Office Info

 

Q: What is a property owners association?
A: It is a not-for-profit corporation registered with the state and managed by a duly elected board of directors. Its purpose is to maintain all common areas and to govern the community in accordance with the provision of the legal documents: covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs), bylaws, and articles of incorporation. The governing legal documents for the association may be viewed online at www.carolinalakes.info under “Members” and “Folder View” links on this site. The corporation is financially supported by all members of the property owner’s association. Membership is both automatic and mandatory.

 

Q: What are the CC&R’S?
A: The Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) are the governing legal documents that set up the guidelines for the operation of the planned community as a not-for-profit corporation. The CC&Rs were recorded by the Harnett County recorder’s office and are included in the title to your property. Failure to abide by the CC&Rs may result in a fine to a homeowner by the Association. The governing legal documents for the association may be viewed online at www.carolinalakes.info under “Members” and “Folder View” links on this site.

 

Q: What are the Bylaws?
A: The bylaws are the guidelines for the operation of the not-for-profit corporation. The bylaws define the duties of the various offices of the board of directors, the terms of the directors, the membership’s voting rights, required meetings and notices of meetings and the principal office of the association, as well as other specific items that are necessary to run the association as a business. The bylaws for the association may be viewed online at www.carolinalakes.info under “Members” and “Folder View” links on this site. 

 

Q: What is the board of directors?
A: The Property Owner’s Association is a corporation and therefore a governing body is required to oversee its business. The board of directors is elected by the homeowners, or as otherwise specified in the bylaws. The limitation and restrictions of the powers of the board of directors is outlined in the Association governing documents found online at www.carolinalakes.info under “Members” and “Folder View” links on this site.  

Q: Are there any other rules?
A: Yes, Carolina Lakes Property Owners Association does have Community Codes; approved by the board of directors.  That being said, most associations have developed rules and regulations as provided for in the CC&Rs and adopted by the board of directors. Rules are established to provide direction to the homeowners for common courtesies with regard to parking, vehicles, pets and pool use hours, etc. In addition, associations typically adopt architectural guidelines with procedures for submitting requests to make exterior changes to your home extensive interior changes and additions. These rules and guidelines are set up to maintain the aesthetic value and integrity of the community on behalf of all owners, and hopefully protect the market value of your investment as well. Violations of these rules may result in action by the association through a judicial process that may include monetary fines. In addition, if you proceed with an exterior improvement or change without written approval of the board of directors or architectural committee, as applicable, you will be required to remove or correct the alteration and/or be fined for the violation. For more information about this topic at www.carolinalakes.info linked to Architecture Policies. 

 

Q: If I am having a problem with a neighbor for a violation of the policies and guidelines, what can I do?
Should you have a situation that does not appear to be resolved through neighborly means, and you are willing to actively participate in the enforcement provided by the policies and guidelines, you may submit a formal complaint online at www.carolinalakes.info. If the situation is deemed in violation of the policies and guidelines, the board of directors will institute the enforcement policy. Your continued assistance may be required.

 

Q: Are board meetings open to all residents? If so, where and when are they held?
A: Yes. Notice of the time of any regular board meeting will be e-blasted and posted online at www.carolinalakes.info. Typically, board meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.  All board meetings are held at the CLPOA Clubhouse, located at 91 Clubhouse Drive Sanford, NC 27332. Please don’t hesitate to contact the CLPOA office staff with any questions – 919 499-9122.

Q: What is my assessment?
A: The assessment is the annual amount due from each homeowner to cover the operating expenses of the common area and provide for reserve funds for replacement of common facilities in future years. Your assessment is due and payable on or before March 1 of the calendar year for which it is applicable. We will send statements for assessments detailing the amount due.

 

Q: How is the amount of my assessment determined?
A: The governing documents will typically establish for the community what the developer proposes to build as well as the initial assessment. This budget is set upon specific guidelines for utilities, landscaping, administration, security, etc. Reserve funds are monies set aside for future expenses due to the life expectancy of certain items: buildings, street resurfacing, pool equipment, etc. Subsequent budgets are developed by the board of directors and adjusted periodically to meet anticipated expenses.

 

Q: Will my assessment go up?
A: There is no concrete answer to this. Typically, the statutes and or governing documents provide for annual increases not to exceed an established percent per year without the vote of the membership (such is the case for CLPOA Phase VII). All other Phases within Carolina Lakes requires a membership vote to increase assessments. 

 

Q: What happens if I don’t pay my assessment?
A: The maintenance and management services incurred by the association are dependent upon timely receipt of the assessments from each homeowner. Late payments will result in a late charge; assessments are due January 1st of the calendar year for which it is applicable.  The CC&Rs allows the association to charge late charges and interest, fine a lien, and enter into foreclosure proceedings for non-payment of assessments.

The POA offers the following services to all residents during regular business hours:

 

*Copying/Printing- up to 10 pages at no charge to our residents.

*Faxing- local and long distance at no charge to our residents.

*Poster & Banner Printing- see price sheet for more information.

*ATM- located in the clubhouse lobby and also available during POA events held in the clubhouse or its parking lot.