What’s This About?
Article XII, Section 9 of our HOA Declaration currently requires garbage cans to be concealed from view of neighboring homes and streets. In practice, this means storing cans in garages or behind dwellings, forcing residents to have trash inside our homes. This can create poor air quality and invite pests into our dwellings.
This proposal keeps our neighborhood looking clean and well-maintained, while allowing a small, reasonable accommodation: simple, plain trash can enclosures/covers in front of homes that are similar in color to the home or garage.
Current Article XII, Section 9 (Garbage Cans Portion)
All garbage cans, above-ground storage tanks, mechanical equipment, yard equipment and other similar items on Units shall be located or screened so as to be concealed from view of neighboring Units and streets. All rubbish, trash and garbage shall be stored in appropriate containers and shall regularly be removed from the Properties and shall not be allowed to accumulate thereon. Such rubbish, trash and garbage containers may be temporarily located along street frontage for pickup for periods not to exceed twelve (12) hours.
Proposed Amendment to Article XII, Section 9
Garbage cans may be kept in front of a home if they are fully concealed by a plain enclosure or cover that meets the following rules:
- The enclosure/cover must be similar to the main color of the home or garage and be a neutral color.
- The enclosure/cover must completely hide the garbage cans from the street and neighboring homes when closed.
- The enclosure/cover must be kept clean and in good condition.
- The enclosure/cover cannot have logos, decorations, or designs. Only a simple, matching finish.
- The enclosure/cover must not block sidewalks, neighboring driveways, or emergency access. They may be stored in front of the dwelling.
All other rules in Article XII, Section 9 about removing trash regularly and the 12-hour limit for placing trash at the street for pickup still apply.
What Stays the Same vs. What Changes
What stays the same:
- Cans must still be fully concealed from view.
- Trash cannot be left to accumulate or overflow.
- Street-front placement is still limited to 12 hours around pickup time.
- The HOA retains authority to enforce cleanliness and good repair.
What changes:
- Homeowners may store cans in front of the dwelling if they are inside or under a plain, matching enclosure/cover.
- The enclosure/cover must hide the cans completely when closed.
- No decorative graphics, logos, or bold patterns—only simple, neutral designs that match the home.
Why This Change Makes Sense
- Practical: Helps residents who don’t have side yards or have mobility concerns.
- Safe & Sanitary: Prevents residents from keeping garbage cans inside their dwelling which can lead to pests and poor air quality.
- Protects Property Values: Cans remain fully concealed while still allowing the HOA to enforce the rule.
- Prevents Unnecessary Fines: Provides a specific, enforceable option instead of vague interpretation.
Common Questions & Concerns
Will this make the neighborhood look messy?
No. Enclosures/covers must be plain, matching, and fully conceal the cans. Random exposed cans or decorative sheds would still not comply.
Does this change trash pickup rules?
No. The 12-hour limit for putting containers at the street for pickup remains exactly the same.
Could this hurt property values?
Uniform, color-matched enclosures/covers can actually improve curb appeal versus visible cans, while all existing standards for cleanliness remain in place.
How You Can Support This
To adopt this amendment, we need signatures from our neighbors.
- Review the proposed language above.
- Share this page with your neighbors.
- Click I Support This Change! to receive an official signature document.
This website is created by homeowners to share information and build community support. It is not an official HOA website or legal advice.