Below you will find questions that are frequently asked regarding condominium ownership, in general, as well as the Villas of Walnut Grove Condominium Association’s policies.

LEGAL STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION

 What are General Common Elements?
General Common elements are aspects of a condominium association that are for the use and enjoyment of all co-owners in the association.  These include, but are not limited to, real estate, exterior improvements, joint electrical, gas, water, heating and air conditioning conduits and ducts, sewer, telephone, entrance signage and wells.

 What are Owner Elements?
Owner elements are those that are reserved for the exclusive use of the co-owner in a specified unit or units.  Examples of these would be: utility service lines, balconies, delivery boxes (mail and paper), heating and cooling appliances, garage interiors, windows/sliders/doors, driveways and walkways, interior unit surfaces (doors, ceilings, floors, etc.) and building elements (foundation, roof, perimeter walls, etc.)

 What is Percentage of Value?
The total percentage of value of the association is 100%.  The percentage of value assigned to each of the units in the association shall be equal to each other, with the sum of each percentage of value multiplied by the number of units equaling the total value of the association.

 Who are Members?
A member is a co-owner who has purchased a condominium unit.  Phase 1 will have ten members.

 When are Membership Meetings?
The initial meeting shall be called by the developers.  An annual meeting will be held once a year, the date and time determined by the Board of Directors.

What is the Board of Directors?
The Board of Directors is the governing body of the Association and is responsible for the administration of the affairs of the Association.

 Who serves on the Board of Directors?
Board members are elected by the Association’s membership at the annual meeting and shall serve specified terms as determined by the Board.

 How are monthly assessments determined?
Assessments will be determined by the Board of Directors and will be based on the yearly management and maintenance costs of the Association, divided by the number of co-owners.

 When are monthly assessments due?
The Board of Directors will determine a specific date of the month for collection of monthly assessments.  Any assessment not paid by that date will have a grace period of a specified number of days, after which late fees will be assessed.  The Board of Directors will determine the window of the grace period and amount of the late fee.

 What is my monthly assessment used for?
Monthly assessments cover the cost of services to the association as a whole, such as exterior lighting, electricity used by the wells, snow removal, lawn care and trash removal.  Michigan law requires a 10%of operating cost reserve fund for condominiums, and a portion of the assessment goes toward the reserve fund.

 What are special assessments?
These are temporary in nature and must be approved by 60% of the Membership.  Special assessments can be levied to cover other needs or expenditures of the Common Elements that are not covered in the budget, e.g., unexpected damages to lighting structures, driveway repair, etc.  An equal amount is paid by the co-owners.

USE AND OCCUPANCY

 Can my condo be used for a purpose other than residency?
A condominium unit can be used for no other purpose than single family residency.  A unit cannot be used for business purposes such as day care, foster care or other commercial use.

 Can I rent my unit?
A unit can be rented, with prior permission from the Board of Directors, as long as the co-owner who is renting the unit lives in the association.  No portion (e.g., a bedroom or basement living area) can be rented out.

 Is there a limit on the number of occupants?
No more than 4 persons shall permanently occupy a unit.  No more than 3 adults of the same immediate family shall occupy the unit.

 Are pets allowed?
One domestic dog weighing 25 pounds or less or one domestic cat is permitted per unit, for a total of one pet.  No animal may run loose on Association property, and the owner of each pet is responsible for its cleanup.

 Is there a charge for my pet?
There is no monthly pet fee, however, the Association may charge an assessment to a co-owner if it’s determined that the animal has caused additional maintenance costs.

 How many vehicles are allowed for each unit?
Each unit may have two (2) licensed automobiles.  Both must be parked within the unit’s garage.  A temporary, 3rd automobile permit can be issued to owners for a small fee.  The temporary permit shall be valid for 6 months and renewable subject to approval by the Association.

 Is guest parking available?
Guests may park in the individual’s driveway or in the guest parking spaces provide.

 What about boats, snowmobiles and RV’s?
Motorized, recreational vehicles must be stored in the unit’s garage, isolated from public view.  Maintenance and repairs must be done in the unit’s garage, with the doors closed.  No motorized recreational vehicle may be operated on Association property.

 Is there a noise ordinance?
Yes.  Noise shall be that of a reasonable level.  Loud music, loud vehicles and loud parties will be subject to an initial fine of $50, with a fine of $500 for the second and each subsequent offense.  Fines must be paid within 15 days.

 Are satellite dishes permitted?
A satellite dish can be mounted on the back of the unit subject to prior, written approval by the Board of Directors.

 For what utilities am I responsible?
Cable TV (Millennium Cable), Electric (Board of Water & Light), Gas (Consumer’s Power), Sewer (Bath Township), Telephone (Ameritech).

Is high-speed internet service available and do I have a choice of providers?
Yes. Presently, Millennium Cable is the only provider in the area.