FAQ's | zebulon

Rules, Regulations, and Frequently Asked Questions: Check out our FAQs - if you don't see an answer to your question, please contact us.

What is a homeowner's association?
What are the CC&Rs?
What are the Bylaws?
What is the Board of Directors?
Are there any "Other Rules & Regulations" I should know about?
I am having a problem with a neighbor for a violation of either the Policies and/or Guidelines. What can I do?
Are Board Meetings open to all residents? If so, where and when are they held?
What is my Assessment (or Dues)?
How is the amount of my assessment determined?
What happens if I don't pay my assessment?

Q: What is a homeowner's association?

A: It is a non-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: CC&Rs, Bylaws, and Articles of Incorporation. The governing legal documents for the association may be viewed online within the CC&R tab on the home page. The corporation is financially supported by all members of the homeowners association. Membership is both involuntary and mandatory - to own here is an acknowledgment and acceptance of these terms and conditions.

Q: What are the CC&Rs?

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 non-profit corporation. The CC&Rs were recorded by the County recorder's office of Wake County 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 within the CC&R tab on the home page.

Q: What are the Bylaws?

A: The Bylaws are the guidelines for the operation of a non-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 within the CC&R tab on the home page of this site.

Q: What is the Board of Directors?

A: The Homeowner's Association again is a corporation and therefore a governing body that is required to oversee its business. The Board of Directors is elected by the homeowners, or as otherwise specified in the bylaws. The limitations and restrictions of the powers of the Board of Directors are outlined in the Association governing documents found within the CC&R tab under "Bylaws".

Q: Are there any "Other Rules & Regulations" I should know about?

A: Most associations develop rules and regulations as provided for in the CC&Rs and more may be adopted by the Board of Directors. Rules are established to provide direction, understanding, and guidance to all homeowners at Laurel Ridge as a courtesy with regard to parking, vehicular activities, as well as property maintenance and management.

In addition, your Association will adopt "Architectural Guidelines" with procedures for submitting requests to make exterior changes to your home. Such changes may include but are not limited to home esthetics like patio covers, decks, landscaping, exterior color changes, or extensive interior changes and additions. There are very necessary uniformity and compliance guidelines that each homeowner must follow.

For example, home color changes i.e.: shed building additions, and any yard customizations may only be done after gaining approval from the HOA. We have a palette of 5 shutter colors, which must be adhered to. One may choose any of the 5 colors that are not already applied to a home within the same cul-de-sac or eye view. For example: If George has a white home with burgundy shutters, Pam can not also paint her shutter burgundy because her home is also white. Pam can choose GRAY, GREEN, BLUE, OR BLACK until George changes his shutter color. This allows each home to have its own uniqueness, while still maintaining uniformity. We have always had these same color options. We believe this variety provides many great options as there are varying shades of all of these colors that are welcomed.

These rules and guidelines are set up to help maintain the aesthetic value, uniformity, quality, and integrity of the community on behalf of all owners, all while protecting the market value of your investment. Violations of these rules may result in action by the Board of Directors and possible fines. In addition, if you proceed with an exterior improvement or change, without the 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 visit the Architectural tab on the sidebar.

Q: I am having a problem with a neighbor violating the Policies and/or Guidelines. What can or should I do?

A: If residents cannot resolve a situation between themselves, then turn to your Association. 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 complete a Covenant Violation form online or print and mail it if you prefer. You may also submit all forms via email; being sure to include your name, address, and contact info. The Violation form may be found within the forms tab on our neighborhood website. If the situation is a confirmed violation of the Policies and Guidelines, the Board of Directors will initiate policy enforcement. Your continued assistance may be required. Please note, these do not warrant an emergency or non-emergency situation, so encourage you to handle those at your own discretion.

We do agree that the following situations are important, however, they are NOT considered Association emergencies:

Noisy neighbors **
Illegally parked cars **
Architectural Change Requests
Questions about account balances
Covenant Violations

If URGENT, these (**) situations may best be handled by Law Enforcement. Please use the necessary discretion.

Otherwise, these non-emergency issues are best handled by the Association or Department Manager during normal office hours.

Q: Are Board Meetings open to all residents? If so, where and when are they held?

A: Yes. Notice of the time and place of the annual board meeting (and all open meetings) will be noted in our community newsletter and neighborhood circulars, as well as our website. In addition, a notice will be mailed to you (at least 1 to 2 weeks) prior to the Annual Board of Directors meeting and no more than 45 days before the scheduled meeting.

The annual elections meeting is usually held in November. HOA invoices, next year's ballots, and proxies all go out in November for the upcoming calendar year. The Laurel Ridge board also holds bi-monthly meetings the third week of said month normally at Wake County's Eastern Regional Center located at 1002 Dogwood Drive; Zebulon, NC 27597-6814. The meetings begin at 7:00 pm. The public is invited to attend. Due to COVID-19, all HOA meetings are being held virtually and times are TBA. A meeting link code is necessary to join and may be obtained via email request at laurelpropertieshoa@gmail.com at any time and is also included in circulars and flyers.

Q: What is my Assessment (or Dues)?

A: The assessment is the periodic amount due from each homeowner to cover the operating expenses of the HOA and allow for upkeep of common areas, hazard insurance, and provide for reserve/emergency funds for the replacement of common facilities of future years. Statements are sent annually for all Association members and as requested throughout the year. The current assessment is $150.00 annually, plus any other necessary fees).

Q: How is the amount of my assessment determined?

A: This budget is set upon specific guidelines for utilities, landscaping, administration, insurance, and other needs of the subdivision as they arise. Reserve funds are monies set aside for future expenses due to the life expectancy of certain items: lighting, street resurfacing, fencing, etc. These amounts are then divided by the number of units built in the development. Budgets are developed, ratified, and then determined by the Board of Directors, (Laurel Ridge Properties homeowners). The assessments are adjusted periodically if necessary, to meet anticipated expenses. Rates are scheduled to increase for the 2023 Calendar year. All penalties and fines assessed are the responsibility of the homeowner.

Q: What happens if I don't pay my assessment?

A: The maintenance and/or contracting services incurred by the Association are largely dependent upon timely receipt of the assessments due from each homeowner. If payments are late, (being paid after January 31 same year), you will incur a $10-$20 (per month) late fee; plus interest. The CC&R's allows the Association to charge late fees and interest and proceed with a lien on your property, or foreclosure proceeding due to nonpayment of assessments.

Q: Can I buy a home at Laurel Ridge Subdivision to rent out? If so, how many can I buy to rent? Are there rules?

A: You can definitely buy a home here to rent. You may purchase up to three (3) properties - NO MORE. However, there are some rules and regulations that one must acknowledge, agree to, and be bound by:

We ask that you acknowledge that there is a "Rental Cap" in place that ensures the integrity and vested residential quality here at Laurel Ridge. Once we are at our 30% threshold, "ONLY OWNER OCCUPIED" purchases may transpire.
Once the cap is no longer met, new investment properties may be purchased. We respectfully ask that you adhere to, follow, and acknowledge this is not a restriction, but rather an adopted rule, in which we can be sure that Laurel Ridge Subdivision of Zebulon remains a wonderfully enjoyable, quality, and inviting place to live.
Residents (those living here), will receive information about neighborhood happenings and issues. It is their responsibility to share, with you - the owner. All circular and newsletters information, as community info will be sent to residents of Laurel Ridge only - unless otherwise requested. Mailings may be received by the owner at request, any time. By purchasing here, you (and your managing partners), agreed to these terms and acknowledge that you are responsible for your residents, home maintenance, adherence to neighborhood rules, and any necessary management of their activities.
You agree to maintain said lot (or be responsible for making sure that the property is well maintained).
Any and all conflicts with your renter/tenant will be your responsibility, if responsibility falls outside of the management of HOA.
We ask that you keep in mind the members of our board live here and we all have a vested interest in seeing Laurel Ridge Subdivision of Zebulon thrive. Again, by buying here, you agree to uphold the highest of standards as it pertains to your property and your tenant (or renter). To own here is to acknowledge, agree, and be bound by these By-Laws, Restrictive Covenants, Rules & Regulations.