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Key Differences Between the Original & Amended GSV Covenants
Short-Term Rentals (STR) Restrictions
Original Covenants: The original document did not impose specific restrictions on short-term rentals.
Proposed Amendments: The new amendments impose strict limitations on short-term rentals, requiring a minimum initial lease term of six months and forbidding rentals for shorter periods. This would prohibit platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, directly affecting homeowners who rely on rental income. Furthermore, owners must have lived in their property for six months before leasing .
Why Voting NO Matters: Restricting short-term rentals limits flexibility in how homeowners can use their properties. This change could lead to a reduction in property values by eliminating a potential income stream, especially for those who plan to lease their homes as short-term rentals.
New Leasing Requirements
Original Covenants: Leasing restrictions were more lenient, providing owners flexibility in how they manage their properties.
Proposed Amendments: The amendments introduce detailed leasing regulations, including the requirement for written lease agreements submitted to the HOA. This adds administrative burdens and limits the freedom of homeowners to manage their property as they see fit .
Why Voting NO Matters: Increased regulation over leasing adds bureaucracy, potentially discouraging investment in properties and decreasing the value of homes in the community.their preferences.
Increased Powers for the HOA Board
Original Covenants: The HOA had certain powers, but those powers were limited and balanced with homeowner rights.
Proposed Amendments: The new amendments grant the HOA Board greater authority, particularly around enforcing violations, levying fines, and restricting access to amenities for infractions. For example, fines of up to $25 per day can be imposed for non-compliance with HOA rules .
Why Voting NO Matters: This increase in authority could lead to arbitrary enforcement and excessive fines, creating a less homeowner-friendly environment. Homeowners should retain more control over decisions that directly affect their property rights and daily lives.
Exterior Maintenance & Property Aesthetics
Original Covenants: Maintenance requirements were outlined, but flexibility existed in enforcement.
Proposed Amendments: Stricter regulations on yard and home maintenance are introduced, such as mandatory mowing to prevent grass from exceeding 10 inches and specific rules on exterior paint and siding types . Additionally, artificial turf must meet strict guidelines to be approved.
Why Voting NO Matters: These added regulations can place unnecessary financial burdens on homeowners, especially in cases where specific aesthetic requirements are imposed. It also limits personal expression in landscaping and home design.
Fine and Enforcement Policies
Original Covenants: There were less severe enforcement mechanisms and fines.
Proposed Amendments: The new amendments introduce a more aggressive fine structure, with violations incurring daily fines until the issue is resolved. This applies to both homeowners and tenants, making landlords responsible for the actions of their tenants .
Why Voting NO Matters: The punitive nature of these fines could lead to strained relationships between homeowners and the HOA. Minor violations could result in significant financial penalties, further burdening property owners.
Greater Control Over Common Areas
Original Covenants: Homeowners had access to common areas with relatively fewer restrictions.
Proposed Amendments: The HOA would now have the authority to suspend access to common areas and amenities for various infractions, including late payment of assessments .
Why Voting NO Matters: Restricting access to common areas can create an unnecessarily punitive environment, particularly for homeowners facing temporary financial difficulties. This approach may alienate community members rather than fostering a cooperative spirit.
Conclusion:
The proposed amendments represent a significant shift toward a more restrictive and heavily regulated HOA environment. Homeowners will lose flexibility in how they use and maintain their properties, and the increase in fines, enforcement powers, and restrictions on leasing—will negatively impact property values, personal freedoms, and overall community well-being.
It is critical for homeowners to vote NO on these proposed amendments to preserve the original, more flexible covenants. Voting no ensures that your property rights are protected, keeps rental income opportunities available, prevents excessive regulatory burdens, and maintains a fair balance of power between the HOA and homeowners.
Protect your investment, your freedom, and your community—VOTE NO to the new final amendments and Article V. Every vote matters in stopping these unfavorable changes from being implemented.