What does the assessment pay for?

Assessment funds are utilized to maintain limited common property as determined by the Board of Directors and finances available. Grounds maintenance includes, but is not limited to, mowing, weed-eating, shrub and tree trimming, weed spraying of rock beds, leaf cleanup and maintenance of facilities and infrastructure. Please direct all questions or requests for these services to the BVTA office.

Maintenance of a blanket liability insurance policy on the limited common property and property insurance on the equipment and buildings which it owns. Payment of real estate taxes on the limited common properties, payroll and income taxes, if any. Payment of utility bills occurred in maintaining the limited common properties.

Maintenance of an office with up-to-date records of all transactions and expenses involving townhouse properties. Maintain for rent, by townhouse occupants, a limited number of golf cart/storage sheds.

Who is responsible for the maintenance of my townhome?

Interior - All work including but not limited to, painting, plumbing, appliances, etc. is the responsibility of the owner - no permit required by BVTA. Plumbing and electrical work may require a permit from ACC and/or the City.

Exterior - All building or site modifications including but not limited to, carports, walkways, decks, enclosures, additions, awnings, painting, roofing, windows and doors require application and approval from BVTA, ACC and/or the City. Snow removal and cleaning of debris from walkways, gutters/french drains, parking areas, decks, and roofs are the responsibility of the owner.

If you incur personal property damage to your townhome or vehicle as the result of felled trees, limbs or post-storm damage, contact your insurance company immediately. This is deemed an Act of God and covered under property/casualty or auto insurance coverages. Please report dead/storm damaged trees to the Association for evaluation.

Maintenance of the driveway, sidewalk, parking area, and utility lines?

It is the townhouse owner's responsibility to maintain the parking area, driveway, sidewalk leading to the door(s) and utility lines. The parking area, sidewalk and utilities may be on Limited Common Property but an easement to that property is granted.

What is the difference between the Townhouse Association and the Property Owners Association?

The Townhouse Association takes care of the Limited Common Property landscape and infrastructure in the 17 Subdivisions (Courts) owned by the Association. The Property Owners Association takes care of the Activities Amenities in Bella Vista. The City of Bella Vista is responsible for the streets & trash service within the Townhouse Association Subdivisions.

What control does the Association have on a Townhouse?

You have full control of what is done inside your townhouse, but what happens to the exterior or the grounds around your townhouse, requires approval by the Association.

Can the landscaping around a townhouse be changed?

While the Association understands and appreciates the desire to beautify landscaping, it can have a significant impact on regular grounds maintenance services. Before making any changes, please contact the Association Property Manager for approval.

When is a permit required for exterior work to a townhouse?

When exterior work including repairs, repainting, reroofing, and additions is planned, approval of both the Townhouse Association (BVTA), City and/or Architectural Control Committee (ACC) is required. Before starting work, please contact the BVTA office (479-855-9328) for the appropriate paperwork. Once BVTA approves the project, it goes to City/ACC for final approval and issuance of a permit. Things such as cleaning gutters, power-washing siding or replacing heating/air units do not require a Townhouse Association permit.

What is Limited Common Property?

Limited Common Property is the land that belongs to the Bella Vista Townhouse Association (BVTA). When they were built, most townhouses had a five-foot area footprint of the house that belongs to the townhouse owner. The remaining land is limited common property, belonging to BVTA. This is not always true because the townhouses were plotted before construction and no surveys were used.

Where is the property line?

In general, the property line extends five feet out from the original construction outline (footprint) of a townhouse. Because the land was not surveyed, at the time of construction, there may be some exceptions. Questions need to be resolved by the Association board at the time of inquiry.

Who takes care of trash?

The homeowners are personally responsible for their trash. Sanitation service is provided by the city, under contract to Republic Services and is billed quarterly. Owners with dumpster service pay Republic directly by everyone on your street. You may restrict the public from using the dumpster as these dumpsters are for your specific streets and are not intended for use by the public. Contact Republic Service at 1-800-431-1507 if you have problems with your dumpster or service.

How many parking spaces does each townhouse have?

Townhouses have two (2) allocated parking spaces, however they may not be together or directly in front of the townhouse. Some courts have a limited number of guest parking spaces.

If a court light is out, who should be notified?

Please call the townhouse office at (479) 855-9328 and request a work order to have the light repaired.

Who is responsible for trimming or cutting down trees?

Most trees are on BVTA Limited Common Property and therefore the responsibility of the Association. If a tree is hitting or endangering a townhouse, the Association will trim or cut it down at the Association's expense. In certain cases, trees can be trimmed or removed at the owner's expense with approval of the Association's General Manager.

Can vinyl siding be installed on a townhouse?

Vinyl siding can be installed even if the attached townhouse does not have it. The siding color must match as close as possible to the paint on the other unit(s) and a break will have to be used between the siding and the painted unit. Association approval and a permit are required prior to installation.

When are the townhouse assessments due?

The monthly assessment is due on the 1st of each month. Assessments received on or after the 15^th will incur a $10.00 late fee. Any accounts with a balance due at the end of the month, will be charged a $9.00 interest fee. For your convenience and to save the cost of postage, we encourage you to sign up for a monthly bank draft. Simply visit our website (www.bvth.eunify.com ), email or call our office and we will assist you with your membership registration information.

Why is the assessment the same for all townhouses?

In determining this, you must include all grounds maintenance services and responsibilities the Association has including mowing, weed eating, shrub trimming, weed spraying, tree trimming/removal and leaf cleanup. You must also factor in the size and age of the court, infrastructure, taxes, insurance and other services such as cleaning up trash and other debris. Infrastructure including common sidewalks, retaining walls, railings, trash bins, cart sheds, concrete drains and court lights all require regular maintenance and can be very costly to repair or replace. In some courts there is very little infrastructure and residents may irrigate or pay for additional outside services such as lawn fertilizing and weed control. Some do a lot of extra work planting flowers, pulling weeds by hand, or even employ gardeners or landscapers to manicure yards. This can give the misconception that the Association is providing more or better service to some courts than others. While the amount of time on a particular service varies among individual townhomes and courts, the quality of service is consistent. In comparing annual work hours and expenditures for all services across all courts along with maintenance of infrastructure, a level assessment is a much more balanced approach than it may seem.

What colors are permitted for painting, roofing or siding?

The color to paint, roof or side a townhouse must match the attached unit(s). If all attached townhouses are making the improvement, an earth-tone color complementary to the area can be used. All colors must be approved by the Association, with final approval and permit issued by ACC.