Echo Farms

What Echo Farms's governing documents say

This is the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Woodlands at Echo Farms Homeowners Association, a standard single-family HOA in Wilmington, NC. It governs the use, maintenance, and assessment of lots and common areas, binding all owners, tenants, and occupants. The document also includes a separate declaration between Echo Farms and New Hanover County for a park parcel with its own restrictions.

• What you own & maintain: You own your lot and the dwelling on it; you must keep your lot in good condition and repair. The Association maintains common areas (e.g., private streets, storm drainage, common landscaping, retention ponds, perimeter fencing) funded by assessments.
• Architectural review: All exterior changes—including buildings, fences, walls, driveways, pools, and color changes—require prior written approval from the Declarant (during developer control) or the Architectural Committee/Board. Plans must be submitted; approval is presumed if no response within 30 days.
• Leasing & rentals: Leases must be in writing, for a minimum term of 12 months, and for residential purposes only. No portion of a residence may be leased separately. Tenants must receive and comply with the Declaration, Bylaws, and rules. Transient housing, hotel use, and bed-and-breakfast are prohibited.
• Pets: No more than 3 dogs and 3 cats per lot, kept as domestic pets only (no commercial breeding). Pets must be registered, inoculated, and leashed on common areas. Any pet causing a nuisance may be required to be removed within 10 days' notice.
• Parking & vehicles: Boats, campers, trailers, motor homes, and unlicensed/defective vehicles must be kept in a garage or out of public view unless the Association consents to a designated area. No major auto repairs outside a closed garage. Basketball goals are prohibited in street rights-of-way.
• Building & lot restrictions: Dwellings must have between 1,650 and 3,000 sq. ft. of heated living area (at least 1,000 sq. ft. on ground floor); up to 10% of lots may have 1,500 sq. ft. minimum. Maximum built-upon area per lot is 5,000 sq. ft. Fences must be wood or white vinyl, max 6 ft. high; chain link is prohibited. Driveways must be concrete.
• Assessments & fees: Annual assessments are set by the Board; special assessments for capital improvements require 2/3 member vote. A one-time working capital assessment is due at initial sale. Assessments are a personal obligation and a lien on the lot if unpaid. Interest accrues at 18% per annum or the legal maximum.
• Park parcel restrictions (separate declaration): A separate declaration restricts a conveyed park parcel to recreational public park use for 30 years, with a 150-ft building setback and a 100-ft tree save area along the southwestern boundary. It also grants perpetual easements for signage, utilities, grading, and stormwater management to Echo Farms.

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.