Update on efforts to modernize Bristol Park covenants and bylaws

The Bristol Park HOA Board of Managers will continue to work on updates to the neighborhood’s covenant and bylaws.

In July, a voting meeting was held to amend the neighborhood convents in an effort to retain property values, quality of neighborhood and resale value for homeowners. To change the bylaws, which were originally written by the developer in 1997, more than half of all property owners have to vote in favor of a change.

After the July 25 deadline to vote for changes to bylaws, only 40 property owners out of 311 voted in favor of requiring property owners to live in their homes for one year before leasing a home, and putting restrictions in place that would cap or reduce the number of rental properties in Bristol Park.

Without the necessary votes, the effort to update the neighborhood bylaws did not pass. The HOA Board of Managers remains committed to helping Bristol Park maintain its value and appeal and will continue efforts to educate residents and property owners on the need to update the bylaws that were originally written nearly 20 years ago.

Possible efforts could include going door-to-door canvassing and meetings for property owners to get additional information and cast a vote to secure updates neighborhood bylaws.
The HOA seeks to change the bylaws to:
• Update and remove references to private developers in bylaws.
• Change roof shingle requirement to currently available manufacturer and type.
• Remove restrictions on hot tubs. Allow homeowners to have hot tubs up to 400 gallons.
• Add requirement that new homeowners must occupy property for one year before home can be offered for rental.
• Limit number of rental properties to 10% of total homes. Some homes will be allowed to be grandfathered and hardship requests will be considered.

o The goal is reduce or prevent investment property overrun in Bristol Park. Research shows that owner-occupied properties are maintained. Studies also show that neighborhoods with high levels of absentee ownership have a higher rate of decline, increased crime, and declined resale value. Currently nearly 20 percent of homes in Bristol Park are rentals.

Changes will require property owners who rent their home to have a professional lawn service, and have up to 90 days to secure new tenants.
• Require rental lease agreements to be at least 12 months to limit short term rentals and AirBNB rentals.

Please continue watch this website as more updates to this important effort. If you are interested in helping with this important neighborhood project, please contact the HOA Board of Managers at info@bristolpark.org.

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