Stenning Woods Maintenance Association

April 08 Advisory Newsletter

Apr 17, 2008

Fellow Neighbors:

During our recent Stenning Woods annual meeting, several residents expressed concern about the appearance of the properties within our community and adherence to deed restrictions.

One of the primary complaints was the location of satellite dishes. As satellite television is becoming more popular, more Satellite Dishes are being installed throughout the community. The community deed restrictions state that ?“no satellite dish, aerial, or antenna of any kind shall be erected or maintained on a lot or structure except with the written consent of the Architectural Committee?”. In review of the available community documents, there is neither record of previous requests for satellite dishes nor any written approvals for this purpose.

If you are considering signing up for new Satellite TV service or have existing service with an externally installed satellite dish, please forward a letter to Stenning Woods Maintenance Association, PO Box 1503, Hockessin, DE 19707 with a diagram showing the mounting location on the lot or home, and a description of the mounting method.

Upon review and approval of the location and mounting method, the Architectural Committee will respond with a written consent. If the placement or mounting method is not approved, the Architectural Committee will provide details and recommendations of mounting changes that would meet approval.

In addition to the placement of satellite dishes, the following items are prohibited or require approval by the Architectural Committee:

?• No more than one single family dwelling and one associated service building considered to be an accessory to a dwelling unit shall be erected. Each lot shall be used for residential, single family purposes only.
?• No building, structure, or addition, including pools, shall be erected, altered, or placed on a lot unless plans have been approved. Every accessory building or structure shall be attached to the rear of a dwelling.
?• Exterior colors shall be within the group of colors known as earth tones. Roofing materials shall be layered architectural type. Chimneys shall be of masonry construction.
?• No fence, structural artifact, or planting that acts as a barrier over 4 ft high shall be erected or maintained without approval. Split-rail fence with wire mesh will be the only fencing approved.
?• No trailer, camper, boat, commercial, or unused vehicle shall be parked on any lot.
?• No statues, sculptures, bird baths, animal replicas or other like objects may be placed where may be visible from the street without approval.
?• No structure upon a lot may be used for manufacturing, business trade, sales activities except home occupations as may be permitted under New Castle County Zoning Code.
?• Any outside housing for pets must be approved.

Stenning Woods Deed Restrictions and/or the New Castle County Code also require the below maintenance of your property:

?• Owner is responsible for the maintaining of the area between the curb line and the property line of the lot.
?• Owner is responsible for maintenance of grass and weeds of the lot in accordance with the Grass and Weed Control Ordinance of New Castle County or mow said lot at least once each month between April 15th and November 15th, whichever is more frequent.
?• Trash/Recycling receptacles may be placed outside the home only for collection on regular collection dates.
?• Every owner of or person responsible for one (1) or more dogs or cats shall take all reasonable measures to prevent the accumulation of animal excreta in the area in which such animals are customarily kept. No such owner shall allow animal excreta to accumulate so as to create an obnoxious or offensive odor.

Please take a moment to review your property to ensure that you meet the requirements of the Stenning Woods Deed Restrictions or New Castle County Code and contact the community association with any questions you may have. More information is available at http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/hockessin/stenningwoods/.

Here are a few helpful hints to maintain the curb appeal and value of your home.

?• Those mildew stains on the roofs do not require replacement of your roof. The stains can be powerwashed off, as many homeowners have recently discovered. Many contractors offer this service.
?• Replace broken or missing window grids with new ones which are available at local window dealers. Worn screens can be replaced using your existing frame and is an inexpensive way to spruce up tired looking windows.
?• For those fogged Norco windows when your frame is in good condition, consider replacement Sash Packs when you don?’t want the cost of a full replacement. They are direct replacement wooden sashes available with all the modern efficiencies and features that you can install yourself. Remember to order the grid in the glass.
?• Maintain the appearance of your fence by applying a water repellant that also blocks UV rays and replace any broken rails or posts.
?• Keep landscaping around your home trimmed and looking nice. When plants become overgrown, it may be time to remove and start fresh with new plantings. Keep turf, bushes, and trees trimmed back from sidewalks to allow free movement of pedestrians.
?• Keep your lawn looking good through a maintenance program by feeding your turf, aerating to promote root growth, and spreading grass seed to promote new growth in thin areas. Taking these steps will improve the quality of your turf and help reduce weed growth.

You may contact me with any questions regarding any of these topics. Thank you for your assistance in improving the quality of our community.

John Hanke
Stenning Woods Maintenance Association