Great Northwest Community Improvement Association, Inc.

San Antonio City Code Vs. GNW Deed Restrictions

Residents of the Great Northwest must adhere to the City of San Antonio Code Compliance restrictions as well as the Deed Restrictions applicable to the GNW.

CONFLICT OF RESTRICTIONS WITH CITY ORDINANCES

In the event of any conflict between GNW Restrictions and Ordinances of the City of San Antonio, the most restrictive shall govern.

We invite you to learn more about both the city requirements as well as the GNW deed restrictions in this comparison.

The common City of San Antonio code violations are as follows:

Dangerous Structures: Homes or commercial buildings that have become dilapidated or rundown may be considered dangerous structures. These structures are often vacant and become home to rodents, snakes or illegal activities that may threaten the health and safety of the surrounding community. Depending on the condition of the property, the structure may be cleaned and secured or demolished by the city at the owner’s expense.

Minimum housing standards: Homes, apartments or commercial buildings are required to meet certain standards for occupancy. The interior and exterior of each property must be in good repair and maintained in a safe and sanitary condition, free of rodent infestation, sewer leaks and the accumulation of garbage. If the health and safety of the persons living in these structures is compromised by a lack of maintenance, the property owner will be required to make the improvements necessary to meet the City’s standards.

High weeds and vacant lots: Property owners are responsible for maintaining the appearance of their lawns and/or vacant lots according to the following rules; If a lot has weeds higher than 12 inches and is located within 1000 feet of a school, the City, without notice to the owner, may mow and clear the property at the owner’s expense. If a lot has weeds in excess of 48 inches, regardless of its location, the City, without notice to the owner, may mow and clear the property at the owner’s expense.

Obstructions on City property or rights-of-way: Sidewalks, streets and other public rights of way must be kept free of obstructions. Overhanging tree limbs, basketball goals, fences, dumpsters, shrubbery or other
obstructions in City-controlled rights-of-way are prohibited and must be removed by the owner of the abutting property.

Illegal dumping: Brush, furniture, appliances or other items placed at the front curb or on sidewalks and streets outside of a scheduled brush collection period is a violation of City Code. The City provides two free collections of brush and bulky items (no chemicals, construction or roofing material, or rocks, soil and dirt will be collected) per year for each resident. However, brush
and bulky items may only be placed at the curb after a yellow brush collection notice has been received notifying residents of an upcoming, schedule collection. Illegal dumpsites, including vacant lots, are patrolled regularly by Code Compliance. Persons caught illegally dumping materials in these areas may be prosecuted.

Outside storage: Yards should not be used as storage areas for vehicles, building materials, tires, indoor furniture, appliances, boxes or other items. Outside storage is a violation of the City’s zoning code.

Front and side yard parking: Residents are not allowed to park their vehicles, trailers, boats and RV’s on the front or side lawn of their home unless there is a permanent surface of concrete.

Junked Vehicles: Broken-down junked vehicles should not be parked in yards, on the street or in any location that can be seen in ordinary public view. A fine may be imposed for this violation and the vehicle may be towed by the City and destroyed if, after notification, it is not
repaired or removed from these locations.

Animals and fowl: City residents are allowed to keep a limited number of animals on their residential property,
based on the type of animal and size of the property. For example, no more than five dogs and three cats may be kept on an average residential lot. Permits issued by
the Health Department may be required for certain livestock or fowl on properties in accordance with Chapter 5 of the City Code.

Garage and yard sales: A garage sale permit must be purchased and displayed for all residential garage or yard sales. Residents are allowed only three garage sales each calendar year and only one sale every three months.

Vendors, hawkers and peddlers: Persons engaged in any commercial outdoor retail activity must meet license requirements and are restricted from operating in certain areas of the city without special approval.

Noise: Noise levels are regulated and enforced in San Antonio according to zoning districts and time of day. Citizens are encouraged to minimize the volume of their audio equipment, construction equipment or other noise- producing devices in homes and vehicles. Noise levels considered in violation of City rules are levels that are in excess of 63 decibels for residential zoning districts and levels in excess of 85 decibels for entertainment-zoned districts. Fines vary for each of the violations listed. If violators are referred to Municipal Court for prosecution, fines may range from $35.00 to $2000.

If you have any questions about Deed Restrictions, either compliance or violations, feel free to contact our DRACO officer at draco1@greatnorthwest.org. You can also visit the office in person to speak with him during normal office hours, but we recommend making an appointment first, only because he is frequently "out on patrol" until around 2pm handling various situations. You can call the Lodge at 210.681.2983 extension 111 to speak with him, or to verify if he would be there at a particular time for you to meet or for him to come to your house.

The common Great Northwest Deed Restriction violations are as Follows:

The following are applicable to Emerald Valley - Village Northwest - Ridge Creek - Silver Creek

NUISANCES: No noxious or offensive activity shall be carried on upon any lot, nor shall anything be done thereon which may be or may become an annoyance or nuisance to the neighborhood. Any owner shall do no act or any work that will impair the structual soundness or integrity of another residence or impair any easement or hereditament, nor do any act or allow any condition to exist which will adversely affect the other residences or their owners.

The following are applicable to The Commons - Stage Coach Crossing - Timberwilde

NUISANCES: No noxious or offensive activity shall be carried on upon any lot, nor shall anything be done thereon which may be or may become an annoyance or nuisance to the neighborhood.
No owner shall do any work that will impair the structural soundness or integrity of another residence or impair any easement or hereditament, nor do any act on or allow any condition to exist which will adversely affect the other residences or their owners.
No exterior lighting of any sort shall be installed or maintained on a lot where the light source is offensive or a nuisance to neighboring property (except reasonable security or landscaping lighting that has approval of the Committee).
No exterior speakers, horns, whistles, bells or other sound devices (except security devices such as entry door and patio intercoms used exclusively to protect the lot and improvements situated thereon) shall be placed or used upon any lot.
No guns, pistols, rifles or other firearms shall be discharged by owners or their guests in the Subdivision, nor shall target practice or hunting of any nature be permitted on any tract situated in the Subdivision, or on any adjoining property situated in close proximity to the Subdivision whether owned be Declarant or otherwise.

SIGNS AND BILLBOARDS: The construction and maintenance of signs, billboards and advertising structures of any kind on any lot is prohibited, except that one sign advertising the rental or sale of the lot is permitted, provided it does not exceed three feet (3') by five feet (5') in size and except that signs of larger size advertising the Subdivision may be erected by a builder, if approved by Declarant.

VEHICLES: No trailer, tent, boat, or stripped down, wrecked, junked, or inoperable vehicle (including a vehicle with an expired inspection and/or license sticker) shall be kept, parked, stored, or maintained on any portion of the front yard in front of the building line of the permanent structure and shall be kept, parked, stored or maintained on other portions of a lot only within an enclosed structure or a screened area which prevents the view thereof from adjacent lots or streets. No dismantling or assembling of motor vehicles, boats, trailers, or other machinery or equipment shall be permitted in any driveway or yard adjacent to a street. Flat tires on vehicles that are readily in view from the street or other lots shall be promptly fixed. No commercial vehicle bearing commercial insignia or names shall be parked on any lot except within an enclosed structure or a screened area which prevents such view thereof from adjacent lots and streets, unless such vehicle is temporarily parked for the purpose of serving such lot.

GARBAGE AND REFUSE DISPOSAL: No lot shall be used or maintained as a dumping ground for rubbish. Trash, garbage and other waste shall be kept in sanitary containers, whether arranged for alley pickup or street pickup. No trash, ashes or other refuse may be thrown or dumped on any vacant lot or drainage area in said Subdivision.

PETS: No animals, livestock or poultry of any kind shall be raised, bred or kept on any lot except for cats, dogs, or other generally recognized household pets of a reasonable number, provided that they are not kept, bred or maintained for any commercial purposes; and provided further, that no more than two (2) adult dogs and two (2) adult cats may be kept on a single lot. All such animals shall be kept in strict accordance with all local laws and ordinances (including leash laws) and in accordance with all rules established by the Committee. It shall be the responsibility of each of the owners of such household pets to keep all such pets on a leash and under such owner’s direct supervision at all rimes when such pets are not confined within such owner’s fenced lot, and to prevent the animals from running loose or becoming a nuisance to the other residents.
.

ATHLETIC FACILITIES: No basketball goals or backboards or any other similar sporting equipment of either a permanent or temporary nature shall be placed within fifteen feet (15') from the front property line of any lot in the Subdivision without the prior written consent of the Committee.

GARAGES: A garage able to accommodate a minimum of one (1) automobile and a maximum of four (4) automobiles must be constructed and maintained for each residence. No garage may be enclosed, modified, or converted for any use other than for storage and maintenance of automobiles, except when being used as a builder’s temporary sales or construction office prior to permanent occupancy of the main structure. No carports shall be permitted without the prior written approval of the Committee.

ROOFS: The surface of all roofs of principal and secondary structures which are exposed to public view shall be asphalt shingle or tile. The Committee shall have the authority to approve other roof treatments and materials when in its determination such treatments and materials in the form utilized will not be a detriment to the quality of the neighborhood. No gravel or “built up” roofs shall be permitted without the written approval of the Committee.

Need specific questions answered? Please don't hesitate to contact the DRACO via e-mail or call 210.681.2983 extension 111 to speak to someone.

Search The Great Northwest web site for any topic by entering your key word(s) and click on the SEARCH button.

Great Northwest Community Improvement Association, Inc.
8809 Timberwilde San Antonio, TX 78250-4331
210.681.2983 Voice or 210.681.2986 Fax
Draco1@greatnorthwest.org


San Antonio City Code Vs. GNW Deed Restrictions
Residents of the Great Northwest must adhere to the City of San Antonio Code Compliance restrictions as well as the Deed Restrictions applicable to the GNW. CONFLICT OF RESTRICTIONS WITH CITY ORDINANCES In the event of any conflict between GNW Restrictions and Ordinances of the City of San Antonio, the most restrictive shall govern. We invite you to learn more about both the city requirements as well as the GNW deed restrictions in this comparison. The common City of San Antonio code violations are as follows: Dangerous Structures: Homes or commercial buildings that have become dilapidated or rundown may be considered dangerous structures. These structures are often vacant and become home to rodents, snakes or illegal activities that may threaten the health and safety of the surrounding community. Depending on the condition of the property, the structure may be cleaned and secured or demolished by the city at the owner’s expense. Minimum housing standards: Homes, apartments or commercial buildings are required to meet certain standards for occupancy. The interior and exterior of each property must be in good repair and maintained in a safe and sanitary condition, free of rodent infestation, sewer leaks and the accumulation of garbage. If the health and safety of the persons living in these structures is compromised by a lack of maintenance, the property owner will be required to make the improvements necessary to meet the City’s standards. High weeds and vacant lots: Property owners are responsible for maintaining the appearance of their lawns and/or vacant lots according to the following rules; If a lot has weeds higher than 12 inches and is located within 1000 feet of a school, the City, without notice to the owner, may mow and clear the property at the owner’s expense. If a lot has weeds in excess of 48 inches, regardless of its location, the City, without notice to the owner, may mow and clear the property at the owner’s expense. Obstructions on City property or rights-of-way: Sidewalks, streets and other public rights of way must be kept free of obstructions. Overhanging tree limbs, basketball goals, fences, dumpsters, shrubbery or other obstructions in City-controlled rights-of-way are prohibited and must be removed by the owner of the abutting property. Illegal dumping: Brush, furniture, appliances or other items placed at the front curb or on sidewalks and streets outside of a scheduled brush collection period is a violation of City Code. The City provides two free collections of brush and bulky items (no chemicals, construction or roofing material, or rocks, soil and dirt will be collected) per year for each resident. However, brush and bulky items may only be placed at the curb after a yellow brush collection notice has been received notifying residents of an upcoming, schedule collection. Illegal dumpsites, including vacant lots, are patrolled regularly by Code Compliance. Persons caught illegally dumping materials in these areas may be prosecuted. Outside storage: Yards should not be used as storage areas for vehicles, building materials, tires, indoor furniture, appliances, boxes or other items. Outside storage is a violation of the City’s zoning code. Front and side yard parking: Residents are not allowed to park their vehicles, trailers, boats and RV’s on the front or side lawn of their home unless there is a permanent surface of concrete. Junked Vehicles: Broken-down junked vehicles should not be parked in yards, on the street or in any location that can be seen in ordinary public view. A fine may be imposed for this violation and the vehicle may be towed by the City and destroyed if, after notification, it is not repaired or removed from these locations. Animals and fowl: City residents are allowed to keep a limited number of animals on their residential property, based on the type of animal and size of the property. For example, no more than five dogs and three cats may be kept on an average residential lot. Permits issued by the Health Department may be required for certain livestock or fowl on properties in accordance with Chapter 5 of the City Code. Garage and yard sales: A garage sale permit must be purchased and displayed for all residential garage or yard sales. Residents are allowed only three garage sales each calendar year and only one sale every three months. Vendors, hawkers and peddlers: Persons engaged in any commercial outdoor retail activity must meet license requirements and are restricted from operating in certain areas of the city without special approval. Noise: Noise levels are regulated and enforced in San Antonio according to zoning districts and time of day. Citizens are encouraged to minimize the volume of their audio equipment, construction equipment or other noise- producing devices in homes and vehicles. Noise levels considered in violation of City rules are levels that are in excess of 63 decibels for residential zoning districts and levels in excess of 85 decibels for entertainment-zoned districts. Fines vary for each of the violations listed. If violators are referred to Municipal Court for prosecution, fines may range from $35.00 to $2000.		If you have any questions about Deed Restrictions, either compliance or violations, feel free to contact our DRACO officer at draco1@greatnorthwest.org. You can also visit the office in person to speak with him during normal office hours, but we recommend making an appointment first, only because he is frequently "out on patrol" until around 2pm handling various situations. You can call the Lodge at 210.681.2983 extension 111 to speak with him, or to verify if he would be there at a particular time for you to meet or for him to come to your house. The common Great Northwest Deed Restriction violations are as Follows: The following are applicable to Emerald Valley - Village Northwest - Ridge Creek - Silver Creek NUISANCES: No noxious or offensive activity shall be carried on upon any lot, nor shall anything be done thereon which may be or may become an annoyance or nuisance to the neighborhood. Any owner shall do no act or any work that will impair the structual soundness or integrity of another residence or impair any easement or hereditament, nor do any act or allow any condition to exist which will adversely affect the other residences or their owners. The following are applicable to The Commons - Stage Coach Crossing - Timberwilde NUISANCES: No noxious or offensive activity shall be carried on upon any lot, nor shall anything be done thereon which may be or may become an annoyance or nuisance to the neighborhood. No owner shall do any work that will impair the structural soundness or integrity of another residence or impair any easement or hereditament, nor do any act on or allow any condition to exist which will adversely affect the other residences or their owners. No exterior lighting of any sort shall be installed or maintained on a lot where the light source is offensive or a nuisance to neighboring property (except reasonable security or landscaping lighting that has approval of the Committee). No exterior speakers, horns, whistles, bells or other sound devices (except security devices such as entry door and patio intercoms used exclusively to protect the lot and improvements situated thereon) shall be placed or used upon any lot. No guns, pistols, rifles or other firearms shall be discharged by owners or their guests in the Subdivision, nor shall target practice or hunting of any nature be permitted on any tract situated in the Subdivision, or on any adjoining property situated in close proximity to the Subdivision whether owned be Declarant or otherwise. SIGNS AND BILLBOARDS: The construction and maintenance of signs, billboards and advertising structures of any kind on any lot is prohibited, except that one sign advertising the rental or sale of the lot is permitted, provided it does not exceed three feet (3') by five feet (5') in size and except that signs of larger size advertising the Subdivision may be erected by a builder, if approved by Declarant. VEHICLES: No trailer, tent, boat, or stripped down, wrecked, junked, or inoperable vehicle (including a vehicle with an expired inspection and/or license sticker) shall be kept, parked, stored, or maintained on any portion of the front yard in front of the building line of the permanent structure and shall be kept, parked, stored or maintained on other portions of a lot only within an enclosed structure or a screened area which prevents the view thereof from adjacent lots or streets. No dismantling or assembling of motor vehicles, boats, trailers, or other machinery or equipment shall be permitted in any driveway or yard adjacent to a street. Flat tires on vehicles that are readily in view from the street or other lots shall be promptly fixed. No commercial vehicle bearing commercial insignia or names shall be parked on any lot except within an enclosed structure or a screened area which prevents such view thereof from adjacent lots and streets, unless such vehicle is temporarily parked for the purpose of serving such lot. GARBAGE AND REFUSE DISPOSAL: No lot shall be used or maintained as a dumping ground for rubbish. Trash, garbage and other waste shall be kept in sanitary containers, whether arranged for alley pickup or street pickup. No trash, ashes or other refuse may be thrown or dumped on any vacant lot or drainage area in said Subdivision. PETS: No animals, livestock or poultry of any kind shall be raised, bred or kept on any lot except for cats, dogs, or other generally recognized household pets of a reasonable number, provided that they are not kept, bred or maintained for any commercial purposes; and provided further, that no more than two (2) adult dogs and two (2) adult cats may be kept on a single lot. All such animals shall be kept in strict accordance with all local laws and ordinances (including leash laws) and in accordance with all rules established by the Committee. It shall be the responsibility of each of the owners of such household pets to keep all such pets on a leash and under such owner’s direct supervision at all rimes when such pets are not confined within such owner’s fenced lot, and to prevent the animals from running loose or becoming a nuisance to the other residents. . ATHLETIC FACILITIES: No basketball goals or backboards or any other similar sporting equipment of either a permanent or temporary nature shall be placed within fifteen feet (15') from the front property line of any lot in the Subdivision without the prior written consent of the Committee. GARAGES: A garage able to accommodate a minimum of one (1) automobile and a maximum of four (4) automobiles must be constructed and maintained for each residence. No garage may be enclosed, modified, or converted for any use other than for storage and maintenance of automobiles, except when being used as a builder’s temporary sales or construction office prior to permanent occupancy of the main structure. No carports shall be permitted without the prior written approval of the Committee. ROOFS: The surface of all roofs of principal and secondary structures which are exposed to public view shall be asphalt shingle or tile. The Committee shall have the authority to approve other roof treatments and materials when in its determination such treatments and materials in the form utilized will not be a detriment to the quality of the neighborhood. No gravel or “built up” roofs shall be permitted without the written approval of the Committee. Need specific questions answered? Please don't hesitate to contact the DRACO via e-mail or call 210.681.2983 extension 111 to speak to someone.
Search The Great Northwest web site for any topic by entering your key word(s) and click on the SEARCH button.
Great Northwest Community Improvement Association, Inc. 8809 Timberwilde San Antonio, TX 78250-4331 210.681.2983 Voice or 210.681.2986 Fax Draco1@greatnorthwest.org