The Villages at Lafayette Park Property Owners Association is here for you.  We are here with your best interest in mind.  We are here to:

 

• Ensure that the homes in the area retain their value and are tastefully decorated so that they fit into the area’s design aesthetic.

• To point you in the right direction when considering renovations, property or home modifications, upgrades to the home’s exterior, landscaping, etc.

• To guide you in the approval process when it comes to property & home modifications.

• To provide you with POA covenant agreements, rules, regulations, and Property Modification Request Forms.  You may also obtain a form under the “Documents & Forms” tab.

 

All modifications must go through an Architectural Review Board (ARB) for approval before modifications can begin.  The approval process begins by filling out a Property Modification Request form which includes the details of the plan for your renovation or remodel project.  The final approval of requests is made by the POA Board.

 

 

Depending on the type and scope of your project, you may want to hire an architect or skilled general contractor to start working on preliminary drawings. Having an expert on board can strengthen your chances of approval — it may even be essential in some cases — but don’t pay to get detailed plans drawn up until you’ve obtained full approval from the ARB.

 

Preparation is key here and it’s important to provide as much information as possible, including:

 

• The type of work and if it will affect common property

• The timeline of the renovations

• If common areas will be used during the renovation and for how long

• The more information you can provide, the better your chances of getting approval.

 

What happens once I get renovation approval from the POA?

 

Even if approval is granted, keep in mind that the POA may also attach certain conditions. These may include:

 

• Types of material that can be used in the renovation

• Hours during which work can take place

• Licenses required by contractors and tradespeople

• Keeping the work area contained from common areas

• Know that there aren’t any universal POA rules set in stone, so it’s best to talk to the ARB representative when trying to figure out what the renovation do’s and don’ts are in the neighborhood.

 

Exterior Paint Requirements

 

Exterior colors for all homes in our community must come from the Sherwin-Williams Historic color palette.  This is made simpler as you work with the ARB.

 

Tips for renovating a POA property

 

• Read the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R). Make sure to read the CC&R in full and find out what’s classified as common property and what is and isn’t allowed when it comes to renovations.

• Don’t start without approval from the POA. Never start work without getting the go-ahead from the POA. Failing to follow the correct process could result in delays and fines.

• Once you receive the appropriate approval, make sure to keep your copy for your records.

• Be patient. The process can be slow because the POA has a responsibility to ensure that the rights of all property owners will be looked after. Allow 30 days for the process to run its course, but remember that the larger and more complex your renovation project, the longer approval will take.

• Don’t forget about township approval and permits. Anything more complex than cosmetic changes may require approval from your township as well. Check with your City Building and Inspections Department if there’s anything you need to take care of on their end before starting your remodel.

• Be considerate. The contractors and other workers you use to complete your renovation project need to be respectful towards other residents of your community. This means obeying all noise restrictions, keeping common areas tidy and generally being thoughtful of your neighbors at all times. If they’re not working in a manner that’s professional, your neighbors could present some obstacles that could slow down or prevent your renovation from being completed.

• Make sure you’re aware exactly what sort of approval is required and how to get the thumbs up before you start work on your home renovation.

 

Documents & Forms

 

To obtain a Property Modification Form, please click the “Documents & Forms” tab.