Sweetbrier Homeowners Association Inc

What Sweetbrier Homeowners Association Inc's governing documents say

Sweetbrier is a planned residential community in Durham, NC, with both detached single-family homes and attached townhomes, governed by the Sweetbrier Homeowners Association (a nonprofit corporation). This declaration (the main rulebook) binds all lot owners, occupants, and their tenants, and covers a large development that will include common areas, stormwater facilities, private streets, and recreational amenities built by the developer.

• Home types: Lots are for detached single-family homes or attached townhomes; each home is a 'Dwelling' on its own lot.
• Developer control period: Until at least December 31, 2043 — or until all lots are sold to owners, whichever comes first — the developer appoints all board members and controls the association.
• Assessments (dues): All homeowners pay annual assessments set by the board based on an approved budget. Special assessments (e.g., for capital improvements) require a two-thirds vote of Class A (non-developer) members present. There is no stated cap on annual dues, but the budget must be ratified by the membership unless it exceeds a 'Maximum Annual Assessment' — the document does not define that dollar amount here.
• Stormwater facilities: The association must maintain five specified stormwater facilities (ponds and wetlands). Minimum annual set-asides for inspection/maintenance ($13,196) and for major reconstruction ($3,139) are required, increasing 3% per year. These obligations have highest priority for association spending.
• Architectural review: No exterior changes, fences, signs, major landscaping, or other structures may be built or altered without written approval (plans submitted to developer or association). The reviewer has 30 days to respond and may charge up to $150 per application.
• Leasing: Leases are permitted, but homes that are rented or vacant lose voting power — they cannot cast more than 49% of votes on any association matter (this applies only to non-developer owners). Tenants may use common areas if the owner delegates the right.
• Lien & collection: Unpaid assessments become a lien on the lot after 30 days; the association can foreclose. First mortgage holders are not liable for prior owners' unpaid assessments, and association liens are subordinate to first mortgages.
• Lender rights: First deed-of-trust holders have the right to inspect books, receive delinquency notices, and must approve (by 75% majority) certain actions like selling common property or changing assessment methods.

Plain-language summary generated from the governing documents on file for this community. It may be incomplete and is not legal advice — read the full documents below or consult the official recorded versions.