Chimney Hill Improvement Association
Quick Reference
Plain-language answers to the questions residents ask most, each pointing back to the governing section.
This quick reference is a convenience summary, not legal advice. The recorded documents control — read the full text for the exact language.
Living here day to day
Can I run a business out of my home?
No. Lots may be used for residential purposes only — a single-family home and the structures that support it. Home occupancy is limited to family (within the third degree of relationship) plus a small number of additional people.
Restrictions §1, §1.01
Can I keep pets?
Yes — dogs, cats, and other ordinary household pets are fine, as long as they are not bred or kept for any commercial purpose and don't become a nuisance to the neighborhood. Livestock and poultry are not allowed.
Restrictions §12
Are firearms or fireworks allowed?
No. Discharging firearms or air guns, setting off fireworks, and hunting are all prohibited anywhere in the subdivision.
Restrictions §18
When can I put trash and recycling out?
Approved garbage and recycling containers may go out no earlier than 6 p.m. the day before pickup and must be returned to an enclosed or screened area by midnight on pickup day. Otherwise, waste must be kept in sanitary containers out of public view.
Restrictions §13, §13.A
Parking and vehicles
Can I park on the street overnight?
No. There is no overnight parking on any street between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Vehicles also may not block the flow of traffic.
Restrictions §14, §14.A
What about my boat, RV, trailer, or camper?
These can't be parked or stored in public view for more than five (5) days unless completely concealed in a garage or approved enclosure. A guest's vehicle gets the same five-day exception. Ordinary, currently-registered passenger cars, vans, motorcycles, and pickups in regular use are exempt — but only on your driveway, not the street.
Restrictions §14.A
Can I repair a vehicle in my driveway?
Only if the repair is finished within 24 hours, or the vehicle is concealed in a garage or approved enclosure during the work.
Restrictions §14.A
Yard, exterior, and changes
Do I need approval before building or changing the exterior?
Yes. Before you build, add to, or alter any structure, fence, or wall, submit plans to the Architectural Control Committee in writing. If the Committee doesn't respond within 30 days, approval is treated as granted.
Restrictions §2; Declaration Art. V
What kind of fence can I install?
No chain-link fences, and no fence forward of the front building setback line.
Restrictions §16
Are there rules for how my yard and home look?
Yes. Lots must be kept neat, healthful, and sanitary — grass and weeds cut, driveways and sidewalks clear, and equipment, woodpiles, and storage screened from view. If a yard is neglected, the Association can give 10 days' written notice, then have the work done and bill the owner.
Restrictions §15, §15.A, §17
Can I collect rainwater?
Yes, if the equipment follows city ordinances, is covered to prevent mosquito breeding, and is screened from street view.
Restrictions §15.B
Are there building requirements if I add on or rebuild?
Among others: single-story homes must have at least 2,000 sq ft of heated living area (2,200 for multi-story), exterior walls must be at least 51% masonry, and buildings must respect the setbacks — 25 ft from the front line, 15 ft from a side street, and 7.5 ft from interior lot lines.
Restrictions §4, §5, §6
Can I put up a sign in my yard?
Only one sign of 5 sq ft or less advertising the property for sale or rent (or a builder's sign during construction). No other signs are permitted in public view.
Restrictions §10
Dues, money, and the lien
How much are dues, and what are they for?
Assessments fund the recreation, health, safety, and welfare of the community and the upkeep of shared properties. The recorded base assessment was $10/month, but the Board sets the actual amount each period — see the current amount on the Pay Dues page.
Bylaws §6.01, §6.03; Declaration Art. IV §2
Can dues be raised?
Yes, but an increase to the basis or maximum requires the consent of two-thirds (2/3) of voting members at a meeting called for that purpose, with 30 days' written notice.
Bylaws §6.03, §6.04
What happens if I don't pay?
Unpaid assessments become a lien on the property. After 30 days they accrue 12% annual interest, and the Association may sue the owner personally or foreclose the lien, with court costs and reasonable attorney's fees added.
Bylaws §6.07; Declaration Art. IV §7
The Association and meetings
Who is a member, and how many votes do I get?
Every owner of a lot or residential unit (Lots 1–50) is a member. There's one class of membership and one vote per lot, no matter how many people own it.
Bylaws §1.01, §1.02; Declaration Art. III
When does the Association meet?
There's an annual meeting each January to elect directors and conduct business. A 40% quorum is required, and members may vote by proxy (valid up to 11 months).
Bylaws §2.01, §2.06, §2.07
Who runs the Association?
A Board of Directors of 3 to 9 members, elected annually, manages the Association's affairs. The Board elects officers — President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Bylaws §3.02, §4.01
Can I see the Association's records?
Yes. The Association's books and records may be inspected by any member (or their agent) for a proper purpose at any reasonable time.
Bylaws §7.01
Violations and enforcement
What happens if a rule is violated?
The Board first gives notice (phone, email, or in person). If it isn't fixed within 10 days, certified written notice follows. If still uncured 30 days after that, the Board may levy a fine of $50 per day (the Board sets the yearly amount), and unpaid fines become an assessment lien. Attorney's fees and court costs are recoverable if the Association prevails.
Restrictions §21.01