Important Covenants and Bylaws Changes

The Belleau Woods Homeowners Association is in the process of updating both the deed covenants and the bylaws to better reflect the needs of our community. These updates aim to ensure clarity, compliance, and the continued well-being of all residents.

NOTE: These changes are not considered final until the required signatures are collected and the documents are recorded with the county.

Summary of proposed changes (Covenants)

1. “Developer” changed to “HOA”.

   ➤ Why: Because the homeowners now control the neighborhood, not the original builder.

2. Home businesses now allowed (with limits).

   ➤ Why: To let people work from home without turning the place into a strip mall.

3. Mandatory HOA membership added.

   ➤ Why: To make sure everyone chips in for maintenance and common stuff.

4. Short term leases prohibited. Approval required for all leases.

   ➤ Why: To prevent Airbnb-style rentals and keep renters accountable.

5. Allow electric street lamps.

   ➤ Why: To save energy and give owners more choices.

6. Street lamps must stay on from dusk to dawn.

   ➤ Why: For safety and a nice-looking neighborhood.

7. Late dues now collect interest.

   ➤ Why: To encourage people to pay on time.

8. Collection of dues and fines can be enforced by lien.

   ➤ Why: To legally back up our ability to maintain shared spaces and collect dues.

9. CCR changes now require a vote of 67% of owners.

   ➤ Why: To make changes more democratic and transparent.

10. Established a set of fines for violations.

    ➤ Why: To hold homeowners accountable when problems occur.

Summary of proposed changes (Bylaws)

1. HOA membership is now automatic with homeownership.

   ➤ Why: No more optional dues — everyone contributes.

2. Quorum for meetings lowered to 10%.

   ➤ Why: Makes it easier to actually hold meetings where meaningful votes can occur.

3. Remote meetings are now (explicitly) allowed.

   ➤ Why: Makes participation easier, especially for busy or traveling folks.

4. Inactive or unpaid Board members can now be automatically removed.

   ➤ Why: Keeps the Board active, engaged, and accountable.

5. Clarify officer roles and officer count.

   ➤ Why: Adds flexibility based on how many people want to help.

6. Cleaned up rules for removing and replacing Board members.

   ➤ Why: Prevents confusion and power struggles.

7. Committees now allowed, but can’t make decisions.

   ➤ Why: Lets volunteers help out without giving them authority.

8. Board meeting notice dropped from 10 days to 2.

   ➤ Why: Lets the Board move quickly when needed.

9. President gets official tiebreaker vote.

   ➤ Why: Helps avoid deadlocks in decision-making.

10. Officers must be current residents and owners.

    ➤ Why: Ensures only invested community members are in charge.

Complete Proposed Documents

Next Steps

Signatures from at least 80% of current homeowners are required to finalize these changes. We encourage all residents to review the proposed documents and provide feedback.

After a short (1 month) review period, we will begin collecting signatures. You will receive instructions via USPS mail describing the signature process.