Yard Maintenance Policy

The purpose of the Stelle Community Association Yard Maintenance Policy is to summarize standards of yard maintenance that most residents believe renders the property well-maintained and attractive in appearance.  We recognize that we are a community of individuals living together which requires consideration of each other. Well-maintained yards not only make our community more attractive, but cared for property helps increase the value of our homes and encourages others to buy or rent homes in Stelle.   

Standards of Yard Maintenance

·      Grass lawns should be cut and maintained at a height of no more than six (6) inches, unless heavy rains intervene to delay cutting. 

·      Alternative landscaping may be substituted for grass as long as it is kept attractive and well-maintained. 

·      Yard contents shall be kept in a tidy manner and yards shall be kept free of debris, junk, and refuse.

·      Propane tanks that are located on the front half of the lot should be fully screened from public view by landscaped plants or fences at least as tall as the tallest point of the tank.

·      Poultry is not permitted within 100 feet of a dwelling, except that of the owner or renter, according to Ford County’s Zoning Ordinances.  Some Stelle residents have kept poultry on their property from time to time with agreement from their immediate neighbors.  However, complaints about a violation of this Ford County ordinance may result in removal of the poultry by the Ford County Zoning Officer.

·      Roosters and livestock are not permitted on any lots in Stelle.

Resolution of Yard Maintenance Disputes and Assistance by the ACG

·      In the event that a dispute about yard maintenance arises between residents, we suggest that the residents involved talk with each other in order to resolve their concerns.  If conversations about yard maintenance fail to resolve these concerns, the SCA’s Administration and Common Grounds Committee (ACG) can be contacted for assistance.  

·      If the ACG determines that these standards are not maintained by a homeowner or renter, the ACG shall send a written notice to the homeowner requesting compliance with the above standards.  The homeowner will be given 10 days to comply.  After that time, the ACG will arrange to have the work done and bill the homeowner.  If the property is cited more than one time during the calendar year, the homeowner/renter will only be given 5 days to comply for subsequent violations.  The ACG will use SCA collection procedures if the bill is not paid in a timely manner.

This Yard Maintenance Policy is in compliance with Ford County’s Zoning Nuisance Ordinance (see Appendix A).

Per Section 5 of the Stelle Community Association Bylaws, this policy was approved by a majority of Class B members at a vote held on September 12, 2016 and is in effect as of that date.