To maintain the integrity of our development, any and all variations or changes to the entire perimeter of the exterior of any home is prohibited without prior approval by the Trustees.

To obtain approval, homeowners must submit written plans with appropriate documentation (may include: architectural or landscape drawings, example photos, color & material samples) to the Trustees for consideration. The Trustees will review for compliance / architectural integrity, and provide a written response on whether the request is approved or declined.

Construction or changes may not begin until written approval is received from the Trustees.

Some examples of exterior variations or changes include but are not limited to:

• Changing the color of siding, shutters, doors, windows, roofs, and flashing
• Construction of patios or decks
• Construction of retaining walls
• Installation of privacy fences (refer to FENCE section under OUTDOOR STRUCTURES)
• Installation of hot tubs (refer to HOT TUB section under OUTDOOR STRUCTURES)
• Removal or additions of landscaping beds and/or trees, bushes, or hedges (refer to LANDSCAPING and LAWN section)
• The addition of any other permanent structure to the outside of the home

*Refer to the website for the Variation/Change Request form (or request the form from a Trustee)

**Refer to the website for the Vendor lists, product requirements, structural examples, and the permitted color options (or request the information from a Trustee)

Maintaining the homes of Wilmington Village is not only in the best interest of each individual homeowner, but also for the collective of the Village. One of the determining factors in home values is in the comparison of like homes that are similar in size and proximity. The curb appeal of neighboring homes and the curb appeal of the entire neighborhood effects home valuation.

A Home Maintenance form will be used as the means of communication between each homeowner and the Board of Trustees. The form is available on the website and from a Trustee by request. The form addresses the following home structures or may fall under the "other" category.

• Front doors
• Handrails
• Windows and window screens
• Shutters
• Brick stoops and steps
• Dormers
• Chimney
• Siding
• Sidewalk and driveway concrete
• Garage doors

The maintenance form may serve as a self-check for the required cleaning and/or repairs. The form may also be used as a directive from the Trustees to a homeowner for the required cleaning and/or home maintenance repairs. The Declaration of Covenants outlines the rules, procedures, and consequences of not maintaining the integrity of your home. Vendor lists, product requirements, structural examples, and the permitted color options are available on the website or from a Trustee upon request. Refer to the Declaration of Covenants for rules and guidelines pertaining to the responsibility of the parties contracted with to complete home repairs and/or additions.

• Only the HOA contracted vendors will pick up the trash, mow the lawns, fertilize the lawns, and snowplow the driveways.
• Lawn mowing, lawn fertilization, and driveway plowing will be done regardless of an absence from your home for a prolonged period of time or if you are not occupying your home (ex. you have moved while the home is up for sale).
• Snow removal on sidewalks and stoops is the responsibility of each homeowner and subject to Mansfield City ordinances. This service will be provided by the HOA vendor only when the driveways are plowed (typically with a minimum of 3 inches of snowfall).
• Each homeowner maintains the option to contract individually with the HOA trash vendor for recycling services.

The Trustees welcome feedback and information about Vendor Services. Refer to the website for the REQUIRED Vendor Grievance form in order to communicate your vendor needs or concerns. The forms are also available from a Trustee by request. All grievances will be addressed by the Trustees in a timely manner, and a designated contact will communicate with the contracted vendor to report the grievance with the intent to rectify the issue. The designated contact will also maintain communication with the homeowner who submitted the Vendor Grievance. Vendors will not be responsible to communicate directly to each homeowner, but only to their designated Wilmington Village contact.

FENCES

• Privacy fences must have prior approval of the Trustees. Green fence options are: Privet, Holly, Arborvitae, Miss Kim Lilac, Burning Bush, Viburnums, or Hemlock. Non green fence materials may be cedar, brick, or vinyl.
• No privacy fence of any type can be planted or constructed until the Trustees have granted written approval.
• If the home has an approved fenced in area, this area may not be used as an outdoor kennel for animals/pets.

FLAGS

• Only a 50-star American Flag (or future government issued flag), no larger than 3’ x 5’, is permitted and must be attached to the front door trim or brick opposite the lantern.

FLOWER BOXES/FLOWERPOTS/FLOWER HOOKS

• Black wrought iron flower boxes may be hung from the first-floor windows only. (Refer to Vendor page of the website for examples)
• Flowerpots at the front and driveway side of the home should be of traditional shape and materials that blend with the colonial design of the neighborhood. Colors of the pots should not be drastic or seem out of place with the color scheme of the home.
• Black wrought iron flower hooks (shepherd hooks) can be used starting on the driveway side of the home from the far side of chimney back. Hooks may also be placed in the back of the property and non-driveway side of the home.
• Please submit a request for approval to the Trustees for flower containers not mentioned in this section in the recognition of the vast varieties available.

LAWN ORNAMENTS

• Lawn ornaments are prohibited in the following locations: front steps and stoop, front and chimney side mulch beds, front and chimney side yard areas, and driveway side brick steps. Such items may be placed starting at the garage and on the patio or deck areas of the home.
• Prohibited lawn ornaments include but are not limited to: birdbaths, bird houses, concrete animals, lanterns, lights, other figurines, signs of all materials, garden path stones or plaques, flags, yard stakes, and artificial trees or flowers.

EVERYDAY DOOR and STOOP DECORATIONS (in the absence of holiday decorations)

The centerpiece of every Wilmington Village front door is the brass door knocker. This is one example of the signature look of the neighborhood. The brass door knocker is not optional. Homeowners may wish to further decorate their front door and front stoop with seasonal decoration(s) in the absence of a scheduled holiday. The only allowable decorations for the front stoops and steps are seasonal flowers and/or greenery/autumn pumpkins and gourds set independently or in the approved containers listed in this document.

Please choose from the following door decorations:

• Natural looking wreaths
• Flower swags
• Flower arrangements
• Greenery/leaf arrangements

Excluded door decorations include but are not limited to:

• Welcome signs
• Name or initial plates or signs
• House numbers
• Memorabilia signs
• Decorations of non-plant design (i.e., wreath of baseballs, picture of a mascot, wreaths made of only ribbons or bows, etc.)

OUTDOOR LIGHTING

• Each homeowner is responsible for replacing burned out light bulbs in their lamp post and lanterns. Only clear approved light bulbs may be used in these light fixtures. For your convenience, light bulbs may be purchased from the HOA directly. Refer to the Vendor section of the website for the appropriate light bulbs.
• Garden lighting may be used in the landscaping of the home if the lighting emits a soft warm and natural light. Refrain from bright, cool, and/or bluish/white light bulbs that cast an unnatural glow.
• Window candles may be displayed year-round if they emit a soft warm glowing light.

MAILBOXES/LAMP POSTS

• Uniformity in the mailboxes, mailbox numbers, and in the lampposts are other examples of the unifying architecture of Wilmington Village.
• The required mailbox can be found on the Vendor page of the website.
• Numbers are to be white, of the required font, and be placed on both sides of the mailbox. The required vinyl numbers can also be found on the Vendor page or available from the Trustees.
• Nothing may be planted around the mailboxes or lamp posts.
• No flags may be hung from the mailboxes or lamp posts.
• The mailboxes may not be decorated in any way.
• The mailboxes and lamp posts need to be maintained with structural integrity.
• The black paint of the lamp post and mailbox post will need to be touched up to remain clean and tidy.
• The glass of the lamp post and lanterns should be maintained to be clean and free from debris.

SATELLITE DISHES

• Any homeowner who wishes to have a satellite dish installed on their property must follow all FCC rules and regulations. The satellite dish should be placed in an inconspicuous location. Refrain from placement on roofs, chimneys, the front side of the house, and the chimney side of the house. Prior approval must be obtained from the Trustees.

HOT TUBS

• Hot tub installations must have prior approval by the Trustees. Plans must be submitted to include where the hot tub will be placed, how it will be obscured, and what additional landscaping will be used.
• Hot tub owners will be mindful of the noise level associated with the use of the hot tub.
• The maintenance and integrity of the hot tub will be assured by the homeowner as to not have a broken or unusable hot tub sitting idle at the home.

SIGNAGE

• Only Realtor or Home for Sale signs are permitted on the homeowner’s premises.
• If a security sign and/or invisible fence sign needs to be displayed, the sign(s) must not detract from the front of the home's landscaping.

TRASH BARRELS and GARBAGE COLLECTION

• Trash barrels and all other garbage and trash must be stored in the garage.
• Weekly trash must be contained in the provided trash barrel.
• Extra trash service must be requested by emailing wilmingtonvillagehoa@gmail.com and stating your specific needs. If the extra trash is within the specified amount of a trash pickup, it will be ordered, you will be notified of the pickup day and time, and an invoice for the extra service will be sent to you from the HOA. If the amount of trash exceeds a pickup, you will be notified with the contact information to order a temporary dumpster to be delivered to your home. This would be billed directly to you from the vendor.

LAWN EQUIPMENT

• All privately owned lawn and garden equipment will be stored in the garage of the home.
• All garden hoses will be stored in the garage and/or on the patio/deck area of the home. This is regardless of faucet locations. This allows for a uniform and clean appearance to the front and driveway side of the home when hoses are not in use.
• Homeowners may use a manual non-powered mower or an electric mower in-between vendor provided community wide mows. Gas powered mowers are prohibited.
• Homeowners are not to use gas powered weed whackers. Electric weed whackers are allowed.
• Homeowners may use electric powered leaf blowers. Please be mindful of the day and time of use due to the noise level generated. These need to be used sparingly and respectfully. Please refrain from mealtimes and be aware of your neighbors’ outdoor gatherings.

HOLIDAY DECORATIONS (Christmas time)

Any and all decorations for Christmas and related religious holiday of all faiths may be put up no more than 30 days prior to the date of the holiday and must be removed within 30 days after the date of the holiday.

Please choose from the following:

• Windows may be decorated with candles or natural looking wreaths or pine swags.
• Front Doors may be decorated with natural looking wreaths or pine swags (with or without the use of a spotlight).
• Trees and shrubs may be decorated with white lights (white lights that are soft in color refraining from lights that emit a bright bluish-white light)
• Handrails may be decorated with pine roping and/or single strand white lights (again, soft white lights).

Other approved decorations include:

• Luminaries
• Pine swags or boughs on lamp post, windows, or lanterns
• Pine roping around the front door, lamp post, fence and decks
• Pine roping and wreaths on entrance towers and fence (paid for from HOA fees)

Excluded decorations include but are not limited to:

• The use of colored lights
• The use of icicle lights
• Hanging lights from the roof /gutters of the house
• Ornaments on lawns, in trees, and on bushes

HOLIDAY DECORATIONS (non-Christmas time)

• Decorations for other holidays may be put up no more than 30 days prior to the date of the holiday and must be removed within 7 days after the date of the holiday.
• Other holidays include: Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving or any calendar holiday of all faiths.
• All decorations must be appropriate for the holiday and in good taste. These holiday decorations may be placed on stoops only or hung from the front door.
• The HOA will place small American Flags at the front of each home in the mailbox vicinity for Memorial Day Weekend, Fourth of July, and Labor Day Weekend. A homeowner may opt out of having a flag placed at their home by contacting a Trustee at wilmingtonvillagehoa@gmail.com.

OVERALL INTEGRITY of LANDSCAPING

The original landscaping in the front of the house, the chimney side of the house, and in the Victory Garden may not be removed or altered in any manner without prior approval. Every home must maintain one tree in the front landscaping. If any of the original landscaping dies or becomes diseased, the homeowner must replace it with the same type of landscaping.

The following exceptions will be permitted:

• If original Holly becomes diseased or dies, it can be replaced with Boxwood, Lilac, Rhododendron, or Hydrangea bushes.
• If the original Dogwood tree becomes diseased or dies, it can be replaced by either another Dogwood tree or a Pear tree.

LANDSCAPING OF BEDS

• Only dark colored brown or black mulch or pine bark nuggets are permitted in mulch beds.
• Perennial or annual flowers may be planted in the mulch beds and/or Victory Garden.
• Decorative stone is permissible on the driveway side of the home starting from the far side of the chimney moving back to the rear of the house. Decorative stone may also be used at the patio/deck area(s) of the home. Refer to the Vendor page for the approved stone options. Please submit any variation of stone preference to the Trustees for consideration.

VICTORY GARDENS

• Changes to Victory Gardens follow the rules for landscaping stated above. If the Victory Garden is shared by two homeowners, no permissible changes to the landscaping may be made unless both homeowners agree, and the decision is made as to which homeowner is responsible for costs and the maintenance associated with such changes or if the costs and maintenance are to be shared. Maintenance and upkeep of the Victory Garden is a shared responsibility and should not be neglected.

LANDSCAPING AROUND UTILITY BOXES AND COMMUNITY BENCHES

• Homeowners are responsible for the landscaping, trimming, mulching, and seasonal cleanup of the utility box areas and areas around the community benches placed along the roadsides.
• If any of the plants become diseased or dies, the homeowner may replace with either a Boxwood bush or an ornamental grass. If in doubt, please contact the Trustees for consultation.

WEEDING and TRIMMING

Each homeowner is responsible for the following:

• Keeping mulch beds free from weeds
• Keeping bushes and trees properly trimmed (based on the designated season for healthy trimming)
• Keeping the Victory Garden weed free and trimmed
• Keeping lawns free of weeds and in good condition (Refer to the Vendor section of the website to see what lawn treatments are included with your HOA fees)

LEAVES

• Leaf removal and disposal is the responsibility of each homeowner.

• Respect for other residents’ property and the Wilmington Village Common Grounds is imperative.
• No cats are to be let outdoors to walk freely.
• All dogs must be kept on a leash when outside or contained within an invisible fence with someone home to monitor.
• Dogs which are known to bark when unsupervised shall not be allowed outside unattended allowing for loud or repetitive barking.
• Pets are not permitted to urinate or defecate on other residents’ property or on Wilmington Village Common Grounds. Dog urine kills grass and also spot kills bushes and other landscaping.
• It is the responsibility of the pet owner to immediately clean up any of their pet's defecation that may happen in Wilmington Village including on their own private property.
• Residents who own pets must abide by all Mansfield City ordinances regarding any type of pet ownership.

505.07   BARKING AND OTHER ANIMAL NOISE.

(a)    No person shall keep or harbor any animal, livestock, poultry or wild or exotic animal  within the Municipality which, by frequent and habitual howling, yelping, barking or other  activity, creates unreasonably loud and disturbing noises of such character, intensity and  duration as to disturb the peace and quiet of the community or as to annoy, disturb or  endanger the comfort, repose or health of persons occupying property in the neighborhood.

(b)   Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

Ord. 88-296. Passed 10-4-88)

Wilmington Village is a calm, respectable and beautiful neighborhood with lovely homes and common areas from which to enjoy the outdoors. However, we are also a very compact neighborhood having homes situated very close to one another. Wilmington Village's common areas are also nestled closely among our private homes. Offensive odors and loud noise can be intrusive to our neighbors. Please refer to the following examples as references to keep in mind when making choices:

• Cigarette, cigar, pipe, and other substances being smoked outdoors
• Using wet wood or leaves in fire pits
• Allowing stagnant water to collect in garden containers leading to rot and attraction of insects
• Maintaining weed or grass piles that lead to rot and attraction of insects
• Playing loud music late at night or other traditionally quiet times of day
• Not monitoring the noise level of outdoor parties, meetings, cookouts, or the noise level of speakers being used for media outsources
• Loud or repetitive dog barking
• Leaf blowers and other power equipment being used early in the morning, late at night, mealtimes, or during a visible outdoor gathering of a neighbor

It is imperative for each homeowner to read and refer to the Declaration of Covenants, as well as the Rules and Regulations, in order to know and understand ALL of the restrictions and legalities of the Wilmington Village HOA. These two documents TOGETHER complete the commitment that each resident agrees to uphold upon moving into Wilmington Village.

Choosing to own and live within the Wilmington Village HOA does signify your commitment to abide by the rules and regulations of the HOA. However, in any instance that a refusal to follow and comply occurs, the Wilmington Village Declaration of Covenants puts forth the rights to abate, remove, modify or replace at the expense of the offending owner. The HOA also maintains the rights to impose fines, obtain liens, and file for recovery of costs.

• If you have an issue with a neighbor not following a rule or regulation, and you are unable to speak to the neighbor directly or have spoken with the neighbor unsuccessfully, then you may submit an Official Grievance to the Trustees. The grievance form can be found in the Document section of the website.
• Each Trustee will read the submitted grievance. The grievance will be placed on the agenda for the next scheduled Trustee Meeting. (If the grievance is of a time sensitive matter, the Trustees may either call a special meeting or schedule a virtual meeting to discuss the grievance.) The grievance will be discussed, and a resolution will be decided. The Trustee Secretary will then prepare the necessary documents related to the grievance and remit the documents to the necessary parties. Documents may be sent by e-mail or by USPS mail.
• If you receive communication from the Trustees about an Official Grievance, it is the expectation that all matters will be handled quickly, respectfully, with reciprocal dialogue, and without need for further punitive action.
• Lastly, paying of annual dues on time IS a rule and regulation. The HOA offers quarterly payments as a courtesy for any homeowner who does not wish to pay the yearly dues in full. However, when quarterly dues are late, notices must be sent out, and bookkeeping remains incomplete. Taking this courtesy for granted creates unnecessary work for our volunteers. Wilmington Village currently has a late penalty of $25.00 per month that dues are delinquent.
• Additional fines are at the discretion of the Trustees.