Policies

Compilation from the Declarations, By-Laws, & Board Policies

Rev.: August 9, 2025

Herein is a set of guidelines for your information and ready reference, curated by the Executive Board from various Board policy decisions and questions often asked by homeowners through the years.  These guidelines are not all-inclusive and are not a legal document; please refer to the Declaration and the By-Laws for greater detail.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact any Board Member.

A. APPEARANCE STANDARDS: Appearance standards are designed to enhance the community and everyone’s property values.  Homeowners are responsible to maintain their home and Limited Common Element (LCE).  The Board, occasionally and after giving notice, performs inspections to assure compliance, focusing on the items below.  Observations from these inspections will be forwarded to the respective homeowner for appropriate follow-up. (ref: Declaration Articles 7, 13, & 16 & Amendments)

  1. Exterior stain/paint of the house, trim, deck, window boxes, etc. are in good repair free of chipping, mold / mildew, wood rot, and other damage.  The roof covering is sound.
  2. Draperies, blinds, curtains or interior shutters installed.
  3. Clotheslines are not in use.
  4. Planting beds, planting boxes, shrubs, trees and annuals are neat, weeded, and trimmed.  Included are any plantings around utility boxes on your LCE.
  5. Observable play or recreational equipment left outside.
  6. Walkways and driveways are in good condition.
  7. There is no accumulation of trash or debris.

B. BOARD APPROVALS: In general, any change to the exterior of your home or LCE require Board approval. Replacements, in general, do not require Board approval. (ref: Declaration Article 16). For more information please go to this link: https://www.lhca-norwalk.com/p/Approval-of-Home-LCE-Changes

  1. Interior changes to your home do not require Board approval.
  2. Annual plantings do not require Board approval.
  3. Outdoor holiday decorations do not require Board approval.  Decorations should not be a nuisance to neighbors & shall be removed promptly.
  4. Certificates of Insurance naming the Linden Heights Community Association as additional insured are required for work done by a contractor within a homeowner’s LCE.
  5. Garage sales require Board approval, require advance notification to the community, and require the homeowner to be responsible for any resulting damage, and are limited to two per home per year.
  6. Exterior paint color selections shall be from the Benjamin Moore Historical Colors Palette.

C. MEETINGS: The Board meets a number of times through the year, generally every three months, and as needed for organizational or special purposes.  The LHCA holds an Annual Meeting, usually in June, at which homeowners vote on the annual budget, for the Executive Board, and on other matters as needed. (ref: Declaration Article 32; By-Laws Sections 2.7 – 2.10 & Article III)

  1. Notice of each meeting is emailed and homeowners are entitled to attend, other than at special purpose meetings the Board may hold.
  2. Board Meetings have an Open Forum period for homeowners to speak.
  3. Meetings are held through Zoom sessions since the Covid pandemic.

D. PAYMENTS of COMMON CHARGES & ASSESSMENTS are due on the 1st of each month.  A late fee of $25.00 is imposed on the 16th of each month.  Payments by check shall be mailed to LHCA, 34 Linden Heights, Norwalk, CT  06851.  Checks can also be dropped off at the #34 mailbox.

E. VIOLATIONS & FINES: Homeowners are expected to remain in compliance with LHCA obligations and requirements.  Fines may be imposed for violations of the By-Laws and Declaration.  Fines are $25.00/Day after Final Notice Deadline until resolved.  LHCA has a statutory lien on unpaid charges and fines. (ref: Declaration Article 25; By-Laws Section 5.2)

F. COMPLAINTS: If a homeowner has a complaint regarding an LHCA matter, please notify the Board in writing. If a homeowner has a complaint about someone in the neighborhood, the expectation is that the parties resolve the matter amongst themselves.  The Board cannot become involved in disputes between neighbors.

G. CONSERVATION AREAS are not to be disturbed by any homeowner, as mandated by the Conservation Easement to Norwalk in our Declaration.

H. LAWN CARE: The LHCA contracts for routine landscaping in the CE’s and maintenance for all lawn cutting, trimming, and treatments (in CE’s and LCE’s).  Lawns are mowed Thursday, weather permitting. (ref: Declaration Article 7.1)

  1. Please keep open paths for the lawn equipment; please clear your LCE of any obstacles, to avoid a violation.  Damages to lawn and / or equipment that may result are the homeowner’s responsibility.
  2. Each homeowner is responsible to water the lawn within their LCE.  If this is not done and the lawn dies or is damaged as a result, a violation will be issued to the homeowner, with the homeowner responsible for repair costs. Should the homeowner fail to complete timely repairs, the LHCA will complete them and bill the homeowner.

I. PLOWING: Linden Heights is a private road, and as such, the LHCA is responsible for its plowing.  Snow removal from driveways and walkways within LCE’s are the responsibility of each homeowner.  Homeowners are expected to report any unsafe snow or ice condition immediately to a Board Member. (ref: Declaration Article 7.1)

J. VEHICLES: Overnight parking on the road is prohibited. Homeowners and guests should park in the homeowner’s driveway at all times, space permitting.

  1. Emergency vehicles must be allowed unimpeded travel at all times.
  2. Snow plows must be allowed to clear the road from snow events.
  3. Commercial vehicles, boats, trailers, vans are prohibited from being stored at any time.
  4. All vehicles must have current registration and plates. (ref: Declaration 13.R)

K. TRASH & RECYCLING: Trash disposal service is the responsibility of each homeowner; recycling service is provided by Norwalk. Covered sanitary containers are required.  Containers should be put out at the curb within 24 hours prior of pick up and be removed within 24 hours. (ref: Declaration Article 13.E)

L. PETS: Two dogs or cats per household are allowed. All dogs must be leashed in open areas, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them.  Invisible fences are permitted within a homeowner’s LCE, and pets can roam unleashed within the fence perimeter, provided:

  1. the pet does not create a nuisance or unreasonable disturbance;
  2. the homeowner picks up droppings prior to mowing; and,
  3. the homeowner replaces destroyed lawn area(s). Failure to follow this rule may result in a violation and fines. (ref: Declaration Article 13 O)

M. NEWSPAPERS & PACKAGES: Homeowners should avoid pileups at their entry of delivered items while away, to maintain a neat appearance and to avoid declaring that the home is vacant.

N. LEASING OF UNITS: Leases shall include the LHCA By-Laws and Declaration as exhibits, initialed by the prospective tenant(s). Copies of the executed lease and exhibits shall be provided to the Board for review prior to occupancy.  Tenants shall adhere to the Declaration requirements, with the homeowner responsible for all costs and expenses associated with any tenant violations. (ref:  Declaration Article 13W; By-Laws Section 2.2(v))

O. SALE OF UNITS: A homeowner shall notify the Board in writing of their intent to sell their unit and request a Resale Certificate.  Within ten days of payment of the fee for the Resale Certificate, the Treasurer will provide the homeowner with the Resale Certificate and a copy of the documents referenced in the Certificate.  As of now, there is a $185.00 fee payable to LHCA to cover preparation of the Certificate.  (ref: By-Laws Section 4.9)