Welcome to 2017

In January, our new HOA Board of Directors assumed office, and it is a privilege to serve our community. The Board would like to welcome our new Duncan’s Ridge neighbors.

Current and new homeowners can access HOA governing documents and architectural guidelines at http://www.casnc.com/communities/duncansridge/.

Member-specific information can be accessed at https://www.duncansridgehoa.com. You will need to have a login for this site. Homeowners who need a login can contact our community manager Camie Hileman at [email protected].

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Board Meetings

HOA Board meetings are open to homeowners. During a Board meeting, board members discuss open community business. Homeowners wishing to bring a topic before the Board should contact Camie at CAS NC, in advance, to provide details of their request to ensure time is allotted on the Board’s agenda.

Minutes from the Board meeting are published to the community website at https://www.duncansridgehoa.com.

If you would like to observe a meeting, please contact Steve Hansen at [email protected] in advance, so the host of the meeting can ensure seating is available.

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Board Vacancy

Due to a recent home sale, the Board of Directors has an open position on the Board. Per the HOA Bylaws, the Board may select a successor to serve the remaining portion of the term. The current position serves through the end of 2018.

Homeowners interested in applying for this open spot should contact Camie Hileman with CAS NC by March 17. Camie can be reached via email at [email protected] or CAS NC may be reached by phone at 877-420-9320.

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New Street Signage Coming Soon

At the last General Membership Meeting in November 2016, the Board presented a plan to upgrade the street signage in Duncan’s Ridge to provide a finished and consistent look throughout the neighborhood.

Since that meeting, the 2017 Capital Improvements Committee completed the bid process, and the Board has accepted their recommendation of the vendor to perform the work. Where possible, the street signs and stop signs will be combined on a single pole. Additional signs cautioning of children at play are also being considered.

The Board anticipates the work starting in the Spring.

The existing street signs will be removed as part of this project. The Board plans to conduct a charity auction for the street signs with the proceeds benefiting the Fuquay-Varina Emergency Food Pantry. More details will be provided once the signage upgrade is complete.

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Neighborhood Directory Updates Needed

For the past decade, Duncan’s Ridge has maintained a neighborhood directory with contact information. A copy is included in the HOA welcome baskets and updates provided to all homeowners to foster a sense of community.

The Board is currently seeking updates to this directory. Homeowners should complete the online form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TYYWHP7 to request inclusion and to provide their information. Homeowners may also request a paper form from Jennifer Early.

Updates are being accepted through March 17. Once the updates are consolidated, a printed copy of the directory will be provided to all homeowners.

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Home Improvements May Require HOA Approval

Exterior modifications, including permanent structures such as fences, house painting, and some landscaping require approval from the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) prior to starting work. To expedite this review process, homeowners are asked to review both the Covenants and the Architectural Guidelines at https://www.duncansridgehoa.com.

Homeowners must submit their application to Camie Hileman with CAS at [email protected]. The Architectural Review Committee requests that all fields be filled out, and color pictures be provided if appropriate. Once the application is received, the ARC has up to 30 days to respond, but well-written requests are typically approved much faster.

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Living in an HOA Neighborhood

“Automatic and mandatory homeowner associations are part of an overall concept of residential property ownership… Membership includes certain mandatory obligations, financial responsibilities and rules of the association.” – The Homeowners Association Manual, Peter M. Dunbar and Marc Dunbar

What is an HOA?

In North Carolina, HOAs are subject to the North Carolina Planned Community Act, as stated in Chapter 47F of the North Carolina General Statutes. HOAs also have a set of governing documents such as the Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions and Bylaws. These legal documents guide and control the HOA’s actions and management of the community.

Purpose of an HOA

HOAs provide several important functions for the neighborhood, including:

• Manage and maintain common areas within the neighborhood
• Set forth rules and standards to protect and enhance property values
• Develop a sense of community

HOAs charge membership dues, and Board of Directors oversees the usage of these funds to maintain common areas and add improvements to the neighborhood through capital improvement projects.

HOAs also have the responsibility on behalf of the community to administer architectural control over exterior modifications and new construction. The Bylaws, Covenants and NC Planned Community Act contain certain requirements that the HOA must follow. The Board of Directors may also create Architectural Guidelines to provide clarification and further detail regarding exterior modifications. An Architectural Review Committee, appointed by the Board, is tasked with reviewing homeowner requests for changes and approving or rejecting these requests based on the governing documents and Architectural Guidelines.

Role of the Homeowner in an HOA

Although the Board of Directors oversees the HOA, homeowners have the power to elect the Board. Modifications to governing documents also require homeowner approvals.

Homeowners are also responsible for paying dues and adhering to restrictions placed on them through the Covenants and Architectural Guidelines. Failure to comply with restrictions can lead to fines.

Governing Documents

Current and new homeowners can access HOA governing documents and architectural guidelines at http://www.casnc.com/communities/duncans-ridge/.