HOA Guidelines
What is an HOA?
An HOA or Homeowner Association is a legal entity created to manage and maintain the common areas of a community. Typically these "common areas" consist of things like pools, clubhouses, landscaping, parks, streets and roads.
HOA's can consist of single family homes, condominiums, or town homes and are typically setup by the original developer of the community with a set of rules called "Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions" otherwise known as "CC&Rs". The HOA governing documents can be viewed under the 'HOA Documents' menu tab above.
One of the primary functions of the HOA is enforce and ensure that these "CC&Rs" are adhered to by the individual homeowners. The guiding principles of these regulations are normally to help maintain property values and the quality of life within the community.
HOA Monthly Dues
The HOA monthly assessment for 2025 has been set at $195.00 per month for single-family units, and $314.00 per month for multi-family units. All assessments are due the 1st of each month. Annual assessments are reviewed each year during the budget meeting, typically in the fourth quarter of the year. The fiscal year for Cottages at the Wilderness is based on the calendar year, January through December. A Dues Payment Register and additional information regarding dues can be found under the 'HOA Documents' menu tab above.
Landscaping & Architectural Changes
Are you planning a home improvement or landscaping project including fencing? Are you planning paint color changes to the outside of your house? Before making any changes, please submit a completed Architectural Request Review Submission Form for approval from the HOA. The request form, approved color palette, and instructions can be found on the HOA Documents page of this website.
Fencing Standards
Fences must be 4 feet tall constructed of wrought iron/comparable metal or spaced wood pickets. Wood fences must be painted to match the trim color of the residence. Except when installed by the Developer, no fence shall extend past the front building lines. Side yard fences must follow the property lines. Please submit an Architectural Request Review Form before installing any fence.
Pets
Be a courteous dog owner. When you walk your dog, please, please – Scoop the poop! Dogs must be on a leash, no longer than 10 feet long, at all times when not confined to a cage, residence or backyard (this law does not apply to cats).
Letting a dog run loose with a leash attached but not held by an individual is a violation of the city's leash law. Violations may result in a fine of $100 or more.
Parking
All vehicles belonging to residents and guests should be parked in garages, driveways or designated parking areas. Parking is not allowed in the alleyways or in the street causing an obstruction. This is a common courtesy to your neighbors and assures emergency vehicles can have clear access.
Clubhouse & Pool
The Clubhouse includes a fitness center, library, theater room, swimming pool, sport court and fire pit. These amenities are shared with our neighboring communities, The Retreat & The Haven. Information on reservations & renting the clubhouse is on The Wildie website.
The Clubhouse includes a fitness center, library, theater room, swimming pool, sport court and fire pit. These amenities are shared with our neighboring communities, The Retreat & The Haven. Information on reservations & renting the clubhouse is on The Wildie website.
Garage Doors
Garage doors should not be left open for an extended period of time. The door is primarily to remain closed unless cars are coming or going. This is not only for esthetic purposes, but open garage doors are invitations to criminals and critters.
Trash & Recycling Pickup
The Cottages at the Wilderness Homes Association provides Trash & Recycling collection services to residents. Yard Waste is not included. This service is scheduled for Tuesdays. Certain holidays and adverse weather may result in the service day to temporarily change. Bins are to be set out no earlier than Monday evening and brought in no later than Tuesday evening. Trash and recycling bins must stay in garages & out of sight on all other days.
There a few tips to help ensure collection. Consider the three-foot rule: there should be three feet between carts. Face the short metal bar toward the street. Make sure the lid is closed. Most collection trucks are automated with an electronic arm that grabs and empties the cart. This efficient process streamlines collection.
Important - On trash days, please do not park cars in the alleyways or in the streets where there is not a cut-out parking area as our streets are small and the trash trucks are huge. When trash trucks have to maneuver around cars, damage can result to trees, lawns, sprinklers and streets. Thank you!
Excess Trash:
For any trash that does not fit in the carts, you may purchase overage stickers to be placed on trash bags and set next to the carts. Overage stickers may be purchased at: Hen House, Price Chopper & Ace Hardware.
Recycling:
Please flatten boxes that do not fit in the cart & place next to your cart. Glass is not recyclable through this service.
Yard Waste:
The Cottages at the Wilderness Homes Association services do not include yard waste disposal. A couple of drop-off options are: Suburban Lawn & Garden & Johnson County Landfill.
Grounds and Snow Removal Services
The grounds and snow removal services for the association common areas and streets are performed by Paradise Lawn & Landscape. Residents are responsible for snow removal for their stoop, sidewalk, and driveway.