Caroline Ridge Owners Association, Inc.

Questions & Answers

Sep 30, 2003

Q: The telephone equipment facility behind my house has weeds growing up over the fence and neighborhood kids are using the area as a hangout, can?’t you do something?
The weed problem has been corrected. Bellsouth came and mowed the property and has fixed the gate. They will be returning monthly to check on the property. They also told us that they will prosecute anyone who trespasses on the property since it is clearly marked. If you see children in this area, call the police. They will respond. Bellsouth has assured us they will follow-up to see that this area does not return to its previous state.
Q: I visited my neighbor who converted their garage into a living area but they kept the original garage doors so you really can?’t tell. I would like to do the same thing but I don?’t want to do something that is illegal.
A: The covenants specifically prohibit any garage being converted into a living area. In fact, the city of Jacksonville?’s property appraiser?’s office as well as the code enforcement office is also interested if you have converted this space into a heated living area. One inspector from the tax assessor?’s office said if they discover an improvement that was not properly permitted and inspected that they will levy the tax based on the date the home was constructed. That could result in a serious tax liability. The lesson here is not to convert a garage into a living space.
Q: I have a neighbor who is selling retail items from their home. They even have a website which lists their address for the business, isn?’t this prohibited?
A: Yes, that type of activity is prohibited. The Second Amendment to the Covenants prohibits any business which has customer traffic coming to the property from being conducted in the neighborhood. The only business authorized in the neighborhood is one which uses the address as an address of record and requires no business traffic to or from the residence (i.e. contractors, internet sales, realtors with outside sales, etc.) If you call or write back and provide a name and address we will send the owner a letter requiring them to stop doing business in the neighborhood.