The PARC in Hammond

Frequently Asked Questions

What do my HOA fees cover?

HOA assessment fees cover the cost of operating the subdivision and include, but are not limited to, the maintenance of all common areas, within the property. Common area typically include green space, ponds, fountains, gates, signage and other project elements that are defined by the Covenants. Utility bills associated with common area or common area facilities, such as entrance lighting, street lighting and irrigation systems are also paid with assessment dollars. The HOA carries general liability and property insurance on the common areas to protect the association from potential exposure. There are also a number of administrative costs, such as accounting fees, legal fees, website fees, printing and postage. All of these expenses are paid from funds collected as annual assessments. Since the owner of each lot is a member of the association, by virtue of ownership, all are assessed accordingly.

How can I pay my HOA fees?

You can pay your HOA fees as set forth on the statement which is mailed to you each year. In most cases, options will include payment by check, money order, credit card or cash.

What happens if I don't pay my HOA fees?

HOA fees are due no later than January 1 each year. If HOA dues are not paid by January 31 of each year, homeowners are subject to a $10 late fee. If HOA fees are not paid by April 1 of each year homeowners are subject to an additional $25 late fee. At this point, the Board may have to resort to taking legal action to recover the outstanding debt. This could involve filing a lien on the property. The lien protects the Homeowners Associations rights.

What is a lien?

A lien is a notice attached to your property telling the world that a creditor claims you owe it some money, in this case the Homeowners Association. A lien is a public record, typically filed with the Parish records office. Liens on real estate are a common way for creditors to collect what they are owed.  In order to sell or refinance property, you must have clear title. A lien on your house makes your title unclear. To clear up the title, you must pay off the lien. Placing a lien on property is a guaranteed way of collecting what the Homeowners Association is owed, sooner or later. To have a lien removed, the property owner must pay the debt and any legal fees associated with the placement of the lien.

If the lien is not paid, creditors generally have the right to have the property sold to pay off the lien, usually by way of a foreclosure sale. This is often a course of last resort for many creditors. Instead of forcing a foreclosure sale, creditors may wait until the property is sold. Buyers often won’t or can't buy the property unless the title is clear, meaning it has no liens. So, the seller would have to use part of the purchase price to pay off the lien.

What do I get approval for.....?

Anything that is done to change the appearance of the exterior of your home or lot needs to go through a review and approval process. The process is initiated by submitting what is called an Architectural Review Committee (ARC) form, which is available from the Board of Directors. The more detail that is provided, including height, color, materials and location, the quicker the process will be completed. Any submission will be evaluated against the recorded plat, the terms and conditions found in the subdivision Covenants and Restrictions and any additional rules promulgated by the Board Of Directors. The aim is to ensure compliance with requirements and continuity throughout the neighborhood. Please note that work done to the interior of the home does not need approval.

Who is the Board?

The Board of Directors is appointed to lead the Homeowners Association. In most cases, the original developer, or successor entity to the original developer, will appoint the members to serve on the Board. In subdivisions in which DSLD is actively building, the Board typically assumes the rights of the developer and therefore has the right to appoint the members of the Board. Once the subdivision is completely built-out, control of the HOA is turned over to the homeowners. In anticipation of that transition, homeowners are notified of a meeting to elect a new Board comprised of homeowners.

What does the Board do as an acting management company?

  • The Board of Directors have the right to hire a management company or act as the management company, bill and collect annual assessments, pursue delinquent accounts, vet all vendors to make sure they carry the proper insurances for the protection of the HOA, code and pay all vendor invoices.
  • The Board determines the annual assessment to cover the expected expenditures for the upcoming year.
  • The Board prepares monthly financial reports for the HOA.
  • The Board annually prepares and files any tax returns for the HOA.
  • The Board performs periodic tours of the property to ensure that the appearance is as expected, that work is being completed as defined and that violations of the Covenants are being addressed.
  • The Board obtains liability and property insurance for the common areas. Once the Board is elected from the homeowners, Directors and Officers insurance is added to the policies.
  • The Board is not a substitute for the police and does not get involved in criminal matters or neighborhood disputes unless it involves Covenant issues.

Common Violations

Here is a partial list of violations typically encountered. An awareness of the items on this list, in advance, will hopefully prevent issues from arising.

  • Garbage receptacles are not to be left out beyond the designated days for garbage service. Garbage receptacles need to be stored out of view of the street, either in the garage, behind the house or behind a screen, whether natural or an approved structure.
  • Parking is not permitted in the street right-of-ways or on the lawns.
  • Trailers and/or boats are not to be stored in the driveway. They need to be stored out of view from the street either behind a fence, in a garage or at a storage facility.
  • Signs in the front yard are limited to FOR SALE signs. Signs for candidates running for political office are also appropriate provided they are not disrespectful or inciteful. Such signs should be of appropriate size and placement and should be removed within a week after the election process is completed.
  • All yards and gardens are to be maintained in a neat and attractive manner.
  • Basketball goals may not be placed on your property due to noise and safety concerns.
  • All projects that change the appearance of the exterior of the home must receive prior approval from the Architectural Review Committee after submission of a properly completed and submitted ARC form.
  • Rental property is covered in section 3.26 of the Covenants. Please consult the Covenants prior to considering turning a home into a rental property.
  • All motor vehicles used in The PARC must be properly licensed. This includes golf carts, 4-wheelers, off-road vehicles, motorcycles, go-carts, etc.
  • Fences and storage sheds on any property in The PARC are covered by the Covenants. Please refer to these restrictions/requirements prior to submitting an ARC form.
  • The PARC is not zoned for home businesses. This does not include computer work out of your home.
  • Please be respectful of your neighbors. Pets are not to be allowed to roam free at any time. Pets should be kept either indoors or in a fenced in yard when they are outside. When pets are walked away from the home in The PARC, please pick up your pet droppings and discard them appropriately in your garbage receptacle.