Q1: Where can I find the Summary of Deed Restrictions?
A: Please click on this link: Deed Restrictions Summary; the official copy of the deed restrictions is on file in the County Clerk’s Office at the Tarrant County Courthouse.
Q2: I am not a member of LCPOA, do I still have to comply with the deed restrictions?
A: Yes. LCPOA was assigned as the legal dedicator (organization responsible for deed restriction enforcement) of Lake Country in 1999 by the Amon G. Carter Foundation.
Q3: I thought LCPOA was a voluntary organization, so why must I comply with the deed restrictions?
A: Even though we are a non-mandatory membership organization, all of the residents are bound to the deed restrictions which run with the land regardless of membership status in the organization. A property owner must abide by both the City of Ft. Worth requirements and the Lake Country Deed Restriction requirements.
Q4: I am a new resident and did not know there were restrictions. Why was I not informed of this prior to, or at the time of my purchase?
A: Any deed restrictions will be specified within a home’s deed. Be on the lookout for any language that includes the terms “deed restrictions”, “covenants” or “agreements”.
Q5: I submitted my construction plans to the City of Ft. Worth; Must I also submit them to the LCPOA?
A: Yes. There are differences in requirements. Often the LCPOA deed restrictions are more restrictive than those of the City.
If you plan to change the external look of your property (fencing, fence repair, paint color, driveway, retaining walls, additions, outbuildings, carports, roofing, roofing color/type, siding, pergolas, etc.) in any way, avoid costly rework by requesting approval first.
The deed restrictions state “No buildings, fences, retaining walls, walls, terraces or other structure shall be commenced, erected , or maintained, nor shall any addition, or change or alteration therein be made, unless plans and specifications, plot plans and grading plans therefore, or other information concerning the same which is satisfactory to the Deed Restriction Committee, shall have been submitted to and approved by the Deed Restriction Committee, and a copy of all such plans, specifications and other written information shall be left with the Dedicator after approval thereof by it. The approval of the Dedicator shall be required as to the material, type of construction, the location and height of any such building, fence, wall, terrace or other structures or additions, as well as changes and alterations thereto. This right of approval of plans shall include the right of Dedicator to prevent any monotony created by the repetition of housing styles and the repetitious use of exterior materials.”
Q6: Is there a list of things for which I must gain prior approval?
A: Yes. Everything required to gain approval may be found in the “Construction Approval Forms Request” at LCPOA.org.
Please see the link to the Deed Restriction Summary. It states “No buildings, fences, retaining walls, walls, terraces or other structure shall be commenced, erected , or maintained, nor shall any addition, or change or alteration therein be made, unless plans and specifications, plot plans and grading plans therefor, or other information concerning the same which is satisfactory to the Dedicator, shall have been submitted to and approved by the Dedicator, and a copy of all such plans, specifications and other written information shall be left with the Dedicator after approval thereof by it. The approval of the Dedicator shall be required as to the material, type of construction, the location and height of any such building, fence, wall, terrace or other structures or additions, as well as changes and alterations thereto. This right of approval of plans shall include the right of Dedicator to prevent any monotony created by the repetition of housing styles and the repetitious use of exterior materials.”
If you plan to change the external look of your property (fencing, fence repair, paint color, driveway, retaining walls, additions, outbuildings, carports, roofing, roofing color/type, siding, pergolas, etc.) in any way, prior approval is required.
Q7: What if I don’t comply with the deed restrictions?
We hope that everyone will comply as this keeps our neighborhood consistent
with our high standards and helps to preserve home values. Should a project result in a Lake Country deed restriction violation on the unapproved construction and/or is deemed to have an adverse impact on property values, the owner must bring the project into compliance afterwards and incur the costs of remediation.
If voluntary remediation is not completed in a timely manner, legal action is taken. Should a lawsuit be filed, and the owner is found to be out of compliance the project must then be brought into compliance and based on state law all legal fees incurred by LCPOA are also paid by the violator.
We never wish to get to this stage, however, to protect the property values of all residents and to fulfill our obligations we must do so when voluntary remediation is not achieved.
Q8: Is there a form that I need to fill out to gain review/approval of my project?
A: Yes. The Construction Approval Forms Request may be found at LCPOA.org.
Q9: May I submit my plans electronically?
A: Yes. Please complete the forms found on this website for review.
Q10: How long will it take for my project to be reviewed? How will I be notified?
A: The review/approval process takes approximately 2-4 business days, provided that all required information is provided. Notification will be sent via email.
Q11: Is there a fee required when I submit my project for approval?
A: No. The approval body is the LCPOA Deed Restrictions Committee. This is a volunteer organization and we strive to fully comply with the deed restrictions and to act on all requests in a timely manner.
Q12: I have a fence (or other constructed item) that is in need of replacement. Since I am replacing an existing fence with an equivalent, must I submit have my project approved?
A: Yes. Fencing is an item that is often replaced. There is an approval template available here: Fencing and Gates Approval Form (can we hyperlink)
Q13: I wish to construct a storage building on my property. Are there any specific guidelines?
A: Yes. “Please see the Construction Approval Form Request” at LCPOA.org.
Q14: I have a boat/boat trailer/RV camper, may I park it on my property?
A: Boats, boat trailers, or RV campers must be stored out of sight from the street(s) that border your lot. Trailers or motor homes may not be stored on any lot.
Q15: I hear a nearby rooster crow every morning. May I raise chickens?
A: The raising or keeping of poultry, seine, rabbits, cows, horses and other livestock of whatever character is prohibited. Dogs, cats, or other household pets may be kept provided that they are not kept, bread, or maintained for any commercial purposes.
Q16: Does un-mowed grass, trash, junk cars, etc. fall under the deed restrictions?
A: No. The Deed Restriction Committee is responsible for reporting City code violations to the Code Compliance Officer that enforces the codes in Lake Country.These include un-mowed grass, dumping, trash and debris in yard, junk cars, parking violations, unauthorized structures, dilapidated structures, dead trees in the right of ways, etc.
Q17: Do I have to have landscaping approved?
A: No. This is not a requirement within the deed restrictions.
Q18: I am going to remodel my kitchen and convert a bedroom to an office. Must I gain approval for these changes.
A: No. Interior renovations do not require approval as they are not part of the deed restrictions.
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