Frequently Asked Questions
CAPE ROYAL HOMEOWNERS' GOVERNING DOCUMENTS
What are my obligations in a deed-restricted community?
All property owners, family and guests must conform to all the rules and regulations set forth by the CRHOA Declarations of Covenants, Articles of Incorporation and the By-Laws which can be found on this website.
How can I get copies of the HOA documents?
These documents are on the website. Go to the home page and under "HOA INFORMATION", follow the link for "Governing Documents". This will bring up a list of each document. Click on the document you want to read. These can also be printed from there if you wish to have a hard copy of them.
HOA ASSESSMENT
How much is the HOA assessment?
As of January 2011 the annual assessment is $655.
When do I pay the assessment?
Invoices are sent out in January, payable in thirty (30) days.
What are the assessments used for?
The assessments are used for general administration of the community affairs, (i.e. office expenses, legal, insurances etc) operational maintenance, (i.e. all common area maintenance including landscaping and irrigation of common areas, guardhouse, walls, roads, gates etc) and utilities (i.e. street lighting, phone service at guardhouse etc)
Will the Board ever raise the annual assessment?
The assessment amount is determined by the amount of funds needed to meet all financial obligations of the community for the coming year. The Finance Committee will ask for an operating budget needs from each of the standing committees The Finance Committee will review the budgetary needs of the committees, inflationary impacts, etc. and will make a recommendation to the Board for the following year’s budget. The Board will review the recommendations of the Finance Committee and, if the Board agrees with the budgetary expenditures, will put forward a motion for Board member approval. The total budget will determine the membership assessment amount.
Will the Board ever impose a special assessment on the membership?
The Board may levy a special assessment to each lot owner for no more than $100 per lot per year to defray some or all of the costs of a capital improvement on the common areas of the community.
What happens if I don’t pay the assessments?
Any payment not paid within 30 days after due date shall be deemed in default and shall bear interest (prime plus 2%) from the due date. A lien may be placed against said lot for non-payment and include attorney fees and costs. The Association may bring action of law against the owner or may foreclose the lien against the property.
CRHOA COMMUNITY RULES & REGULATIONS
Why did I receive a violation letter?
Violation letters are sent to you because you are not in compliance with the rules and regulations set forth in our community’s governing documents. The letter will state the violation and the timing in which you have to comply before a second violation letter is sent out.
Do all violations warrant a letter?
In most cases if this is a first time violation you will receive a courtesy note or call about the violation before a formal letter is sent.
I received a violation letter, but the violation does not exist?
If you received a violation letter that you believe does not belong to you please notify the Board by using the “contact us” at the top of the homepage on this website or send a letter to the Board attn Covenants Committee.
Can I install a satellite dish or wireless network antenna?
No exterior antennas shall be allowed other that small satellite dishes, however they must be concealed as much as possible from public view.
May I park my boat, sports equipment, RV, trailer or similar vehicle on the street or driveway?
Boats, motor homes and campers are not permitted in excess of seventy-two hours in the driveways. They may be parked in the garage.
Can I park my car or truck on the street?
Trucks one ton or larger may not be parked in the community. Personal use trucks may be parked in the driveway. Vehicles may not be parked in the driveway in a manner that extends into the street. Vehicles may not be parked on the grass or common areas.
I have visitors coming, where should they park?
Visitors should park in your driveway if possible.
How do I report a violation of the rules and regulations?
Violations should be sent to the CRHOA mailing address (Attn Covenants Committee) or send an email using the “contact us” at the top of the homepage (attn Covenants Committee). Please include your name, date and explain the violation that you are reporting.
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Is our community in Cape Coral or in the County?
Cape Royal is unincorporated and lies in the County. From time to time the City of Cape Coral has made attempts to incorporate our community. It has been established, by signed petitions, that our residents DO NOT wish to be a part of Cape Coral. For that reason, Cape Royal formed a Task Force to stay on top of the situation. The latest findings and actions can be reviewed by following the link to Annexation Information.
Does the CRHOA carry insurance?
The CRHOA carries the following insurances: Commercial Liability, Commercial Crime, Commercial Umbrella Liability, Directors and Officers Liability and Workmen’s Compensation.
Who is responsible for maintaining the common areas, front entrance, guardhouse and gates?
The Property Maintenance Committee is responsible for the common areas, front entranceway, guardhouse and wall structures. The Security Committee is responsible for the gates.
When is the garbage and horticultural debris collected?
Household garbage is collected on Thursdays. Cans, bags and containers should not be put curbside before Wednesday evening and put away as soon as possible on Thursday. Horticultural debris and recyclables are picked up on Fridays and should not be put at the curbside until Thursday PM. If a holiday falls on a weekday the pickups are pushed ahead a day.
For more information on yard waste collection, visit Lee County's website regarding Residential Yard Waste Disposal
What days can I water my lawn?
Regardless of whether you water with a well or use Pine Island water you are subject to Lee County’s Water restrictions. Current restrictions can be found on their website Lee-County.com or by calling 1-800-662-8876.
Who do I contact to report a significant problem with the common areas?
Contact the Property Maintenance Committee.
Is there an emergency evacuation plan in the event of a hurricane or other community disaster?
Follow the county procedures for hurricane evacuation. Links to this information and more can be found on the CERT page of this website.
Who do I contact to report problems with the front entrance gates?
Any problems with the front entrance gate should be reported to the Security Committee.
I am selling my house and would like to put a For Sale sign in my yard. Are there any rules for the size and type of sign I can use?
Contact Artistix Signs & Graphics in Cape Coral (542-3354) to order approved signage. You may put one in front and one in back of the property.
How do I replace my mailbox?
The approved company that is now being used for the community must replace the mailbox. Refer to the "Mailbox Maintenance Policy" under the "Governing Documents" link on the Home page.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND BOARD MEETINGS
Who are the Board of Directors and when do their terms expire?
Information about the Board of Directors can be found by clicking on the "Board of Directors" link on the Home page, under "HOA INFORMATION".
What is the difference between the Board of Directors and the HOA?
The HOA or Homeowners Association, known as the membership, is comprised of all home and lot owners and the golf course. The Board of Directors are members of the association who have been elected by a majority vote of the membership to represent the community interests.
How do I get on the Board of Directors?
Each year some directors’ terms will expire and will require an election for the directors’ positions. Prior to that a notice will be sent to the membership to notify the community that an election will be held and that if any member wishes to become a member of the Board that they notify the election committee of their intent to run. You will be asked to include a bio that will be sent with the list of candidates to the membership for voting either by proxy or ballot. The election will take place at the annual meeting, which is usually held in February.
When and where are the Board meetings?
The Board meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the golf clubhouse at 7 PM unless otherwise posted. The information is posted on the clubhouse HOA bulletin board, the posting board at the entrance, on the website under "Agenda" and is sent via email from the block captains.
What happens at the Board meetings?
Prior to the Board meetings the Board will put an agenda of items that will be addressed at the meeting. The agenda is posted on the website, emailed from your block captains, posted on the clubhouse HOA bulletin board and at the posting board at the front entranceway. Some items need to be voted on and approved by the Board before further action can take place. (i.e. large expenditures, new or changed policies, contracts, legal issues etc) Time is always given to the membership to bring up issues or concerns that were not a part of the agenda.
When and where is the annual meeting held and what happens at that meeting?
The annual meeting is usually held in February at a facility to be announced. Each committee will report an overview of the year’s work and progress. Again the membership will be given time to address concerns and issues. The ballots will be counted for the election of the directors and the winners will be announced. The BOD will then elect the officers. Only the Board members may vote for the officers of the Board of Directors. Once the officers are announce the meeting is adjourned and the annual meeting is over.
ARCHITECTURAL AND DESIGN GUILDLINES
Why must I submit an architectural request?
The ARB was established to administer the architectural control set forth in our governing documents. (Declaration of Covenants Section 10.10) This is to insure that the community maintains certain standards.
Do I need to get permits prior to any work being done?
Our community is under Lee County permitting. The homeowner or contractor is responsible for obtaining the necessary permits before commencing work.
I submitted an architectural request, but have not yet received an answer?
The ARB has the responsibility to respond to you within 30 days. If you do not hear from them please check with the ARB chairperson to assure that the request was received.
Do I need approval to build a swimming pool?
The ARB committee must approve the installation of a swimming pool and you or the contractor must file for the appropriate permits under Lee County.
Can I expand my driveway/walkway or otherwise pour concrete in my front yard?
The footprint of your house was initially approved by the ARB. Any changes to that should be brought before the ARB committee.
Can I put up a fence enclosure to conceal the AC unit, propane units and etc.?
Refer to the "Fence Guidelines" in the ARB section under the "Architectural Review Board" link on the home page of the website.
WHOM DO I CONTACT
How do I report a power outage?
Call LCEC 656-2300
How do I report a streetlight that is out?
Call LCEC 656-2300. You will need the numbers that are on the poll or the closet street address. You may also use the LCEC website.
How do I report a suspicious activity?
All calls should be made to 477-1000.
If I need law enforcement-NON-EMERGENCY, whom do I call?
All calls should be made to 477-1000.
If someone’s dog or cat is running free, to whom do I report this?
If you know the owner of the dog or cat please call them directly. If not you can call Lee County Animal Services at 533-7387
My neighbor’s dog won’t stop barking, to whom do I report this?
Try calling your neighbor directly. Perhaps they are both out and do not realize the dog is continuously barking. If they do not respond to your courtesy call and the problem continues then you can call the Lee County Animal Services at 533-7387.
Who do I contact to get involved with the neighborhood activities?
Please contact the chairperson of the committee that you are interested in. There is a "Committees" link under "HOA INFORMATION" on the Home page of this website. There you will find a list of all the committees.
