Because of the ecological, environmental, and civil engineering importance of these areas, while owned by the Rushbrooke HOA, this property is also subject to various Federal, State and local regulations, much of which falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. As such, all Members of the Rushbrooke HOA are responsible for ensuring these areas are maintained to Covenant and regulatory standards. Accordingly:
- No property owner may make changes within these areas without first receiving written permission from the Rushbrooke HOA Board. To receive written permission, the property owner should submit a detailed description of the work planned, including the name(s) of any parties to be engaged in performing the work, along with related timeline. The Rushbrooke HOA Board will respond to the property owner within twenty (20) business days.
- No removal of vegetation or fallen trees shall be performed without first receiving written permission from the Rushbrooke HOA Board. If a property owner notices debris or other items have collected along or in the creek bed that may cause backup or damming, please notify a member of the Rushbrooke HOA Board to ensure the issue is addressed properly.
As provided in Section I.E. Overland Drainage Easement of the Covenants and subject to receipt of written permission from the Rushbrooke HOA Board:
- No fence, wall, building or other obstruction may be placed or maintained in these areas. For clarification, this includes placement of any personal property, installation of sprinkler systems, gardens and garden borders, ornamental or other non-native items including bird feeders, squirrel feeders, or other decorative items.
- No alteration of grade or contours may be made.
- Approval may be granted for removal of vines, weeds and/or other ground cover provided turf (aka sod) is planted immediately following clearing to ensure no areas are left exposed for any period of time. Seeding versus planting of turf or sod will not be approved.
- Single trunk trees may be planted providing those trees have a trunk caliper of not less than two and one-half (2-1/2) inches.
The Rushbrooke HOA Board may also approve planting of vegetation that supports the existing terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers provides a listing of trees and other vegetation beneficial to the wetlands in our neighborhood.
Once approved, the property owner must provide required funds for the work to the Rushbrooke HOA. The Rushbrooke HOA Board will secure necessary permits (if required) and schedule the work to be complete. Property owners wishing to self-perform work may do so. In either case, supervision and oversight of the work by members of the Rushbrooke HOA Board are required.
Members should also be aware that any such work that may be approved is considered a gift to the Rushbrooke HOA.