Dear “New Homeowner”,
Welcome to your new community! We’re certain you chose Magnolia Dunes as your new home for the same reasons as the rest of us: the conveniently located, uniquely serene neighborhood, surrounded by luxurious landscaping throughout. We hope you will enjoy living in our community as much as we do.
On behalf of the Magnolia Dunes Homeowners Association Board of Directors and the other homeowners of Magnolia Dunes, we would like to welcome you to your new home and our community. Here is some important information to help you get settled in your new home and neighborhood.
Magnolia Dunes is a carefully planned and thoughtfully designed subdivision built in harmony with its natural setting of large moss draped oak trees. Our Covenants and restrictions are to preserve the character and integrity of Magnolia Dunes that reflects the graciousness of “Old Florida” living.
The operation of Magnolia Dunes Homeowners Association (HOA) is governed by volunteer directors. The Board of Directors is elected by the community to oversee the daily functions and financial responsibilities of the Association. The Board is also responsible for maintaining homeowners’ compliance with the established covenants and bylaws. There are specific provisions regarding what can and cannot be done to your property. Please take the time to read and familiarize yourself with the copy of the Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions of Magnolia Dunes that you should have received during the process of purchasing your home.
As a new homeowner, you may already have ideas about how you would like to improve your property. The Association has an Architectural Review Board (ARB) to help maintain the quality and cohesion of our neighborhood. The purpose of this review is to preserve the natural environment and maintain home values. The ARB’s function is to evaluate the plans for all exterior repairs, remodeling, replacements, removal and/or installations. This includes and is not limited to: driveways, roofs, painting/color selection, doors, windows, solar panels, antennas, satellite dishes, fountains, trees, landscaping, swimming pools, Jacuzzis, fences, awnings, shelters, sheds, gates, flower boxes, statues, play/recreational equipment, mailboxes, garbage enclosures, air conditioners, etc. (See the Covenants and Restrictions for complete detailed listings and exterior paint guidelines.) Modification, alteration, remodeling, removal and/or installation to the exterior of your property requires you to complete and submit an ARB application for review and approval. As an example, painting the exterior, including with the same current colors, requires ARB approval. Previous ARB approval to another homeowners’ project is not a guarantee of approval of your project. Once you receive a written approval, work may begin.
Many types of work must also be approved by the City of Saint Augustine Beach (SAB) with appropriate permits issued by the City. See the attached table for further information regarding city permits.
Another key topic for you to be aware of is trailers, boats and recreational vehicles may remain temporarily parked in a driveway for a period not to exceed forty-eight (48) continuous hours with a three (3) day minimum lapse between periods. No vehicle shall be permitted to be stored on blocks or maintained outside of any enclosed garage or approved screening in an inoperable condition. This helps keep the aesthetically pleasing appearance of our neighborhood for all to enjoy.
Unfortunately, if work is started without ARB written approval, or other violations occur, the homeowner risks being cited for a covenant violation, paying a monetary fine and may be required to alter or remove the changes including exterior repainting.