QUESTION: We've loved living in the Springs for the past 4 years, but with the birth of two additional children during those years, we'd like to convert our garage to a bedroom. Is that permissible?
ANSWER: Theoretically, yes, but in reality, most likely not. As the CCR Article XXV, Garages, indicates, a converted garage must be replaced by a minimum two-car detached garage in the rear of the lot. Since none of the Springs lots are likely to accommodate such an addition, the conversion would not be permissible.
ARTICLE XXV
GARAGES
A garage able to accommodate at least two (2) full-sized automobiles must be constructed and maintained as a garage, for each Living unit. No garage shall be permanently enclosed for conversion to any other use unless a substitute garage for two cars is built and maintained as a garage. Each driveway must accommodate two vehicles in front of the garage for off-street parking requirements. Rear detached garages shall be permitted provided they are constructed in compliance with the requirements of these covenants. Open car ports are not permitted, unless special design circumstances warrant their use, in which case permission must be obtained in writing from the ARC.
These monthly “Test Your Knowledge” CCR messages intend to remind residents of The Springs of the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CCR’s) that apply to all Springs residents solely by our election to live in this community. The purpose of the CCR’s is to maintain specific standards for the good of us all, as articulated in their definition:
“THE SPRINGS AT STONE OAK is encumbered by these Restrictive Covenants for the following reasons: to seek to achieve the best and highest use and most appropriate development of the property; to protect lot owners against improper use of surrounding lots; to preserve so far as practical the natural beauty of the property; to guard against the erection of poorly designed or proportioned structures of improper or unsuitable materials; to encourage and secure the erection of attractive improvements on each lot with appropriate locations; and to secure and maintain proper setbacks from streets and adequate free space.”
If you are a Springs resident who has misplaced your copy of the CCR’s, or are a new resident who wasn’t provided a copy by the previous owners or your realtor, you can view (and download in Adobe Reader [.pdf] format) the complete Springs CCR’s and By-Laws at the Consolidated Bylaws and CCRs section of this website, located in the Pages & Links tab.
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