Deed Restrictions Section 1 and 2
Deed Restrictions
GENERAL PURPOSES OF THIS DECLARATION ···································1
DEED RESTRICTIONS FOR FOREST WEST SECTIONS ONE AND TWO ·················1
DEFINITIONS ····························································2
ARTICLE I – PROPERTY SUBJECT TO THIS DECLARATION ·······················3
1. Property Subject to this Declaration ································3
2. Limitations Regarding Application of this Declaration ···············3
3. Repealer Clause ·····················································3
ARTICLE II – RESIDENTIAL RESTRICTIONS ··································3
1. Rules and Regulations ···············································3
2. Owners Responsibilities ·············································4
3. Residential Use ·····················································4
4. Business, Professional, Commercial, or Manufacturing Use ············5
5. Group Homes, Day-Care Centers and Treatment Facilities ··············5
6. Pets, Animals, and Livestock ········································5
7. Vehicles, Parking, Storage Containers ·······························5
8. Water and Sewer ·····················································6
9. Disposal of Trash ···················································6
10. Time sharing Prohibited ············································6
11. Mineral Production ·················································6
12. Community Properties for Use and Enjoyment ·························6
ARTICLE III – ARCHITECTURAL AND LOT RESTRICTIONS ·······················7
1. Type of Residence ···················································7
2. New Construction and Modifications ··································7
3. Variances ··························································12
4. Pre-Existing Violations ············································12
ARTICLE IV – BUSINESS USE RESTRICTIONS ································12
1. Land Use ···························································12
2. Protective Screening ···············································12
3. Building Location ··················································13
4. Public Sidewalks ···················································13
5. Utility Easements ··················································13
6. Oil and Mining Operations ··········································13
7. Garbage and Refuse Disposal ········································14
ARTICLE V – NOTICES ···················································14
1. Notice to the Association, Board or ACC ····························14
2. Notice to Owners and Tenants ·······································14
ARTICLE VI – VIOLATIONS ···············································14
1. Initiation of Actions on Alleged Violations ························14
2. Reporting of Alleged Violation ·····································14
3. Actions Subsequent to the Report of a Violation ····················14
4. Finding a Violation of the Restrictive Covenants ···················15
5. Failure by an Owner to Cure a Violation ····························16
6. Notice and Opportunity to be Heard ·································16
ARTICLE VII – GENERAL PROVISIONS AND AMENDMENTS ·······················16
1. Term ·······························································16
2. Amendment by Owners ················································16
3. Amendment by Association ···········································16
4. Conflicts in Governing Documents ···································17
5. Interpretation ·····················································17
6. Effective Date ·····················································17
ARTICLE VIII – ANNUAL MAINTENANCE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE FEE ···········17
1. Residential Area Covenants ·········································17
2. Annual Maintenance Assessment ······································17
3. Association Liability ··············································18
4. Establishment and Purposes of Maintenance Fund ·····················18
5. Purposes of Community Service Fee ··································18
6. Special Assessment ·················································18
7. Board of Directors Budgeting Process Established ···················18
8. Board of Directors Limited Increases and Decreases ·················19
9. Personal Obligation; Transferees ···································19
10. Statement of Assessments ··········································19
APPENDIX ······························································22
Appendix A – The Architectural Control Committee (ACC) ················22
The purpose of the restrictive conditions, covenants, reservations,
easements, charges, and liens set forth in these Deed Restrictions is to
establish directives that will protect the Owners while maintaining the
integrity and overall aesthetics of the Forest West Subdivision
(“Subdivision”). In order to ensure the long-term preservation of the
Subdivision overall, and further enhance the Subdivision as a desirable
place in which to live, any and all development and activities is
subject to the restrictive conditions, covenants, reservations,
easements, charges, and liens set forth in these Deed Restrictions and
Forest West Governing Documents.
DEED RESTRICTIONS FOR FOREST WEST
SECTIONS ONE AND TWO
A RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS
STATE OF TEXAS §
COUNTY OF HARRIS §
The Amended and Restated Deed Restrictions for Forest West, Sections One and Two are effective as of the date of
recording in the Official Public Records of Real Property of Harris County, Texas.
WHEREAS, the property described in Article I, Section 1 of the Deed Restrictions was heretofore subjected to certain
covenants, conditions, restrictions and easements as set forth in the “Initial Declaration” as hereafter defined; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned Owners, being not less than a majority of the Owners of the total number of Lots within
the Subdivision, desire to restate, modify and amend the Initial Declaration pursuant to the conditions and requirements
recited in the Initial Declaration; and
WHEREAS, the restatement, modification, and amendment of the Initial Declaration is set forth in these Restated and
Amended Deed Restrictions for Forest West Sections One and Two (hereinafter referred to as “Deed Restrictions”).
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby declared that all of the properties within the subdivision shall be held, sold,
and conveyed subject to the following restrictive covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements, charges, and liens
(hereinafter collectively referred to as “covenants and restrictions”). These covenants and restrictions shall run with
said real property and be binding upon all parties having or hereafter acquiring any right, title, or other interest in said
real property or any part thereof, their heirs, predecessors, successors, and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of each
Owner thereof.
ACC – The Architectural Control Committee. Please refer to ‘Appendix A.’
Community Service Fee – The fee collected from residents in the
neighborhood and which is used solely for services for the neighborhood
according to Texas Property Code Chapter 204. See ‘Amendment 1’ for
details.
Duplex – As used in the Deed Restrictions, “Duplex” means a single
residential building, which contains two separate single family
residential units.
FWCIA – The Forest West Community Improvement Association.
Garage – A building designed to store a motor vehicle or vehicles.
Initial Declaration – As used in the Deed Restrictions, Initial
Declaration is defined as that certain instrument entitled “Restrictive
Covenants of Forest West Section One” currently on file under the Harris
County Clerk’s File No. B923831, Official Public Records of Real
Property of Harris County Texas, and recorded in Volume 5592, Page 498
et seq., as subsequently amended under Harris County Clerk’s File No.
C128019 and extended under Harris County Clerk’s File No. X773632,
Official Public Records of Real Property of Harris County Texas, and
that certain instrument entitled “Restrictive Covenants of Forest West,
Section Two” currently on file under the Harris County Clerk’s File No.
C180858, Official Public Records of Real Property of Harris County,
Texas, and recorded in Volume 6108, Page 622, et seq., Deed Records of
Harris County, Texas.
Lot Line Fencing – Any and all fences and freestanding walls, wherever
located on any Lot to include gateposts, hedges, or planters (“hedge”
meaning a row of bushes, shrubs, and similar plants which exceed or are
expected to exceed three (3) feet in height and have sufficiently dense
foliage as to present a physical barrier similar to a fence).
Maintenance Fee – A per Lot flat fee collected from all residents in the
neighborhood which is used solely for the neighborhood and improvement
of common areas and amenities. See ‘Amendment 1’ for more details.
Porte Cocheres – A roofed structure covering a driveway to provide shelter when entering or leaving a vehicle.
Single Family – As used in this Declaration the term “single family”
means either: (i) husband and wife, their dependent children and their
dependent parents, grandparents, grandchildren, brothers and sisters who
are maintaining a common household and who are members of a single
family related by blood, marriage or adoption; or (ii) one or more
natural persons not so related but who are maintaining a common
household in a single family residence on a nonprofit, noncommercial
basis with a common kitchen and dining area; and (iii) the bona fide
domestic servants of either. “Dependent Children” means the sons and
daughters, by blood or adoption, of the husband and/or wife who do not
maintain a separate residence, but does not include the children or any
other relatives of the sons or daughters living at home. “Dependent
parents, grandparents, grandchildren, brothers and sisters” means such
relatives who do not maintain a separate residence and are not able to
maintain a separate residence due to a physical or mental impairment
that substantially limits their ability to maintain a separate
residence; and, in addition in the case of grandchildren, where their
parents are similarly impaired or are deceased.
Xeriscaping – (often incorrectly spelled zero-scaping or xeroscaping) is
landscaping and gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for
supplemental water from irrigation. Xeriscaping may be an alternative to
various types of traditional gardening.
1. Rules and Regulations
The Board is hereby specifically authorized to promulgate, amend, modify
and delete such reasonable Rules and Regulations applicable to the
operation, use, and occupancy of the Subdivision, including all Lots and
Community Properties as from time to time the Board may deem beneficial
to the Subdivision. Such authority includes, but is not limited to, (i)
the type and size of vehicles permitted within the Subdivision, traffic
and parking regulations, and maximum permissible noise levels of
vehicles within the Subdivision, and (ii) procedures and reasonable
restrictions and limitations on the right to use Community Properties.
Rules and Regulations are of equal dignity with and may be enforceable
in the same manner as the provisions of the Deed Restrictions.
- Rules and Regulations may not be enacted retroactively.
- Rules and Regulations may not be incompatible with the provisions of this Deed Restrictions.
- Rules and Regulations will not become effective until thirty (30)
days after mailed notice thereof is given to all Owners or such later
date as is stated in the notice.
2. Owner Responsibilities
-
- General Responsibilities It is the continuing responsibility of each
Owner to prevent the development or existence of any unclean,
unhealthy, unsightly, or unkempt condition on such Owner’s Lot. All
Owners have a duty to prevent the presence of such a condition by
regulating- the nature of objects, things, and materials which are allowed to remain on any Lot,
- the nature of objects, things, and materials that are used on any Lot,
- the activities conducted on any Lot, and
- the overall condition and level of maintenance provided on each Lot.
Each
Owner is required to maintain all structures/improvements on their Lot
in a manner consistent with good maintenance through timely repairs and
upkeep to prevent unsightly residences. Consistent maintenance and
upkeep will be required on all landscaping, whether artificial or
natural. This includes, but is not limited to trees, hedges, bushes,
grass, and non-vegetation landscaping. All landscaping shall be trimmed,
pruned and maintained regularly as needed to present a neat appearance,
with lawns not exceeding the height permitted by the City of Houston
ordinances or applicable laws. Dead, diseased or damaged trees that may
present a hazard to property or persons on a Lot or to an adjacent Lot
must be promptly repaired or removed. All maintenance of a Lot and all
improvements thereon is the sole responsibility of the Owner.
- General Responsibilities It is the continuing responsibility of each
-
- Nuisance or Annoyance
No substance, thing, or material may be kept upon any Lot that will
emit foul or obnoxious odors, or that will cause any noise or other
conditions that will or might disturb the peace, safety, quiet, comfort,
or serenity of the occupants of surrounding property. No Lot may be
used for illegal purposes. All Owners and their tenants must abide by
the established state and local laws regarding excessive noise.
- Nuisance or Annoyance
- Pollutants; Hazardous Materials
No Owner or tenant shall dump any materials whatsoever into any sewer
system, water system, or drainage ditch within the Subdivision. Storage
of any toxic or hazardous materials on any Lot within the Subdivision is
strictly prohibited. An exception is granted for storage of hazardous
chemicals and other materials when used in the operation of a household
to the extent that the materials stored on the Lot are actually used for
that purpose.
3. Residential Use
Except as stated otherwise in the Deed Restrictions, each and every Lot
is hereby restricted to single family residential use. No residence may
be occupied by more than one single family. Existing duplexes may be
maintained on Lots 22 through Lot 37 in Block 1, Section 1, and Lots 99,
100, 105, 107 and 108 in Block 4, Section 1, of Forest West. Duplexes
are prohibited on any other Lots in Forest West.
4. Business, Professional, Commercial, or Manufacturing Use
A single family residence may be used for the maintenance of a business
office if, and only if, business activities conducted in that office
- do not involve use of any part of the applicable Lot, or any
structure located thereon, by any person other than the Owner or Owner’s
tenant and the general public is not invited, permitted or allowed to
enter the Lot to conduct any business thereon, - are not detectable by sight, sound, or smell from outside the
residence and there is no nuisance caused by the business activities, - do not in any way pose a threat to the general health or safety and do not constitute a nuisance to any other person,
- comply with all applicable City ordinances and any other laws governing that activity,
- are consistent with the residential character of the Subdivision, and
- do not cause any annoyance or unreasonable inconvenience to Owners or occupants of area Lots or any Community Properties.
5. Group Homes, Day-Care Centers, and Treatment Facilities
To the fullest extent allowed by law, no Lot or any part of a single
family residence thereon may be used for the operation of a facility
defined by the City or State as a day-care center, group home, half-way
house, rehabilitation center, treatment facility, or residence of
unrelated individuals who are engaging in any group living,
rehabilitation, treatment, therapy, or training with respect to previous
or continuing criminal activities, alleged criminal activities, alcohol
or drug dependency, physical or mental handicaps or illness or other
similar matters.
6. Pets, Animals, and Livestock
No animals, livestock or poultry may be raised, bred, kept, or
maintained on any Lot, except for those animals that are kept in
accordance with the City of Houston ordinances.
7. Vehicles, Parking and Storage Containers
- Prohibited Vehicles No vehicle of any kind (operative or not) shall
be permitted to be parked on any unpaved portion of any Lot. No boat,
mobile home, trailer, tractor trailer, semi-truck, camper, storage pod,
dumpster, 4 wheeler, bus, inoperable or unused vehicle may be parked,
stored, or kept within the subdivision if it is visible and exposed to
public view longer than nine (9) consecutive days with occurrences being
limited to one per month per residence. Any variances must be approved
by the ACC. - Repair of Vehicles Any repair work done on a vehicle must be
conducted entirely out of public view or must be completed within two
(2) days. No inoperable vehicle may remain on a Lot for more than nine
(9) days after such vehicle becomes inoperable, unless such vehicle is
stored out of public view. - Towing The Board may remove a vehicle which is parked, stored, or
maintained in violation of the Deed Restrictions or other Governing
Documents from the Subdivision at the sole cost and expense of the
Person owning such vehicle (whether or not such Person is an Owner). The
Board and any person working under the authority of the Board shall
have no liability whatsoever for removal of any vehicle.
No septic tank, private water well or similar private sewage is
permitted on any Lot (refer to the City of Houston Ordinance and
Guidelines).9. Disposal of Trash
No trash, rubbish, garbage, manure, debris, or offensive material of any
kind may be kept or allowed to remain on any Lot, nor may any Lot be
used or maintained as a dumping ground for such materials. No
incinerator may be maintained or used to dispose of any materials within
the Subdivision. All trash or similar matter must be stored, prior to
disposal, behind the setback lines. Trash and trash receptacles should
not be allowed to remain curbside for extended periods of time and
should be removed within 24 hours of scheduled pickup.10. Timesharing Prohibited
No Lot may be made subject to any type of timesharing, fraction-sharing
or similar program whereby the right to exclusive use of the Lot or the
single family residence rotates among members of the program on a fixed,
floating or other time schedule.11. Mineral Production
No drilling, development operations, refining, quarrying or mining
operations of any kind shall be permitted upon any Lot, nor shall oil
wells, tanks, tunnels, mineral excavation or shafts be permitted upon
any Lot.12. Community Properties for Use and Enjoyment
Every Owner of a Lot has a right of ingress and egress, use and
enjoyment in and to the Community Properties, which are appurtenant to
and pass with the title to a Lot, subject to the provisions of the Deed
Restrictions. The Board has a continuing right upon notice and
opportunity to be heard, to suspend the right of an Owner, and the
Owner’s tenant, to the use of all or any portion of the Community
Properties for any breach, violation, or infraction of the Deed
Restrictions, Governing Documents, or such other Rules and Regulations
as may be promulgated, until such infractions are cured.ARTICLE III – Architectural and Lot Restrictions
1. Type of Residence
- Single Family Residence
No building other than one single family residence not to exceed two
stories which is to be occupied as a residence by one single family,
appurtenant garage and such outbuildings, may be constructed on a
Lot (including each unit within a duplex as provided in
Article II, Section 3). - Garages, Outbuildings and Garage Doors
All single family residences must have an enclosed attached or detached
garage capable of accommodating a minimum of two (2) vehicles. Each
garage must contain a minimum of three hundred fifty (350) square feet
of interior floor space. The garage must be architecturally similar and
compatible to the appurtenant residence, including roofline and
appearance. No garage or outbuilding may exceed in height the dwelling
to which it is appurtenant. - Garage Usage
No portion of any garage may be used as a permanent residence, living
quarters, or for any similar use. Porte cocheres may be used in place of
a garage. Construction of new carports/porte cocheres requires prior
approval by the ACC and must correspond in style and architecture to the
residence located upon the Owner’s Lot.
2. New Construction and Modifications
New construction plans and proposed exterior building improvements that
visibly alter the integrity or appearance of the existing structure(s),
excluding general upkeep, cannot commence until plans for such
construction have been submitted by the Owner in writing to, and
approved in writing by, the ACC. Plans submitted to the ACC must include
a detailed description and drawing of the foundation, floor plan, all
elevations, all exterior building materials, and a survey showing
location of all proposed structures and buildings (relative to building
lines and easements), with dimensions and trees, including notation of
any trees to be removed. Once an Owner has submitted all required
documentation for construction, the ACC will either approve or deny the
proposed construction/improvements within thirty (30) days of actual
receipt of the plans and request for approval. No residence, building or
structure may be moved from another location to any Lot without the
prior written approval of the ACC. New construction and major
improvements to existing structures must be completed within nine (9)
months of commencement, including construction of the residence and
garage. Pier and Beam foundations have a height limit of thirty six (36)
inches above the ground.
If the ACC fails to respond to a request within thirty (30) days, as
detailed above, approval of the proposed Regulated Modification will
not be required. A request for additional information issued by
the ACC to an Owner will be considered denial of a request for
approval. The ACC’s thirty (30) day response deadline will
commence only upon receipt of a completed request for
approval. THIS PROVISION SHALL NOT APPLY IF NO PLANS FOR A
REGULATED MODIFICATION OR NO SPECIFIC REQUEST FOR APPROVAL HAS BEEN
SUBMITTED TO THE ACC.
- Tear Down and Rebuild of Structures to Include Casualty Losses
An Owner desiring to demolish an existing residence for purposes of
rebuilding will have a maximum of one hundred twenty (120) days from
start of demolition to remove the existing structure(s) and
subsequent debris from the affected Lot. Completion of the
restoration/rebuilding/repair must be completed within nine (9)
months from the time construction begins.Whether or not insured, if any residence located on a Lot is
destroyed or rendered uninhabitable by fire, wind, rain or
any other disaster, or is condemned by the City of Houston, the
Owner of the Lot must either begin repair and restoration of
the property or clean the Lot of debris within one hundred
twenty (120) days of the date of the disaster or condemnation. If
repair or replacement is not possible, or not desired, any
building or other Regulated Modification that is damaged or destroyed
must be either razed or removed in its entirety from the
affected Lot within one hundred fifty (150) days from the date of the
loss or condemnation. All building construction must follow the
requirements outlined within this document and must adhere
to the Lot line restrictions. - Tents, Mobile Homes, and Temporary Structures
No tent, shack, mobile home, or other structure of a temporary nature
shall be placed upon any Lot or elsewhere in the
Subdivision. The foregoing prohibition does not restrict the
construction or installation of a single utility or similar outbuilding
to be permanently located on a Lot, provided it receives the
prior approval of the ACC. In addition, special event party tents or
similar temporary structures may be erected for a period of
forty-eight (48) hours without ACC approval or a longer length of time
if
approved by the ACC. - Living Area Requirements
As more particularly described above, the habitable area of the main
residential structure, measured to the outside of each wall, exclusive
of open porches, garages, porte-cochere, and roof overhangs,
must not be less than one thousand, three hundred (1,300) square feet
for a one-story, single-family dwelling; nor less than one
thousand, four hundred (1,400) square feet for a two-story,
single-family
dwelling. The ground floor of any two-story, single-family
dwelling, when so measured, must contain at least nine hundred (900)
square feet. The maximum square footage is determined by the
setback and easement lines. - Duplex BuildingsAny duplex building that is constructed in accordance with
the terms of the Deed Restrictions must have a total habitable
area of not less than one thousand nine hundred (1,900) square
feet, with not less than nine hundred (900) square feet of
habitable area in each of the units located within the duplex.
Either a single family residence or a duplex may exist upon
Lots 22 through Lot 37, in Block 1, Section 1, and Lots 99, 100,
105, 107 and 108 in Block 4, Section 1, of the Subdivision.
Subject to the exception above, duplexes are prohibited in
Forest West. If any duplex residential building is demolished or
otherwise destroyed with the intent of rebuilding, only a
single-family residential building can be constructed on the Lot.
Alternate rebuild plans must be approved by the ACC.
- Front Lot Line – No building shall be located on any Lot nearer to
the front Lot line or nearer to the side street line than the minimum
building setback lines shown on the applicable survey or plat. In any
event, no building shall be located on any Lot nearer than twenty five
(25) feet to the front Lot line and ten (10) feet to any side street
line. - Interior Lot Line – No building shall be located nearer than five
(5) feet to an interior Lot line, except that a three (3) foot side yard
shall be permitted for a detached garage or other permitted detached
accessory building located thirty (30) feet or more from the minimum
building setback line. No habitable portion of a dwelling shall be
located on any interior Lot nearer than ten (10) feet to the rear Lot
line. - Corner Lot Setback – Residences on corner Lots must face the street
on which the Lot has a building setback line from the street of twenty
five (25) feet. - Corner Lot Side Street – If, on a corner Lot, a garage faces the
side street of that Lot, then the wall of any garage so situated must be
at least twenty (20) feet from the side street property line. - Porte-cocheres – No porte-cochere shall be placed or maintained
nearer to a street than the minimum building setback lines, nor nearer
to any other Lot line than five (5) feet. No porte-cochere will be
permitted on any Lot that does not have a usable garage for at least two
(2) automobiles. Porte-cocheres will be considered garages and must
comply with all requirements for garages. - Home Extensions – For the purposes of this covenant, eaves, steps,
and open porches shall not be considered part of a building. However,
this provision will not be construed to permit any portion of a building
to encroach on another Lot. - Lot Area and Width – No residence shall be erected on any Lot having
a width of less than sixty (60) feet at the minimum building set back
line. - Subdividing Prohibited – No Lot as shown on the applicable Plat, and
no Building Site as it exists on the date of the filing of this
Declaration in the Official Public Records of Real Property of Harris
County, Texas, may be subdivided or its boundaries changed except in
conjunction with the combination of Lots. - Lot Combinations – An Owner of one or more adjoining Lots or
portions thereof may, with the prior written approval of the ACC,
consolidate the same or portions thereof into one Lot for the purpose of
constructing a single family residence and appurtenant improvements on
the resulting Lot.
F. Utility Easements
Easements, as shown on the recorded plat, and the right of entry to them
for installation and maintenance of utilities and drainage facilities
are reserved. Easements areas of each Lot shall be maintained by the
Owner of the Lot, although, within these easements no structure,
planting or other materials shall be placed or permitted to remain which
may damage or interfere with the installation, maintenance, or
operation of utilities. The title to a Lot shall not include title to
any utility facilities located within easements or streets.
G. Construction Standards
- Applicability – Except as may be otherwise authorized in writing by
the ACC, initial construction and all subsequent maintenance of a
single-family residence and appurtenant structures must be in accordance
with the provisions of this Section. - Exterior Materials – Use of exterior materials must comply with the following.
- Walls and roofs of garages and porte-cocheres must be architecturally similar to the residence to which it is appurtenant.
- The exterior wall area of the residence on any Lot shall be
comprised of quality construction materials such as brick, masonry
veneer, stucco, or concrete/composite siding. Other planned materials
should be presented to the ACC for review and approval.
- Trees Required – At least two trees with a minimum three (3) inch
trunk size must be planted and/or maintained on each New Lot
Construction. Xeriscaping may be substituted but must consist of at
least fifty one (51%) percent foliage and have prior approval by the
ACC. Any variance requires approval by the ACC. - Driveways – Each Lot must have a driveway running from the garage to
the abutting street and must be constructed of concrete, brick or
concrete pavers, or such other materials approved by the ACC. All
driveways must be at least nine (9) feet wide at their narrowest point.
No driveway shall be constructed in a manner that interferes with
ingress, egress, or passage on any sidewalk, walkway, ditch or other
drainage device. Expansion of a driveway requires the prior approval of
the ACC. - Walks, Sidewalks – Walks from the street curb to the residence must
be constructed of concrete or pavers, or such other materials approved
by the ACC, and must have a minimum width of three (3) feet. Before the
initial construction of the residence on a Lot is completed, the Owner
must construct a concrete sidewalk parallel to the street curb with a
minimum of two (2) feet from the street right-of-way lines. The sidewalk
must be three (3) feet in width and must extend to the Lot boundary
lines and into the street right-of-way or street curbs at corner Lots. - Drainage Devices – All drainage swales or other devices designed to
maintain and control water drainage and/or erosion must remain
unobstructed, and must be properly maintained by each Owner of each Lot
to which the same pertains. Each Owner must not permit any construction,
gardening, or other activity that would obstruct, impede, or impair the
proper functioning of any such device per City of Houston ordinances.
Rain barrels and rainwater harvesting and recovery systems shall conform
to the provisions set forth within Section 202.007 of the Texas
Property Code. - Painting of Frame Construction – Any wood framing that is visible
from the outside of any residence must be painted or be redwood or cedar
material. Neutral or earth-tone shades are pre-approved colors. Neon or
saturated colors are prohibited. Other colors must be submitted to the
ACC for prior approval. - Roof Material – Roofs of all residences must be constructed so that
the exposed material is slate, tile, architectural style composition
shingles or equivalent, or such other material, which is compatible in
quality and appearance to the foregoing as may be approved by the ACC.
Specific guidelines for roofs may be found within the Association’s
Roofing Policy or Section 202.011 of the Texas Property Code. - Prohibition of Pre-Fabricated Homes and Temporary Structures – No
mobile homes, modular homes, manufactured home, or similar
pre-fabricated residential structures of any kind are permitted upon any
Lot. The ACC or the Board may permit use of temporary structures for
toilet facilities, construction offices, and storage areas to be used in
connection with the construction of residences. - Compliance with Laws – All construction of any residence must be in
compliance with applicable governmental laws, ordinances, and
regulations, including applicable building codes or permits and/or
licensing requirements.
H. Window and Door Glass Covers
Aluminum foil and similar reflective materials are in all events prohibited for use as a cover for any window or door.
I. Lot Line Fences, Walls and Hedges
- Fencing Restrictions – All Lot Line Fencing must comply with the
following items 2 through 4, unless a variance is granted by the ACC. - Fence Placement – No Lot Line Fencing shall be erected or maintained
nearer to the front Lot line than the plane of the front exterior wall
of the residential structure. - Fence Construction – All new Lot Line Fencing (other than hedges)
must be constructed of wood, iron, brick, masonry, or a combination
thereof, as approved by the ACC, and must not exceed a height of eight
(8) feet. Alternate fence construction must be approved by the ACC. - Corner Lots – No Lot Line Fencing, and no other trees, shrubbery,
plant, structures, or any other things or improvements which obscure
visibility at an intersection may be placed on any corner Lot.
the front roof and should avoid being publicly visible. Specific
guidelines regarding installation and maintenance of solar energy
devices may be found within the Association’s Solar Energy Devices
Policy or Section 202.010 of the Texas Property Code.K. Signs and AdvertisingNo signs, billboards, posters or advertising devices shall be displayed to the public view on any Lot, except:
- Temporary Advertising – One sign of not more than nine (9) square
feet in area, advertising the property for sale, rent or for a garage
sale. - Political Signage – Signs of not more than nine (9) square feet in
area may be displayed, provided that such signs may only be erected for a
temporary period commencing ninety (90) days prior to the date of the
election to which the sign pertains, and ending ten (10) days after such
election. Specific guidelines regarding the display of political signs
may be found within section 202.009 of the Texas Property Code. - Holiday Decorations – Holiday and special occasion signs may be
erected for a temporary period not to exceed forty five (45) days prior
to the holiday and thirty (30) days after the holiday. - Security Signage – Signs displaying security systems are permitted,
providing they are no more than three (3) feet in height and twelve (12)
inches in width. - Longer Term Signage – Signage with the intent of long term display,
such as school promotion or sports, should not exceed two (2) feet by
three (3) feet in size and three (3) feet in height, and may be reviewed
and assessed regarding appropriateness by the ACC.
L. Window Unit Air Conditioners
Window unit air conditioners must not be visible to public view.
M. Clotheslines
Outdoor clotheslines must not be visible to public view.
N. Traffic Sight Line Areas
No thing or device which obstructs sight lines at elevations two (2)
feet above a street shall be permitted on any corner Lot within the
triangular area formed by the boundary lines of that Lot abutting the
street and a line connecting them at points twenty-five (25) feet from
their intersection.
O. Exterior Sculptures and Similar Items
Exterior sculptures, fountains, temporary flagpoles, birdbaths and other
decorative embellishments or similar items over five (5) feet in height
and visible to public view require approval of the ACC. Playground or
recreational equipment of considerable size is not allowed in the front
or side lawns with the exception of arbor or tree swings or as approved
by the ACC. Specific guidelines regarding the installation, display and
maintenance of flags and flagpoles may be found within the Association’s
Flag Display Policy or Section 202.012 of the Texas Property Code.
Specific guidelines regarding the installation and display of certain
religious items may be found within the Association’s Religious Items
Display Policy or Section 202.018 of the Texas Property Code.
3. Variances
The Board of Directors may review any determination made by the ACC and
grant a variance from that determination. Upon a finding by the Board, a
variance may be granted by a majority vote of the Board members
provided that (1) the variance is necessary due to unusual circumstances
that are reasonably beyond the control of the applicant, (2) the
proposed construction/improvements will result in a material enhancement
to the applicant’s Lot, neighboring Lots, and the Subdivision, and (3)
that the granting of a specific variance will not materially and
adversely affect the architectural, aesthetic, or environmental
integrity of the Subdivision. Any determination by the Board that the
conditions for granting a variance have or have not been met is final.
4. Pre-Existing Violations
A variance is hereby granted as to any violation of any building,
structure or other architectural improvement existing prior to the
effective date of the Deed Restrictions, and of which was not a
violation of the Initial Declaration. Any Owner claiming this variance
must establish the prior existence of the violation within thirty (30)
days of the commencement of this document, which in all cases is
otherwise presumed not to have existed prior to the effective date of
the Deed Restrictions. Any subsequent repair, modification, maintenance,
or other change made to a preexisting violation must be performed in
such manner as to eliminate the pre-existing violation so far as is
practicable and the applicable variance will terminate.
1. Land Use
No Reserve or any portion thereof shall be used for any manufacturing or
industrial purposes so as to produce a nuisance to the neighborhood
with or from excessive noise, odorous matter, vibration, smoke and
particle matter, glare, fire and explosive hazards, toxic and noxious
matter or any other activity.
2. Protective Screening
- The Owner of Reserve A or any portion thereof shall at the time of
erection of any structure, install and maintain at his own expense, a
protective screen masonry wall no less than six (6) feet in height along
the east line of the utility easement between Block 1 and Reserve A for
the entire length of Reserve A from Golden Forest Drive to Harris
County Flood Control District drainage strip, or portion thereof, as the
case may be. The design of this screen wall shall be subject to the
approval of the Architectural Control Committee. - On Reserve C, no retail business establishment shall face Golden
Forest Drive. In the event a retail business establishment sides on
Golden Forest Drive, it shall have no driveway or access on that street,
and the Owner of the land on which the retail business is located,
shall install and maintain at his own expense, a protective screen
masonry wall no less than six (6) feet in height along the property line
parallel to Golden Forest Drive, including a grass lawn from the
protective screen to the street curb. The design of this screen wall
shall be subject to the approval of the Architectural Control Committee.
In the event multi-family residential apartments are erected on that
portion of Reserve C adjacent to Golden Forest Drive, access may be
obtained from Golden Forest Drive, but carports, or other automobile
storage, other than guest parking, shall not be directly exposed to view
from Golden Forest Drive. - The Owner of Reserve F, G, H, or any portion thereof, shall at the
time of erection of any structure, install and maintain at his own
expense, a protective screen masonry wall no less than six (6) feet in
height along their respective property lines that are common with
Residential Lots or on their line of the utility easement between their
property and the Residential Lots for the entire length of the Reserves,
or their portion thereof as the case may be. The design of this screen
wall shall be subject to the approval of the Architectural Control
Committee.
3. Building Location
- A. No building shall be located on any lot nearer to a street than
the minimum building setback lines shown on the recorded plat. - B. For the purposes of this document, eaves, steps, and open
walkways, open porches, and canopies, shall not be considered as part of
a building, provided, however, that this shall not be construed, to
permit any portion of a building to encroach upon the land of others.
4. Public Sidewalks
Before initial construction of the principal structure has been
completed, a concrete sidewalk with a minimum width of four (4) feet
shall be constructed by the property owner in the street right of way
parallel to the street curb(s), two (2) feet from the right of way and
property boundary line, and the walk shall extend to the projection of
property boundary lines into the street right of way and to street curbs
in the case of a property at street intersections.
5. Utility Easements
Easements, as shown on the recorded plat and the right of entry to them,
for installation and maintenance of utilities and drainage facilities
are reserved. Within these easements, no structure, planting or other
materials shall be placed or permitted to remain which may damage or
interfere with the installation, maintenance or operation of utilities.
The easement area of each lot and all improvements of a public authority
or utility shall be maintained by such authority or utility. The title
to the land shall not include title to any utility facilities located
within easements or streets. Neither the Developer, their successors or
assigns, nor the operator of any public utility, shall be liable for
damage to any plants, structure or buildings located in or on such
easements or streets because of the installation or maintenance of the
utility facilities.
6. Oil and Mining Operations
No gas or oil drilling, gas or oil development operations, oil refining,
quarrying or mining operations of any kind shall be permitted upon or
in any Reserve or portion thereof, nor shall oil wells, tanks, tunnels,
mineral excavations or shafts be permitted upon or in any lot.
7. Garbage and Refuse Disposal
No Reserve or portion thereof shall be used or maintained as a dumping
ground for rubbish. Trash, garbage or other waste shall not be kept
except in sanitary containers. All incinerators or other equipment for
the storage or disposal of such material shall be kept in clean and
sanitary condition.
1. Notice to the Association, Board or ACC
All notices which are to be given to the Association, Board, or ACC must
be in writing and may be delivered to the Association’s Manager via
first class mail or by such method that is deemed acceptable or required
by the State of Texas Codes. Such notice is effective only upon receipt
of same by its intended recipient.
2. Notice to Owners and Tenants
Notices to an Owner and tenants of an Owner are deemed given upon
placement in a US Postal Box addressed to the last known address of the
Owner or by such method that is deemed acceptable or required by the
State of Texas Codes. Each Owner bears the sole responsibility to notify
the Association in writing of any change in their mailing address.
Unless an Owner has designated another address for the purpose of
notice, notice to an Owner will be effective when addressed to an
Owner’s Lot within the Subdivision.
Article VI – Violations
1. Initiation of Actions on Alleged Violations
The Board or ACC may take action on any alleged violation of the
Governing Documents, including the Deed Restrictions, which is reported
by a Member or the Board. No action may be taken by the ACC in the
absence of a written report of an alleged violation.
2. Reporting of Alleged Violation
A Member, resident of the community, or Director of the Board may
present a report of an alleged violation to the ACC. The ACC shall
establish procedures for the submission of such reports.
3. Actions Subsequent to the Report of a Violation
Upon receipt of a report of an alleged violation, the ACC shall conduct
an independent investigation of the report by visually inspecting the
reported condition or by other means and generating such documentation
as is reasonably necessary to memorialize the inspection. Upon
concluding the independent inspection, the ACC will consider whether the
reported violation actually constitutes a violation of the Governing
Documents. The ACC may, if appropriate, relay such findings to the party
that initiated the investigation. Pursuant to the Texas Property Code,
the Association is not required to release or allow inspection of
records that identify the violation history of an Owner. If the ACC
makes a finding that no violation exists or has occurred, no further
action shall be required.
4. Finding a Violation of the Restrictive Covenants
If the ACC determines that a violation of the Governing Documents has
occurred, or is ongoing, the ACC will send notice of the violation and a
recommendation of corrective actions to the Owner of the Lot upon which
the violation occurred or exists. Such notice may be sent via first
class mail or by such method that is deemed acceptable by the State of
Texas Codes. The notice must contain
- a general description of the matters complained of,
- all curative actions requested, and a time period in which such curative actions must be completed, and
- a statement advising that all parties affected by the violation are
entitled to a hearing upon delivery of a written request to the ACC as
described below.
To the extent feasible, such notice shall be
issued within ten (10) days of the receipt of the initial report of the
violation. The ACC must send copies of any notices issued to the Board
of Directors. 5. Failure by an Owner to Cure a Violation Upon the
sending of notice of a violation, the ACC shall allow a reasonable time
frame, not to exceed thirty (30) days, for the violation to be cured or
for corrective measures to be commenced. If the violation has not been
cured, or if corrective action sufficient to cure the violation has not
commenced, as determined by the ACC, within this thirty (30) day period,
the ACC may refer the violation to the Board for either approval of the
corrective actions or for further proceedings needed to obtain
compliance with the Governing Documents. If the corrective action taken
is approved by the Board, the ACC will provide notice to the Owner of
the Lot upon which the corrective action was conducted. If, in the
opinion of the Board, the corrective actions taken are not sufficient,
the ACC may take actions to remedy the violation independent of the
Owner of the Lot upon which the violation exists. Any costs associated
with corrective action will be charged against the Owner as an
additional assessment under ‘Article VIII, Section 10 (A)(3)’ of the
Deed Restrictions. 6. Notice and Opportunity to be Heard If any Member
or other responsible party for a violation or alleged violation
requests a hearing in writing, the ACC will issue written notice of a
time and place where the hearing will be conducted. Each responsible
party will be given an opportunity to present testimony and/or evidence
that the party considers relevant. The hearing will be held in closed
session and only the members of the ACC, Board, responsible parties, and
their representatives will be admitted. A written record shall be kept
of the hearing and the outcome of the hearing.
- Appeal Any determination made after a hearing may be appealed to the
Board by sending written notice of the appeal within ten (10) days of
the rendering of a decision by the ACC. Upon written notice of appeal,
the Board shall conduct a hearing within a reasonable time after
providing the same notice and following the same procedures established
in the preceding paragraph. - Retention of Records The ACC shall retain records of all reports and
documentation of investigations for a period of seven (7) years after
the final action has been taken on the reported violation.
1. Term
Subject to the provisions for amending the Deed Restrictions contained
below, these covenants, conditions, restrictions, reservations,
easements, liens and charges run with the land and are binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the Association, Owners, their respective legal
representatives, heirs, executors and administrators, predecessors,
successors, assigns, and all Persons claiming under them for a period of
twenty (20) years from the date the Deed Restrictions are filed in the
Official Public Records of Real Property of Harris County, Texas, after
which time said covenants, conditions, restrictions, reservations,
easements, liens, and charges will be automatically extended for
successive periods of ten (10) years each.
2. Amendment by Owners
Except as otherwise expressly herein provided, the Owners of one half
(1/2) of the total number of Lots then contained within the Subdivision
always have the power and authority to amend the Deed Restrictions, in
whole or in part, at any time and from time to time. In all Governing
Documents, the terms “amend”, “amendment”, or the substantial equivalent
of either, mean and refer to any change, modification, revision, or
termination of any provisions of the Governing Documents. Approval of an
Owner may be obtained by such Owner executing a copy of the proposed
amendment, or by a vote of approval at any meeting of the Association,
or by a combination thereof.
3. Amendment by Association
The Board of Directors has the right in its sole judgment, from time to
time and at any time, to amend the Deed Restrictions without joinder of
any Owner or any other person or entity for the following purposes:
- A. To resolve or clarify any ambiguity or conflicts herein, or to
correct any inadvertent misstatements, errors, or omissions herein; - B. To conform the Deed Restrictions to the requirements of any
lending institution; provided, the Board has no obligation to amend the
Deed Restrictions in accordance with any such lending institution
requirements and the Board may not so amend the Deed Restrictions if, in
the sole opinion of the Board, any substantive rights of Owners would
be adversely affected thereby; - C. To conform the Deed Restrictions to the requirement of any
governmental agency, including the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation, Federal National Mortgage Agency, Veterans Administration
or Federal Housing Administration. In this respect, the Board shall so
amend the Deed Restrictions to the extent required by law upon receipt
of written notice of such requirement and request for compliance; - D. To conform the Deed Restrictions to any state or federal
constitutional requirements, or to the requirements of any local, state,
or federal statute, ordinance, rule, ruling, regulation, or to any
decisions of the courts regarding same.
4. Conflicts in Governing Documents
In the event of any conflict in the Governing Documents that cannot be
reasonably reconciled after application of rules of interpretation as
provided herein or by law, the Deed Restrictions will control over any
other Governing Documents, and all other Governing Documents shall
control in the following order of priority
- (i) Architectural Guidelines promulgated subsequent to the Deed Restrictions,
- (ii) Rules and Regulations,
- (iii) Articles of Incorporation,
- (iv) Bylaws,
- (v) Board and Member Resolutions, and
- (vi) all other documents. 5. Interpretation The provisions hereof
are to be liberally construed to give full effect to their intent and
purposes. The captions of each Section and Article contained herein are
inserted only for convenience and are not to be construed as a
substantive part of the Deed Restrictions and in no event shall limit,
extend, define, or otherwise modify the particular Article or Section to
which they refer. 6. Effective Date The Deed Restrictions are
effective from and after the date of filing in the Official Public
Records of Real Property of Harris County, Texas. IN WITNESS WHEREOF,
the Association, and the Owners of not less than a majority of the Lots
in the Subdivision, as provided by the Initial Declaration, have
executed these Deed Restrictions for the proposes of acknowledging their
adoption, consent, and approval of the provisions contained herein.
1. Residential Area Covenants
Each Lot, Owner, and each purchaser of any Lot by acceptance of a deed,
hereby covenants and shall be deemed to covenant to pay to the
Association the following:
- annual maintenance assessments;
- special assessments;
- any fees authorized by the Texas Property Code; and
- any fees legally charged pursuant to the Deed Restrictions, Governing Documents, or Texas law.
2. Annual Maintenance Assessment
The annual maintenance assessment will be due and payable to the Forest
West Community Improvement Association annually, in advance, on the last
day of January of each year. Delinquent assessments may be assessed
interest at a rate not to exceed six (6%) percent per annum. The initial
full base rate of the maintenance assessment will be forty-five dollars
($45.00) per Lot per year and will continue at this rate from year to
year unless modified as provided herein. This assessment shall begin the
year following the adoption of the Deed Restrictions.
3. Association Liability
The Association shall not be liable or responsible to any party for
failure or inability to collect assessments, fees, or related cost from
an Owner or related party.
4. Establishment and Purposes of Maintenance Fund
There is hereby established a Maintenance Fund into which all
assessments and fees provided for herein will be paid. The Board is
responsible for the collection, management, control and expenditure of
the Maintenance Fund, which must be deposited in accounts specifically
designated for the Association’s Maintenance Fund. The Maintenance Fund
must be used exclusively for the purposes of
- (i) promoting the recreation, welfare, common benefit, and enjoyment
of the Owners and occupants of the Subdivision, including maintenance
of all properties and facilities owned or controlled by the Association, - (ii) discharging the obligations of the Association pursuant to the Deed Restrictions and Governing Documents, and
- (iii) the doing of any other thing necessary or desirable in the
opinion of the Board of Directors for accomplishment of any of the
foregoing, including the establishment and maintenance of reserves for
repairs, maintenance, and other charges, and the expenditure of funds
for the benefit of other properties within the vicinity of the
Subdivision if in the judgment of the Board of Directors the Subdivision
will benefit thereby.
Specifically included within the purpose
of the Maintenance Fund is the operation, maintenance, repair, and
improvement of the swimming pool that is owned by the FWCIA so long as
that swimming pool shall be operated for the benefit of the Members. The
judgment of the Board in establishing any assessments or fees and in
the collection, management, and expenditure of the Maintenance Fund is
final and conclusive.
5. Purposes of Community Service Fee
The community service fee was established in 2010 under the authority of
Section 204.010 of the Texas Property Code. This fee is collected to
cover the cost of insurance, taxes, utilities, services and other
commitments payable by the FWCIA.
6. Special Assessment
In addition to the maintenance assessment authorized above, the
Association may levy, in any assessment year, a special assessment
applicable to that year only for the purpose of defraying, in whole or
in part, the cost of any purchase, construction, reconstruction, repair
or replacement of a capital improvement upon the Common Area, if any,
including fixtures and personal property related thereto, provided that
any such assessment shall have the approval of at least two-thirds (2/3)
of the votes of the membership of the Association, voting in person or
by proxy at a meeting duly called for this purpose. Written notice of
such meeting must be given to all Members not later than the 10th day or
earlier than the 60th day before the date of the election or vote, and
shall set forth the purpose of the meeting.
7. Board of Directors Budgeting Process Established
The Board of Directors will adopt a budget annually to determine sums
necessary and adequate to provide for the expenses of the Association
for the succeeding twelve months period. This budget may include the
funding of capital improvements and contingency reserves.
- The maintenance assessment may not be increased by more than five
percent (5%) annually by the Board. If the Board elects to increase the
assessment, written notice will be provided to Owners at least ninety
(90) days prior to the effective date (the first day of January) of the
proposed increase. Upon notice to Owners as described above, the
increase shall be effective unless, within sixty (60) days of the
notice, the Board receives a written request for a special meeting of
the Members signed by not less than one-fourth (1/4) of the votes of the
Association. If such a request is presented to the Board, a special
meeting will be called within thirty (30) days of receipt of the
request. A vote will be taken at the special meeting of the Members to
disapprove the proposed increase in the maintenance assessment. In order
to conduct such a vote, a quorum of not less than one-half (1/2) of the
votes of the Association must be present. If a quorum is reached, a
majority of the Members present in person or by proxy may vote to
disapprove the proposed increase. - To increase the maintenance assessment more than five percent (5%)
during a single year requires the approval of the Members in accordance
with this section. Notice of a meeting to vote on increasing the
assessment must be given to all Members at least thirty (30) days in
advance, but not more than sixty (60) days, and shall set forth the
place, date, and time of the meeting, and the amount of the proposed
increase. At any meeting conducted under this section, a quorum of not
less than one-fourth (1/4) of the votes of the Association must be
present. If a quorum is reached, the proposed increase must be approved
by a majority of the Members present in person or by proxy. - At the discretion of the Board, the maintenance assessment may be
decreased. If the Directors elect to decrease the assessment, written
notice will be given to Owners at least ninety (90) prior to the
effective date (the first day of January) of the proposed decrease. Upon
notice to the Owners as described above, the decrease will be effective
unless, within thirty (30) days of the notice, the Board receives a
written request for a special meeting of the Members signed by not less
than one-fourth (1/4) of votes of the Association. If such a request is
presented to the Board, a special meeting will be called within thirty
(30) days of receipt of the request. A vote will be taken at the special
meeting of the Members to disapprove the proposed decrease. In order to
conduct such a vote, a quorum of not less than one-half (1/2) of the
votes of the Association must be present. If a quorum is reached, a
majority of the Members present in person or via proxy must vote to
disapprove the decrease.
9. Personal Obligation; Transferees
In addition to the assessment lien herein established, each assessment
is the personal obligation of each Owner of the Lot charged with that
assessment as of the time that the assessment accrued, notwithstanding
any subsequent transfer of ownership. If an Owner of a Lot transfers
ownership to another party, the transferee will be jointly and severally
liable for payment of all unpaid assessments owed to the Association at
the time of transfer without prejudice to that transferee’s right or
ability to recover from the transferor the amounts paid by the
transferee.
10. Statement of Assessments
Any transferee or prospective transferee shall be entitled to a
statement from the Association setting forth all assessments due as of
the date of the written request. Requests for such statements must be in
writing and delivered to the Association at the address listed on the
Association’s Management Certificate. If the Association fails to
respond to a proper written request for a statement of assessments
within fifteen (15) days of a verifiable receipt of such request, then
upon transfer, the transferee shall not be liable for any unpaid
assessments against the Lot accruing prior to the date of the written
request.
-
- Additional Assessments for Delinquencies and Non-ComplianceAdditional assessments may be levied against individual Lots and the
Owners of individual Lots at the time of liability as provided below:- Interest – Interest compounded monthly at a rate of six (6%) percent
per annum will be charged on any assessment or fee that is not paid
within thirty (30) days of the due date. - Late Charges – A late charge in the amount of twenty-five dollars
($25.00) is hereby imposed as to any assessment that is not paid in full
within thirty (30) days of the due date. The Board of Directors may
change the amount of the late charge established under this section from
time to time by Board Resolution. Any change in the amount of the late
charge will apply equally to all Owners and Lots. - Compliance Costs – All expenses reasonably attributable to or
incurred by reason of a breach or violation of any provision of the Deed
Restrictions or other Governing Documents will be assessed against the
Owner who occasioned the incurrence of such expenses. Specifically
included within this section are- any reasonable attorney’s fees incurred in enforcing the provisions
of the Deed Restrictions and Governing Documents, whether such fees are
incurred prior to, during, or after any legal actions taken in a court
of competent jurisdiction or in conjunction with any proceeding for the
foreclosure of an assessment lien, or - any reasonable costs assumed or incurred by the ACC or FWCIA to
implement any and all necessary or required modifications, maintenance
or services rendered to facilitate compliance with the provisions set
forth within the Deed Restrictions and Governing Documents.
- any reasonable attorney’s fees incurred in enforcing the provisions
- Interest – Interest compounded monthly at a rate of six (6%) percent
- Additional Assessments for Delinquencies and Non-ComplianceAdditional assessments may be levied against individual Lots and the
-
- Payment WaiverFailure of the Association to impose or collect any specific fee or
assessment is not grounds for any action against the Association, or any
Director, officer, agent or employee thereof, and does not constitute a
waiver of the Association’s right to exercise its authority to collect
any specific assessments or fees in the future.
- Payment WaiverFailure of the Association to impose or collect any specific fee or
-
- Automatic RemediesIf any assessment or fee is not paid by the due date:
- Late charges, interest from the due date, and all compliance costs
(including reasonable attorney’s fees), shall be added to and included
in the amount of such assessment or fee; and - All rights to use of all recreational facilities by the Owner, their
tenants, and their Related Parties will be automatically suspended
until all assessments and fees are paid in full.
- Late charges, interest from the due date, and all compliance costs
- Automatic RemediesIf any assessment or fee is not paid by the due date:
- Lien for AssessmentsThe annual maintenance assessments, special assessments, and community
service fees, together with interest, costs and reasonable attorney’s
fees in the event of default, shall be a charge on each Lot and shall be
a continuing lien upon the Lot against which each such assessment is
made. The original recording of the Initial Declaration and recording of
these Deed Restrictions constitutes record notice and perfection of the
Association’s continuing lien. No further recordation of a claim or
lien or other notice of any kind or type whatsoever is required to
establish or perfect such lien. To further evidence such lien, the
Association may, but shall not be required to, prepare and file in the
Official Public Records of Real Property of Harris County, Texas,
written notice of default in payment of assessments in such form as the
Board may direct. Each Owner of each Lot, by acceptance of the deed
therefore and whether or not it shall be so expressed in such deed,
hereby expressly vests in the Board of Directors of the Association, or
its agents, the right and power to bring all actions against each such
Owner personally for the collection of all such assessments as a debt
and to enforce the aforesaid Association’s lien by all methods available
for the enforcement of such liens, including non-judicial foreclosure
pursuant to 51.002 of the Texas Property Code, as same presently exists
or as it is subsequently amended; and each such Owner hereby expressly
grants to the Board of Directors of the Association a power of sale in
connection with said Association’s lien. In any foreclosure proceedings,
whether judicial or non-judicial, the Owner will be required to pay the
costs, expenses and reasonable attorney’s fees incurred by the
Association, and the Association will have the right and power to bid on
the property being foreclosed. The aforesaid Association’s lien shall
be superior to all other liens and charges against the Lot, except only
for ad valorem tax liens and all sums unpaid on a first mortgage lien or
first deed of trust lien of record, securing in either instance sums
borrowed for the improvement and/or purchase of the Lot in question, to
which said liens the Association’s lien shall be subordinate and
inferior. Provided, however, that such subordination shall apply only to
the assessments which have become due and payable prior to a
foreclosure sale (whether public or private) of any such Lot pursuant to
the terms and conditions of any such mortgage or deed of trust. Any
foreclosure and sale of a Lot pursuant to said superior liens shall not
relieve any such Lot’s Owner of personal liability for the sums owing
under this section nor the new Owner thereof from liability for the
amount of any assessments thereafter becoming due nor from the
continuing lien imposed hereby securing payment of any such subsequent
assessments and fees.
EXECUTED AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BY THE ASSOCIATION ATTEST:
Forest West Community Improvement Association, Inc., a State of Texas
Non-Profit Corporation and an IRS registered 26CFR501(C) (4)
organization.
1. Committee Members
The ACC shall be comprised of members of Forest West subdivision with at
least one member being a member of the Board of Directors. All members
of the ACC shall serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors and
decisions shall be subject to review and modification by such.
2. Compensation
No person serving on the ACC is entitled to compensation for services
performed; provided the ACC may from time to time employ one or more
professionals, such as architects, surveyors, attorneys, or other
consultants, as approved by the Board of Directors, to assist the ACC in
carrying out its duties. The Association shall pay such consultants for
services rendered to the ACC.
3. Function and Powers of the ACC
The ACC exists to monitor and regulate existing and potential changes
and improvements to the visible exterior appearances of structures and
environments within the Forest West subdivision. The ACC shall not
monitor or regulate any such matters and activities conducted wholly
within the interior of a residence that do not affect the exterior
appearance of the residence or any adjacent residence or improvement.
The ACC exists to provide an avenue to facilitate the reporting of
violations of the restrictive covenants contained in this Declaration,
to collect documentation of reported violations, to communicate reported
violations to Members and to the Board, to serve as a source of
alternate dispute resolution for disputes among Members relating to
compliance with those restrictive covenants, and to the extent provided
herein, enforce the restrictive covenants contained in this Declaration.
- Right to Enforce
The Association, by and through the Board, and any Owner has the right
to enforce observance and compliance with all restrictions, covenants,
conditions, and easements set forth in this Declaration and other
Governing Documents. No part of this Declaration is intended, nor shall
any part be construed, to limit the right of any party to seek the
enforcement of any restriction in any court of competent jurisdiction.
4. Architectural Guidelines
The ACC may from time to time adopt, amend, or repeal and publish
certain Architectural Guidelines. These guidelines may allow for or
prohibit certain construction/improvements without review from the ACC,
specify acceptable construction materials, specify set-back lines or
other limitations as determined by the original plat of the Subdivision,
or make such other declarations as deemed necessary to maximize
compliance with the Architectural Review Criteria set forth above.