Get In Touch
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I want to make changes to my property?
Before making any changes, review the Architectural Guidelines and request approval from the Architectural Review Board to ensure compliance with community standards.
How Do I Submit A Property Project Proposal?
Step 1: Review Covenants and Restrictions
Before starting your project, familiarize yourself with the HOA’s covenants and restrictions. These documents outline the guidelines for construction and renovations in our community. They can be accessed on our website or by request from the board.
Step 2: Prepare Your Project Proposal.
Your proposal should include the following details:
Project Description
Explain what the project entails (e.g., new deck, fence installation, home addition).
Time Frame
Provide estimated start and end dates for the project, including any construction phases.
Visual Documentation
Include images that represent the desired outcome of your project. This could be photos of similar projects, inspiration images, or design concepts.
Planned Schematics
Provide detailed schematics or blueprints showing the project’s layout and design. This will help the committee visualize the proposed changes.
Detailed Measurements
Include accurate measurements of the proposed project area (e.g., dimensions of a new structure, height of a fence).
Final Finishes
Specify the materials, colors, and finishes you plan to use. This includes paint colors, roofing materials, and any other relevant details.
Step 3: Submit Your Proposal
Submit your completed proposal to the Architectural Review Committee via the Contact Us page form or submit it via email addressed to contactus@nowlandestateshoa.org. Ensure that all required documents are attached.
Step 4: Confirmation of Receipt
After submission, you will receive an email confirmation from the committee acknowledging the receipt of your proposal. This email will include a reference number for tracking your submission.
Step 5: Review Process
The committee will review your proposal in accordance with the community’s guidelines. If any clarification or additional information is needed, the committee will email you for further details.
Step 6: Committee Decision
Once the committee has reviewed your project and any necessary adjustments have been discussed, they will provide feedback. Final approval will be granted once both the committee and the homeowner reach an agreement on the project details.
Step 7: Notification of Approval
You will receive an official email notification confirming the approval of your project. This email will include any conditions or stipulations that must be met during the construction process.
What are the Bylaws, and Covenants & Restrictions and why are they important?
These are the documents that are legally binding rules that all residents must follow. They help maintain property values and ensure a cohesive community environment.
How can the subdivision Bylaws and Covenants & Restrictions be changed?
The Association operates under Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, and Covenants & Restrictions. The Articles of Incorporation and By-laws may be changed at any meeting of the Association as long as advance notice of the intended amendment has been published to all Homeowners at least ten days before the meeting. A quorum for any meeting is Fifteen Homeowners. The By-laws & Articles of Incorporation may be amended by a ⅔ majority vote of all members present.
Amending the Covenants and Restrictions is much more involved. Amending the C&Rs requires ⅔ of all owners (58 out of 87 homes) to sign a document of change. Each Homeowner must prove that they are the owner of record by presenting their deed at the time of signing. Both husband and wife must sign, and signatures must be notarized. The document of change must then be recorded with the Wayne County Register of Deeds. The change would not take effect for three years.
How are the association dues determined?
Association dues are calculated based on the community’s budget needs, which the Board Members review and approve annually.
What should be done if a tree in a berm blows over, loses a limb, and/or damages our property?
If you notice a tree that appears unstable or damaged, please report it to the HOA immediately via email. The Board Members are committed to evaluating these situations and taking appropriate action to ensure the safety of all residents and protect property values.
Why doesn’t the Board crack down on homes that are in a state of disrepair?
When the builder drew up the Covenants and Restrictions, he did not give the Board the authority. The Township ordinances cover these issues, and they have the authority to enforce them. You can call 734-394-5400 to report an ordinance violation. Here are some famous ordinances for residential homes:
- Grass must be less than 6” high
- Tree branches must be at least 7 feet off the ground over the street or sidewalk.
- Homes must have clearly marked address numbers.
- The exterior of your house must be maintained so as not to have peeling, broken, loose, rotten, rumbling, missing, or inadequate finished materials (i.e., peeling paint, broken shutters, loose gutters, downspouts, etc.)
- Campers and recreational vehicles may be temporarily parked in your driveway for no more than 48 hours before and 48 hours after use within a 7-day period.
- All pets must be kept on a leash at all times (this includes our commons areas), and all fecal matter must be disposed of by the owner on the owner's property (not in trash cans in our commons areas)
- Any trash/trash cans have to be stored out of view (can’t be stored on the side of the home unless they’re in an enclosed area)
- Trash can’t be put out until 6 pm the day before trash pickup
- During the winter months, residential sidewalks must be cleared of ice and snow within 72 hours of a snowfall
Who do I contact for more information about the association?
For more information, you can contact the Nowland Estates Homeowners Association Board via the contact form, the HOA email contactus@nowlandestateshoa.org, or by attending a Board meeting.