Frequently Asked Questions

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• What is the Auburndale Homeowner Association?

  The Auburndale Homeowner Association (AHOA) is a non-profit corporation created to help preserve property values for the 235 homes in our neighborhood using architectural controls, design guidelines and deed restrictions. The AHOA also provides for the shared ownership and maintenance of common areas and community facilities, such as our park and splash pad. EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 2022, THE HOA CHANGED CONTROL FROM THE INITIAL DEVELOPER TO AUBURNDALE HOMEOWNERS ELECTED BY HOA MEMBERS.

• What if I don’t want to join the Association?

  The Auburndale community is “deed restricted”. This means that upon purchase of a property in our community the buyer agrees to follow the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (DCCR). New buyers also agree to belong to the AHOA and to pay annual assessments. These provisions are requirements to purchase property and buyers may not opt out.

• What is the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (DCCR) referenced in the preceding question?

  The Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions is a legal document setting out the rules of the community. In addition to helping to maintain the property value in our community, they are also imposed to help protect against annoyances that would impede the quality of life for other residents in the community.

• Who created our DCCR document?

  When first established the AHOA was under the control of the builder, also referred to as “Declarant”. The Declarant published the DCCR when the association was formed. The DCCR has been filed, as required, with Collin County. The DCCR document states:

  “Auburndale is to be developed as a quiet, high quality, private-single family, residential community…”, and that “all homes and other improvements in Auburndale shall be compatible with all other homes and improvements in the community…”

  The Declarant ceded control of the Association to the homeowners in February 2022. The Association is now governed by a Board of three directors who are homeowners in the neighborhood. Although it is possible to change the DCCR, it is the position of the Board that changes allowed unilaterally by the Board will not be made during the first two years of homeowner control (prior to December 31, 2023) unless required by law, or to correct a requirement that is clearly not enforceable based on the facts and circumstances. To date, only one such change has been identified. It relates to the offset distance from the front of a home for a fence or screen used to hide trash containers. Presently, the DCCRs require 10 feet. The board is reducing this to 2 feet (effective July 1, 2022).

  It is also possible for the homeowners to make amendments to the DCCR. Homeowner amendments require consent from sixty-seven (67) percent of all outstanding votes.

  The following link will take you to the AHOA DCCR

• Why do we pay fees to the AHOA?

  The annual assessments (fees) are used to operate the Association’s business. For example, there are utilities to operate irrigation and lighting for the "common areas” in the neighborhood. And contractors are hired periodically to maintain the landscaping and other amenities. The Association carries general liability, property and Director’s/Officer’s liability insurance to protect the Association’s assets and Board of Directors. In addition, the Association pays a management company to collect dues, pay expenses, maintain the financial records, communicate with homeowners, supervise contractors and so on. A more detailed explanation regarding the use of fees can be found at:

  https:// www.auburndalehoa.com/Libraries/Association_Documents/ WHAT_YOUR_ASSESSMENTS_PAY_FOR_LSW_standard.sflb.ashx

  Although the annual assessment may be increased, any increase is limited to 25 percent over the previous year. AHOA has not increased the assessment since it was formed in 2018. Our annual assessment is on the low end for associations in North Texas.

  When the homeowners’ Board assumed responsibility for the AHOA, no reserve had previously been established. The Board is responsible to create a reserve fund for unexpected expenses. As the Board reviews the budget for 2023, our ability to begin funding a reserve will be considered a priority.
  
  

• When is the annual HOA fee due and what happens if I don’t pay?

  Fees are due January 1. You may pay either online or by mail.

  The AHOA has an extensive policy regarding Collections and Enforcement:

  https:// www.auburndalehoa.com/Libraries/Governing_Documents/ Collection_and_Enforcement_policies_Certificate_and_Memorandum-1st_Supp_Filed.sflb.ashx

• Who makes decisions for the Association?

  AHOA has a board of directors who also serve as the officers for the association. The Board is established in the DCCR to act as the governing body responsible for making decisions, establishing policies, enforcing rules and regulations and deed and use restrictions and is responsible for the collection of assessments. Directors are homeowners in our Auburndale community and are elected by the homeowners. They do not receive any pay for their services.

  The Board engages the services of a management company responsible for day-to-day operations and serves as an expert on association rules and regulations in Texas.

• Do I need approval to make exterior improvements to my property?

  Yes. Any alterations or additions to the exterior of your property must be approved in writing by the Architectural Control Committee (ACC). If you make changes without prior written approval, and your modifications are outside the guidelines of the ACC you may be required to remove or reverse the improvement(s). Submissions for review by the ACC may be electronic. Forms are available on the AHOA website.

  Use the following link: https://www.auburndalehoa.com/Libraries/Architectural_Documents/ARC_-_Auburndale.sflb.ashx

• Who sets the guidelines for the ACC and who is on the ACC Committee?

  The Architectural Control Committee (ACC) is authorized under the Association’s DCCR. The ACC reports to the Board of Directors and has three to five committee members appointed by the Board.

• If I get a building permit from the City, do I still need ACC approval?

  Yes. Approval from the City does not constitute approval from the ACC. The Committee still requires that your plans be submitted in writing for review.

• If the ACC approves a modification for my neighbor, can I assume that the same modification will be approved for me?

  No. Each property and project are different. Applications are reviewed based on the individual characteristics and circumstances for each property. Always get ACC approval before making changes to your property. IF YOU MAKE CHANGES TO YOUR PROPERTY WITHOUT APPROVAL YOU ARE DOING SO AT YOUR OWN RISK AND YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO REMOVE THE CHANGES AT YOUR EXPENSE.

• What is the normal response time for the ACC to respond to submitted changes?

  Although the DCCR allows the ACC up to 30 days to respond on submissions, most submissions should be much quicker. We know how important it is to respond on submissions, and the Board of Directors and the ACC are committed to improved time service.

• I keep getting notices that I need to hide my trash containers. What must I do to ensure compliance?

  This is the most frequent issue for our association, and we want to clarify any misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the rules.

  The DCCR requires trash containers to be out of view except for the day of trash and recyclable pickup, which is currently Tuesday of each week. This rule is very common for associations that do not have an alley for trash and recyclable containers. Except when on the street for collection, the containers must either be stored behind a fence or screen or kept out of sight in a garage. If the containers are visible from the street, the homeowner is in violation of the rule.

  The DCCR requires that any fence or screen must be set back at least 10 feet from the front of the house. Given the size and slope of the side yards in our neighborhood, the Board is reducing the required offset to two feet (effective July 1, 2022). The screen or fence must be four to six feet high. Here is an example of a screen/fence that meets all requirements:

  

  We understand that many homeowners have attempted in good faith to comply with the rule, but many do not have the ten-foot offset from the front of the home, and in fact many do not offset by the new two-foot rule. If you do not satisfy the two-foot offset but otherwise believe you are complying, you should request a variance for your fence or screen. Homeowners who do not request a variance will be subject to the rules beginning November 1, 2022. You may request a variance by contacting the ACC Committee.

• Does the City of Melissa still provide monthly bulk pick-up for trash items?

  Yes. Please consult the City of Melissa website for the rules regarding what can be picked-up, and the schedule. Please note that bulk items are to be placed out the day/evening before your scheduled pickup day. https://www.cityofmelissa.com/164/Bulk-Items

• Can I have a permanent or portable basketball goal at my house?

  No. Permanent or portable basketball goals are prohibited.

• What are the homeowner responsibilities regarding pets?

  There are both AHOA and City of Melissa rules regarding pets. Anyone who has a pet or is considering a pet should read Chapter 2 of the Melissa Code of Ordinances [Insert Link]. It provides detail regarding pet regulations.

  The HOA states that pet owners are responsible to clean up dog waste regardless of the location (such as private yards, sidewalks, or common areas. This is a common courtesy that must be followed by everyone.

• Are residents allowed to lease/rent a portion of their home.

  No. An owner may only lease the entire home for a period of not less than one (1) year.

  The owner must provide contact information, including the name, mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address of each person who will reside at the leased property; and the commencement date and term of the lease to the AHOA within ten (10) days after the lease is executed.

• How are homeowners expected to know all these rules?

  Effective communication is a high priority for the Board. The Board understands there are other sources of information, and supports and encourages all other sources of information, but only the AHOA website is official. Outlets such as Twitter, Nextdoor, Snapchat, Pinterest and Facebook are not monitored for accuracy of content and cannot be relied upon in the event of a discrepancy with the AHOA website. The official communication source for the AHOA is the AHOA website, located at https://www.auburndalehoa.com.

  The website also is the source for all HOA governance documents. You are encouraged to visit the website frequently.

• When does the Association hold meetings?

  Regular meetings by the Board of Directors are required at least once every six months. There are additional rules for Emergency Board Meetings, and Special Board Meetings in the Association Bylaws.

  We will have a Board meeting in July 2022. At the July meeting, all homeowners are invited to observe the meeting, but anyone who wishes to speak must register in advance of the meeting with their name and topic they wish to address. Instructions on how to register will be included with the meeting notice. This is the same process for most public boards including the City Council, County Commissioners Court, etc. Speakers will be limited to three minutes each.

  We will also have a Board meeting to coincide with the ANNUAL HOMEOWNER MEETING and it will likely be in November. The ANNUAL HOMEOWNER MEETING will have time allocated for homeowners to ask questions and provide feedback on AHOA issues (and does not require speakers to register in advance). This meeting requires a quorum of members in order to conduct business. Rules regarding a quorum are available in the AHOA Bylaws, which you can access at the following link: https://www.auburndalehoa.com/Libraries/Governing_Documents/ ByLaws_ect_Certificate_and_Memorandum_Filed.sflb.ashx

• Who do I call to report problems in the community?

  If the problem is urgent and requires the police department and/or fire department, dial 911.

  Please report maintenance problems using the form on the Contact Us page: www.auburndalehoa.com/contact-us.aspx

  All reports remain anonymous.

  You may also contact the Board directly using the following link: https://www.auburndalehoa.com/homeowner/dashboard.aspx