Surrey Downs

What Surrey Downs's governing documents say

Surrey Downs is a single-family home subdivision in Wilmington, NC, governed by a Declaration of Restrictions recorded in 1986. These covenants run with the land and bind all current and future lot owners. The rules aim to preserve the residential character and attractiveness of the neighborhood.

• Residential use only: Lots may be used only for residential purposes. No commercial trade, noxious activity, or nuisance is allowed. Unsightly junk cars and unkempt yards may be cleaned by the developer or homeowners association at the owner's expense.
• Dwelling & building requirements: Only one detached single-family dwelling (max 3 stories) and a private garage (max 1 story, no living quarters) per lot. Minimum square footage: 2,800 sq ft for lots 9–14, 2,200 sq ft for others (excluding porches, garages, carports). Exterior materials limited to conventional frame, brick, or stucco; no concrete block, aluminum siding, etc.
• Architectural & plan approval: Plans for all dwellings and accessory buildings must be approved by the developer (or their assigns). If no response within 10 days, plans are deemed approved if in general conformity with other structures. No tree over 4 inches in diameter (at 4 ft height) may be removed without prior written approval.
• Setbacks & fences: Front setback: 100 ft from front street line (80 ft if not physically possible). Side setback: 15 ft. No chain link or metal fence allowed nearer the front street line than the rear wall of the main dwelling. Other fences require written consent of developer or all adjoining lot owners.
• Pets & animals: Only household pets allowed, not for commercial breeding. Pets must be kept inside, in an approved fenced area, or on a leash when outside.
• Homeowners association & assessments: All lot owners automatically become members of a homeowners association. The association maintains private roads, plaza, entrance signs, etc. Assessments require a two-thirds vote and are a continuing lien on the property (subordinate to first mortgages). Unpaid assessments bear 10% annual interest.
• Leasing & rentals: No specific restrictions on leasing; the document does not address rental terms or limits.
• What this document doesn't cover: This document does not cover association fees or budgets, insurance requirements, parking rules, or any age restrictions. It is a set of restrictive covenants, not a full set of HOA bylaws or 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.