maintain: You own your lot and home; the association maintains common areas, lakes, entry features, and stormwater facilities. You must maintain your lot and home to the community-wide standard, and the association can step in and charge you if you don't.
• Assessments & fees: Annual assessments are set by the board and can be changed by owner vote; special assessments need 2/3 approval. Unpaid assessments accrue late charges, interest (up to 18% per year), and become a lien on your property. You also owe separate assessments to the Forest Lakes master association.
• Leasing & rentals: You may lease your home, but each lease must be at least six months. Tenants must agree in writing to follow the HOA rules, and the HOA can evict tenants on your behalf if they violate rules.
• Architectural review: Any exterior change—construction, paint color, fences, sheds, pools, even tree removal over 4 inches in diameter—requires prior written approval from the Architectural Review Committee. The committee can reject plans for any reason, including aesthetics, and approval is automatic if they don't respond within 60 days.
• Parking & vehicles: No parking on streets, and commercial vehicles, boats, RVs, and trailers must be kept in enclosed garages. Garage doors must stay closed except when entering or exiting. Boats, RVs, or trailers left out more than 5 days can be removed at your expense.
• Pets & animals: Only dogs, cats, and usual household pets in reasonable numbers (as the board decides) are allowed; no breeding or commercial use. Dogs must be leashed outside, and pets that cause damage or noise must be removed if the board asks.
• Other use restrictions: No businesses without board approval, no firearms, no window AC units, no exterior clotheslines, no satellite dishes except small ones placed out of view, and no fences closer to the street than the rear third of the house. Exterior lighting and play equipment are also restricted.

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.