Condominium Declaration
COMMON INTEREST COMMUNITY
Planned Community
CRANE LAKE SHORES
DECLARATION
This Declaration is made in the County of St. Louis, State of Minnesota, by Voyageur Lakes Development, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (the "Declarant"), pursuant to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 515B, known as the Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act (the "Act"), for the purpose of creating Crane Lake Shores as a planned community under the Act.
WHEREAS, Declarant is the owner of certain real property located in St. Louis County, Minnesota, legally described in Exhibit A attached hereto, and Declarant desires to submit said real property and all improvements thereon (collectively the "Property") to the Act as a planned community; and
WHEREAS, Declarant desires to establish on the Property a plan for a permanent residential community to be owned, occupied and operated for the use, health, safety and welfare of its Owners and Occupants, and for the purpose of preserving the value, the structural quality, and the original architectural character of the Property; and
WHEREAS, the Property is not subject to an ordinance referred to in Section 515B.1-106 of the Act, governing conversions to common interest ownership, and is not subject to a master association as defined in the Act.
THEREFORE, Declarant makes this Declaration and submits the Property to the Act as a planned community under the name "Crane Lake Shores," initially consisting of the Units referred to in 1.20, declaring that this Declaration shall constitute covenants to run with the Property, and that the Property shall be owned, used, occupied and conveyed subject to the covenants, restrictions, easements, charges and liens set forth herein, all of which shall be binding upon all Persons owning or acquiring any right, title or interest therein, and their heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns.
Section 1. DEFINITIONS
The following words when used in the Governing Documents shall have the following meanings (unless the context indicates otherwise):
1.1. "Act" shall mean the Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act, Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 515B, as amended.
1.2. "Assessments" shall mean and refer to all assessments levied by the Association pursuant to 1.46 of this Declaration, including annual assessments, special assessments and limited allocation assessments.
1.3. "Association" shall mean the Crane Lake Shores Owners' Association, Inc., a nonprofit corporation which has been created pursuant to Chapter 317A of the laws of the state of Minnesota and Section 515B.3-101 of the Act, whose members consist of all Owners.
1.4. "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Association as provided for in the By-Laws.
1.5. "By-Laws" shall mean the By-Laws governing the operation of the Association, as amended from time to time.
1.6. "Common Elements" shall mean all parts of the Property except the Units, including all improvements thereon, owned by the Association for the common benefit of the Owners and Occupants. The Common Elements are legally described in Exhibit B attached hereto.
1.7. "Common Expenses" shall mean and include all expenditures made or liabilities incurred by or on behalf of the Association and incident to its operation, including Assessments and items otherwise identified as Common Expenses in the Declaration or By-Laws.
1.8. "Dwelling" shall mean a part of a building consisting of one or more floors, designed and intended for occupancy as a single-family residence, and located within the boundaries of a Unit. The Dwelling includes any garage attached thereto or otherwise included within the boundaries of the Unit in which the Dwelling is located.
1.9. "Eligible Mortgagee" shall mean any Person owning a mortgage on any Unit, which mortgage is first in priority upon foreclosure to all other mortgages that encumber such Unit, and which has requested the Association, in writing, to notify it regarding any proposed action which requires approval by a specified percentage of Eligible Mortgagees.
1.10. "Governing Documents" shall mean this Declaration, and the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Association, as amended from time to time, all of which shall govern the use and operation of the Property.
1.11. "Limited Common Elements" shall mean a portion of the Common Elements allocated by the Declaration or by operation of Section 515B.2-102(d) or (f) of the Act for the exclusive use of one or more but fewer than all of the Units.
1.12. "Member" shall mean all persons who are members of the Association by virtue of being Owners as defined in this Declaration. The words "Owner" and "Member" may be used interchangeably in the Governing Documents.
1.13. "Occupant" shall mean any person or persons, other than an Owner, in possession of or residing in a Unit.
1.14. "Owner" shall mean a Person who owns a Unit, but excluding contract for deed vendors, mortgagees and other secured parties within the meaning of Section 515B.1-103(29) of the Act. The term "Owner" includes, without limitation, contract for deed vendees and holders of a life estate.
1.15. "Party Wall" shall mean the interior shared wall between two Dwellings.
1.16. "Person" shall mean a natural individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, trustee, or other legal entity capable of holding title to real property.
1.17. "Plat" shall mean the recorded plat depicting the Property pursuant to the requirements of Section 515B.2-110(d) of the Act, and satisfying the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 505, 508 or 508A, as applicable, including any amended or supplemental Plat recorded from time to time in accordance with the Act.
1.18. "Property" shall mean all of the real property submitted to this Declaration, now or in the future, including the Dwellings and all other structures and improvements located thereon. The Property is legally described in Exhibit A attached hereto.
1.19. "Rules and Regulations" shall mean the Rules and Regulations of the Association as approved from time to time pursuant to Section 1.45.
1.20. "Unit" shall mean any platted lot subject to this Declaration upon which a Dwelling is located or intended to be located, as described in Section 1.21 and shown on the Plat, including all improvements thereon, but excluding the Common Elements.
Any terms used in the Governing Documents, and defined in the Act and not in this Section, shall have the meaning set forth in the Act.
Section 2. DESCRIPTION OF UNITS, BOUNDARIES AND RELATED EASEMENTS
1.22. Unit Boundaries. The front, rear and side boundaries of each Unit shall be the boundary lines of the platted lot upon which the Dwelling is located or intended to be located as shown on the Plat. The Units shall have no upper or lower boundaries. Subject to this 1.20 and 1.32, all spaces, walls, and other improvements within the boundaries of a Unit are a part of the Unit.
1.23. Access Easements. Each Unit shall be the beneficiary of a perpetual appurtenant easement for access to a public street or highway on or across those portions of the Common Elements paved for use as streets, as shown on the Plat, subject to any restrictions set forth in the Governing Documents or the Rules and Regulations.
1.24. Septic and Well. Each Unit shall be the beneficiary of a perpetual appurtenant easement across the Common Elements to utilize the common septic system and the common well serving that Unit. It shall be the responsibility of each Unit Owner to maintain the piping from such Owner's Unit across or under the Common Elements extending from that Unit to the common septic system and common well.
1.25. Use and Enjoyment Easements. Each Unit shall be the beneficiary of perpetual appurtenant easements for use and enjoyment on and across the Common Elements, and for use and enjoyment of any Limited Common Elements allocated to the Unit, subject to any restrictions authorized by the Governing Documents. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, dock slips shall constitute part of the Common Elements, but may be assigned from time to time by the Association for the exclusive use of the Owner(s) and Occupant(s) of a Unit.
1.26. Utility and Maintenance Easements. Each Unit shall be subject to and shall be the beneficiary of perpetual appurtenant easements for all services and utilities servicing the Units and the Common Elements, and for maintenance, repair and replacement as described in 1.85.
1.27. Encroachment Easements. Each Unit shall be subject to and shall be the beneficiary of perpetual appurtenant easements for encroachments as described in 1.109.
1.28. Declarant's Easements. Declarant shall have and be the beneficiary of easements for construction and sales activities as described in d.
1.29. Recorded Easements. The Property shall be subject to such other easements as may be recorded against it or otherwise shown on the Plat.
1.30. Easements are Appurtenant. All easements and similar rights burdening or benefiting a Unit or any other part of the Property shall run with the land, and shall be permanent, subject only to termination in accordance with the Act or the terms of the easement. Any recorded easement benefiting or burdening the Property shall be construed in a manner consistent with, and not in conflict with, the easements created by this Declaration.
1.31. Impairment Prohibited. No person shall materially restrict or impair any easement benefiting or burdening the Property, subject to the Declaration and the right of the Association to establish and enforce reasonable Rules and Regulations governing the use of the Property.
1.32. Benefit of Easements. All easements benefiting a Unit shall benefit the Owners and Occupants of the Unit, and their families and guests. However, an Owner who has delegated the right to occupy the Unit to an Occupant or Occupants, whether by a lease or otherwise, does not have the use and other easements rights in the Property during such delegated occupancy, except as a guest of an Owner or Occupant or in connection with the inspection of the Unit or recovery of possession of the Unit from the Occupant pursuant to law.
Section 3.
COMMON
ELEMENTS, LIMITED COMMON ELEMENTS
AND OTHER PROPERTY
1.33. Common Elements. The Common Elements and their characteristics are as follows:
a. All of the Property not included within the Units constitutes Common Elements. The Common Elements include, but are not limited to, all areas and items listed in this 1.32, and those parts of the Property described in Exhibit B attached hereto or designated as Common Elements on the Plat or in the Act. The Common Elements are owned by the Association for the benefit of the Owners and Occupants.
b. The Common Elements shall be subject to (i) certain easements as described in 1.20, 1.109, and d; (ii) the rights of Owners and Occupants in Limited Common Elements appurtenant to their respective Units; (iii) the right of the Association to assign the exclusive right to use dock spaces from time to time for the exclusive use of the Owner(s) and Occupant(s) of a Unit; and (iv) the right of the Association to establish reasonable Rules and Regulations governing the use of the Property.
c. Except as otherwise expressly provided in the Governing Documents, all maintenance, repair, replacement, management and operation of the Common Elements shall be the responsibility of the Association.
d. Common Expenses for the maintenance, repair, replacement, management and operation of the Common Elements shall be assessed and collected from the Owners in accordance with 1.46.
1.34. Limited Common Elements. The Limited Common Elements are those parts of the Common Elements reserved for the exclusive use of the Owners and Occupants of the Units to which they are allocated. The rights to the use and enjoyment of the Limited Common Elements are automatically conveyed with the conveyance of such Units. The Limited Common Elements are described and allocated to the Units, as follows:
a. Those items or areas designated as Limited Common Elements on the Plat or by the Act.
1.35. Annexation of Other Property. Other real property may be annexed to the common interest community as Units or Common Elements, or any combination thereof, and subjected to this Declaration, with the approval of (i) Owners (other than Declarant) of Units to which are allocated at least 67 percent of the votes in the Association and (ii) Declarant so long as Declarant owns any unsold Unit for sale.
Section 4. ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP; RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
Membership in the Association, and the allocation to each Unit of a portion of the votes in the Association and a portion of the Common Expenses of the Association shall be governed by the following provisions:
1.36. Membership. Each Owner shall be a member of the Association by virtue of Unit ownership, and the membership shall be transferred with the conveyance of the Owner's interest in the Unit. An Owner's membership shall terminate when the Owner's ownership terminates. When more than one Person is an Owner of a Unit, all such Persons shall be members of the Association, but multiple ownership of a Unit shall not increase the voting rights allocated to such Unit nor authorize the division of the voting rights.
1.38. Appurtenant Rights and Obligations. The ownership of a Unit shall include the voting rights and Common Expense obligations described in Section 1.37. Said rights, obligations and interests, and the title to the Units, shall not be separated or conveyed separately, and any conveyance, encumbrance, judicial sale or other transfer of any allocated interest in a Unit, separate from the title to the Unit shall be void. The allocation of the rights, obligations and interests described in this Section may not be changed, except in accordance with the Governing Documents and the Act.
1.39. Authority to Vote. The Owner, or some natural person designated to act as proxy on behalf of the Owner, and who need not be an Owner, may cast the vote allocated to such Unit at meetings of the Association. However, if there are multiple Owners of a Unit, only the Owner or other Person designated pursuant to the provisions of the By-Laws may cast such vote. The voting rights of Owners are more fully described in Article III of the By-Laws.
Section 5. ADMINISTRATION
The administration and operation of the Association and the Property, including but not limited to, the acts required of the Association, shall be governed by the following provisions:
1.40. General. The operation and administration of the Association and the Property shall be governed by the Governing Documents, the Rules and Regulations, and the Act. The Association shall, subject to the rights of the Owners set forth in the Governing Documents and the Act, be responsible for the operation, management and control of the Property. The Association shall have all powers described in the Governing Documents, the Act and the statute under which the Association is incorporated. All power and authority of the Association shall be vested in the Board, unless action or approval by the individual Owners is specifically required by the Governing Documents or the Act. All references to the Association shall mean the Association acting through the Board unless specifically stated to the contrary.
1.41. Operational Purposes. The Association shall operate and manage the Property for the purposes of (i) administering and enforcing the covenants, restrictions, easements, charges and liens set forth in the Governing Documents and the Rules and Regulations, (ii) maintaining, repairing and replacing those portions of the Property for which it is responsible and (iii) preserving the value, and the architectural uniformity and character of the Property.
1.42. Binding Effect of Actions. All agreements and determinations made by the Association in accordance with the powers and voting rights established by the Governing Documents or the Act shall be binding upon all Owners and Occupants, and their lessees, guests, heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns, and all secured parties as defined in the Act.
1.43. By-Laws. The Association shall have By-Laws. The By-Laws shall govern the operation and administration of the Association, and shall be binding on all Owners and Occupants.
1.44. Management. The Board may delegate to a manager or managing agent the management duties imposed upon the Association's officers and directors by the Governing Documents and the Act. However, such delegation shall not relieve the officers and directors of the ultimate responsibility for the performance of their duties as prescribed by the Governing Documents and by law.
1.46. Association Assets; Surplus Funds. All funds and real or personal property acquired by the Association shall be held and used for the benefit of the Owners for the purposes stated in the Governing Documents. Surplus funds remaining after payment of or provision for Common Expenses and reserves shall be credited against future assessments or added to reserves, as determined by the Board.
Section 6. ASSESSMENTS
1.47. General. Assessments shall be determined and assessed against the Units by the Board, in its discretion; subject to the requirements and procedures set forth in this 1.46, and the requirements of the By-Laws. Assessments shall include annual Assessments under Section 1.48, and may include Special Assessments under Section 1.49 and Limited Allocation Assessments under Section 1.50. Annual and Special Assessments shall be allocated among the Units equally, in accordance with the allocation formula set forth in Section 1.37. Limited Allocation Assessments under Section 1.50 shall be allocated to Units as set forth in that Section.
b. Any Assessment or portion thereof benefiting fewer than all of the Units may be assessed exclusively against the Unit or Units benefited.
c. The costs of insurance may be assessed in proportion to the square footage or actual cost per Unit, and the costs of utilities may be assessed in proportion to usage.
d. Reasonable attorneys' fees and other costs incurred by the Association in connection with (i) the collection of Assessments and (ii) the enforcement of the Governing Documents, the Act, or the Rules and Regulations, against an Owner or Occupant or their guests, may be assessed against the Owner's Unit.
e. Late charges, fines and interest may be assessed as provided in 1.115.
f. Assessments levied under Section 515B.3-116(a) of the Act to pay a judgment against the Association may be levied only against the Units existing at the time the judgment was entered, in proportion to their Common Expense liabilities.
h. If any Assessment or installment of an Assessment becomes more than 30 days past due, then the Association may, upon 10 days' written notice to the Owner, declare the entire amount of the Assessment immediately due and payable in full.
i. If Common Expense liabilities are reallocated for any purpose authorized by the Act, Assessments and any installment thereof not yet due shall be recalculated in accordance with the reallocated Common Expense liabilities.
Assessments levied under Sections 1.50 a. through g. may, at the Board's discretion, be assessed as a part of, or in addition to, the Assessments levied under 1.46.
1.51. Working Capital Fund. There shall be established a working capital fund to meet unforeseen expenditures or to purchase additional equipment or services during the Association's beginning years of operation. The Board shall include in each subsequent annual budget a reasonable amount of working capital, based upon the anticipated needs of the Association for the year in question. There shall be contributed on a one-time basis for each Unit sold an amount equal to two months installments of the estimated Common Expense Assessment for the Unit. The contribution shall be paid at the earlier of the time of closing of sale of the Unit or the time of termination of the period of Declarant control under Section 1.139. The contributions to this fund are in addition to the regular monthly installments of Assessments. The funds shall be deposited into a segregated Association account no later than the termination of the period of Declarant control. Declarant may not use the funds to defray any of its expenses, reserve contributions or construction costs, or to make up any budget deficit while Declarant is in control of the Association. However, upon the closing of the sale of an unsold Unit, Declarant may reimburse itself from funds collected from the purchaser at the closing for any contributions made by Declarant to the working capital fund with respect to that Unit.
1.52. Liability of Owners for Assessments. The obligation of an Owner to pay Assessments shall commence at the later of (i) the time at which the Owner acquires title to the Unit, or (ii) the due date of the first Assessment levied by the Board, subject to the alternative Assessment program described in Section 1.53. The Owner at the time an Assessment is payable with respect to the Unit shall be personally liable for the share of the Common Expenses assessed against such Unit. Such liability shall be joint and several where there are multiple Owners of the Unit. The liability is absolute and unconditional. No Owner is exempt from liability for payment of Assessments by right of set-off, by waiver of use or enjoyment of any part of the Property, by absence from or abandonment of the Unit, by the waiver of any other rights, or by reason of any claim against the Association or its officers, directors or agents, or for their failure to fulfill any duties under the Governing Documents or the Act. The Association may invoke the charges, sanctions and remedies set forth in 1.115, in addition to any remedies provided elsewhere in the Governing Documents, the Rules and Regulations, or by law, for the purpose of enforcing its rights hereunder.
1.54. Assessment Lien. The Association has a lien on a Unit for any Assessment levied against that Unit from the time the Assessment becomes due. If an Assessment is payable in installments, the full amount of the Assessment is a lien from the time the first installment thereof becomes due. Fees, charges, late charges, fines and interest charges imposed by the Association pursuant to Section 515B.3-102(a)(10), (11) and (12) of the Act are liens, and are enforceable as Assessments, under this 1.46. Recording of the Declaration constitutes record notice and perfection of any lien under this 1.46, and no further recordation of any notice of or claim for the lien is required. The release of the lien shall not release the Owner from personal liability unless agreed to in writing by the Association.
1.55. Foreclosure of Lien; Remedies. A lien for Assessments may be foreclosed against a Unit under the laws of the state of Minnesota (i) by action, or (ii) by advertisement in a like manner as a mortgage containing a power of sale. The Association, or its authorized representative, shall have the power to bid in at the foreclosure sale and to acquire, hold, lease, mortgage and convey any Unit so acquired. The Owner and any other Person claiming an interest in the Unit, by the acceptance or assertion of any interest in the Unit, grants to the Association a power of sale and full authority to accomplish the foreclosure. The Association shall, in addition to its other remedies, have the right to pursue any other remedy at law or in equity against the Owner who fails to pay any Assessment or charge against the Unit.
1.57. Voluntary Conveyances; Statement of Assessments. In a voluntary conveyance of a Unit, the buyer shall not be personally liable for any unpaid Assessments and other charges made by the Association against the seller or the seller's Unit prior to the time of conveyance to the buyer, unless expressly assumed by the buyer. However, the lien of such Assessments shall remain against the Unit until released. Any seller or buyer shall be entitled to a statement, in recordable form, from the Association setting forth the amount of the unpaid Assessments against the Unit, including all Assessments payable in the Association's current fiscal year, which statement shall be binding on the Association, seller and buyer.
Section 7. RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF PROPERTY
All Owners and Occupants, and all secured parties, by their acceptance or assertion of an interest in the Property, or by their occupancy of a Unit, covenant and agree that, in addition to any other restrictions which may be imposed by the Act or the Governing Documents, the occupancy, use, operation, alienation and conveyance of the Property shall be subject to the following restrictions:
1.58. General. The Property shall be owned, conveyed, encumbered, leased, used and occupied subject to the Governing Documents and the Act, as amended from time to time. All covenants, restrictions and obligations set forth in the Governing Documents are in furtherance of a plan for the Property, and shall run with the Property and be a burden and benefit to all Owners and Occupants and to any other Person acquiring or owning an interest in the Property, their heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns.
1.59. Subdivision Prohibited. Except as permitted by the Act and as otherwise provided herein, no Unit nor any part of the Common Elements may be subdivided or partitioned without the prior written approval of all Owners and all secured parties holding first mortgages on the Units.
1.60. Residential Use. The Units shall be used by Owners and Occupants and their guests exclusively as private, single-family residential dwellings, and not for transient, hotel, commercial, business or other non-residential purposes, except as provided in Section 1.61. The number of occupants per Dwelling shall be restricted in accordance with the Building Officials and Code Administration (BOCA) occupancy restrictions. Any lease of a Unit (except for occupancy by guests with the consent of the Owner) for a period of less than seven days, or any occupancy which includes services customarily furnished to hotel guests, shall be presumed to be for transient purposes.
a. An Owner or Occupant residing in a Unit may maintain a home occupation in such Unit and handle matters relating to such home occupation by telecommunications or correspondence therefrom; provided, that such uses are incidental to the residential use; do not involve physical alteration of the Unit visible from the exterior; are in compliance with all governmental laws, ordinances and regulations; and do not involve any observable business activity such as signs, advertising displays, regular deliveries, or pedestrian or vehicular traffic to and from the Unit by customers or employees.
b. The Association may maintain offices on the Property for management and related purposes.
c. Declarant may maintain offices, sales facilities and other business facilities on the Property in connection with the exercise of its special declarant rights.
1.62. Leasing. Leasing of Units shall be allowed, subject to reasonable regulation by the Association, and subject to the following conditions: (i) that no Unit shall be leased for transient or hotel purposes, (ii) that no Unit may be subleased, (iii) that all leases shall be in writing, and (iv) that all leases shall provide that they are subject to the Governing Documents, the Rules and Regulations and the Act, and that any failure of the lessee to comply with the terms of such documents shall be a default under the lease. The Association may impose such reasonable Rules and Regulations as may be necessary to implement procedures for the leasing of Units, consistent with this Section.
1.63. Delegation of Use. An Owner may delegate, in accordance with the Governing Documents, the Owner's right of use and enjoyment of the Unit to persons living in the Unit pursuant to a legal right of possession; provided, that such persons shall be subject to the Governing Documents and the Rules and Regulations. If lessees, or other persons other than the Owner or the Owner's family, have been given the legal right to possess the Owner's Unit, then those persons shall have the right to use any common recreational facilities, parking, storage and other amenities on the Property in lieu of the Owner and the Owner's family.
1.64. Parking. Garages and parking areas on the Property shall be used only for parking of vehicles owned or leased by Owners and Occupants and their guests, and such other incidental uses as may be authorized in writing by the Association. Garages shall not be converted to other uses or used for storage or other purposes which would prevent the parking of two automobiles in a garage. The use of garages, driveways and other parking areas on the Property, and the types of vehicles and personal property permitted thereon, shall be subject to regulation by the Association, including without limitation the right of the Association to tow illegally parked vehicles or to remove unauthorized personal property.
1.65. Animals. No animal may be bred, or kept or maintained for business or commercial purposes, anywhere on the Property. However, subject to the previous restriction, the Board shall have the exclusive authority to prohibit, or to allow and regulate, by Rules and Regulations, the keeping of animals on the Property. This authority may be exercised so as to permit or prohibit different types of animals, but those animals which are permitted (if any) shall be limited to common domestic house pets such as dogs, cats, fish, birds and the like. The word "animal" shall be construed in its broadest sense and shall include all living creatures except humans.
1.66. Quiet Enjoyment; Interference Prohibited. All Owners and Occupants and their guests shall have a right of quiet enjoyment in their respective Units. The Property shall be occupied and used in such a manner as will not cause a nuisance, nor unduly restrict, interfere with or impede the use and quiet enjoyment of the Property by other Owners and Occupants and their guests.
1.67. Garbage. Neither a Unit nor any portion of the Property shall be used or maintained as a dumping ground for rubbish, trash, garbage or other waste. Garbage, rubbish and trash shall not be kept on the Property except in commercial containers serviced at least once a week by commercial haulers or in sanitary containers kept out of sight, except on day of trash collection. All such containers shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
1.68. Temporary Residence. No structure of a temporary character, trailer, basement, tent, shack, garage, barn or other temporary building shall be used on any portion of the Property at any time as a residence, except that a travel trailer may be used as a temporary residence for up to 18 months after construction is commenced on the primary residential structure on a Unit. Modular and manufactured homes are allowable as a residence, subject to the provisions of 1.79 below.
1.69. Recreational Vehicles. No trailers, boats, buses, motor homes, campers, snowmobiles, golf carts or other similar types of recreational vehicles shall be parked adjacent to or on any Unit unless in a garage or unless such is kept in a neat and clean condition and provided that such are completely screened from adjacent Units and adjacent Common Elements and Limited Common Elements, and provided further that such items are not parked closer than 30 feet from a Common Element or Limited Common Element or 20 feet from any other Unit.
1.70. Abandoned Vehicles. No abandoned motor vehicle shall be permitted to remain upon any Unit, any Common Element or any Limited Common Element. The Association shall have the right to remove any such vehicle at any time, and assess the costs of such removal against the Unit which is owned or occupied by the person in control or possession of such vehicle.
1.71. Fences. No fences or boundary walls shall be erected on any Unit or any Limited Common Element.
1.72. Exterior Lighting. All exterior lighting shall be restrained, limited and subdued so as not to interfere in any way with the use and enjoyment of adjacent Units, Common Elements and Limited Common Elements.
1.73. Garage Doors. No Owner or Occupant of any Unit shall permit door(s) of any garage constructed as part of the improvements to any Unit to remain open, except at such times as such Owner or Occupant is entering or exiting such garage or is present in the garage.
1.74. Commercial Vehicles. Commercial vehicles are prohibited on the Property except for temporary loading and unloading or as may be designated by the Board. Parking spaces located on the Property may not be used for any purpose other than to park motor vehicles, excluding, specifically, heavy trucks (i.e., trucks larger than 3/4 ton pickup trucks), commercial vehicles, trailers or boats without the prior express approval of the Board.
1.75. Compliance with Law. No use shall be made of the Property which would violate any then existing municipal codes or ordinances, or state or federal laws, nor shall any act or use be permitted which could cause waste to the Property, cause a material increase in insurance rates on the Property, or otherwise cause any unusual liability, health or safety risk, or expense, for the Association or any Owner or Occupant.
1.76. Improvements. Except for those made by Declarant in consideration of its initial sale of a Unit, no improvements (as defined in 1.79) shall be made, or caused or allowed to be made, in any part of the Common Elements, or in any part of the Unit which affects the Common Elements or another Unit or which is visible from the exterior of the Unit, without the prior written authorization of the Board, or a committee appointed by it, as provided in 1.79.
1.78. Time Shares Permitted. The time share form of ownership, or any comparable form of lease, occupancy rights or ownership which has the effect of dividing the ownership or occupancy of a Unit into separate time periods, is permitted.
1.79. Access to Units. In case of emergency, all Units and Limited Common Elements are subject to entry, without notice and at any time, by an officer or member of the Board, by the Association's management agents or by any public safety personnel. Entry is also authorized for maintenance purposes under 1.85 and 1.109 and for enforcement purposes under 1.115.
1.80. Restrictions on Improvements. One of the purposes of this Declaration is to ensure that those parts of the Units which are visible from the exterior be kept architecturally attractive and uniform in appearance. Therefore, the following restrictions and requirements shall apply to improvements on the Property:
a. Except as expressly provided in this 1.79, no Dwelling, structure, building, addition, deck, patio, fence, wall, enclosure, window, exterior door, antenna or other type of sending or receiving apparatus, sign, display, decoration, color change, shrubbery, material topographical or landscaping change, nor any other exterior improvements to or alteration of any Dwelling or any other part of a Unit which affects the Common Elements or another Unit, or which is visible from the exterior of the Unit (collectively referred to as "improvements"), shall be commenced, erected or maintained, unless and until the plans and specifications showing the nature, kind, shape, height, color, materials and locations of the improvements shall have been approved in writing by the Board or a committee appointed by it. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Declarant's written consent shall also be required for improvements until the expiration of the Declarant control period described in Section 1.139.
b. The Board may appoint, supervise and disestablish an architectural committee, and specifically delegate to it part or all of the functions which the Board exercises under this 1.79, in which case the references to the Board shall refer to the architectural committee where appropriate. The architectural committee shall be subject to the supervision of the Board.
c. The Board shall establish the criteria for approval of improvements, which shall include and require, at a minimum:
(1) substantial uniformity of color, size, location, type and design in relation to existing Dwellings and topography,
(2) comparable or better quality of materials as used in existing Dwellings,
(3) ease of maintenance and repair,
(4) adequate protection of the Property, the Association, Owners and Occupants from liability and liens arising out of the proposed improvements,
(5) substantial preservation of other Owners' sight lines, if material, and
(6) compliance with governmental laws, codes and regulations.
The Board, or the appointed committee if so authorized by the Board, shall be the sole judge of whether the criteria are satisfied.
d. Approval of improvements which encroach upon another Unit or the Common Elements shall create an appurtenant easement for such encroachment in favor of the Unit with respect to which the improvements are approved, notwithstanding any contrary requirement in the Governing Documents or the Act. A file of the resolutions approving all improvements shall be maintained permanently as a part of the Association's records.
e. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the installation of an antenna one meter or less in diameter for the purpose of receiving direct broadcast/satellite service or video programming services, or any antenna for receiving television broadcast signals, may be installed on a Dwelling, as permitted by applicable federal law; provided, that the antenna shall be installed so as to minimize its visibility and otherwise camouflage its appearance, and so as not to impose a greater maintenance burden on the Association or damage any Dwelling. The Board shall have authority to impose further, reasonable requirements consistent with law.
1.81. Review Procedures. The following procedures shall govern requests for improvements under this Section:
a. Detailed plans, specifications and related information regarding any proposed improvement, in form and content acceptable to the Board, shall be submitted to the Board at least 60 days prior to the projected commencement of construction. No improvements shall be commenced prior to approval.
b. The Board shall give the Owner written notice of approval or minimize its visibility and otherwise camouflage its appearance. If the Board fails to approve or disapprove within 60 days after receipt of said plans and specifications and all other information requested by the Board, then approval shall be deemed to be granted; provided that the improvements are done in accordance with the plans, specifications and related information which were submitted.
c. If no request for approval is submitted, approval shall be deemed to be denied.
1.82. Sewage Treatment System. Another purpose of this Declaration is to insure that all Units in each phase utilize the common septic system constructed to service that phase. Therefore, the following restrictions and requirements shall apply to all individual sewage treatment systems and common sewage treatment systems on the Property:
a. There shall not be constructed any individual sewage treatment system on any Units.
b. All Dwellings shall connect to the common septic system to serve the Unit on which such Dwellings are located at the cost of the individual Unit Owner.
c. At such time as each Unit connects to the common septic system, water meters shall be installed and be accessible to show the amount of water used by all structures on every Unit which is connected to the common septic system.
1.83. Well. Another purpose of this Declaration is to insure that all Units in each phase utilize the well constructed to service that phase. Therefore, the following restrictions and requirements shall apply to all wells on the Property:
a. There shall not be constructed any wells on any Unit.
b. All Dwellings shall connect to the well constructed to service the Unit on which such Dwellings are located at the cost of the individual Unit Owner.
c. At such time as each Unit connects to the common well, water meters shall be installed and be accessible to show the amount of water used by all structures on every Unit which is connected to the common well.
1.84. Remedies for Violations. The Association may undertake any measures, legal or administrative, to enforce compliance with this Section and shall be entitled to recover from the Owner causing or permitting the violation all attorneys' fees and costs of enforcement incurred by the Association, whether or not a legal action is started. Such attorneys' fees and costs shall be a lien against the Owner's Unit and a personal obligation of the Owner. In addition, the Association shall have the right to enter the Owner's Unit and to restore any part of the Dwelling or Unit to its prior condition if any improvements were made in violation of this Section, and the cost of such restoration shall be a personal obligation of the Owner and a lien against the Owner's Unit.
1.85. Hold Harmless. The Owner who causes an improvement to be made, regardless of whether the improvement is approved by the Board, shall be solely responsible for the construction standards and specifications relating to the improvement, and the construction work. The Owner, and not the Association, is responsible for determining whether any improvement is in violation of any restrictions imposed by any governmental authority having jurisdiction over the Property. The Owner shall hold the Association harmless and indemnify the Association, and its officers and directors, from and against any expenses, claims, damages, losses or other liabilities, including without limitation attorneys' fees and costs of litigation, arising out of (i) any improvement which violates any governmental laws, codes, ordinances or regulations, (ii) the adequacy of the specifications for construction of the improvements, and (iii) the construction of the improvements.
Section 9. MAINTENANCE
1.86. Maintenance by Association. The Association shall provide for all maintenance, repair or replacement (collectively referred to as "maintenance") of the Common Elements, including all improvements thereon. The Association shall have easements as described in 1.109 to perform its obligations under this 1.85.
1.88. Maintenance by Owner. Except for the exterior maintenance required to be provided by the Association under Section 1.87, all maintenance of the Dwellings and Units shall be the sole responsibility and expense of the Owners thereof. The Limited Common Elements allocated to a Unit shall be maintained by the Owner of that Unit. However, the Owners and Occupants shall have a duty to promptly notify the Association of defects in or damage to those parts of the Property which the Association is obligated to maintain. The Association may require that any exterior maintenance to be performed by the Owner be accomplished pursuant to specific uniform criteria established by the Association. The Association may also undertake any exterior maintenance which the responsible Owner fails to or improperly performs, and charge and assess the Unit for the cost thereof. Such cost shall be a personal obligation of the Owner and a lien against the Owner's Unit.
1.89. Damage Caused by Owner. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Section, if, in the judgment of the Association, the need for maintenance of any part of the Property is caused by the willful or negligent act or omission of an Owner or Occupant, or their guests, or by a condition in a Unit which the Owner or Occupant, has willfully or negligently allowed to exist, the Association may cause such damage or condition to be repaired or corrected (and enter the yard area of upon any Unit to do so), and the cost thereof may be charged and assessed against the Unit of the Owner responsible for the damage. Such cost shall be a personal obligation of the Owner and a lien against the Owner's Unit. In the case of party walls between Dwellings, the Owners of the affected Dwellings shall be liable as provided in 1.89.
Section 10. PARTY WALLS
1.90. General Rules of Law to Apply. Each wall built as part of the original construction of the Dwellings and located on the boundary line between Units shall constitute a party wall, and, to the extent not inconsistent with the provisions of this Section, the general rules of law regarding party walls and liability for property damage due to negligent or willful acts or omissions shall apply thereto.
1.91. Repair and Maintenance. The Owners of the Units which share the party wall shall be responsible for the maintenance, repair and replacement of the party wall in equal proportions; provided (i) that any maintenance, repair or replacement necessary due to the acts or omissions of a certain Owner or Occupant sharing such party wall shall be paid for by such Owner, and (ii) that the Association may contract for and supervise the repair of damage caused by an Owner or Occupant and assess the Owners for their respective shares of the cost to the extent not covered by insurance. Such cost shall be a personal obligation of the Owner and a lien against the Owner's Unit(s).
1.92. Destruction by Fire or Other Casualty. If a party wall is destroyed or damaged by fire or other casualty, any Owner who has use of the wall may, with the consent of the Association, restore it, and the other Owner shall promptly reimburse the Owner who restored the wall for his or her share of the cost of restoration thereof; provided, however, that the cost of restoration resulting from destruction or other casualty resulting from the acts or omissions of certain Owners shall be the financial responsibility of such Owners, and the Association may assess the responsible Owners for their share of the costs, without prejudice to the right of an Owner to recover a larger contribution from the other Owner. Insurance claims shall be made promptly following any casualty.
1.93. Weatherproofing. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, any Owner who, by his or her negligent or willful act, causes a party wall to be exposed to the elements shall bear the whole cost of the repairs necessary for protection against such elements.
1.94. Right to Contribution Runs With Land. The right of any Owner to contribution from any other Owner under this Section shall be appurtenant to the Unit and shall pass to such Owner's assigns and successors in title.
1.95. Arbitration. In the event of any dispute arising concerning a party wall, and if the same is not resolved within 30 days of the event causing the dispute, the matter shall be submitted to binding arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Association, upon the written demand of the Association or any Owner whose Dwelling shares the party wall. Each party agrees that the decision of the arbitrators shall be final and conclusive of the questions involved. The fees of the arbitrators shall be shared equally by the parties, but each party shall pay its own attorneys' fees or other costs incurred in the arbitration.
Section 11. INSURANCE
1.96. Required Coverage. The Association shall obtain and maintain, at a minimum, a master policy or policies of insurance in accordance with the insurance requirements set forth in the Act and the additional requirements set forth herein, issued by a reputable insurance company or companies authorized to do business in the state of Minnesota, as follows:
b. Comprehensive public liability insurance covering the use, operation and maintenance of the Common Elements, with minimum limits, of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence, against claims for death, bodily injury and property damage, and such other risks as are customarily covered by such policies for projects similar in construction, location and use to the Property. The policy shall contain a "severability of interest" endorsement which shall preclude the insurer from denying the claim of an Owner or Occupant because of negligent acts of the Association or other Owners or Occupants. The policy shall include such additional endorsements, coverages and limits with respect to such hazards as may be required by the regulations of the FHA, VA or FNMA as a precondition to their insuring, purchasing or financing a mortgage on a Unit.
c. Fidelity insurance coverage against dishonest acts on the part of directors, officers, managers, trustees, employees or other persons responsible for handling funds belonging to or administered by the Association if deemed to be advisable by the Board or required by the regulations of the FHA or FNMA as a precondition to the purchase or financing of a mortgage on a Unit. The fidelity bond or insurance shall name the Association as the named insured and shall, if required by the regulations of the FHA or FNMA as a precondition to their insuring, purchasing or financing of a mortgage on a Unit, be written in an amount equal to the greater of (i) the estimated maximum of Association funds, including reserves, in the custody of the Association or management agent at any given time while the bond is in force, or (ii) a sum equal to three months' aggregate Assessments on all Units plus reserves. An appropriate endorsement to the policy to cover any persons who serve without compensation shall be added if the policy would not otherwise cover volunteers.
d. Workers' Compensation insurance as required by law.
e. Directors and officers liability insurance with such reasonable limits and coverages as the Board shall determine from time to time.
f. Such other insurance as the Board may determine from time to time to be in the best interests of the Association and the Owners.
1.97. Premiums; Improvements; Deductibles. All insurance premiums shall be assessed and paid as an annual Assessments, and allocated among the Units as determined by the Board consistent with the Governing Documents. Any premiums for insurance described in paragraph a above for Units sharing or having contiguous walls, siding or roofs shall be assessed solely to such Units.
1.98. Loss Payee; Insurance Trustee. All insurance coverage maintained by the Association shall be written in the name of, and the proceeds thereof shall be payable to, the Association (or a qualified insurance trustee selected by it) as trustee for the benefit of the Owners and secured parties, including Eligible Mortgagees, which suffer loss. The Association, or any insurance trustee selected by it, shall have exclusive authority to negotiate, settle and collect upon any claims or losses under any insurance policy maintained by the Association.
1.99. Required Policy Provisions. All policies of property insurance carried by the Association shall provide that:
a. Each Owner and secured party is an insured Person under the policy with respect to liability arising out of the Owner's interest in the Common Elements or membership in the Association.
b. The insurer waives its right to subrogation under the policy against any Owner or member of the Owner's household and against the Association and members of the Board.
c. No act or omission by any Owner or secured party, unless acting within the scope of authority on behalf of the Association, shall void the policy or be a condition to recovery under the policy.
d. If at the time of a loss under the policy there is other insurance in the name of an Owner covering the same property covered by the policy, the Association's policy is primary insurance.
1.100. Cancellation; Notice of Loss. All policies of property insurance and comprehensive liability insurance maintained by the Association shall provide that the policies shall not be cancelled or substantially modified, for any reason, without at least 30 days' prior written notice to the Association, to the FHA, VA or FNMA (if applicable), all of the insureds and all Eligible Mortgagees.
1.101. Restoration in Lieu of Cash Settlement. All policies of property insurance maintained by the Association shall provide that, despite any provisions giving the insurer the right to elect to restore damage in lieu of a cash settlement, such option shall not be exercisable (i) without the prior written approval of the Association (or any Insurance Trustee) or (ii) when in conflict with provisions of any insurance trust agreement to which the Association may be a party, or any requirement of law.
1.102. No Contribution. All policies of insurance maintained by the Association shall be the primary insurance where there is other insurance in the name of the Owner covering the same property, and may not be brought into contribution with any insurance purchased by Owners or their Eligible Mortgagees.
1.103. Effect of Acts Not Within Association's Control. All policies of insurance maintained by the Association shall provide that the coverage shall not be voided by or conditioned upon (i) any act or omission of an Owner or Eligible Mortgagee, unless acting within the scope of authority on behalf of the Association, or (ii) any failure of the Association to comply with any warranty or condition regarding any portion of the Property over which the Association has no control.
1.104. Owner's Personal Insurance. Each Owner may obtain additional personal insurance coverage at his or her own expense covering fire and other casualty to the Unit and/or the Dwelling, personal property or personal liability. All insurance policies maintained by Owners shall provide that they are without contribution as against the insurance purchased by the Association.
Section 12. RECONSTRUCTION, CONDEMNATION AND EMINENT DOMAIN
1.105. Reconstruction. The obligations and procedures for the repair, reconstruction or disposition of the Property following damage or destruction thereof shall be governed by the Act. Any repair or reconstruction shall be substantially in accordance with the plans and specifications of the Property as initially constructed and subsequently improved. Notice of substantial damage or destruction shall be given as provided in Section 1.134.
1.106. Condemnation and Eminent Domain. In the event of a taking of any part of the Property by condemnation or eminent domain, the provisions of the Act shall govern; provided, (i) that notice shall be given as provided in Section 1.134, (ii) that the Association shall be the attorney-in-fact to represent the Owners in any related proceedings, negotiations, settlements or agreements and (iii) that any awards or proceeds shall be payable to the Association for the benefit of the Owners and the mortgagees of their Units. Eligible Mortgagees shall be entitled to priority for condemnation awards in accordance with the priorities established by the Act and the Governing Documents, as their interests may appear.
1.107. Termination and Liquidation. The termination of the common interest community, and the distribution of any proceeds therefrom, shall be governed by the Act. Any distribution of funds shall be based upon the value of the Units as determined by their relative value for property insurance purposes, and shall be made to Owners and their mortgage holders, as their interests may appear, as provided in the Act.
1.108. Notice. The Association shall give written notice of any condemnation proceedings or substantial destruction of the Property to the Eligible Mortgagees entitled to notice under Section 1.134.
1.109. Association's Authority. In all cases involving reconstruction, condemnation, eminent domain, termination or liquidation of the common interest community, the Association shall have authority to act on behalf of the Owners in all proceedings, negotiations and settlement of claims. All proceeds shall be payable to the Association to hold and distribute for the benefit of the Owners and their mortgage holders, as their interests may appear, in accordance with the Act.
Section 13. EASEMENTS
1.110. Easement for Encroachments. Each Unit and the Common Elements, and the rights of the Owners and Occupants therein, shall be subject to an exclusive easement for encroachments in favor of the adjoining Units for fireplaces, walls, roof, overhangs, air conditioning systems, decks, balconies, porches, patios, utility installations and other appurtenances (i) which are part of the original construction of the adjoining Unit or the Property or (ii) which are added in compliance with 1.79. If there is an encroachment by a Dwelling, or other building or improvement located in a Unit, upon another Unit or Dwelling as a result of the construction, reconstruction, repair, shifting, settlement or movement of any part of the Property, an appurtenant easement for the encroachment, for the use, enjoyment and habitation of any encroaching Dwelling, building or improvement, and for the maintenance thereof, shall exist; provided, that with respect to improvements added pursuant to 1.79, no easement shall exist unless the same has been approved, and the proposed improvements constructed, as required by this Declaration. Such easements shall continue for as long as the encroachment exists and shall not affect the marketability of title.
1.111. Easement for Maintenance, Repair, Replacement and Reconstruction. Each Unit, and the rights of the Owners and Occupants thereof, shall be subject to the rights of the Association to an exclusive, appurtenant easement on and over the Units for the purposes of maintenance, repair, replacement and reconstruction of the Common Elements, the Dwellings and other improvements located within the Units, and utilities serving the Units, to the extent necessary to fulfill the Association's obligations under the Governing Documents.
1.112. Utility Easements. The Property shall be subject to non-exclusive, appurtenant easements in favor of all public utility companies and other utility providers for the installation, use, maintenance, repair and replacement of all utilities, such as natural gas, electricity, cable TV and other electronic communications, water, sewer, septic systems, wells, and similar services, and metering and control devices, which exist or are constructed as part of the development of the Property, or which are referred to in the Plat or otherwise described in this Declaration or any other duly recorded instrument. Each Unit, and the rights of the Owners and Occupants thereof, shall also be subject to a non-exclusive, appurtenant easement in favor of the other Units for all such utilities and services; provided, that the utilities and services shall be installed, used, maintained and repaired so as not to interfere with the use and quiet enjoyment of the Units by the Owners and Occupants, nor affect the structural or architectural integrity of the Units or Dwellings.
1.113. Emergency Access to Units. In case of emergency, all Units and Limited Common Elements are subject to an easement for access, without notice and at any time, by an officer or member of the Board, by the Association's management agents or by any public safety personnel. The Board may require that an Owner or Occupant leave keys to the Unit with another Owner of his or her choice and to advise the manager or Board of the locations of the keys, so as to allow access for emergencies when the Owner or Occupant is absent for extended periods.
1.114. Project Sign Easements. Declarant shall have the right to erect and maintain monument signs identifying the common interest community and related decorative improvements on the Common Elements. Those parts of the Property on which monument signs or related decorative improvements are located shall be subject to appurtenant, exclusive easements in favor of the Association for the continuing use, maintenance, repair and replacement of said signs and improvements. In exercising its rights under said easements, the Association shall take reasonable care to avoid damaging the improvements to the Property.
1.115. Continuation and Scope of Easements. Notwithstanding anything in this Declaration to the contrary, in no event shall an Owner or Occupant be denied reasonable access to his or her Unit or the right to utility services thereto. The easements set forth in this 1.109 shall supplement and not limit any easements described elsewhere in this Declaration or recorded, and shall include reasonable access to the easement areas through the Units and the Common Elements for purposes of maintenance, repair, replacement and reconstruction. All easement rights shall include a right of reasonable access to maintain, repair and replace the utility lines and related equipment.
Section 14. COMPLIANCE AND REMEDIES
Each Owner and Occupant, and any other Person owning or acquiring any interest in the Property, shall be governed by and comply with the provisions of the Act, the Governing Documents, the Rules and Regulations, and such amendments thereto as may be made from time to time, and the decisions of the Association. A failure to comply shall entitle the Association to the relief set forth in this Section, in addition to the rights and remedies authorized elsewhere by the Governing Documents and the Act.
1.116. Entitlement to Relief. The Association may commence legal action to recover sums due for damages, for injunctive relief or to foreclose a lien owned by it, or any combination thereof, or an action for any other relief authorized by the Governing Documents or available at law or in equity. Legal relief may be sought by the Association against any Owner to enforce compliance with the Governing Documents, the Rules and Regulations, the Act or the decisions of the Association. Owners may also enforce compliance with the Governing Documents, the Rules and Regulations, or the Act by a private legal action, independent of this Section. No Owner may withhold any Assessments payable to the Association, or take or omit other action in violation of the Governing Documents, the Rules and Regulations or the Act, as a measure to enforce such Owner's position, or for any other reason.
a. Commence legal action for damages or equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction.
b. Impose late charges of up to the greater of $20.00, or 15 percent of the amount past due, for each past-due Assessment or installment thereof, and impose interest at the highest rate permitted by law beginning on the first day of the month after the Assessment or installment was due.
c. In the event of default of more than 30 days in the payment of any Assessment or installment thereof, all remaining installments of Assessments assessed against the Unit owned by the defaulting Owner may be accelerated and shall then be payable in full if all delinquent Assessments or installments thereof, together with all attorneys' fees, costs of collection and late charges, are not paid in full prior to the effective date of the acceleration. Not less than 10 days' advance written notice of the effective date of the acceleration shall be given to the defaulting Owner.
h. Foreclose any lien arising under the provisions of the Governing Documents or under law, in the manner provided by the Act.
1.118. Rights to Hearing. Before the imposition of any of the remedies authorized by Section 1.117 d., e., f. or g., the Board shall, upon written request of the offender, grant to the offender an opportunity for a fair and equitable hearing as contemplated by the Act. The offender shall be given notice of the nature of the violation and the right to a hearing, and at least 10 days within which to request a hearing. The hearing shall be scheduled by the Board and held within 30 days of receipt of the hearing request by the Board, and with at least 10 days' prior written notice to the offender. If the offender fails to timely request a hearing or to appear at the hearing, then the right to a hearing shall be deemed waived and the Board may take such action as it deems appropriate. The decision of the Board and the rules for the conduct of hearings established by the Board shall be final and binding on all parties. The Board's decision shall be delivered in writing to the offender within 10 days following the hearing, if not delivered to the offender at the hearing. The Board may delegate the foregoing hearing authority to a committee of three or more disinterested Owners, who shall conduct the hearing and make a recommendation to the Board regarding the disposition of the matter.
1.119. Lien for Charges, Penalties, Etc. Any Assessments, charges, fines, expenses, penalties or interest imposed under this Section shall be a lien against the Unit of the Owner or Occupant against whom the same are imposed and the personal obligation of such Owner in the same manner and with the same priority and effect as Assessments under 1.46. The lien shall attach as of the date of imposition of the remedy, but shall not be final as to violations for which a hearing is held until the Board makes a written decision at or following the hearing. All remedies shall be cumulative, and the exercise of, or failure to exercise, any remedy shall not be deemed a waiver of the Association's right to pursue any others.
1.120. Costs of Proceeding and Attorneys' Fees. With respect to any collection measures, or any measures or action, legal, administrative, or otherwise, which the Association takes to enforce the provisions of the Act, Governing Documents or Rules and Regulations, whether or not finally determined by a court or arbitrator, the Association may assess the violator and his or her Unit with any expenses incurred in connection with such enforcement, including without limitation fines or charges previously imposed by the Association, reasonable attorneys' fees, and interest (at the highest rate allowed by law) on the delinquent amounts owed to the Association. Such expenses shall also include any collection or contingency fees or costs charged to the Association by a collection agency or other Person acting on behalf of the Association in collecting any delinquent amounts owed to the Association by an Owner or Occupant. Such collection or contingency fees or costs shall be the personal obligation of such Owner and shall be a lien against such Owner's Unit.
1.121. Liability for Owners' and Occupants' Acts. An Owner shall be liable for the expense of any maintenance, repair or replacement of the Property rendered necessary by such Owner's acts or omissions, or by that of Occupants or guests in the Owner's Unit, to the extent that such expense is not covered by the proceeds of insurance carried by the Association or such Owner or Occupant. However, any insurance deductible amount and/or increase in insurance rates, resulting from the Owner's acts or omissions may be assessed against the Owner responsible for the condition and against his or her Unit.
1.122. Enforcement by Owners. The provisions of this Section shall not limit or impair the independent rights of other Owners to enforce the provisions of the Governing Documents, the Rules and Regulations, and the Act as provided therein.
Section 15. AMENDMENTS
1.123. Approval Requirements. Except for amendments by Declarant pursuant to Section 515B.2-112(c) of the Act, this Declaration may be amended only by the approval of:
a. Owners of Units to which are allocated at least 67 percent of the total votes in the Association.
b. The percentage of Eligible Mortgagees (based upon one vote per Unit financed) required by 1.124 as to matters prescribed by said Section.
c. The FHA or VA, as applicable, during the period of Declarant control under Section 1.139, as to the following matters:
(1) The merger or consolidation of the Association with another Association or other legal entity.
(2) The acquisition, dedication or mortgaging of Common Elements.
(3) The dissolution of the Association.
(4) The amendment of this Declaration, or the Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws of the Association.
d. Declarant as to certain amendments as provided in Section 1.140.
1.124. Procedures. Approval of the Owners may be obtained in writing or at a meeting of the Association duly held in accordance with the By-Laws. Consents of Eligible Mortgagees, the FHA, the VA and Declarant shall be in writing. Any amendment shall be subject to any greater requirements imposed by the Act. The amendment shall be effective when recorded as provided in the Act. An affidavit by the Secretary of the Association as to the outcome of the vote, or the execution of the foregoing agreements or consents, shall be adequate evidence thereof for all purposes, including without limitation, the recording of the amendment.
Section 16. RIGHTS OF ELIGIBLE MORTGAGEES
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Governing Documents, and subject to any greater requirements of the Act or other laws, Eligible Mortgagees shall have the following rights and protections:
1.125. Consent to Certain Amendments. The written consent of Eligible Mortgagees representing at least 51 percent of the Units that are subject to first mortgages held by Eligible Mortgagees (based upon one vote per Unit financed) shall be required for any amendment to the Governing Documents which causes any change in provisions including the following: (i) voting rights; (ii) increases in Assessments over 25 percent, Assessment liens, or priority of Assessment liens; (iii) reductions in reserves for maintenance, repair and replacement of Common Elements; (iv) responsibility for maintenance and repairs; (v) reallocation of interests in the Common Elements or Limited Common Elements, or rights to their use; (vi) redefinition of any Unit boundaries; (vii) convertibility of Units into Common Elements or vice versa; (viii) expansion or contraction of the Property or the addition, annexation or withdrawal of property to or from the Property; (ix) hazard or fidelity insurance requirements; (x) imposition of restrictions on the leasing of Units; (xi) imposition of any restrictions on an Owner's right to sell or transfer his or her Unit; (xii) a decision by the Association (if the project involves 50 or more Units) to establish self management when professional management is in effect as required previously by the Governing Documents or an Eligible Mortgagee; (xiii) restoration or repair of the Property (after a hazard damage or partial condemnation) in a manner other than that specified in the Governing Documents; (xiv) any action to terminate the legal status of the common interest community after substantial destruction or condemnation occurs; or (xv) any provisions that expressly benefit Eligible Mortgagees, or insurers or guarantors of mortgages.
1.126. Consent to Certain Actions. The written consent of Eligible Mortgagees representing at least 67 percent of the Units that are subject to first mortgages held by Eligible Mortgagees (based upon one vote per Unit financed) shall be required to (i) abandon or terminate the common interest community; (ii) change the allocations of voting rights, Common Expense obligations or interests in the Common Elements; (iii) partition or subdivide a Unit except as permitted by statute; (iv) abandon, partition, subdivide, encumber or sell the Common Elements; or (v) use hazard insurance proceeds for other than the repair, replacement or reconstruction of the Property, except as otherwise provided by law.
1.127. Consent to Subdivision. No Unit may be partitioned or subdivided without the prior written approval of the Owner and Eligible Mortgagee thereof.
1.128. No Right of First Refusal. The right of an Owner to sell, transfer or otherwise convey his or her Unit shall not be subject to any right of first refusal or similar restrictions.
1.129. Priority of Lien. Any holder of a first mortgage on a Unit or any purchaser of a first mortgage at a foreclosure sale, that comes into possession of a Unit by foreclosure of the first mortgage or by deed or assignment in lieu of foreclosure, takes the Unit free of any claims for unpaid Assessments or any other charges or liens imposed against the Unit by the Association which have accrued against such Unit prior to the acquisition of possession of the Unit by said first mortgage holder or purchaser; (i) except as provided in Section 1.56 and the Act and (ii) except that any unreimbursed Assessments or charges may be reallocated among all Units in accordance with their interests in the Common Elements.
1.130. Priority of Taxes and Other Charges. All taxes, Assessments and charges which may become liens prior to the first mortgage under state law shall relate only to the individual Units and not to the Property as a whole.
1.131. Priority for Condemnation Awards. No provision of the Governing Documents shall give an Owner, or any other party, priority over any rights of the Eligible Mortgagee of the Unit pursuant to its mortgage in the case of a distribution to such Owner of insurance proceeds or condemnation awards for losses to or a taking of the Unit and/or the Common Elements. The Association shall give written notice to all Eligible Mortgagees of any condemnation or eminent domain proceeding affecting the Property promptly upon receipt of notice from the condemning authority.
1.132. Requirements for Management Agreements. The term of any agreement for professional management of the Property may not exceed two years. Any such agreement must provide at a minimum for termination without penalty or termination fee by either party, (i) with cause upon 30 days' prior written notice, and (ii) without cause upon 90 days' prior written notice.
1.133. Access to Books and Records/Audit. Eligible Mortgagees shall have the right to examine the books and records of the Association upon reasonable notice during normal business hours, and to receive free of charge, upon written request, copies of the Association's annual reports and other financial statements. Financial statements, including those which are audited, shall be available within 120 days of the end of the Association's fiscal year. If the common interest community consists of fewer than 50 Units, FNMA, or any institutional guarantor or insurer of a mortgage loan against a Unit, may require that, at its own expense, an audit of the Association's financial statements be made for the preceding year, in which case the Association shall cooperate in having an audit made and a copy given to the requesting party. If the common interest community consists of 50 or more Units, the Association shall provide the requested audit at its expense.
a. a condemnation loss or any casualty loss which affects a material portion of the Property or the Unit securing the mortgage;
b. a 60-day delinquency in the payment of Assessments or charges owed by the Owner of a Unit on which it holds a mortgage;
c. a lapse, cancellation or material modification of any insurance policy maintained by the Association; and
d. a proposed action which requires the consent of a specified percentage of Eligible Mortgagees.
Section 17. SPECIAL DECLARANT RIGHTS
Declarant hereby reserves exclusive and unconditional authority to exercise the following special declarant rights within the meaning of Section 515B.1-103 (32) of the Act for as long as it owns a Unit, or for such shorter period as may be specifically indicated:
1.135. Complete Improvements. To complete all the Units and other improvements indicated on the Plat, or otherwise included in Declarant's development plans or allowed by the Declaration, and to make improvements in the Units and Common Elements to accommodate the exercise of any special declarant rights.
1.136. Sales Facilities. To construct, operate and maintain a sales office, management office, model Units and other development, sales and rental facilities, within the Common Elements, and within any Units owned by Declarant from time to time, located anywhere on the Property.
1.137. Signs. To erect and maintain signs and other sales displays offering the Units for sale or lease, in or on any Unit owned by Declarant and on the Common Elements.
1.138. Easements. To have and use easements, for itself, its employees, contractors, representatives, agents and prospective purchasers through and over the Common Elements and the yard areas of the Units for the purpose of exercising its special declarant rights.
Section 18. MISCELLANEOUS
1.141. Severability. If any term, covenant, or provision of this instrument or any exhibit attached hereto is held to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, such determination shall not be deemed to alter, affect or impair in any manner whatsoever any other portion of this Declaration or exhibits attached hereto.
1.142. Construction. Where applicable, the masculine gender of any word used herein shall mean the feminine or neutral gender, or vice versa, and the singular of any word used herein shall mean the plural, or vice versa. References to the Act, or any section thereof, shall be deemed to include any statutes amending or replacing the Act, and the comparable sections thereof.
1.143. Tender of Claims. In the event that any incident occurs which could reasonably give rise to a demand by the Association against Declarant for indemnification pursuant to the Act, the Association shall promptly tender the defense of the action to its insurance carrier, and give Declarant written notice of such tender, the specific nature of the action and an opportunity to defend against the action.
1.144. Notices. Unless specifically provided otherwise in the Governing Documents or the Act, all notices required to be given by or to the Association, the Board, the Association officers or the Owners or Occupants shall be in writing and shall be effective upon hand delivery, or mailing if properly addressed with postage prepaid and deposited in the United States mail; except that registrations pursuant to Section 2.2 of the By-Laws shall be effective upon receipt by the Association.
1.145. Conflicts Among Documents. In the event of any conflict among the provisions of the Act, the Declaration, the By-Laws or any Rules or Regulations approved by the Association, the Act shall control unless it permits the documents to control. As among the Declaration, By-Laws and Rules and Regulations, the Declaration shall control, and as between the By-Laws and the Rules and Regulations, the By-Laws shall control.
1.146. Duration of Covenants. The covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements, liens and charges contained in this Declaration shall be perpetual, subject only to termination as provided in this Declaration and the Act.
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