Frequently Asked Questions
Many questions are answered in the Quick Reference Guide.
Where are the architectural standards documents?
May I relocate my air conditioning unit?
How do I find the college baseball field?
What kind of insurance coverage is appropriate for townhomes?
STANDARDS FOR RELOCATION OF TOWNHOME A/C UNITS
The Architectural Review Committee has now completed the standard for moving air conditioning units. It applies to townhome owners who want to relocate their A/C unit from the courtyard or patio to the rear of the townhome. Development of this standard has turned out to be more complex than originally anticipated. There are noise, heat, appearance, location, safety, and maintenance issues which affect all homeowners. To that end, it is the intent of this standard to address these issues and be legal, uniform, and unobtrusive.
In looking at potential code and permit requirements, it was discovered that an electrical permit is required for this work. This is normally obtained by a licensed contractor doing the work. A corresponding post-installation inspection by Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement is also required.
All townhome owners who want to move an air conditioning unit must initially submit a Request for Architectural Approval. The request should include a copy of the new standards and should identify how they are to be met. A Submission Worksheet is provided with the standard for this purpose. If any of the standards cannot be met for any reason, then an explanation of the need for the exceptions should be part of the submission in order for the submission to be considered. Initial approval must be obtained prior to beginning installation.
Final approval will be given only after successful completion two required
post-installation inspections:
(1) by Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement, and
(2) by the Neighborhood Association.
The townhome owner must submit the Notice of Installation Completion
(attached to the standard). The Notice of Installation Completion must
include a copy of the successful post-installation inspection by Mecklenburg
County Code Enforcement. The installation must be completed and the
Notice of Completion submitted within 180 days of the initial approval
or the approval is withdrawn. The Architectural Review Committee than
has 60 days to complete the Homeowners Association inspection and grant
final approval.
The new standard and attached forms include a total of four pages and will not be copied in this newsletter. They will be available on the desk in the foyer outside Doug Boone’s office on St. Alban’s Lane.
Townhome owners who have already relocated A/C units will be required to go through this same approval process. The patience of neighborhood residents is greatly appreciated as the Architectural Review Committee works hard to develop this and other neighborhood standards. Special recognition is due Luann Christine and Mike Stenhouse who both spent hours completing research and follow-up on the newest standard.
What kind of insurance coverage is appropriate for townhomes?
If you are new to townhome living in New Neighborhood, you may be paying too much for insurance. It has come to light that townhome owners pay anywhere from $150 to $600 (or more) in annual premiums and may be over-insured for their personal insurance. As you may know, the Neighborhood Association purchases the casualty insurance for each townhome building. This is paid through the Townhome Peer Group assessment. Although townhomes are deeded fee simple, including the land underneath the unit, the insurance covering the entire building is usually described as a Condominium Policy. Townhome owners should purchase an HO-06 policy to cover personal liability and contents. Townhome owners may want to shop around. If there are further questions or you feel you may be over-insured, please contact Main Street Management to obtain a copy of the report prepared by the insurance consultant hired by the Neighborhood Association.
Please also be aware that the Neighborhood Association budget includes termite insurance to cover termite damage up to $100,000. Further insurance is probably not needed unless townhome owners wish to purchase interior or perimeter pest control policies.
