Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual maintenance fee?
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The annual maintenance fee is currently $1650 and due on January 1 and late after January 31 of each year. The Association Board may increase this amount by 20% in a given year without the approval of the other Association Members. Larger increases require the approval of a majority of the Association Members at the annual meeting.
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What does the annual maintenance fee cover?
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The Association is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the driveways up to the property and provides landscaping services in the Common Areas, and both easements along the alley access drive and along N. Eldridge Parkway. The landscaping services includes mowing, edging, blowing, weeding sidewalks and front gardens, mulching garden beds once yearly, trimming hedges and large tree and crepe myrtle trimming annually. The HOA also covers seasonal chemical/fertilization treatments to the grassy areas every 6-8 weeks. The annual maintenance fee also covers common lighting, irrigation maintenance and repair, the fence along Eldridge, common water services, and general repairs to the common areas.
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Does the maintenance fee cover landscaping of my garden area or private fenced area?
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Our current landscaping contract provides weeding and annual trimming of hedges in the front gardens. All other maintenance and care of the front gardens and all maintenance and care within the fenced in yard areas are the responsibility of the home owners. More information regarding maintenance questions can be found in the Rules and Regulations.
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How is the community managed?
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The community is managed by a Home Owners Association (HOA) and is overseen by a volunteer, elected board of directors. We have a number of officer positions (landscaping, architecture, legal, etc.) to oversee some of the Retreat business and advise the Board when decisions are being made. See here for contact information; board members generally serve two-year terms, and elections for any open board positions are held in November of each year
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Who picks up our garbage?
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We contract our garbage pickup through GFL Environmental. Garbage pickup is every Tuesday and Friday. See here for more information involving waste and garbage.
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Who is our water and sewer service provider?
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Our water and sewer service are provided by the Faulkey Gully MUD.
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Who do I report street light outages to?
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The street lights are maintained by CenterPoint Energy. Report any outages here or call them at (713) 207-2222 or (888) 572-4399, select your language and option 4; be sure to include the street light location and number (located on the front of the pole).
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Where can I park?
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The best place to park is in your garage. We may allow street parking, however, the parking spots on the driveways between the courtyards, against the Eldridge fence are the preferred first choice if you are unable to park in your garage for whatever reason. Be sure you have a Retreat parking permit and a valid state motor vehicle registration. The parking spaces in front of each courtyard is reserved for visitors, however, very short term use by residents is allowed for loading and unloading. The area behind the garages should be used for loading and unloading only. The side of the alley against the houses is a fire lane. There are additional no parking zones along the alley fence across from the visitor parking.
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Can I park a trailer or RV in the community?
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Temporary parking of trailers or RVs is allowed for no more than 72 hours. Longer term, but still temporary, exceptions can me made for trailers, dumpsters, etc. relating to on-going construction projects on your property; simply notify the Board and your neighbors and make sure they do not block traffic and are not in the no parking zones. Residents are expected to secure permanent storage for trailers or RVs elsewhere (including within the home owner's garage, if possible).
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How do I make a change or improvement to my home?
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In general, any improvements within the interior of each home or in the private fence area are at the discretion of the homeowner. Any exterior remodeling, upgrading, or modifications to the home must be submitted to the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) for approval in advance of any work being performed. Private garden-area improvements and upgrading do not require approval unless visible from the street.