HOA Compliance Department
Frequently Asked Questions
A resident's guide to violations, fines, architectural approvals, and more
Violations & Notices
Q: What counts as a violation, and how will I be notified?
A: A violation is any condition or activity that does not comply with the community's CC&Rs, bylaws, or rules and regulations. If an inspection identifies an issue, you will typically receive a written notice by mail or email describing the violation, the applicable rule, and the deadline to correct it.
Q: How much time do I have to fix a violation before further action is taken?
A: Timeframes vary by letter stage and violation type, but most violations have an initial correction period of 10–30 days depending on the violation. Recurring or severe violations may have shorter deadlines. Check your specific notice or governing documents for more information.
Q: What happens if I ignore a violation notice?
A: The Association may impose enforcement measures, including fines, suspension of common-area privileges, legal action, and assessment of related costs as permitted by the Declaration.
Q: Who inspects the property, and how often?
A: Inspections are conducted by HOA Staff, on a regular schedule (often monthly) or in response to a resident complaint.
Q: How are compliance inspections performed?
A: Routine compliance inspections are generally conducted from the street or common areas.
Q: Can I request additional time to correct the violation?
A: Our staff is always willing to work with residents and provide additional time if needed and depending on the circumstances.
Architectural & Exterior Changes
Q: Do I need approval before painting my house, changing landscaping, or building a fence or shed?
A: Yes. Prior written ARC approval is required before most exterior modifications.
Q: Do i need approval if the modification is in the rear yard?
A: Yes, in most cases. In Riverstone, prior written ARC approval is required for most exterior modifications regardless of whether they are located in the front yard, side yard, or rear yard.
Q: How do I submit an ARC request, and how long does approval take?
A: Submit a written Modification Application with required plans and fees. Riverstone will endeavor to respond within 45 days after a complete application is received.
Q: What happens if I make a change without approval?
A: The modification may be deemed a deed restriction violation. The Association may require modification, removal, restoration of the property, fines, or other enforcement actions.
Common Complaint Topics
Q: How should I store my trash and recycling bins?
A: Trash and recycling containers should be stored out of public view whenever possible, such as inside the garage or behind a fenced area, or in another location screened from public view, except when placed out for scheduled collection. Containers should not be left in a manner that creates an unsightly condition or detracts from the appearance of the community.
Q: Are short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) allowed?
No Lot may be leased for a term of less than 6 full consecutive calendar months to the same lessee, nor may any lease be for less than the entire Lot. This includes 'VRBO', boarding house rentals, backyard rentals, swimming pool rentals, 'Swimply', 'Airbnb', 'Vacasa', party venue rentals, bed and breakfasts, or other short-term rental uses, and such uses are strictly prohibited and are considered to be a prohibited business use.
Q: What are the yard maintenance standards?
A: Owners must maintain lawns, landscaping, shrubs, trees, fences, and improvements in good condition. Dead plants, excessive weeds, diseased vegetation, and poor maintenance may constitute violations. Tree removal generally requires ARC approval.
Q: Who is responsible for the repair of a shared fence between resident lots?
A: Shared side and rear lot-line fences are generally the responsibility of the adjoining property owners.
Owners are encouraged to obtain their neighbor's consent before performing work on a shared fence.
If a dispute arises over a shared fence, the Association will not mediate or resolve it. The dispute must be resolved between the owners.
Q: How do I file a complaint about a neighbor, and is it anonymous?
A: Complaints should be submitted to the Association according to current procedures. Whether a complaint remains anonymous depends on applicable law and Association policy.
Q: Do rules apply equally to renters and tenants, or just owners?
A: The Declaration makes occupants and tenants subject to the governing documents. Owners remain responsible for ensuring their tenants comply with all Association requirements.
Q: Why does it seem like nothing is being done about a violation?
There are several reasons a violation may appear to be ignored even when the HOA is actively working on it:
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- Due process requirements The Association must follow the enforcement procedures required by Texas law and the governing documents before imposing fines or taking stronger action. This can involve notices, cure periods, hearing rights, and Board review.
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- You may not see the enforcement activity Violation notices, owner responses, hearing requests, legal correspondence, and compliance agreements are generally confidential matters between the Association and the property owner. As a result, neighbors often cannot see what actions are being taken.
- Legal action takes time If a violation progresses to attorney involvement or court proceedings, the process can take months and may not be visible to other residents.
Q: Where can I find the full text of the CC&Rs, bylaws, and rules?
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