Helms Port

What Helms Port's governing documents say

Helms Port is a planned single-family home community in Wilmington, NC, created by the developer SEL Property Investors, LLC. It likely comprises three neighborhoods (Saylor's Haven, Kathryn's Retreat, and Parker's Shores) and is governed by a master homeowners association (Helms Port Master Association, Inc.). This document is the Master Declaration of Protective Covenants, which sets the rules for all homeowners, occupants, and guests. Key points include mandatory membership in the association, payment of assessments, compliance with architectural guidelines, and use restrictions.

• Community type & structure: Helms Port is a master-planned community of detached single-family homes. The association manages common areas, private roads, and amenities, and all lot owners are automatically members. There may also be sub-associations for each neighborhood.
• Assessments & fees: The association can levy annual Master Assessments, Special Assessments (up to $250 per year per lot without member vote; larger amounts require 67% approval), Individual Assessments, and Service Assessments. New owners pay a working capital assessment equal to one year's budgeted assessment. Assessments are a lien on the lot, and delinquent payments accrue interest, late fees, and collection costs.
• Leasing & rentals: Leases must be in writing and include a provision that the lessee agrees to be bound by the governing documents. The owner remains liable for the lot and any damage caused by the lessee. No minimum lease term is stated for owners, but the document gives the lessee the right to use common areas during the lease.
• Architectural review: Before any exterior changes (including clearing, grading, tree removal, fencing, paving, or painting) you must submit plans to the Architectural Review Committee. The committee has up to 45 days to approve or deny. If no response is given, approval is deemed. Approved plans expire if construction doesn't start within 12 months. Construction must be completed within 18 months.
• Pets & animals: Only domestic household pets are allowed; no breeding or commercial keeping. Dogs must be leashed off your lot, and waste must be removed immediately. Excessive barking may result in a requirement for a bark-control collar. No livestock or poultry are permitted.
• Parking & vehicles: No trucks over 3/4 ton, boats, campers, trailers, or RVs may be parked on streets or visible from other lots unless stored in an enclosed garage or screened. The board sets parking policies. Unsightly vehicles may be prohibited.
• Use restrictions & home businesses: Lots are for residential use only. Home businesses are allowed only if not detectable from outside (no customer visits, deliveries, or noise). Signs, outdoor clotheslines, outside burning (without board approval), and hunting are prohibited. Fishing is allowed only in designated areas. Antennas and satellite dishes require committee approval.
• Yacht club & marina: The community includes the Helms Port Yacht Club with boat slips, a kayak/canoe launch, and day docking, but access is not guaranteed. The club is a separate nonprofit that sets its own rules. The association must pay 25% of the club's budget, and this cost is included in your assessments.

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.