Book 6747 Page 1982 BK: RB 6747 RECORDED: 12/19/2024 01:54:45 PM BY: SAMANTHA SPEAKER DEPUTY 2024031622 NEW HANOVER COUNTY, MORGHAN GETTY COLLINS REGISTER OF DEEDS NC FEE $138.00 EXTX $0.00 ELECTRONICALLY RECORDED (Top portion for recording purposes) THIS DOCUMENT REGULATES OR PROHIBITS THE DISPLAY OF POLITICAL SIGNS DECLARATION OF COVENANTS, CONDITIONS, EASEMENTS, AND RESTRICTIONS FOR THE RIVERSIDE COVE COMMUNITY THIS DECLARATION OF COVENANTS, CONDITIONS, EASEMENTS, AND RESTRICTIONS FOR THE RIVERSIDE COVE COMMUNITY ("Declaration") is made this 19th day of December, 2024 by BILL CLARK HOMES OF WILMINGTON, LLC, (hereinafter collectively referred to as "Declarant"): WITNESS TO: WHEREAS, Declarant is the owner of certain real property located in New Hanover County, North Carolina, which is more particularly described on Exhibit "A" attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Property").
WHEREAS, Declarant desires to create on such property an exclusive residential community of single-family homes to be known as Riverside Cove (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "Subdivision"); WHEREAS, Declarant desires to provide for the maintenance and upkeep of the common area within the Subdivision and to provide for enforcement of covenants and restrictions applicable to the Subdivision, and, to that end, desires to create a planned community pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 47F of the General Statutes of North Carolina (the “Act”), and to subject all of the property within the Subdivision to the covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements, charges and liens hereinafter set forth, each and all of which is and are for the benefit of said property and each owner thereof;
he Subdivision to the covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements, charges and liens hereinafter set forth, each and all of which is and are for the benefit of said property and each owner thereof; WHEREAS, Declarant has deemed it advisable to create an organization to own, maintain and administer the Common Area (as hereinafter defined), to administer and enforce the covenants and restrictions applicable to the Subdivision, and to collect and disburse the assessments and charges hereinafter created, and Declarant has therefore incorporated under Submitted electronically by "ward and Smith, P.A.
" in compliance with North Carolina statutes governing recordable documents and the terms of the submitter agreement with the New Hanover County Register of Deeds.
1 Book 6747 Page 1983 North Carolina law as a non-profit corporation, the RIVERSIDE COVE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., for the purpose of exercising the aforesaid functions.
NOW, THEREFORE, Declarant declares that the Property and such additions thereto as may hereafter be made pursuant to Article II hereof, is and shall be owned, held, transferred, sold, conveyed, used and occupied subject to the covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements, charges and liens set forth in this Declaration, all of which shall run with the real property and be binding on all parties owning any right, title or interest in said real property or any part thereof, their heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of each owner thereof.
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS Section 1. "Act" shall mean and refer to Chapter 47F of the General Statutes of North Carolina, designated as the North Carolina Planned Community Act.
Section 2. "Association" shall mean and refer to the RIVERSIDE COVE OWNERS
n and refer to Chapter 47F of the General Statutes of North Carolina, designated as the North Carolina Planned Community Act.
Section 2. "Association" shall mean and refer to the RIVERSIDE COVE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. a North Carolina non-profit corporation, its successors and assigns.
Section 3. "Association Documents" shall mean collectively the Articles of Incorporation of the Association, the Bylaws of the Association, this Declaration, any supplemental declaration as may be applicable to separate portions of the Properties, the rules and regulations, the Architectural Guidelines, and any resolutions adopted by the Board, all as may be amended, restated and revised from time to time. Any exhibit, schedule or amendment to an Association Document shall be considered a part of that document.
Section 4. "Board of Directors" or "Board" shall mean the body responsible for administration of the Association selected as provided in the Bylaws.
Section 5. "Builder" shall mean and refer to any persons, firms or entities that purchase one or more Lots in the Properties for the purpose of constructing a Dwelling for resale to consumers in the ordinary course of its business.
Section 6. "Common Area" shall mean and refer to any and all real and personal property in which the Association now or hereafter owns, leases or otherwise holds possessory or use rights for the common use and enjoyment of the Owners, including easements held by the Association for those purposes. Common Area shall include, without limitation, all Stormwater Management Facilities, sidewalks, recreation areas, roadways, and streets within the Subdivision. Except as otherwise provided in this Declaration, the Common Area shall be maintained by the Association or its successors in interest.
recreation areas, roadways, and streets within the Subdivision. Except as otherwise provided in this Declaration, the Common Area shall be maintained by the Association or its successors in interest.
Section 7. "Development Period" shall mean the period ending on the earliest of (a) thirty (30) years from the date this Declaration is recorded in the Register of Deeds of New Hanover County; provided, that if Declarant is delayed in the improvement and development of the Properties as a result of a sewer, water or building permit moratorium or other cause or event beyond Declarant's control, then the aforesaid period shall be extended for the length of the delay plus an additional two (2) years upon written notice to the Association of such extension; or 2 Book 6747 Page 1984 (b) the date specified by Declarant in a written notice to the Association that the Development Period is to terminate on that date so stated.
Section 8. "Declarant" shall mean and refer to Bill Clark Homes of Wilmington, LLC. It shall also mean and refer to any person, company or entity to whom or which Declarant shall assign or delegate the rights and obligations of Declarant by an assignment of Declarant's rights recorded in the applicable public registry for New Hanover County, North Carolina.
Section 9. "Lot" shall mean and refer to any plot of land other than Common Area, with delineated boundary lines, shown on any recorded subdivision plat of the Properties that may be independently owned and conveyed. In the event that any Lot is increased or decreased in size by recombination or resubdivision through recordation of new subdivision plats, any newlyplatted Lot shall thereafter constitute a Lot. The term shall refer to the land which is part of the
in size by recombination or resubdivision through recordation of new subdivision plats, any newlyplatted Lot shall thereafter constitute a Lot. The term shall refer to the land which is part of the Lot as well as any improvements thereon including the Unit or Dwelling.
Section 10. "Member" shall mean and refer to every person or entity who or which holds membership in the Association as set forth in this Declaration.
Section 11. "Owner" shall mean and refer to the record owner, whether one or more persons or entities, of fee simple title to any Lot which is a part of the Properties, including contract sellers, but excluding those having an interest in a Lot solely as security for the performance of an obligation.
Section 12. "Permit" shall mean North Carolina Stormwater Management Permit No.
SW8 240305 issued for the Property, and any additional North Carolina Stormwater Management Permits, applicable to the Property, and any amendments, additions, or replacements thereof.
Section 13. "Permittee" shall mean the applicable permittee under the Permit.
Section 14. "Properties" or "Property" shall mean and refer to the property described in Exhibit "A" to this Declaration, together with such additional property as is subjected to this Declaration in accordance with Article II.
Section 15. "Stormwater Management Facilities" shall mean all areas consisting of ditches and swales, level spreader-filter strips, retention ponds and other improvements which are constructed pursuant to, and regulated by, the Permit and located within the Property, and including any additional property annexed into the Property by Declarant.
Section 16. "Unit" or "Dwelling" shall mean and refer to any building or portion thereof
and located within the Property, and including any additional property annexed into the Property by Declarant.
Section 16. "Unit" or "Dwelling" shall mean and refer to any building or portion thereof within the Properties which is designated and intended for use and occupancy as a residence by a single family, whether by the Owner of such Unit or by tenants or lessees of such Owner.
ARTICLE II PROPERTY SUBJECT TO THIS DECLARATION AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE RIVERSIDE COVE COMMUNITY 3 Book 6747 Page 1985 Section 1. Existing Property. The real property which is and shall be held, transferred, sold, conveyed, used and occupied subject to this Declaration as of the date of recording hereof, which is within the jurisdiction of the Association, is described on Exhibit "A" attached hereto.
Section 2. Annexation of Additional Property. At any time prior to December 31, 2054, any land may be annexed by the Declarant without the consent of the Members and therefore become subject to this Declaration by the recording by Declarant of a plat showing such property to be annexed and of a supplementary declaration extending the operation and effect of this Declaration to the property to be annexed. Any property annexed pursuant to this subsection may be annexed and subjected to this Declaration as one parcel or as several parcels at different times. The addition of such property pursuant to this Section may increase the cumulative number of Lots within the Properties and, therefore, may alter the relative maximum voting strength of the various types of Members.
A supplementary declaration may contain such complementary additions to and modifications of the covenants and restrictions contained in this Declaration, including, without
various types of Members.
A supplementary declaration may contain such complementary additions to and modifications of the covenants and restrictions contained in this Declaration, including, without limitation, different voting rights and different annual and special assessments for the Lots or Units so annexed, as well as provisions restricting the annexed property to non-residential use, as Declarant, in its sole discretion, may deem necessary or appropriate to reflect the different character or use of the property added. In no event, however, shall any supplementary declaration revoke, modify or add to the covenants and restrictions established by this Declaration so as to materially and adversely affect any portion of the Properties already subject to this Declaration. A supplementary declaration annexing additional property need only be executed by the Declarant and, if applicable, by the owner of the property being annexed, and shall not require the joinder or consent of the Association or any of its Members.
Nothing contained in this Article shall be construed to obligate or require Declarant to make any additions to the Properties.
Section 3. Annexation of Additional Property by Members. The Association may subject any contiguous property to the provisions of this Declaration with the consent of the owner of such property, the affirmative vote of Owners representing sixty-seven percent (67%) of the votes of the Association represented at a meeting duly called for such purpose, and the consent of Declarant during the Development Period. The additional property shall be annexed by the recording by the Association of a plat showing such property to be annexed and of a supplementary declaration extending the operation and effect of this Declaration to the property
l be annexed by the recording by the Association of a plat showing such property to be annexed and of a supplementary declaration extending the operation and effect of this Declaration to the property to be annexed.
Section 4. Conveyance of Common Area in Annexed Property. Promptly upon request of Declarant, the owner of the annexed property shall convey any or all Common Area located within the newly annexed property to the Association or, if requested by the Declarant, to the Declarant. Title to such Common Area shall be conveyed in the same manner as set forth in Section 3 of Article IV of this Declaration.
Section 5. Merger. Additional property may also be made subject to this Declaration by merger or consolidation of the Association with another non-profit corporation formed for the same or similar purposes in accordance with the provisions of Section 2-121 of the Act. The surviving or consolidated association shall administer the covenants and restrictions established 4 Book 6747 Page 1986 by this Declaration within the Properties and the covenants and restrictions established upon property owned by the other association as one scheme. No such merger or consolidation shall cause any revocation, change or addition to this Declaration.
Section 6. Effect of Addition of Property. Except by amendment of this Declaration as provided in Section 3 of Article XIV hereof, no addition of property, whether by annexation, merger or consolidation, shall revoke or modify any provision of this Declaration as to the Properties already subject hereto or diminish the rights of the Owners of Lots and Units within the Properties, except for the dilution of voting strength that occurs as a result of inclusion of additional Members of the Association.
or diminish the rights of the Owners of Lots and Units within the Properties, except for the dilution of voting strength that occurs as a result of inclusion of additional Members of the Association.
Section 7. Withdrawal of Property. Declarant reserves the right to amend this Declaration so long as it has a right to annex additional property pursuant to this Article for the purpose of removing any portion of the Properties then owned by Declarant or the Association from the coverage of this Declaration, to the extent originally included in error or as a result of any changes whatsoever in the plans for the Subdivision, provided such withdrawal is not unequivocally contrary to the overall, uniform scheme of development for the Subdivision.
Section 8. Good Faith Lender's Clause. Any violation of these covenants, conditions or restrictions shall not affect any lien or deed of trust of record held in good faith, upon any Lot, which liens may be enforced in due course, subject to the terms of this Declaration.
ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP AND VOTING RIGHTS Section 1. Membership. Every Owner of a Lot shall be a Member of the Association.
Membership shall be appurtenant to and may not be separated from ownership of any Lot.
Section 2. Voting Rights. The voting rights of the membership shall be appurtenant to the ownership of the Lots and may not be separated from ownership of any Lot. All Owners shall have one (1) equal vote for each Lot in which they hold the interest required for membership under Section 1 above, provided there shall only be one (1) vote per Lot. When more than one person owns an interest (other than a leasehold or security interest) in any Lot, all such persons shall be Members and the voting rights appurtenant to their Lot shall be exercised as they, among
one person owns an interest (other than a leasehold or security interest) in any Lot, all such persons shall be Members and the voting rights appurtenant to their Lot shall be exercised as they, among themselves, determine; but fractional voting shall not be allowed, and in no event shall more than one vote be cast with respect to any Lot.
ARTICLE IV PROPERTY RIGHTS Section 1. Owners' Easements of Enjoyment and Access. Except as limited by the provisions of this Section 1 and by the rules and regulations adopted by the Board, every Owner shall have a right and easement of enjoyment in, use of and access to, from, and over the Common Area, which right and easement shall be appurtenant to and shall pass with title to every Lot, subject to: 5 Book 6747 Page 1987 (a) the right of the Association to charge reasonable admission and other fees for the use of any recreational facilities situated or constructed on the Common Area and to limit the use of such facilities to Owners and to their families, tenants and guests, as provided in Section 2 of this Article IV.
(b) the right of the Association to suspend the voting rights of an Owner subject to a hearing or opportunity to present evidence in accordance with Section 47F-3-107.1 of the Act for any period during which any assessment against his Lot remains unpaid, or for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days for any infraction of the Association Documents.
(c) the right of the Association to dedicate, sell or transfer all or any part of the Common Area to any public or quasi-public agency, authority or utility for such purposes and subject to such conditions as may be agreed upon by the Members. No such dedication or transfer shall be
he Common Area to any public or quasi-public agency, authority or utility for such purposes and subject to such conditions as may be agreed upon by the Members. No such dedication or transfer shall be effective unless the Members entitled to at least 80% of the votes of the entire membership of the Association and Declarant, during the Development Period, agree to such dedication, sale or transfer. Nothing herein shall be deemed to prohibit the Board, without consent of the Members, from granting easements over and across the Common Area to any public agency, authority or utility for the installation and maintenance of sewage, utility (including cable television) or drainage facilities when, in the opinion of the Board, such easements are necessary for the convenient use and enjoyment of properties within the Subdivision. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Common Area shall be preserved for the perpetual benefit of the owners of Lots within the Subdivision and shall not be conveyed except to a governmental entity or another non-profit corporation organized for similar purposes.
(d) the right of the Association, to borrow money and, with the assent of Members' entitled to at least 80% of the votes of the entire membership of the Association and Declarant's approval during the Development Period, mortgage, pledge, deed in trust, or hypothecate any or all of its real or personal property as security for money borrowed or debts incurred, provided that the rights of any such lender or mortgagee shall be subordinate to the property rights of the Members and the Association as set forth herein.
(e) the right of the Association to exchange all or part of the Common Area for other
r or mortgagee shall be subordinate to the property rights of the Members and the Association as set forth herein.
(e) the right of the Association to exchange all or part of the Common Area for other property and consideration of like value and utility, provided, however, that any such dedication shall require the assent of the Declarant and the Members as set forth in subparagraph (c) above, and further provided that, if the Board determines, in its sole discretion, that such exchange is necessary to cure an encroachment or setback violation on any Lot, the Board may effect such exchange without the consent of or approval by the Members.
(f) the right of the Association to open the Common Area and, in particular, the recreational facilities constructed thereon, for use by non-members of the Association.
(g) the right of the Association to expand or add to the Common Area and to improve, maintain and operate the Common Area.
(h) the right of the Association to adopt, promulgate and enforce rules and regulations concerning the use of the Common Area.
Book 6747 Page 1988 (i) the right of the Association to otherwise deal with the Common Area as provided in the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Association.
Section 2. Delegation of Use.
(a) Family. The right and easement of enjoyment and access granted to every Owner by Section 1 of this Article may be exercised by members of the Owner's family who occupy the residence of the Owner within the Properties in New Hanover County, North Carolina.
(b) Tenants: Contract Purchasers. The right and easement of enjoyment and access granted to every Owner by Section 1 of this Article may be assigned by such Owner to his tenants or contract purchasers who occupy a residence within the Properties, or a portion of said
nt and access granted to every Owner by Section 1 of this Article may be assigned by such Owner to his tenants or contract purchasers who occupy a residence within the Properties, or a portion of said residence, as their principal residence in New Hanover County, North Carolina. So as not to overburden the use of the Properties, if an Owner assigns said right and easement of enjoyment and access to Owner's tenants or contract purchasers, then so long as such assignment is in effect, Owner shall forfeit his right and easement of enjoyment and access.
(c) Guests. The right and easement of enjoyment and access granted to every Owner by Section 1 of this Article may be delegated to guests of such Owners, tenants or contract purchasers, subject to such rules and regulations as may be established by the Board.
(d) Suspension of Rights. The rights of any delegate or assignee of an Owner shall be suspended by, upon and during suspension of such Owner's rights as provided in Section 8 of Article XIV of this Declaration.
Section 3. Conveyance of Common Area To The Association. No later than the expiration of the Development Period, Declarant shall convey, and the Association shall accept, fee simple title to all Common Area within the Properties, and shall reserve for or grant to the Association all Common Area easements, all subject to such easements, reservations, conditions and restrictions as then may be of record, and the Association shall accept all such conveyances, grants and reservations, provided, however, that during the Development Period, Declarant reserves an easement over and across any Common Area deeded to the Association for the purpose of constructing and maintaining any improvements on the Common Area as it deems
lopment Period, Declarant reserves an easement over and across any Common Area deeded to the Association for the purpose of constructing and maintaining any improvements on the Common Area as it deems necessary or advisable, provided that any such improvements must comply with the requirements of the appropriate governmental authority. Any improvements placed on the Common Area by Declarant shall become the property of the Association upon completion of such improvements.
Section 4. Regulation and Maintenance of Common Area and Common Area Easements.
It is the intent of the Declarant that the Common Area be preserved for the perpetual benefit of the Owners.
(a) Regulation of Common Area. The Association may adopt and promulgate rules and regulations governing the use of the Common Area by Owners and their family, tenants, guests and invitees. No Owner or other permitted user shall use the Common Area or any portion thereof in violation of the rules and regulations contained in this Declaration or subsequently adopted by the Association.
7 Book 6747 Page 1989 Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, no Owner or tenant, guest or invitee of an Owner shall, without the specific prior written consent of the Association: (i) damage or waste the Common Area or improvements thereon or remove any trees or vegetation therefrom; (ii) erect any gate, fence, structure or other improvement or thing on the Common Area; (iii) place any garbage receptacle, trash or debris on Common Area; (iv) fill or excavate any part of the Common Area; (v) landscape or plant vegetation on Common Area; (vi) park a vehicle on any Common Area that is landscaped with grass, flower beds, vegetation, trees, or the like; or (v) use
part of the Common Area; (v) landscape or plant vegetation on Common Area; (vi) park a vehicle on any Common Area that is landscaped with grass, flower beds, vegetation, trees, or the like; or (v) use the Common Area or any part thereof in a manner inconsistent with or in any way interfering with the rights of other Owners.
(b) Rights and Responsibilities of the Lot Owners as to Common Area Easements. Each Owner of a Lot upon which a Common Area easement lies shall pay all property taxes and other assessments levied against his Lot, including that portion of such tax or assessment as is attributable to such Common Area easement.
(c) Rights and Responsibilities of the Association as to Common Area. The Association shall have the right and obligation to ensure that the Common Area is preserved for the perpetual benefit of the Owners, and, to that end, shall: (i) maintain the Common Area in its natural or improved state, as appropriate including, but not limited to, following the requirements of the Permit, and keep it free of impediments to its use by the Owners, subject to the provisions of this Declaration; (ii) procure and maintain adequate liability insurance covering the Association and its Members, Directors and Officers, against any loss or damage suffered by any person, including the Owner of the Lot upon which Common Area lies, resulting from use of the Common Area, and adequate hazard insurance covering the real and personal property owned in fee by the Association; and (iii) pay all property taxes and other assessments levied against all Common Area owned in fee by the Association.
(d) Declarant's and Association's Right of Entry. The Declarant and the Association and
ii) pay all property taxes and other assessments levied against all Common Area owned in fee by the Association.
(d) Declarant's and Association's Right of Entry. The Declarant and the Association and the employees, agents, contractors and subcontractors of each, shall have a non-exclusive right and easement at all times to enter upon any portion of a Lot reserved or designated as a Common Area easement for the purposes of: (i) installing and maintaining subdivision entrance signs, features, fencing and landscaping; and (ii) making such improvements to the Common Area; and (iii) maintaining the Common Area easement in its natural or improved state.
ARTICLE V COVENANT FOR MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENTS Section 1. Creation of the Lien and Personal Obligation of Assessments. Each Owner of a Lot, by acceptance of a deed therefore, whether or not it shall be so expressed in such deed, is deemed to covenant and agree to pay to the Association annual assessments, benefitted assessments, and special assessments, such assessments to be established and collected as hereinafter provided. All assessments which are unpaid when due, together with interest and late charges set forth in Section 8 of this Article V and all costs of collection, including reasonable attorney's fees, shall be a charge against and, a continuing lien upon the Lot against which such assessment is made subject to § 47F-3-116 of the Act, as amended. Each such assessment or charge, together with interest and costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys' fees, subject 8 Book 6747 Page 1990 to notice provided in accordance with § 47F-3-116(e) of the Act, shall also be the personal or corporate obligation of the person(s), firm(s) or corporation(s) owning such Lot at the time when
ge 1990 to notice provided in accordance with § 47F-3-116(e) of the Act, shall also be the personal or corporate obligation of the person(s), firm(s) or corporation(s) owning such Lot at the time when the assessment fell due, but such personal obligation shall not be imposed upon such Owner's successors in title unless expressly assumed by them. Although unpaid assessments and charges are not the personal obligation of such Owner's successors in title unless expressly assumed by them, the unpaid assessments and charges shall continue to be a lien upon the Lot against which the assessment or charge was made.
It is the intent of the Declarant that any monetary fines imposed against an Owner pursuant to the Bylaws of the Association or Section 8 of Article XIV of this Declaration and subject to §47F-3-107.1 of the Act shall constitute a lien against the Lot of such Owner to the same extent as if such fine were an assessment against such Lot.
Section 2. Purposes of Assessments. The assessments levied by the Association shall be used exclusively to promote the recreation, health, safety and welfare of the residents of the Subdivision and, in particular, for: (i) acquisition, improvement and maintenance of properties, services and facilities related to the use and enjoyment of the Common Area, including but not limited to the storm water system located within the Common Area or recreation area and any other Stormwater Management Facilities; (ii) repair and reconstruction of improvements on the Common Area, including, without limitation, the cost of repair, replacement and additions thereto and the cost of labor, equipment, materials, management and supervision thereof; and specifically including maintenance and repair of all sidewalks and streets, within the subdivision;
ditions thereto and the cost of labor, equipment, materials, management and supervision thereof; and specifically including maintenance and repair of all sidewalks and streets, within the subdivision; (iii) payment of taxes and public assessments levied against the Common Area owned by the Association in fee; (iv) procurement and maintenance of insurance in accordance with the Section 4(c) of Article IV of this Declaration; (v) employment of attorneys, accountants and other persons or firms to represent the Association when necessary; (vi) payment of principal and interest on funds borrowed for Association purposes; (vii) such other needs as may arise; and (xiii) payment for the maintenance and operation of street lights. The Declarant reserves the right to subject the real property in this subdivision to a contract with Duke Energy Progress, Inc. for the installation of street lighting, which requires a continuing monthly payment to Duke Energy Progress, Inc. by each customer. Said monthly payment may be included in the assessments charged to each Owner. Assessments may not be used by the Board or any committee of the Association to fund social functions. Social functions shall include parties, cookouts, birthday celebrations, holiday celebrations, any type of celebration, ceremonies, concerts, or any other event or function where Members gather for the purpose of social interaction.
Section 3. Annual Assessments. Not less than sixty (60) days before the beginning of each fiscal year, the Board shall prepare a budget covering the common expenses estimated to be incurred during the coming year. The budget shall include a capital contribution to establish a reserve fund. In determining the budget, the Board, in its discretion, may consider other sources
to be incurred during the coming year. The budget shall include a capital contribution to establish a reserve fund. In determining the budget, the Board, in its discretion, may consider other sources of funds available to the Association. In addition, the Board shall take into account the number of Lots subject to assessment on the first day of the fiscal year for which the budget is prepared and the number of Lots reasonably anticipated to become subject to assessment during the fiscal year.
9 Book 6747 Page 1991 Within thirty (30) days after adoption of any proposed budget by the Board, the Board shall provide to all Owners a summary of the budget and notice of a meeting to consider ratification of the budget, including a statement that the budget may be ratified without a quorum. The Board shall set a date for a meeting of the Owners to consider ratification of the budget, such meeting to be held not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days after mailing of the summary of the budget and notice of the meeting. There shall be no requirement that a quorum be present at the meeting. The budget is ratified unless, at that meeting, a majority of all the Owners in the Association rejects the budget. In the event the proposed budget is rejected, the periodic budget last ratified by the Owners shall be continued until such time as the Owners ratify a subsequent budget proposed by the Board.
The Assessment for the fiscal year shall be determined based upon the budget adopted by the Board and ratified by the Owners. In addition to Assessments for the fiscal year, the Board may levy special Assessments from time to time to cover unbudgeted expenses or expenses in excess of those budgeted. Such Assessments shall be approved at a meeting of the Board and
al year, the Board may levy special Assessments from time to time to cover unbudgeted expenses or expenses in excess of those budgeted. Such Assessments shall be approved at a meeting of the Board and shall become effective upon approval by the Board, unless disapproved by Declarant during the Development Period. Such Assessments shall be payable in such manner and at such times as determined by the Board and may be payable in installments extending beyond the fiscal year in which such Assessment is approved. The amount of each special Assessment shall be levied equally against all Lots, subject to the provisions of Section 5.
Section 4. Assessment Rate: Collection Period. Except as provided in Section 5 of this Article V, the annual and special assessments shall be fixed at a uniform rate for all Lots and may be collected on a yearly, semi-annually, quarterly or monthly basis, as determined by the Board.
Section 5. Declarant's Assessments. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Declaration or the Bylaws of the Association, the Declarant shall not be obligated for, nor subject to, any annual or special assessment for any Lot or other property that it owns within the Properties, provided, however, that the Declarant shall be responsible for paying the difference between: (i) the operating expenses of the Association; and (ii) the total operating revenues of the Association from all sources including, without limitation, annual and special assessments, revenues generated from fees charged by the Association for use of the Common Area, and investment income (said difference being hereinafter referred to as the "Operating Deficit"). For purposes of this Section, the term “operating expenses” shall not include contributions to any
ea, and investment income (said difference being hereinafter referred to as the "Operating Deficit"). For purposes of this Section, the term “operating expenses” shall not include contributions to any reserves for replacement, operating reserves, depreciation reserves, capital expenditures, or special assessments.
Declarant may, by written notice given by the Declarant to the Association on or before November 30 of any year, to be effective as of January 1, terminate its obligation to pay the Operating Deficit and waive its right to exclusion from assessments. In such event, each Lot owned by the Declarant which contains a Dwelling for which a certificate of occupancy has been issued shall be assessed at the rate of twenty-five percent (25%) of the annual assessment in effect for all other Lots, as the same may change from time to time. Upon sale of such Lot by Declarant to any other person or entity, such Lot shall be assessed at the full rate, commencing on the day on which title to such Lot is transferred to such third party. Notwithstanding any other 10 Book 6747 Page 1992 provision of this Declaration, a Lot owned by the Declarant which contains a Dwelling occupied as a residence (but not as a model or sales center) shall be assessed at the rate applicable to all other Lots.
Section 6. Benefitted Assessments. The Board may levy Benefited Assessments against particular Lots for expenses incurred or to be incurred by the Association, as follows: (a) to cover the costs, including overhead and administrative costs, of providing benefits, items, or services to the Lot or occupants thereof upon request of the Owner pursuant to a menu of special services which the Board may from time to time authorize to be offered to
providing benefits, items, or services to the Lot or occupants thereof upon request of the Owner pursuant to a menu of special services which the Board may from time to time authorize to be offered to Owners (which might include, without limitation, landscape maintenance, caretaker service, etc.), which assessments may be levied in advance of the provision of the requested benefit, item or service as a deposit against charges to be incurred by the Owner; and (b) to cover costs incurred in bringing the Lot into compliance with the terms of the Association Documents and the Act or costs incurred as a consequence of the conduct of the Owner or occupants of the Lot, their family members, tenants, invitees, or guests; provided, the Board shall give the Lot Owner prior written notice and an opportunity for a hearing before levying a Benefited Assessment under this subsection (b) (c) to cover costs incurred by the Association, including overhead and administrative costs, where an Owner has failed to adequately perform its maintenance duties set forth herein, including, but not limited to, those set forth in Article XII, Sections 11 and 23.
Section 7. Date of Commencement of Annual Assessments: Certificate of Payment.
Unless a different commencement date is set by the Board, the annual assessments provided for herein shall commence as to all Lots in any phase on the first day of the month following the conveyance of a Lot within that phase to an Owner other than the Declarant or a Builder.
The Association shall, upon demand, and for such reasonable charge as the Board may determine, furnish a certificate signed by an officer of the Association setting forth whether the assessments on a specified Lot have been paid. If such certificate states that an assessment has
may determine, furnish a certificate signed by an officer of the Association setting forth whether the assessments on a specified Lot have been paid. If such certificate states that an assessment has been paid, such certificate shall be conclusive evidence of payment.
Section 8. Effect of Nonpayment of Assessments: Remedies. An assessment not paid within ten (10) days after the due date may incur such late charge as the Board may from time to time establish, and, if not paid within thirty (30) days after the due date, shall also bear interest from the due date at the rate of eighteen percent (18%) per annum or the highest rate allowed by law, whichever is less. The Association may bring an action at law or in equity against the Owner personally obligated to pay the same and/or foreclose the lien against the Lot for which such assessment is due subject to § 47F-3-116 of the Act, as amended. Interest, late payment charges, reasonable attorneys' fees, and the costs of such action or foreclosure shall be added to the amount of such assessment. No Owner may waive or otherwise escape liability for the assessments provided for herein by non-use of the Common Area or by abandonment of his Lot.
11 Book 6747 Page 1993 Section 9. Subordination of the Lien to Mortgages. The liens provided for herein shall be subordinate to the lien of any first mortgage or first mortgage on a Lot. Sale or transfer of a Lot shall not affect any assessment lien; however, the sale or transfer of a Lot pursuant to foreclosure of a first mortgage shall extinguish the lien of any assessment which became due prior to the date of such conveyance. No such sale or transfer shall relieve such Lot from liability for any
oreclosure of a first mortgage shall extinguish the lien of any assessment which became due prior to the date of such conveyance. No such sale or transfer shall relieve such Lot from liability for any assessment thereafter becoming due or from the lien thereof; but the liens provided for herein shall continue to be subordinate to the lien of any first mortgage.
Section 10. Initial Capital Contribution. At the time of closing of the initial sale of a Lot, a sum equal to One Thousand Dollars and no cents ($1,000.00) shall be collected from the purchaser of such Lot and transferred to the Association as part of its working capital. The purpose of such working capital contributions is to ensure that the Association will have adequate cash available to defray operating costs, meet unforeseen expenditures or to acquire additional equipment or services deemed by the Board of Directors to be necessary or desirable.
Amounts paid pursuant to this Section shall not be considered as an advance payment of any regular or special assessment. Such sum may also be utilized to reimburse Declarant the exact cost of any premiums or insurance policies purchased for the benefit of the Association by Declarant.
Section 11. Exempt Property. All property dedicated to and accepted by a public authority and all property owned by a charitable or non-profit organization exempt from taxation by the laws of the State of North Carolina shall be exempt from the assessments created herein.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no land or improvements devoted to dwelling use shall be exempt from said assessments.
ARTICLE VI RIGHTS OF LENDERS Section 1. Books and Records. Any owner or holder of a first mortgage on any Lot, or its
and or improvements devoted to dwelling use shall be exempt from said assessments.
ARTICLE VI RIGHTS OF LENDERS Section 1. Books and Records. Any owner or holder of a first mortgage on any Lot, or its agent, shall have the right, during normal business hours, to examine copies of this Declaration, the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and the books and records of the Association and, upon written request to the Association, and payment of copying and mailing costs, to receive a copy of the financial statement for the immediately preceding fiscal year.
Section 2. Notice to Lenders. The owner or holder of a first mortgage on any Lot which provides written request to the Association (such request to state the name and address of such holder, insurer, or guarantor and the street address of the Lot to which its mortgage relates) shall be entitled to timely written notice of: (a) Any 60-day delinquency in the payment of assessments or charges owed by the Owner of the Lot securing its loan.
(b) A lapse, cancellation, or material modification of any insurance policy or fidelity bond maintained by the Association.
12 Book 6747 Page 1994 (c) Any proposed action that requires the consent of a specified percentage of owners or holders of first mortgages on the Lots.
ARTICLE VII EASEMENTS Section 1. Access and Utility Easements. Easements for the installation and maintenance of roadways, driveways, walkways, water, gas, telephone, cable television and electric power transmission lines, sanitary sewer and Stormwater Management Facilities, and for other public and private utility installations are reserved over the Properties for the benefit of Declarant and the Association; provided that such easement right shall in no event obligate Declarant to install
c and private utility installations are reserved over the Properties for the benefit of Declarant and the Association; provided that such easement right shall in no event obligate Declarant to install or maintain such facilities. The Association may reserve or grant easements over the Common Area as provided in Article IV, Section 1(c), of this Declaration. Within any such easement herein provided, no structure, planting or other material shall be placed or permitted to remain which may interfere with the installation or maintenance of the utilities installed thereon, or which may change the direction of flow or drainage of water through drainage pipes or channels constructed in such easements.
For a period of thirty (30) years from the date hereof, Declarant reserves, for itself and its employees, agents, successors and assigns, an easement upon and a right of ingress, egress and regress on, over and under the Properties for the purposes of constructing and maintaining roadways, water, sewer, gas, Stormwater Management Facilities, telephone, cable television, and electric, and other utility facilities to the extent required by any applicable governmental entity or deemed by the Declarant to be necessary or convenient for the development, use and enjoyment of the Properties and the Common Area and for the conduct of construction, sales and marketing activities; provided that, such easement right shall in no event obligate Declarant to install or maintain such facilities. Such right expressly includes the right to cut any trees, bushes or shrubbery, make any grading of the soil, relocate utility facilities within said easement and take any other similar action that it deems reasonably necessary or appropriate. After such action has
or shrubbery, make any grading of the soil, relocate utility facilities within said easement and take any other similar action that it deems reasonably necessary or appropriate. After such action has been completed, Declarant shall grade and seed the affected property and otherwise restore the affected property to its original condition to the extent practicable, but shall not be required to replace any trees, bushes or shrubbery necessarily removed. Declarant shall give reasonable notice of its intent to take such action to each Owner whose Lot is affected.
Section 2. Easements for Governmental Access. An easement is hereby established over the Common Area and every Lot within the Properties for the benefit of applicable governmental agencies for installing, removing, and reading water meters, maintaining and replacing water and sewer facilities, and acting for other purposes consistent with public safety and welfare, including, without limitation, law enforcement, fire protection, garbage collection and the delivery of mail.
Section 3. Owner's Easement and Right of Entry for Repair, Maintenance and Reconstruction. If any Dwelling is located closer than five (5) feet from its Lot line, the Owner thereof shall have a perpetual access easement over the adjoining Lot to the extent reasonably necessary to perform repair, maintenance or reconstruction of such Dwelling. Such work shall be done expeditiously and, upon completion of the work, the Owner shall restore the adjoining Lot 13 Book 6747 Page 1995 to as nearly the same condition as that which existed prior to the commencement of the work as is reasonably practicable. No fence shall be erected within such area adjoining a Dwelling.
Section 4. Association's Easement and Right of Entry. Authorized agents of the
e commencement of the work as is reasonably practicable. No fence shall be erected within such area adjoining a Dwelling.
Section 4. Association's Easement and Right of Entry. Authorized agents of the Association shall have the right, and a perpetual easement is hereby granted to the Association, to enter all portions of the Property, including each Lot to (a) perform its maintenance obligations, and (b) make inspections to ensure compliance with the Association Documents.
Except in emergencies, entry onto a Lot shall be only during reasonable hours and after notice to the Owner. This easement shall be exercised with a minimum of interference to the quiet enjoyment to Owners' property, and any damage shall be repaired by the Association at its expense.
The Association also may enter a Lot to abate or remove, using such measures as may be reasonably necessary, any structure, thing or condition which violates the Association Documents. All costs incurred, including reasonable attorneys' fees, shall be assessed against the violator as a Benefited Assessment.
Section 5. Easement Over Common Area. A perpetual, non-exclusive easement over the Common Area is hereby granted to each Lot and its Owners, family members and tenants of such Owners, the occupants of such Lot, and guests and invitees of such Owners, tenants or occupants, for the purpose of providing access, ingress and egress to and from parking areas and walkways serving the Properties and to and from adjacent public roads.
Section 6. Easements to Serve Other Property. Declarant hereby reserves for itself and its duly authorized agents, representatives, employees, successors, assigns, licensees, and mortgagees, a perpetual easement over the Lots and the Common Area for the purposes of
serves for itself and its duly authorized agents, representatives, employees, successors, assigns, licensees, and mortgagees, a perpetual easement over the Lots and the Common Area for the purposes of enjoyment, use, access, and development of any property whether or not such property is made subject to this Declaration. This easement includes, but is not limited to, a right of ingress and egress over the Common Area for construction of roads and for connecting and installing utilities on such property. Declarant agrees that it and its successors or assigns shall be responsible for any damage caused to the Common Area as a result of vehicular traffic connected with development of such property. Declarant further agrees that if the easement is exercised for permanent access to such property and such property or any portion thereof is not made subject to this Declaration, Declarant, its successors or assigns shall enter into a reasonable agreement with the Association to share the cost of maintenance of any access roadway serving such property ARTICLE VIII ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL Section 1. Architectural Approval. The Declarant shall have the sole and absolute right to determine the style and appearance of the Dwellings and Units, including, but not limited to, flags, subject to Section 47F-3-121 of the Act, flag poles, flag staffs, fences, walls, buildings, outbuildings, garages, storage sheds, mailboxes, lawn decorations, structures of any type or color thereof, grading, landscaping, patio covers and trellises, plans for off-street parking of vehicles and utility layout, and any other improvements to be built or constructed on any Lot (hereinafter 14 Book 6747 Page 1996 individually and collectively referred to as "Improvements"). Declarant shall have exclusive
ayout, and any other improvements to be built or constructed on any Lot (hereinafter 14 Book 6747 Page 1996 individually and collectively referred to as "Improvements"). Declarant shall have exclusive authority to administer and enforce architectural standards under this Article and to review and act upon all applications for original construction within the Property. There shall be no surrender of this right except in a written instrument in recordable form executed by Declarant.
Upon the expiration or surrender of such right, the Board may, at its option, either assume such authority or create and appoint an Architectural Review Committee ("ARC") composed of three or more persons appointed by the Board. The ARC shall have no rights or authority until Declarant's authority under this Article is surrendered.
No Improvements (including, without limitation, replacement of any previously existing Improvements) shall be commenced, erected or maintained upon the Properties, nor shall any exterior addition to or change or alteration thereof be made (including, without limitation, changing materials or color of any exterior portion of any such Improvements), nor shall a building permit for such Improvements or change be applied for or obtained, until plans and specifications showing the nature, kind, shape, heights, materials, color, built-upon area, and location of same shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Declarant or after the Declarant surrenders that right, the Board or the ARC. If the appropriate party fails to approve or disapprove such proposed Improvements within 60 days after complete plans and specifications have been received by it, approval will not be required, and this Article shall be
arty fails to approve or disapprove such proposed Improvements within 60 days after complete plans and specifications have been received by it, approval will not be required, and this Article shall be deemed to have been complied with. The Association shall have the right to charge a reasonable fee for receiving and processing each application.
The Declarant, and after the Declarant surrenders this right in writing, the Board or ARC, shall have the right to promulgate and from time to time amend written architectural standards and construction specifications (hereinafter the "Architectural Guidelines") which may establish, define and expressly limit the standards and specifications which will be approved, including, but not limited to, architectural style, exterior color or finish, roofing material, siding material, driveway material, landscape design and construction technique. Neither the Association nor the ARC shall approve any Improvements which it determines, in its sole discretion, not to be in harmony of external design, construction and/or location in relation to the surrounding structures, topography or the general plan of development of the Subdivision.
Each Owner submitting plans and specifications for the construction of a Dwelling as required herein must submit a contract with a builder who is approved by the Declarant, in Declarant's sole discretion ("Approved Builder"), as a condition to commencement of a Dwelling on the Owner's Lot. The Declarant, and after the Declarant surrenders this right in writing, the Board or ARC, shall maintain and provide a list of Approved Builders, as approved by the Declarant in its sole discretion, which list shall be included in the Architectural Guidelines. Only
iting, the Board or ARC, shall maintain and provide a list of Approved Builders, as approved by the Declarant in its sole discretion, which list shall be included in the Architectural Guidelines. Only Approved Builders may construct the initial Dwelling on a Lot; however Owners will not be required to use an Approved Builder for modifications to the Dwelling or any other Improvements on the Lot after a certificate of occupancy is issued for the initial Dwelling and the Owners move into the Dwelling.
Review and approval of any application pursuant to this Article is made on the basis of aesthetic considerations only and neither Declarant, the Association, the Board, or the ARC shall bear any responsibility for ensuring the structural integrity or soundness of approved 15