South Branch Estates

What South Branch Estates's governing documents say

South Branch Estates is a standard single-family home subdivision in Wilmington, NC, governed by a Declaration of Restrictions recorded in 1974. These covenants run with the land and bind all current and future lot owners. The rules focus on residential use, minimum house size, setbacks, and basic property maintenance.

• Permitted use: Lots may be used only for residential purposes. No commercial, noxious, or nuisance activities are allowed. Temporary structures, trailers, mobile homes, tents, shacks, or barns cannot be used as residences.
• Building requirements: Only one detached single-family dwelling (max two stories) plus a private garage (which may have living quarters) per lot. Minimum floor area is 1,300 square feet, excluding porches, garages, and carports. Plans must be approved by the developer (or successor); if no response within 20 days, plans are deemed approved if in general conformity.
• Setbacks & fences: Front setback: at least 40 feet from the street line. Side setback: at least 10% of the lot's average width. Eaves may overhang up to 3 feet; uncovered stoops/steps are allowed within setbacks. Fences cannot extend nearer the street than the front setback line.
• Pets & livestock: No hogs, cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, or other livestock. Horses, dogs, and household pets are allowed if not kept for commercial purposes and not a nuisance.
• Vehicles & debris: No inoperative junk cars or eyesores on lots or streets. No dumping of rubbish; trash must be kept in sanitary containers. Incinerators must be kept clean.
• Maintenance & casualty: All buildings must be kept in good repair. If destroyed by fire or other casualty, debris must be cleared within 90 days.
• Signs: No signs except 'For Sale' or 'For Rent' signs.
• Duration & amendments: These restrictions were set to remain in effect until December 31, 2006, unless modified earlier by a written document signed by the developer (or successor) and owners of at least 60% of the lots. The document does not indicate whether they were extended or renewed.

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.