Why we are rewriting them
Our covenants were written while West Ridge was still being built, and they have never been amended since the Homeowners Association took over from the developer.
Covenants executed 22 November 2004 · Bylaws adopted 14 August 2010
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1
Remove the developer's language
Much of the text speaks for the original developer, C & C Illinois Properties, which no longer has any role in West Ridge. The amendments rewrite or remove those references, since the Association now runs the neighborhood.
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2
Match the neighborhood today
Some rules were written for a subdivision under construction, with vacant lots and a planned bike path. The amendments adjust rules such as those on trash totes, parking and lot upkeep to fit West Ridge as it is today.
What we are asking you to decide now
Should the Association spend an estimated $2,000 to $4,000 from savings to have an attorney review the proposed changes?
This vote decides only whether to take the first step toward adopting the amendments. The amendments themselves would come to a formal vote after the attorney review.
Not set in stone. This is the expected range for an attorney to review and amend both documents.
There will be no special assessment. The cost would come from the Association's savings account, not from homeowners directly.
Changing the covenants takes yes votes from 75% of all lots. That is a very high bar, so we want to know there is real support before spending the money.
How the process would work
- 1Now Neighborhood vote Homeowners decide whether to spend the money on an attorney review.
- 2 Attorney review An attorney reviews and amends the drafts. The wording shown on this site may change as a result.
- 3 Formal vote Homeowners vote on the final documents: 55 of 73 lots for the covenants, 37 of 73 for the bylaws.
- 4 Recording Approved covenant amendments are recorded with the Champaign County Recorder.
Your dues are not going up. There is no plan to raise dues in the coming years.
Dues are $200 per lot today and stay at $200. The amendment only raises the ceiling the Board may set without a membership vote, from $200 to $300. That $200 limit has stood since the bylaws were adopted in 2010. Anything above $300 would still need a vote of the membership.
What it would take to pass
In the formal vote, each lot has one vote. The two documents are voted on separately, and each threshold counts all 73 lots, not only the ballots returned, so a lot that does not vote counts the same as a no. The bylaw changes must also be approved at a membership meeting called for that purpose, with lots holding a majority of all votes present in person or by proxy.
The changes most homeowners will notice
- Trash totesCovenant 18 Up to two lidded totes may stay outside, out of sight of the street and neighbors.
- ParkingCovenant 22 Off-street parking stays required, with clearer wording. Boats, RVs and oversized trucks need an enclosed garage; ordinary trucks no longer do.
- ADUsCovenant 1 Already not allowed. The amendment says so plainly: no backyard cottages or garage apartments.
- Plan approvalCovenant 2 The Board or its committee reviews plans, and silence after 15 days no longer means approval.
- FinesCovenant 29 · Bylaws III The Association could fine owners who leave a violation unfixed after two notices.
- Dues ceilingBylaws VI Dues stay at $200. Only the most the Board may set without a vote moves from $200 to $300. No dues increase is planned.
- Email noticesBylaws II Meeting notices may be sent by email.
- Board meetingsBylaws III At least two regular Board meetings a year, down from three.
Most other edits remove references to the original developer, who no longer has a role in West Ridge, or fix spelling and grammar. Both documents would also carry the date the amendments are approved.