Fences, paint, pools, mailboxes, garbage cans, parking, signs, dues, and who does what — all in one place.
How much you pay, when, what happens if you're late, and where the money goes.
Dues are due upon receipt of the annual invoice, mailed no later than April. They cover the current calendar year (January–December) and may fluctuate slightly year to year based on association expenses and reserve levels. Current annual dues are $350. See Make a Payment for online and by-mail payment options.
Yes — beyond the regular annual dues, the Board can levy a special assessment against lots to cover an unbudgeted expense, following the voting and notice requirements set out in the Covenants.
Source: Covenants — Article IX, Special Assessments →The Reserve Fund is money the Board sets aside from dues to cover major future repairs and replacements — things like common-area landscaping, entrances, and other shared assets — instead of relying on a surprise special assessment when something wears out.
Source: Covenants — Article IX, Reserve Fund →Yes. Unpaid assessments and late charges become a continuing lien against the lot. If the total past-due balance (including late charges) exceeds $400, the Board shall file a certificate of lien with the county, and the lien stays valid for five years unless it’s paid, released, or discharged by a court.
Source: HOA Policy Clarification — Liens →The Board delivers a summary of the annual operating budget and assessments to every owner at least 30 days before the fiscal year starts, along with the capital budget. If the Board doesn’t adopt a new budget on time, assessments simply continue at the prior year’s budgeted amount until a new one is adopted.
Source: Covenants — Code of Regulations, Budget →Additions, decks, driveways, landscaping, and the approval process that covers all of it.
Complete a Design Review Application and submit it to the board — by email or mail — before starting any work. Include the type and nature of the improvement, color, dimensions, estimated cost, location, and a scale drawing showing placement relative to your lot lines and home. The Design Review Board reviews and approves each application.
Source: Design Review Application →Yes, but only after the HOA has approved design plans and all permits are obtained from local governments. Submit a Design Review Application for the specific dimensions and placement you’re planning.
Source: Covenants — Article V, Architectural Standards →Yes, with Design Review Board approval, and with all local codes and permits in order before work proceeds.
Source: Covenants — Article V, Modifications →Usually yes, but all plans need to be reviewed. Bold or exotic landscape designs aren’t approved — they must blend well with what’s typical in the neighborhood.
Source: Covenants — Article V, Architectural Standards →Some areas of the neighborhood — shown on the recorded plat or in prior deed restrictions — are designated “No-Build Zones,” where no structures may be built. In vegetated no-build zones you may still do safety-related maintenance, like removing poisonous or hazardous growth; grassed no-build zones must be mowed, trimmed, and watered by whoever is otherwise responsible for that area.
Source: Covenants — Article VI, Easements →Starting exterior or yard work before it’s approved is a real risk — the HOA can require you to change or remove the improvement entirely, at your own expense. It’s always faster and cheaper to submit a Design Review Application first.
Source: New Resident Welcome Guide →What colors and materials are pre-approved for paint, roofing, and siding.
Roof: no. Siding samples, along with trim color samples, must be approved through the HOA, unless it’s for a repair where all colors match completely.
Source: HOA Policy Clarification — Shingle Color →Yes, but the color must be pre-approved, and bold or exotic colors are not accepted.
Source: HOA Policy Clarification — Doors and Shutters →Siding should be similar in style and quality to Norandex Summit Manor Dutch Lap Vinyl, 4–5 inches in size, in white, silver/light grey, cream, tan, almond/light cream, granite/dark grey, or cobblestone (or a comparable color). Homes with different siding installed before July 1, 2014 are grandfathered in until it needs repair or replacement.
Source: HOA Policy Clarification — Exterior Paint and Siding →What kind of fence is allowed, and the height and placement rules that go with it.
Only wood split-rail fencing is approved by the board (dark-painted wire or plastic mesh can be attached inside the rail). Fences installed before July 1, 2014 in a different style are grandfathered in until they need repair or replacement. All fencing and other exterior changes must be approved before work is started.
Source: HOA Policy Clarification — Fencing →Fences and walls can’t exceed 48 inches above grade, unless a government safety code requires taller (like a pool enclosure). They also can’t be placed closer to the street than the midpoint line between the front corners of the home — except short decorative railings near an entrance, which can be up to 3 feet.
Source: HOA Policy Clarification — Fencing →In-ground pools, above-ground pools, hot tubs, and seasonal kiddie pools.
In-ground pools are allowed once the HOA approves your design plans and all local permits are issued. Above-ground pools that extend 12 inches or more above grade are not permitted. Hot tubs, saunas, and temporary, seasonal children’s pools under 12 inches are fine — just remove seasonal kids’ pools by Labor Day each year.
Source: HOA Policy Clarification — Swimming Pools →Yard signs, real-estate signs, and what isn’t allowed.
Yes. No signs of any kind are allowed on a lot except: official street or identification signs installed by the Association, the governing municipality, or the developer, and one temporary real estate sign, no larger than six square feet, advertising that the home is for sale. Any other sign is a violation and can result in board action, including a fine.
Source: HOA Policy Clarification — Signs →Yes — you’re allowed one temporary real estate sign, no larger than six square feet, advertising that your home is for sale. It should come down once the home is no longer listed.
Source: HOA Policy Clarification — Signs →Those aren’t among the exceptions in the covenants — only official street/identification signs installed by the Association, the governing municipality, or the developer, and one real-estate-for-sale sign, are permitted. Putting up any other sign, including security company, political, or holiday/seasonal signs, can result in board action, including a fine.
Source: HOA Policy Clarification — Signs →Keeping your mailbox and post to the neighborhood standard.
If your mailbox needs repair or replacement, it must be white, made of plastic or metal, and free from rust. It must be securely fastened to a weather-treated wooden post painted Sherwin Williams “Loggia” (color code SW7506) to match the neighborhood’s original design.
Source: HOA Policy Clarification — Mailbox →Pickup day, where cans can be stored, and the rules for screens and enclosures.
Garbage pickup is Monday morning — put your cans out Sunday night.
Source: New Resident Welcome Guide →Garbage cans must be concealed from public view using one of three options: inside your garage, up against the back of your house, or up against the side of your house with one approved screen or enclosure. Garbage cans are not allowed in the driveway or front of the house, except within 24 hours before or after your scheduled trash pickup. Any screen or enclosure needs Design Review Board approval before you install it.
Source: Garbage Can Storage Policy →Screens must be the same color as your house or trim, black, or white, and built from wood, composite, or PVC. Height can’t exceed 50 inches and can’t extend more than 50 inches from your house, with a length no more than 12 inches past your last can (up to 4 cans). Boards or slats can’t have large gaps, the screen can’t be used for anything other than can storage, and it must be approved by the Design Review Board before installation.
Source: Garbage Can Storage Policy — Screen/Enclosure Regulations →The HOA will send a notification if your garbage placement or screen upkeep is out of compliance. A fine of $25 per month applies until it’s corrected, up to a maximum of $200 per year.
Source: Garbage Can Storage Policy — Violations →Parking rules, antennas and dishes, and running a business from home.
A light pickup truck used as your personal vehicle is fine. But commercial vehicles, larger trucks, boats, trailers, campers, and mobile homes can’t be parked or stored on the street or on any lot for more than 48 hours within any 30-day period. See the covenants below for the full rule, including exceptions for enclosed storage. Any structure built to enclose or shield a vehicle needs Design Review Board approval before it goes up.
Source: Covenants — Article IV, Vehicles →Exterior antennas and satellite dishes generally aren’t allowed, except satellite dishes under 24 inches in diameter, which are permitted if positioned to minimize visibility from the street.
Source: Covenants — Article IV, Antennae →No business, trade, occupation, or profession may be conducted or established on your property without prior written approval from the board.
Source: Covenants — Article IV, Business →How the board and committees work, meetings, voting, and which rules win in a conflict.
The Board of Directors is elected by homeowners to two-year terms to make sure Riverwood Trails’ covenants are followed, dues are collected, bills are paid, and the HOA keeps proper funds in reserve. It’s a volunteer position.
The Design Review Board is a separate board appointed by the Board of Directors that reviews and approves every application for exterior or grounds changes, keeping architectural standards consistent across the neighborhood. It’s also a volunteer position.
The Grounds Committee sources quotes for landscaping, lawn care, and general ground upkeep, and coordinates volunteers for grounds projects. Unlike the Board and Design Review Board, it’s open to any resident — no election required.
The Board consists of three trustees, and each must be an owner (or the owner’s spouse) who occupies the lot — a person and their spouse can’t both serve at the same time. Nominees are put forward by a Nominating Committee: a board member serving as chair, plus two or more other association members, appointed at each annual meeting.
Source: Covenants — Code of Regulations, Board of Trustees →The Secretary mails or delivers notice of annual or special meetings to every owner between 10 and 60 days before the meeting. A special meeting can be called by the President, or by a written petition signed by at least 25% of the association’s total votes.
Source: Covenants — Code of Regulations, Meetings →Yes. A vote allocated to a lot can be cast by a written, signed, and dated proxy. A proxy is only valid for one year from its date unless it specifies a shorter period, and you can revoke it in writing to the Secretary or the Association any time before it’s used.
Source: Covenants — Code of Regulations, Proxies →Getting oriented in your first few weeks at Riverwood Trails.
Yes — check out our New Resident Welcome Guide, which covers trash day, dues, key architectural guidelines, and who to contact for questions, all in one place.
Source: New Resident Welcome Guide →Getting in touch with the board, and flagging a specific concern.
Use the contact form at the bottom of this page, or email the board directly at home@riverwoodtrails.com. The board is all-volunteer, so response times can vary — we’ll get back to you as soon as we’re able.
Source: Garbage Can Storage Policy — Resolution Letter →Use the Report a Concern form and the board will follow up. These reports aren't anonymous — your name goes to the board with the report. For general questions or design review requests, use the contact form or email instead.