St. Joseph Place

What St. Joseph Place's governing documents say

St. Joseph Place is a single-family home subdivision in Wilmington, NC. These protective covenants run with the land and bind all current and future lot owners. The community is governed by a homeowners association (St. Joseph Place, Inc.) that maintains common areas, enforces rules, and collects assessments.

• Single-family use only: All lots are restricted to single-family residential use only. No commercial activity is allowed, except that the developer may use a structure for sales purposes.
• Architectural review: An Architectural Control Committee must approve all construction, landscaping, tree removal (trees 4 inches or larger in diameter), and any improvements. Plans must be submitted at least 30 days before starting work. The committee evaluates impact on property values, compliance with standards, architectural compatibility, and preservation of natural features. Decisions can be appealed to the Board of Directors, which can override only by unanimous vote.
• Building & site restrictions: Homes must be at least 1,800 square feet and no more than 4,000 square feet of heated enclosed living space, with no more than 2,000 square feet on any one level. Impervious ground coverage is limited to 3,800 square feet. No modular or pre-built homes are allowed; all homes must be substantially built on site. Setbacks: at least 30 feet from street rights-of-way (20 feet for lots 14 and 15 on the side street), 10 feet from side lot lines, 30 feet from waterways, and 30 feet from rear lot lines, unless the committee approves alternatives. No more than one house per lot.
• Fences & structures: Fences require full committee approval on location, style, materials, and height. No fence is allowed along any lot line unless the owner shows an extraordinary need. Detached garages, storage sheds, and carports must be architecturally compatible with the main house. No satellite dishes, radio antennas, or similar devices are allowed unless placed in the area of minimum visibility. No individual piers are allowed; bulkheads require committee and government approval.
• Parking & vehicles: Each lot must have at least three off-street parking spaces, plus space for boat trailers, vans, travel trailers, or other oversized vehicles. No such trailers or vehicles may be parked on the right-of-way.
• Signs: Only certain signs are allowed: a contractor sign (max 4 sq ft, removed after occupancy), a property identification sign (owner name and street number, approved by committee), a for-sale sign (max 4 sq ft, with agent info), street/directional signs by the association, and government-required signs. All permitted signs must meet committee standards for materials, style, and colors.
• Nuisance & fines: Any activity reasonably considered a nuisance by the association is prohibited. The association may adopt rules on conduct, pets, rentals, and parking. If a nuisance is not terminated after written notice, a fine of $100 per violation may be imposed, with each day a continuing violation counting separately. Fines are collected like assessments.
• Assessments & dues: Annual assessments are set by the Board of Directors. The initial annual assessment was $150 per lot. Dues for improved lots (with a building permit issued) are double the rate for unimproved lots. Special assessments require a 70% vote of votes cast, except in emergencies where the board can levy them unilaterally. Unpaid assessments bear 12% annual interest and become a lien on the property, enforceable by foreclosure.

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.