Independence

Key facts from Independence's documents

Community type

Active adult residential community (age-restricted 55+) (Article VII Section 7.1)

Units / lots

455 single family subdivided dwelling lots (Recitals (page 7))

Age restriction

Yes – at least one occupant per dwelling must be 55 years or older, and at least 80% of occupied dwellings must have at least one occupant 55+ (as required by Housing for Older Persons Act). (Article VII Section 7.1)

Assessments & dues

Initially set by Declarant; thereafter set by Board to meet Common Expenses. Must be sufficient to maintain Association Property and establish reserves. (Article V Section 5.3(a))

Special assessments

May be levied for capital improvements, emergencies, or budget deficits. After Class B conversion, requires 67% vote of Members present, except in Emergencies where Board may approve. (Article V Section 5.5)

Collections & liens

Assessments, with interest, costs, and attorneys' fees, are a continuing lien on the Lot. Association may foreclose the lien or bring personal action against Owner. (Article V Sections 5.1, 5.10)

Reserves & fees

Board shall annually prepare reserve fund budget and set contribution as part of assessments. Separate interest-bearing reserve account maintained. (Article V Section 5.12)

Pets

Yes – usual household pets such as dogs, cats, or other common household pets permitted. No reptiles, birds, or other creatures that create a nuisance. (Article VII Section 7.3)

Leasing & rentals

Yes, but lease must be in writing, for a term of not less than six months. Copy of lease (or written statement) must be provided to Association. No short-term rentals (less than six months). (Article VII Section 7.5)

Fences

Fences subject to ARC approval, design guidelines. No chain link fences. No fences without ARC approval. (Article VI Section 6.1, Schedule A (Desi)

Architectural approval

Yes – all Improvements (dwellings, structures, landscaping, etc.) require approval of the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). (Article VI Section 6.1)

Maintenance

Owner maintains Lot and improvements (including structures, driveways, patios, etc.). Association maintains Association Property, common landscaping, storm water systems, and may maintain certain exterior portions of dwellings (e.g., roofs, (Article IX Sections 9.1, 9.2)

Insurance

Each Owner must maintain property and liability insurance for their Lot and dwelling, and must name Association as additional insured. (Article X Section 10.1)

Use restrictions

Permitted uses: single-family residential. No trade or business allowed except home occupations that do not create nuisance or violate restrictions. (Article VII Section 7.2)

Voting & meetings

Two classes: Class A (each owner of a Lot – one vote per Lot); Class B (Declarant – 1,365 votes until conversion). Class B converts when Class A votes reach 455 or Declarant elects to convert. (Article IV Section 4.2)

Amendments

Declaration may be amended by vote of 67% of Association Members, with consent of Declarant until Class B conversion. Certain amendments affecting mortgagees require their consent. (Article XII Section 12.8)

Amenities

Club Property includes clubhouse, pool, fitness center, etc. as described in Club Documents. Association Property includes open spaces, storm water areas, recreational facilities. (Article I Sections 1.4, 1.12, Article XI)

Extracted from the recorded governing documents and cited to them; may be incomplete and is not legal advice — verify against the official documents below.