Frequently Asked Questions
If I want to make an external improvement to my residence (pool, fence, screen enclosure, landscaping, new paint job, etc.) do I need HOA board approval?I Yes. The HOA board has been appointed by Benchmark Investing, Inc. to serve as the Architectural Control Committee for Improvement per §4.2 of the Declarations. As such, they must approve any Improvement on a Lot in writing.
What is the speed limit in the neighborhood? The speed limit in residential areas of Lake Jackson is 30 mph. Reports have been received by the HOA that contractors and homeowners are sometimes speeding down Deerwood, Northwood Drive and other neighborhood streets. The Lake Jackson police department has been asked to step up patrols of the neighborhood to slow drivers for the safety of our children.
Can I park my boat in the neighborhood? According to §5.8 of the Declaratons, "no trailer of any type, boat, inoperative automobile, camper or recreational vehicle of any kind shall be in excess of 10.5 feet in height or stored in public view in the Subdivision for a period of greater than 48 hours or more than 4 days in a single month. So if your boat is less than 10.5 ft. high, you can park your boat for 2-48 hr. or 4-24 hr. periods and that's all.
Are all wood fences in Northwood supposed to be the same color? Yes. Per §5.20, “Any fence facing any road must be of either cedar (capped and stained, using the Architectural Control Committee approved stain and color) wrought iron, brick, or stone. The ACC approved stain and color is Baker’s Gray Away in the Super Cedar Blend color. Quantities of approved stain are now available for sale by contacting Mike Heather at 299-9570. The cost is $22 per gallon or $110 per 5 gallons. Instructions for proper preparation and application are also available. No fence may be placed on any Lot without prior approval as to design, material and construction from the Architectural Control Committee, as provided in Article IV.
When will the Deerwood entrance be built? According the the Developer, work on the entrance should commence when Phase 4 construction begins.
Can anyone fish in the lake? No. The Northwood lake is private and only Lakefront lot owners can fish in it and then only from their lots. Fishing from lots owned by Benchmark Investing, Benchmark Builders, or other builders in considered trespassing.
I’ve seen the L.J. Police in the subdivision putting tickets on vehicles parked in private driveways. Why? As you may have heard, the city of L.J. does not allow vehicles to park in such a manner as to block a sidewalk. If you park in your driveway so that you block a sidewalk and are observed by an officer patrolling the neighborhood, you may receive a warning for the first offense and a ticket for any other offenses.
Can I have a garage sale in Northwood? According to §5.6 of the Declarations, “Each Lot shall be used only for single family residential purposes for the Owner and the Owners' family. No other activity of any sort shall be permitted”. The HOA board has interpreted this to mean that garage sales are not allowed. This ruling will be revisited at the next annual homeowners meeting.
Is there really an alligator in the lake? Yes. An alligator estimated to be about 6 ft. long has been spotted several times in the lake. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations, no person may hunt an alligator in the county unless they are in possession of a valid hunting license and at least one valid, unused alligator hide tag per taking device employed. Swimming in the lake is also highly discouraged.
Is it true the Developer is planning to put in a waterfall where the lake finger deadends at Deerwood? It is true, but a construction start date has not been set.
Does the HOA board report observed violatons of a "city ordinance" to the Lake Jackson code enforcement officer? No, board members only concern themselves with enforcing Northwood restrictions. However, our neighborhood is routinely patroled by L.J. police and animal control and they may report observed violations or issue warnings/tickets.
Do the Lakefront Owners have their own homeowners association? A Lakefront Homeowners Association has been formed for the purpose of collecting Lakefront HOA dues, enforcing provisions of the Declaration which relate to the Lake, and maintain the Lake in such a manner that it is aesthetically pleasing and allows for efficient drainage through the outfall system maintained by the Northwood Homeowners Association.
Who’s on the HOA Board of Directors? The Northwood HOA Board of Directors is made up of Mike Heather, President (2 yr. term ending 2009), Reg Aplin, Vice President (1 yr. term ending 2008), and Mike Kesseler, Treasurer/Secretary (2 yr. term ending 2009). Mike and Mike live in Northwood and can be reached at mlheather@hotmail.com or mkesseler@comcast.net.
Who's on the LHOA Board of Directors? The Northwood Lakefront HOA Board of Directors is made up of Bill van Volkenberg, Reg Aplin, and David Nicks.
Can I build a wood fence on my Lakefront Lot? No. Per §5.20 any fence constructed on a Lakefront Lot must be of non-opaque ornamental iron.
When will Phase IV begin? According to Reg Aplin, Benchmark Investing, Inc., engineering is nearing completion for phase 4. A start date has not been set.
Who do I contact if I have a question or complaint? Questions and complaints should be directed to Mike Heather or Mike Kesseler.