How Strict is the Walnut Farms HOA in Summerville, SC?

Walnut Farms is an established neighborhood located in Summerville, South Carolina. The neighborhood features large single-family homes built between the years 1989 to 1997. The homes range in size from 2,386 to 5,761 square feet with 4 to 5 bathrooms and 3 to 6 bathrooms.

Around 175 homes occupy this quiet community and are managed via an HOA with covenants and restrictions. But, just how strict is the Walnut Farms HOA? In this post, we'll go over some of the main information so you're able to make an informed decision.

featured photo by Magic K

What is an HOA or Homeowners Association?

According to Bankrate.com's definition of an HOA, an HOA is, "...a self-governing organization in "common interest" communities where homeowners collectively pay fees to maintain the units or neighborhood." The members HOA's are unpaid volunteers who own homes in the community. They're elected to the board to oversee the management of the HOA.

Walnut Farms Bylaws

photo by Kindel Media

Each person who owns a lot in Walnut Farms is considered a member of the HOA. Therefore, they have voting rights regarding issues related to the neighborhood. If the lot is owned by more than two people, both are considered members but only have one vote per lot. Additionally, the Board of Directors may suspend members due to violations or lack of paying dues.

The Board of Directors is required to comprise between 7 and 11 directors, each serving a minimum of 2 years. They can be removed from their posts by a majority vote of the HOA membership. These are not paid positions but the directors may be reimbursed for expenses.

Nominations for director positions are made by a committee consisting of three members appointed by the board. Provided the nominee has consented to serve, may also be nominated during the annual meeting.

Directors hold "Director's Meetings" once a month which all directors are required to attend. If a director misses more than 3 meetings in a row, they may be asked to vacate their position. In this instance, the remaining directors select replacements for the open seat which is held for the remainder of the term.

HOA officers serve a one-year term in which the President and Vice President must be elected Board of Directors. However, the office of secretary and treasurer do not need to be elected directors.

Annual meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of September during which members elect the Board of Directors. Additionally, the Treasurer's Report is presented, but HOA records are available to all members during normal business hours for review.

Walnut Farms Covenants

New Construction

Walnut Farms allows only single-family homes to be constructed in the neighborhood. These structures must be a minimum of 2500 square feet and may not exceed three stories in height. The square footage requirements do not include porches, garages, and the like.

Building plans must be submitted for approval and construction must comply with those approved plans. All construction must be completed within 180 days or 6 months and asbestos and concrete blocks are prohibited construction materials. The garage materials must match the residence materials and A/C units must be screened from the road.

Swimming Pools

photo by Helena Lopes

Swimming pools are required to be 10 feet or more from the lot line, and must be positioned behind the rear building line of the house.

Fences

photo by Kristina Pakshtite

Fences must be located behind the rear building line of the home and may not be constructed in the front yard. Additionally, fences and hedges may not exceed 6 feet with the exception of a few areas of the neighborhood.

Landscaping

photo by Magic K

Trees and vegetation are not allowed to obstruct the view at an intersection. Trees that are 4 inches and above must be approved for removal by the ARB or Architectural Review Board.

Entryway planters and ornamental walls must also be approved and you may not alter the elevation of your lot. Gardens may be kept but only for personal consumption and not for sale.

Maintenance

Owners have a minimum requirement to maintain their homes from basic care, painting, pruning of trees, and landscaping to mowing. More detail about the requirements may be found in the full set of Covenants available from the Walnut Farms HOA.

Vehicles & Parking

All vehicles must be parked either in the homeowner's driveway or garage, no vehicles may be stored in open view. This includes trailers, RVs, boats, etc. which may be parked only in the driveway for a temporary time, but not permanently. No overnight parking on the streets is allowed at any time.

Yard Debris & Waste

Residents are required to keep garbage cans and yard equipment concealed from street view when not in use. Additionally, waste and yard debris must be disposed of properly and in a timely manner. No building materials or other bulk materials are allowed to be stored on lots, either.

Animals

Residents are permitted to keep domestic animals as pets as long as they are secured and under control at all times. This does not include livestock, chickens, rodents birds, or reptiles.

Additional Covenants of note

Other notable covenants worth mentioning.

• Mailboxes must follow approved guidelines
• Temporary structures such as sheds and barns are prohibited
• Garage doors must remain closed.
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More detailed information on the full HOA covenants can be requested from the Walnut Farms HOA.

Walnut Farms Fine Schedule

HOA fines and their enforcement are standard practices within communities that have HOA's in place. Their main purpose is upholding certain expectations regarding the atmosphere and appearance of the community for the homeowners.

Purchasing a home within the community legally obligates residents to adhere to these restrictions or be subject to fees or fines.

The HOA enforcement policy is structured as follows:

1. Inform the homeowner when a fee or fine being considered
2. Allow them a reasonable timeframe to correct the issue
3. Provide them an opportunity for a hearing with the Board of Directors or a representative regarding the issue.

The homeowner must request a hearing within 15 days of assessment. If they fail to do so, the fine becomes final and is receivable on the homeowner's account.

Fine Schedule

The following is the current fine schedule for Walnut Farms:

1. Reminder of violation with a two-week window for correction
2. Official notice of violation with a four-week window for correction
3. Third notification with a $25 admin fee and 6 weeks for correction
4. Fourth notification with a $50 fine and an 8-week window for correction
5. Further infraction of the same issue may incur a bi-weekly $100 fine until correction. If the fines reach or exceed $1,000, the Board of Directors may decide to move forward with legal proceedings.

Repeated violations of the same issue with the above process incur far less leeway before fines are assessed.

So, is the Walnut Farms HOA strict or not?

photo by Mikhail Nilov

In the grand scheme of things, the Walnut Farms HOA is a fairly standard set of Bylaws, Rules, and Covenants. Most homebuyers interested in maintaining property values and keeping a consistent appearance and atmosphere in the community won't consider it strict. 

If you feel the Walnut Farms restrictions are too much, it's possible Walnut Farms isn't the neighborhood for you. You might even consider one of the many wonderful communities in the area without an HOA in place. Either way, we're sure we can find you a great place to call home.

Check out the available Walnut Farms homes for sale in Summerville.

The Family Real Estate Group  |  843-609-5202  |  chris.sotiroglou@gmail.com