Frequently Asked Questions of the Board
Q: Can I rent or do an AirBnB?
A: The HOA board had an attorney review the covenants specifically regarding home businesses and business-related effects. The results of that review were that the Northridge covenants prohibit most home businesses and any undesirable business-related effects from business use of homes. These effects include truck traffic, extra noise, general unkept curb appearance, parking of equipment, etc. It also includes using a home to rent as a primary business. (AirBNB would meet this definition as an example)
With that said, renting your home while on sabbatical does not violate the covenants since this scenario does not qualify as a ‘primary business use’ of your home and the rental period is less than one year. But the covenants necessitate that residences are single-family dwellings. Renting to college students or renting a room to an unrelated person would violate the covenants.
To summarize, the HOA covenants allow the renting of your home while on sabbatical, as long as the renters abide by the covenants, which includes keeping your property presentable with the lawn mowed, qualify as ’single-family’, and refraining from any undesirable business-related effects from home businesses.
Q: Can I have a fence in Northridge?
A: The spirit of the subdivision is to have open spaces without obstructions. But most additions allow it with certain specifications. This depends on the Covenants for your addition in the subdivision. Please fill out the fence form and submit it to the board to get approval before building it.
Q: Can I have a shed or dog run in Northridge?
A: Yes, but they must be properly screen by shrubbery decorative fence or both. Again, fencing restrictions also apply.
Q: My mailbox needs replacing. Where can I get one?
A: The developers of the subdivision standardized on mailbox posts when the subdivision was built and has been followed since. The metal mailbox is standard and can be found at Lowes or Menards. However, the post will have to build from scratch, there are no kits that are available. The plans for the mailbox post are on the Northridge website – NR Mailbox Plans.pdf.
Q: My Mailbox was damaged by the snowplows. Is the Northridge Association responsible?
A: The Northridge Association (the Board) does not contract for any snow removal. It is done by the City of Ames. You can report this issue at the City of Ames website at: https://www.cityofames.org/government/departments-divisions-i-z/public-works/operations/snow-ordinance-and-removal. It says: “If you have questions about the snow removal process or wish to report street plowing concerns, including damage to a mailbox, please e-mail snowstreets@city.ames.ia.us, or call the Snow Desk at 515-239-5543 with the address/location and specific nature of the street concern.”
Q: Can I have a pool in Northridge?
A: No above ground or non-permanent swimming pools shall be permitted on any lot. Also no semi-submersed pools are now not allowed.
Q: Can I have a garden in the Green Space?
A: No you can not have a garden in the green space. There are entry way and green space gardens that the board would like volunteers for upkeep.
Q: Can I plant trees in the Green Space?
A: Only with Board approval. The board must approve the planting of trees, shrubs or other plants in the green spaces. Any trees planted in the green spaces become property of the association. Unapproved plantings can be removed by the Green Space Manager without notice. Submit a proposal to the board for approval.
Q: Can I have an TV or Ham antenna tower?
A: No, extension towers of any kind are allowed. However antenna of less than ten feet are allowed on dwellings.
Q: My neighbors dogs are constantly barking. What can the Northridge Association do?
A: Nothing. This is regulated by the City of Ames, Check the city noise ordinances. The Board suggests talking with your neighbor as a first step.
Q: Can I have chickens or pigs in Northridge?
A: No, The covenants have specific restrictions against poultry, livestock, etc. ” No animals, livestock, nor poultry of any kind shall be raised, bred or kept on any lot, except that dogs, cats, and other common household pets may be kept so long as they are not kept, bred, or maintained for commercial purposes.”.
Q: Can I have a business in Northridge??
A: No, the covenants forbid any commercial activity in the subdivision.