Rules & Regulations
Home Owners Association Guidelines
The following rules and regulations have been established to ensure fairness and uniformity within the association. Our goal is to ensure that all homeowners enjoy their community and surroundings, while maintaining property values.
Enforcement of these rules and regulations will the responsibility of all members of the Colonial Commons Residence Association. Each member is charged with reminding neighbors of violations, and/or reporting violations to the Board, if they are not able to resolve the matter with a resident. Reporting infractions should not be looked at as a way to “get at “your neighbor but should be used constructively to ensure a safe, healthy, and comfortable environment for residents.
Regulations determined by the Board of Directors of the Association as to the use and enjoyment of the Common Property shall be observed by the respective Members.
Use of Common Grounds
According to bylaws 4.1-4.4 owners shall not make any change or modification of the townhouse exterior or interior change that would affect or modify the structural/supportive characteristics or integrity of the building. If an owner wishes to make any change or modification, he/she must put the request in writing and submit it to the Board for approval before any changes are made. No changes can be made without Board approval. Window planters, clotheslines and installation of fences and other structures are prohibited. The following items are permitted:
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- a) Thermometers and name plates
- b) Decorative flags
- c) Garden hose holders
Common areas must remain free of items such as toys, pools, and bicycles; play equipment, etc. after dusk and when lawns are being mowed.
Parking
Parking (cars or trucks) in the driveway, in front of garages is prohibited. Residents may not block the entrance to any resident’s garage for any period of time, with the consent of the owner. If a resident is unable to enter or exit their garage due to an unattended vehicle the owner reserves the right to contact the Forest Park Police department at 708-366-2425, and request that the vehicle be ticketed and towed.
Any commercial vehicle that is temporarily on-site to provide services to a resident or to the Association shall not be considered “parked”. However it is the responsibility of the resident to give sufficient notice to any owner whose garage may be blocked due to any service vehicles.
Overnight Parking Passes, Overnight parking is prohibited on city streets between 2:00-5:00 AM; please call 708-366-7272. Passes are accepted between the hours of 8 PM & 2 AM Daily. You will need the license plate number, make of vehicle and where the vehicle is parked
Pet Regulations
Owners are limited to two dogs OR two cats or any combination thereof (i.e. one dog and one cat) per unit. Small animals such as birds, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, etc. are limited to three in addition to the above. The only exception would be multiple fish in a tank.
- Animal owners shall immediately clean up and properly dispose of all animal feces. This includes the areas around the units and common areas. Do not use neighbor’s dumpsters to dispose of animal feces.
- Pets are to be kept off landscaped/mulched areas at all times. Pets are to be kept off newly seeded/repaired areas of ground until such area has been fully established with strong growth of grass.
- No housing/cages for pets are allowed on any part of the grounds, including on or under the decks. Animal runs/lines are not allowed.
- Dogs and cats must be properly licensed, and have had all required immunizations.
- 6) When pets are outdoors, either within the property boundaries of your unit or in the common areas, they must be under the complete control of the owner and on a leash, which is designed for the minimum weight of your animal.
- Owners are responsible for their pets at all times.
- Pets may not be tied up outside unless the owner is physically outside with the animal. For example, a pet may only be tied up at the rear of the building if the owner is physically present outside at the rear of the building with the animal. If the owner needs to go inside for any reason, they must bring the pet inside with them. Furthermore, if the owner is outside in front of the unit, the pet must either be inside or tied up outside in the front of the unit with the owner physically present.
- including decks, downspouts, or any other component, the Association will bill the unit owner for the cost necessary to make repairs.
- Should any of the above rules be broken, please contact a member of the Board; for persistent problems or situations that threaten your safety or require immediate attention please contact the Forest Park Police Department.
Trash Disposal and Recycling
Trash must be tied up in plastic bags and placed inside your assigned dumpster. No items may be left outside the dumpster overnight. If you have items that are to large to fit in your dumpster, you must place the items near your dumpster on the designated day for trash pick up.
Maintenance of the Units
Each unit owner is responsible for their own safety and that of their family and guests while in and round the common areas.
Landscaping
Residents may landscape/decorate their patios, porches, front yards and parkways. The common areas are maintained under the direction of the Board of Directors. Residents may not alter the landscape in the common areas without approval of the Board.
Smoke Alarms
Working smoke alarms are required in all units. Owners are responsible for keeping fresh batteries in the alarms, and may be liable for damages in case of fire if batteries are removed.
Property Damage
Owners will be billed directly for any and all damages to the common element areas, which includes the parking lots (asphalt), fences, lanscape (plants, grass and trees), etc. as a result of actions of owners, renters or guests.
Child Supervision
Children are to be under adult supervision at all times.
Soliciting
Soliciting of any type is prohibited.
Noise
No nuisances shall be allowed within the community, nor shall any use or practice be allowed which is a source of annoyance to residents or which interferes with the peaceful possession and proper use of the community by its residents. The Forest Park Police Department will be notified for each occurrence and any charges from the Forest Park Police Department will be assessed to the owner of the townhouse involved. Residents are reminded to please be considerate of their neighbors at all times regarding noise from music, cars, pets, etc.
Business Use Restrictions
Each townhouse is to be utilized as a single-family residence only in accordance with the Colonial Commons Bylaws. Owners are restricted from operating businesses out of their units that violate any of the rules and regulations set forth by the Village of Forest Park.
Fines
Infractions against the By–Laws, or Rules & Regulations shall be handled as follows:
A certified letter of warning will be mailed to the homeowner.
If corrective action is not taken within the specified time frame, a $75 fine per infraction per day will be assessed against the unit. A unit owner may request a hearing before the Board if they request a hearing in writing.
Failure to pay the fine will result in referral of the matter to the Association’s attorney. Unit owners will be responsible for all attorney fees incurred by the Association relating to collection of fines.
After receiving one written warning for each infraction of the rules and regulations, whether committed by family, guests or renters, owners will be subject to a fine per day, per occurrence. COLLECTION POLICY: Funds will first pay late fees, violation fines, attorney fees, damages/repair costs, and/or any other costs, with the exception of maintenance fees, that may be due on account at the time payment is received. The remaining balance of funds will THEN be applied to any maintenance assessment that is currently due on an account. Delinquent maintenance fee accounts are turned over to the Association Attorney and could result in the filing of a lien for non–payment.