Villages Neighborhoods

Operational Structure

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Deed Restrictions

Architectural Review
Community Standards
Guidelines For Use of Satellite Dishes

You have chosen to live in one of the most beautiful and well-operated communities in Florida.

It will remain a premier community because the homeowners support strict compliance with the Declaration of Restrictions (DRs). Many residents choose The Villages because of the restrictions. To maintain the overall aesthetic qualities desirable in a first-class community, certain activities and property uses must be restricted.

Since The Villages has been in the process of development over the last 40 years, the restrictions for various communities within The Villages have evolved over time. The following is a summary of many items covered in the Declaration of Restrictions. Please refer to the Declaration of Restrictions for you individual neighborhood for more detailed information.

1. Age Restrictions: The Villages is an adult community designed to provide housing for persons 55 years of age or older. All homes must be occupied by at least one person who is fifty-five years of age. Persons under the age of 19 years may visit for a maximum of 30 days per year but may not reside permanently in a any dwelling.
2. Animals: Only domestic pets are permitted and they shall not be allowed to make any unreasonable amount of noise or create a nuisance. Pets must be controlled by a leash when not in the confines of the home. As a courtesy, owners should pick up after their pets. All city and county pet ordinances should be adhered to.
3. Maintenance of Landscaping: Landscaping will be maintained to provide a neat and clean appearance. Removal of weeds, dead plants, grass clippings, trash and debris is required to meet this objective. Trees with trunks exceeding four (4) inches in diameter will need Architectural Approval to be removed from any homesite. Lawn ornaments are prohibited, except for seasonal displays not exceeding a thirty-day duration.
4. Storage Sheds: All outside structures for storage or utility purposes must be attached to the home. Items not in active use should not be visible from neighboring property or common areas.
5. Commercial Trash Collection: Garbage should be in plastic bags and placed curbside on the designated days only. All rubbish, trash or garbage shall be removed from homesites and parcels and not be allowed to accumulate.
6. Signs: A sign showing the owner’s name will be the only sign permitted to be displayed on the exterior of the home.
7. Building Repair: Dwellings and structures must at all times be kept in good repair, adequately painted and otherwise clean.
8. Fences: No fence, barrier, wall or structure of any kind or nature shall be placed on the property (including chain link or wooden fences). No side or rear hedges exceeding four (4) feet in height shall be permitted.
9. Trucks, Trailers, Recreational Vehicles, Campers and Boats: All such vehicles require a clearance from your Neighborhood Watch representative to park in The Villages. A clearance is issued for a maximum of 72 hours. Vehicles which fit in a garage are exempt.
10. Motor Vehicles: No inoperable vehicle may be stored or parked on any homesite.
11. Satellite Dishes: The Developer has guidelines on placement for dishes. Please refer to them before placing your dish.
12. Parking: Vehicles are to be kept in owners’ garages or concrete driveways. When visiting The Villages facilities and commercial areas golf cart parking is available in designated areas.
13. Residential Use Restrictions: Property must be devoted only to single-family residential use. Commercial and or professional activities may not be conducted in any home or on any property.
14. Lawn Ornaments: Some neighborhoods prohibit lawn ornaments. Please refer to your covenants.
15. Nature Preserves: The Villages actively participates in the Federal Endangered Species Act which prohibits the tampering with or the taking of any protected species (including their eggs, nests, dens or homes). Any person who knowingly violates the prohibitions of the Endangered Species Act may be subject to a sizable Federal fine. You must restrain your pets (including cats) at all times when in these areas.
16. Architectural Review Committee (ARC): This committee is responsible for approving any and all alterations, changes or modifications to the property and home as built by the developer. This requirement for prior approval includes but is not limited to: porch or patio enclosures, canopies, awnings, garage screens, additional concrete, coloring of walks, landscaping and driveways and modifications to previously approved plans. An application with a set of plans must be submitted and approval granted before work is started. You may print out an Application, obtain an application at Architectural Review, located at 1894 Laurel Manor Drive, 751-6719 or you may find one in The Villages Phone Directory.

This summary of our governing rules is meant to call attention to some of the major items. It is by no means comprehensive. Please take time to read your Declaration of Restrictions for complete details of your responsibilities.