Frequently Asked Questions
Published by The Lakes Homeowners Association Architectural Control Committee
We have published this guide in order to answer some of the questions that our residents might have. If you don’t find your answers here contact the Homeowners Association President or any member of our Board Of Directors. Their names and numbers are listed on our internet site, and in the issues of The Lakes Newsletter.
(Please note that this FAQ is meant as a convenient and quick reference guide for homeowners at The Lakes. The answers herein our based on our covenants. This is not a legal document. The final legal reference are The Lakes Covenants and our Homeowners Association By-Laws as filed with Lafayette County, State of Mississippi.)
Covenants (12)
Yes. Our covenants restrict activities that “… may become an annoyance or nuisance to the neighborhood.”
It depends. Our covenants restrict the lots to “single family residential purposes.” That language alone prevents residents from opening up a “store front” business. Also, you may not have a business that “… may become an annoyance or nuisance to the neighborhood.” In addition our covenants state that “No structure nor activity may be undertaken for a commercial nature or for a commercial venture …” However, all is not lost. You may run a business out of your home, or have an office in your home, “… if the office does not require customers or clients coming and going from the home.”
Kennels must have prior approval of the Architectural Control Comm. and be “concealed from view.”
No. By our covenants your dog must be restrained on your property by a fence, or by an electric “invisible fence.” When away from your property your dog must be on a leash. Note that in no situation is “voice control” acceptable.
It means that there are legally binding “covenants” that act as guidelines for construction, additions, fences, swimming pools etc. The covenants also address property maintenance in addition to other items that may affect your property. The Lakes Covenants are a legal document that have been filed with Lafayette County. As a property owner at The Lakes you are legally bound to comply with these covenants. You will have been furnished a copy of these covenants when you purchased your property or home at The Lakes and they are a part of the deed to your property.
Our covenants are protective, not restrictive, in that they are intended to maintain the appearance of the subdivision and protect your property value. (As an aside, all subdivisions in Lafayette County are covered by covenants as required by the Lafayette County Subdivision Regulations.)
You may view or download and print them from The Lakes internet site or, contact the Homeowners Association for a new copy.
Yes. Our covenants state that “Ground cover/vegetation may not exceed eight (8) inches in height on average.”