On September 26, Voting Members held a special meeting for the purpose of approving amendments to the Westchase Residential Guidelines for fences and to the Individual Neighborhood Section Guidelines (“INSGs”) for Castleford, Stonebridge Villas and Traditional Townhomes at West Park Village. Those Guidelines and INSGs were outlined in the September issue of the WOW, and are also listed at the end of this article.
There were 2,289 Members of the Association represented at the meeting by the presence of the Voting Members.
Amendments to Guidelines covering all Units must be approved by the affirmative vote of Voting Members representing 66% of the votes of the Association. Amendments to INSGs must be approved by 51% of Owners in the Neighborhood identified in the INSG or by a majority of the directors for the applicable Neighborhood Association, and by 2/3 of the Voting Members with each Voting Member casting one (1) vote. The amendment for Traditional Townhomes of West Park Village must also be approved by 2/3 of the West Park Village Voting Members, with each Voting Member casting one vote.
Amendments 2-7 passed. Amendment 1 failed with the 1728 yes votes not reaching the 66% needed to pass the amendment, which would have amended Section 2.2.13 to allow metal fences that comply with Section 2.2.15.C to extend to the rear Lot line on any Lot that abuts a lake, pond or conservation area notwithstanding any other provision in the Guidelines or in any INSG. Click here to download the tally sheet.
Proposed Amendments on the Sept. 26 Ballot
(1) Section 2.2.13 of the Guidelines: The draft amendment would allow metal fences that comply with section 2.2.15.C to extend to the rear Lot line on any Lot that abuts a lake, pond or conservation area notwithstanding any other provision in the Guidelines or INSGs.
(2) Section 2.2.13 of the Guidelines: The draft amendment would provide that only metal fences are permitted on Lots that abut a lake, pond, or conservation area. The Guidelines already provide that only metal fences are permitted on Lake Lots. The amendment is intended to treat Lots that abut lakes, ponds and conservation areas the same.
(3) Section 2.2.15 A – E of the Guidelines: The draft amendment would change “aluminum” to “metal” in order to use consistent terminology. The draft amendment would also distinguish fence materials and fence styles; clarify that INSGs may impose limitations on styles, materials, locations and heights for fences; provide that shadowbox, board on board, and semi-privacy (spaced board) fence styles may be made of wood or vinyl; allow residential or commercial grade aluminum fences; and organize restrictions that pertain to wood fencing into a single subsection.
(4) Section 2.2.15 F of the Guidelines: The draft amendment would add a section to allow pool fences or child barriers around the perimeter of the pool as needed to comply with local ordinances, Florida Statutes and the Florida Building Code. The draft amendment would also limit pool fences or child barriers to black metal or mesh with vertical support posts, consisting of black, white or gray materials. Pool fences or child barriers would need to be at least 4 feet in height and placed between 20 and 36 inches from the water’s edge.
(5) Castleford INSGs: The draft amendment would remove reference to the New Construction Committee and allow all materials and styles of fencing that are permitted in section 2.2.15 of the Guidelines, as amended from time to time, except board on board fences.
(6) Stonebridge Villas: The draft amendment would change “Stonebridge” to correctly reflect the neighborhood name “Stonebridge Villas” and set forth a paint color pallet for the neighborhood.
(7) Traditional Townhomes of West Park Village: The draft amendment would provide that Traditional Townhomes of West Park Village are subject to the INSGs for West Park Village except that gutters, if used at the front of the house, must be ½ round or K-style.
