Frequently Asked Questions
1 – Who Makes Up the HOA Board?
The Sans Famille HOA Board is a completely volunteer group made up of property owners. We are charged with maintaining and enforcing the covenants and rules, but most of our work involves maintenance of the neighborhood’s common areas and infrastructure. Each volunteer serves a three-year term and can renew their term by election at the Annual General Meeting. The Terms are staggered so that three of the nine members are up for renewal in any given year. Four of the Board are officers: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary.
2 – What & When Is the Annual General Meeting?
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is typically the only meeting that Homeowners meet to hear about the previous year’s events, repairs, and expenditures. On rare occasions, a special meeting may be scheduled to discuss things that require a Homeowner vote. The AGM is always scheduled on the fourth Wednesday of April.
3 – Who Can Vote?
Property Owners have one vote per lot. If not available at the time of the vote, proxies may be submitted to allow a chosen resident to vote in your stead. The proxy form is always attached to the meeting invitation.
4 – What Kind of Assessments Are There?
There are Annual Assessments or charges for common expenses and if needed, Special Assessments for capital improvements and street maintenance. All assessments are shared equally across all lots and owners. Special Assessments must be voted on by homeowners.
5 – What Happens if a Property Owner Doesn’t Pay Their Assessment?
If a homeowner fails to pay their Assessment on time, the HOA has established a 10% late fee on the balance due each month until the account is current. In addition, if collection is required, any legal fees and interest is the responsibility of the delinquent account owner. The HOA may also choose to place a lien on the property if collection is not possible any other way.
6 – How is the Assessment Amount Determined?
Since 1979, the Annual Assessment Amount has been derived from analysis of annual general costs, trends in types and costs of repairs and maintenance, and forecasting the financial requirements for the community. Per the Covenants, the Board of Directors may increase the Assessments by either a maximum of 5% per year or an amount based on the Consumer Price Index for the period. Typically, the increase is 5%.
7 – What Are the Assessment Funds Used For?
Funds are used for promoting the health, safety, and welfare of the residents and the Property. This includes the payment of premiums for liability insurance, local taxes on Common Areas, maintenance of facilities located on Common Areas, payment of assessments for public or private capital improvements made to or for the benefit of the Common Areas particularly the maintenance of private streets, water and sewer lines; improving the Property; and providing the services and facilities for purposes of and related to the use and enjoyment of the Common Areas and facilities.
8 – How can I pay my Annual and Special Assessments?
As of June 2024, the HOA has established a way to pay invoices online. Payments are made through PNC Bank and are extremely easy to set up using the link sent with the Invoice by email. Printed bills, for those who prefer paying with a paper check, also include the online payment link and the address for mailing or dropping off a check. All paper checks should be deposited in the Gatehouse mail slot on the inbound side of the building. The HOA is hoping to minimize the number of paper checks as soon as possible.
9 – Who Owns & Maintains the Common Areas, Streets, Water Lines, Sewer Lines, and Storm Water Lines?
The Homeowners of Sans Famille each have a share of ownership in the following:
- Common Areas
Common Areas are defined as: Gatehouse building and land, the Median between Court 4 and 5, the Land and Pond between Courts 1, 4, and 5.
- Streets
All paved streets and parking areas that are not part of a homeowner’s property.
- Water Lines
All Main Water lines. The Homeowner is responsible for water lines between the home and the water meter.
- Sewer Lines
All Main Sewer lines and Manholes. The Homeowner is responsible for the sewer line between the home up to the point where that line serves more than one home.
- Storm Water Lines
All Storm Water lines. There are drainage areas on various properties throughout the neighborhood. It is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure that vegetation and other matter does not interfere with the proper flow of storm water.
10 – Does the City of Raleigh Collect Leaves and Christmas Trees in Sans Famille?
Because these are private streets, the City does NOT provide this service to the neighborhood. Each property owner is responsible for their property’s leaf and Christmas tree removal. Leaves, branches, and trees must be removed according to normal City Yard Waste practices. More information may be found here: https://raleighnc.gov/landfill-and-reuse/services/garbage-recycling-and-yard-waste-preparation#paragraph–222991
11 – Can I rent out any portion of my home or rent via AirBNB types of services?
Renting out any portion of your home or renting via AirBNB types of services is strictly prohibited! Any rental must be for the entire home and have a lease duration of at least 6 months.