Frequently asked questions

Dues are due upon receipt of the annual invoice, mailed no later than April. They cover the current calendar year (January–December) and may fluctuate slightly year to year based on association expenses and reserve levels. Current annual dues are $350.

Unpaid assessments accrue a late charge, and the HOA may pursue collection, including placing a lien on the lot, if payment remains outstanding.

Complete a Design Review Application and submit it to the board — by email or mail — before starting any work. Include the type and nature of the improvement, color, dimensions, estimated cost, location, and a scale drawing showing placement relative to your lot lines and home. The Design Review Board reviews and approves each application.

Only wood split-rail fencing is approved by the board. All fencing and other exterior changes must be approved before work is started.

Yes, but the color must be pre-approved, and bold or exotic colors are not accepted.

Yes, but only after the HOA has approved design plans and all permits are obtained from local governments. No decks are allowed to extend past the width of the house, unless it's a staircase coming down from the deck.

Roof: no. Siding samples, along with trim color samples, must be approved through the HOA, unless it's for a repair where all colors match completely.

Usually yes, but all plans need to be reviewed. Bold or exotic landscape designs aren't approved — they must blend well with what's typical in the neighborhood.

In-ground pools are allowed once the HOA approves your design plans and all local permits are issued. Above-ground pools that extend 12 inches or more above grade are not permitted. Hot tubs, saunas, and temporary, seasonal children's pools under 12 inches are fine — just remove seasonal kids' pools by Labor Day each year.

Yes, but it must be identical to the construction of your current driveway, with all local codes and permits in order before work proceeds.

If your mailbox needs repair or replacement, it must be white, made of plastic or metal, and free from rust. It must be securely fastened to a weather-treated wooden post painted Sherwin Williams "Loggia" (color code SW7506) to match the neighborhood's original design.

Garbage cans must be concealed from public view using one of three options: inside your garage, up against the back of your house, or up against the side of your house with one approved screen or enclosure. Garbage cans are not allowed in the driveway or front of the house, except within 24 hours before or after your scheduled trash pickup. Any screen or enclosure needs Design Review Board approval before you install it.

Screens must be the same color as your house or trim, black, or white, and built from wood, composite, or PVC. Height can't exceed 50 inches and can't extend more than 50 inches from your house, with a length no more than 12 inches past your last can (up to 4 cans). Boards or slats can't have large gaps, the screen can't be used for anything other than can storage, and it must be approved by the Design Review Board before installation.

The HOA will send a notification if your garbage placement or screen upkeep is out of compliance. A fine of $25 per month applies until it's corrected, up to a maximum of $200 per year.

A light pickup truck used as your personal vehicle is fine. But commercial vehicles, larger trucks, boats, trailers, campers, and mobile homes can't be parked or stored on the street or on any lot — unless fully enclosed and shielded from view — for more than 48 hours within any 30-day period. Any structure built to enclose or shield a vehicle needs Design Review Board approval before it goes up.

Exterior antennas and satellite dishes generally aren't allowed, except satellite dishes under 24 inches in diameter, which are permitted if positioned to minimize visibility from the street.

No business, trade, occupation, or profession may be conducted or established on your property without prior written approval from the board.

Signs generally aren't permitted, with a few exceptions: official street/identification signs, and one temporary real estate sign no larger than six square feet advertising a home for sale.

The Board of Directors is elected by homeowners to two-year terms to make sure Riverwood Trails' covenants are followed, dues are collected, bills are paid, and the HOA keeps proper funds in reserve. It's a volunteer position.

The Design Review Board is a separate, two-member board appointed by the Board of Directors that reviews and approves every application for exterior or grounds changes, keeping architectural standards consistent across the neighborhood. It's also a volunteer position.

The Grounds Committee sources quotes for landscaping, lawn care, and general ground upkeep, and coordinates volunteers for grounds projects. Unlike the Board and Design Review Board, it's open to any resident — no election required.

Use the contact form at the bottom of this page, or email the board directly at home@riverwoodtrails.com. Please allow 1–2 weeks for a response on design review requests.