Rawdon Homeowners Association

What Rawdon Homeowners Association's governing documents say

This is a declaration of covenants, conditions, and restrictions for Rawdon, a single-family and duplex residential subdivision in Durham, NC, governed by the Rawdon Homeowners Association. It applies to all lot owners in Rawdon and is part of a larger master community (Villages of Cornwallis) with a separate Villages Association that has some oversight. The document sets out rules on property use, assessments, maintenance, architectural control, and easements.

• What you own & maintain: You own your lot and any dwelling on it. The association maintains common areas (including private streets) and can step in to fix unsightly conditions on your lot after 30 days' notice, billing you for the cost.
• Assessments & fees: Each lot pays an annual assessment with two parts: a Rawdon subdivision portion (initially capped at $120 per lot through 1985, with annual increases limited to 7% without member vote) and a Villages portion set by the Villages Association. Special assessments for capital improvements may be levied with a two-thirds vote. At closing, you pay a sum equal to two months' assessments.
• Architectural review: Any new construction, exterior alteration, or addition (including fences, walls, and screens) requires prior written approval from the Villages Association or its architectural committee. Approval is generally given within 30 days; if no decision within 60 days, approval is deemed granted. Changes must be in harmony with existing structures.
• Land use & building rules: Lots are for residential use only. You may build one detached single-family home (minimum 1,000 sq ft heated living area) or one attached duplex unit (minimum 700 sq ft per unit), no more than three stories, with up to two private garages. Buildings must be at least 30 feet from front lot lines and 20 feet from side street lines.
• Pets & animals: No animals, livestock, or poultry may be raised or kept for commercial purposes, but dogs, cats, and other household pets are allowed as long as they aren't bred or maintained commercially.
• Exterior appearance & restrictions: Television antennae, satellite discs, and outdoor clotheslines are prohibited without written approval. Garbage cans and clotheslines must be screened from view. Mailbox posts must match the originally approved design. Signs are limited to one professional 'for sale or rent' sign (max 5 sq ft) and street number identification.
• Party walls & shared structures: For duplexes, each unit has an easement of structural support from the other. Party walls are shared, with repair costs split proportionally to use. You must get written consent from the adjacent unit owner before changing the exterior wall color or finish of your duplex unit.
• Parking & vehicles: Parking on all properties, including common areas, is regulated by the Villages Association (per its own declaration). This document does not set specific parking rules.

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.