Dear Fellow Lake LeAnn Property Owner:

             As we have communicated over the last two years, the LLPOA Board of Directors undertook review of the various “declarations of restrictions” that govern our properties at Lake LeAnn. These documents were written by the real estate development company that first envisioned and developed Lake LeAnn over 40 years ago. Because the development occurred in stages, the declarations associated with each subdivision of Lake LeAnn were written as the development occurred and, while similar, contain some key variations from each other. In addition, a number of things have changed with respect to the governance of Lake LeAnn and the wishes of its’ property owners that should be appropriately reflected in the declarations.

            The purpose of the review was to provide a common “structure” to the declaration documents and to update them to reflect changes that have occurred since the original developers departed and the Lake LeAnn Property Owners Association – and its members – assumed responsibility. The primary goal of these changes is to officially align the declaration of restrictions with the bylaws, rules, and regulations of the Association and to explicitly assert the oversight that transferred from the developers to Association members.

            Over the last two plus years a lot of work was done to review the declaration of restrictions for each of Lake LeAnn’s 15 subdivisions. Most of this effort was “technical” in nature and involved “cleaning up” the documents to assure common language was used throughout. A number of the changes, however, were substantive and merit specific mention: 

·       The original declaration of restrictions placed oversight of Lake LeAnn in the hands of the developers.  In the early 1970s, the developer assigned this oversight to the Lake LeAnn Property Owners Association.  New language reflects this by replacing “developer” with “Association” and defining the members of the Association as property owners of record.

·       Language clarifies that no part of a residential property shall be used for commercial or manufacturing purposes and that use of all properties complies with Association bylaws, rules, and regulations.

·       Trailers or temporary structures can now be defined by Association bylaws, rules, and regulations.

·       A number of structure restrictions are clarified and made consistent:

o        First structure must be a dwelling.

o        A requirement of a minimum of 1000 square feet of living space 

o        Additional structures must conform in appearance to the residence.

·       The Building Control Committee (BCC) is established as a standing committee in the Association and eliminated from the declaration of restrictions, as initially established by the developers. The BCC or its functions will not change from what it currently does.  This will allow the BCC to be fully supported by the Association and they will be responsible to the Association and its members. With this change the Association, through the Building Control Committee, will approve plans for all structures or may reject plans because of too great a similarity to existing structures or if plans do not comply with Association rules and regulations.

·       Language was removed related to Hillsdale County rules regarding septic tank location because this matter is dictated by Hillsdale County Health Department.

·       Language was clarified and made consistent in areas such as:

o        Set backs (a minimum of six feet at building line)

o        Signs (no sign erected except for signs advertising the lot is for sale or temporary signs erected for less than thirty days in a calendar year). Sign size and placement restrictions were also standardized.

·       Language also clarifies the maintenance assessment as set by the Association members and defines the assessment as a charge on the land and a continuing lien. The funds shall be used at the discretion of the Association to maintain dams, regulate the lake level, pay salaries and administrative costs, and for general beautification, maintenance, and betterment of Lake LeAnn and its subdivisions.

            The changes may vary based on your specific subdivision, but in general the major changes are noted above. Enclosed are a summary of your subdivision’s key changes and a copy of your subdivision’s original and amended declaration of restrictions for your review and consideration. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these changes, you can contact Michelle and May at the Association office at 517-688-9704 or by contacting your representative on the LLPOA Board of Directors.  Director information is available by checking the annual meeting newsletter or visiting our website at www.LakeLeAnn.org. 

            The next step in the process is to secure approval of the changes to the declaration of restrictions language for your subdivision.  In order to do that, we need a majority of the property owners of record (everyone who is listed on the deed) to sign the amended declaration of restrictions. We have notaries available at the office for you to come in and sign.  If you are unable to come into the office and sign, please contact the office so other arrangements can be made.   

            As noted, in order for these changes to become effective, we must obtain approval of a majority of the property owners in each subdivision. The decisions are, as they should be, clearly in the hands of the LLPOA membership. These proposed changes, we believe, strengthen and clarify, through the language of our declaration of restrictions, the role members play in running this Association and overseeing the quality of life at Lake LeAnn.  As your representatives, the LLPOA Board of Directors is ready and accessible to assist you with any questions or concerns as you consider these changes and encourage your approval of these declarations of restrictions.

Sincerely,

LLPOA Board of Directors