FAQs

As a Unit Owner, what do I own and what does the Association own?

This answer is divided into 3 parts:

The Unit - The Unit Owner owns the land underneath the actual dwelling and all the dwelling itself – inside and outside. 

Limited Common Element - The Unit Owner does not own any of the land surrounding the Unit or the land underneath the decks, front porch, driveways, or walkways.  The land underneath the decks, front porch, driveways, or walkways is known as Limited Common Element and the Association owns the underlying land but the Unit Owner is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the Limited Common Elements.  The Unit Owner must also insure the Limited Common Elements along with the Unit. 

Common Element - The other surrounding land, that is not Limited Common Element, is known as Common Element (approximately 36 acres) and this land is owned by the Association.  The Association is responsible for the maintenance, upkeep and providing insurance for the Common Elements including the land such as the Grand Green, the Ponds, and the lands near the Deep Brook and the Connecticut River.  These areas add scenic value and amenities for all the Unit Owners.

 The Board permits the Unit Owner to have foundation plantings (shrubs, flowers, annuals, and perennials) near the Unit, sometimes known as the 8-foot zone, but that land remains as Common Element owned by the Association.  Trees in that area remain the responsibility of the Association and not the Unit Owner.

The Board is currently reviewing these rules with the hope of making clarifications to better define the 8-foot zone where Unit Owners are permitted to have plantings.

Who is responsible for maintenance on my Unit?

The Unit Owner is responsible for all maintenance of the Unit, inside and outside.  Certain outside maintenance may require Board approval but work and changes to the inside of a Unit are at the full discretion of the Unit Owner.

What services does the Association provide?

The Association provides lawn care and landscaping for the Common Element and provides for snow removal on certain parts of the Limited Common Element such as the driveway, front walkway, front deck, or front porch.  However, any liability arising (for example a slip and fall on the driveway or walkway) in the Limited Common Element remains with the Unit Owner.  The Association also provides for certain limited trimming and upkeep of plants and shrubbery placed by the Unit Owner in the 8-foot zone around the foundation of the Unit.  The Board is currently working on rule clarifications to better define the 8-foot zone where Unit Owners are permitted to have plantings.

What do I do or who do I call if I have issues or concerns about landscaping or snow removal?

In such case, please call the Board Member responsible for landscaping – currently Kathy Berube.

I have early work hours; can I get priority for snow removal from my walkway and driveway?

Yes, Unit Owners may request priority for early snow removal.  In such case, please call the Board Member responsible for landscaping – currently Kathy Berube.

Can I plant flowers, bushes, or shrubbery around my Unit?

In the area around the foundation of each Unit, the Association permits the Unit to plant flowers, bushes or shrubbery as selected by the Unit Owner.  The Board is currently working on rule clarifications to better define the 8-foot zone where Unit Owners are permitted to have plantings. 

Outside of the 8-foot zone, if a Unit Owner wants to plant flowers, bushes, trees or shrubbery, the Unit Owner must seek the Board’s approval to plant.  The reason for this is that the area is Common Element, technically owned by all the Unit Owners, and ultimately the Association will have the responsibility of maintaining these plantings.

Can I cut or trim trees on the Common Element near my Unit?

To cut or trim trees on the Common Element, near or away from the Unit, the Unit Owner must seek the approval of the Board.  Generally, the Association prefers to have these matters handled by our professional landscaper and arborist who have adequate insurance to protect the Association and other Unit Owners from liability and losses.  Even if the Board grants approval to a Unit Owner for trimming or cutting trees, the Association will require the Unit Owner performing the cutting to assume any liability and to hold the Association and other Unit Owners harmless from any loss or damage.

What if I want to paint my Unit or make changes to the color my Unit?

Generally, the Unit Owner should seek guidance from the Board before painting the outside of the Unit.  The Board has a pallet of the existing colors and mix names from Sherwin Williams where Unit Owners get reduced prices.  Of course, a Unit Owner may use another paint supplier, but the color should match the existing color.

To change the color a Unit, the Unit Owner should seek the approval of the Board but, generally, the Board will limit a color change to a color already on the existing pallet.

What if I want to change my deck from a wooden deck to a stone deck or vice versa?

These items are all Limited Common Element and to make any change to these structures will first require Board approval.  If the size of the new deck remains the same as the old deck, only Board approval will be required. If the size if the new deck is larger, the change must also be submitted to the Unit Owners for approval with a pass mark vote of 67%.  If the change is approved, then the Declaration is amended and recorded at the town hall in Suffield.

The Board is currently reviewing the procedures for changes to Limited Common Element with the intent of streamlining and simplifying the process, particularly when a Unit Owner is only proposing a minor change.