Saint Helena Park Association       l       www.sainthelenapark.org

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The information below is provided in the form of a handbook, which is distributed to new residents of Saint Helena Park.  It offers an abridged version of official information, and those rules and regulations most important to the new owner.

St. Helena Park Association

A Planned Unit Development

Information Handbook 

Including a Synopsis of the CC&R's 

CONTENTS

Welcome to St. Helena Park 

The Board of Directors 

Delineating Responsibilities 

(Ass'n Responsibility vs. Unit Owner Responsibility)

Exterior Maintenance and Repair

Garage Doors

Interior Maintenance, Repair and Changes

Insurance

Land Under the Unit

Landscaping

Easements

General Information

Assessments

Changes to the Exterior

Emergency Contacts

Garage Sales

Garbage

Parking

Pets

Sign

Pool and Spa Rules                                                                

WELCOME TO

ST. HELENA PARK

By virtue of your purchase of a unit in St. Helena Park, we believe that you appreciate the character and appearance of the Park and support the preservation of that character for its present and future enjoyment by other owners. 

While community living has many advantages over individual home ownership, it also has certain unique responsibilities. To be successful, the interest of the group must be taken into account as well as the interest of the individual. There are regulations governing the orderly operation of your park, which we trust you have read in the copy of the Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R's) that was provided to you in your escrow package.  For a Planned Unit Development to be successful, the owners must support the concept.  It is so important that a sale cannot be finalized until a prospective buyer agrees to abide by the CC&R’s.  If your unit is a rental, it is imperative that you share this information with your tenants.  Rather than think of these regulations as restrictions on you, they should be considered as the protections that they are intended to be; they exist to protect you and your property values.

As a quick reference to these regulations, we offer the following synopsis of the basic rules and some additional information that we hope you will find helpful.  This synopsis is provided for your convenience only.  It is limited in scope and subject to change without notice. Please refer to the CC&R’s or contact the St. Helena Park Association Board of Directors for more specific information.

Preserving the quality of life in St. Helena Park is everyone's responsibility and requires the co-operation of every owner and every resident.   We encourage you to become involved in helping to preserve the park. There are many ways that you can help.  Contact any Board member for additional information.

ST. HELENA PARK ASSOCIATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The St. Helena Park Association Board of Directors is comprised of unit owners.  The Board of Directors is responsible for interpreting and enforcing the CC&R's. Assisted by the various committees, the Board is also responsible for making decisions about landscape maintenance, exterior repair, repainting and re-roofing done in the park.  Your input and suggestions are always welcome, but the Board’s decision must be final in order to provide administrative continuity.

St. Helena Park Association employs a Property Manager, Eugene Burger Management Corporation. EBMC provides a facility called EBMC Portals which offers other useful information about Saint Helena Park, as well as additional member services. Members need to enroll in order to access the secured homeowners section.  Click on the words "Enroll Now" on the Portal home page and follow the instructions. Contact info@sainthelenapark.org for your account information.

It is important to remember that Board Members are volunteers.  We strongly encourage unit owners to work with their neighbors to resolve minor issues.  If you have a question or a request, please contact the Board in writing. 

It is essential that we prioritize and schedule the work projects for the SHPA maintenance employees. Please do not make verbal requests for projects directly to our employees. All requests should be done using the Service Request Form from the homeowners section of the EBMC Portal.  (This form can also be downloaded here)

Mail all correspondence to:

Sally Allred
Eugene Burger Management Corp.
6600 Hunter Drive
Rohnert Park, Ca. 94928

Or, send an email to info@sainthelenapark.org

Association Responsibilities Versus Unit Owner Responsibilities

Exterior Maintenance and Repair - St. Helena Park Association (SHPA) is responsible for maintaining and repairing the original exterior building surfaces excluding glass and skylights. SHPA replaces and repairs roofs, paints exterior surfaces, repairs exterior dry rot, defective boards, gutters, and downspouts.

Garage doors - SHPA is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of garage doors; owners are responsible for the power and control units.

Capital resources must be allocated on a priority basis.  If you prefer to replace your garage door prior to the scheduled replacement date, you may do so and be reimbursed by SHPA later. 

All replacement doors must be uniform. The Board also approves the paint colors that will be supplied and applied by SHPA.

SHPA will reimburse members for the cost of the basic model 44 vinyl-backed non-insulated doors.  The reimbursement will not include any interest. There are upgrade options available that would not be reimbursable by the Association.

Before the work is started, owners intending to use this program must apply for and receive a written authorization from the Board.  Upon receipt of the final invoice, the Board will provide an authorization for future reimbursement for the owner’s file.

Interior Maintenance, Repair and Changes - The unit owner is responsible for interior repair and maintenance.  Interior changes that do not affect the exterior of the structure may be done at the discretion of the unit owner.

With prior written approval by the Board of Directors, the owner may make certain changes to the exterior of the unit.  (See Changes to the Exterior)  The owner will be responsible for any and all expenses incurred as a result of the change.  Further, the owner will be responsible for any additional future expense required to repair or maintain the change or to repair any damage caused by the change. All of these additional owner responsibilities apply to owners of previously upgraded units.

Insurance - SHPA carries fire insurance to rebuild the exterior and interior of any or all of the 65 units to their original condition.  It is the unit owner’s responsibility to provide coverage against the loss of normal contents (furniture, window coverings, and private possessions) plus all changes and upgrades made to the unit.

It is important that you advise the insurance company that underwrites your homeowners’ policy of any significant upgrades that have been made to your unit. Significant upgrades would include, but are not limited to: room or bathroom additions; upgraded appliances; tile work; wallpaper; built-in cabinets and bookcases; upgraded carpet or flooring; windows or skylight upgrades; additional decks, porches or fencing or garden features, plants or trees. 

This is important as the “Association” unit replacement policy cost benefit clause includes only replacement of the standard unit as originally built - regardless of whether you or a former owner added the upgrades.  If you have any questions, we suggest you contact your insurance agent.

SHPA also carries Liability Insurance on the common area and other Association property to protect the members from financial loss.  As a unit owner, you will want to have your own liability coverage for your unit. This is accomplished by carrying a homeowner’s policy for owner occupants or a unit owner’s landlord policy.  The Association Policy does not cover earthquake, flood or (except in a few specific instances) any water damage to the interior.  Unit owners should contact their insurance agent if they are interested in individual coverage.

Landscaping - SHPA is responsible for providing and maintaining the landscaping in the common area.  Unit owners are responsible for providing and maintaining the landscaping within the enclosed patio areas. Prior to installation, the Board must approve any changes that are (or will be) visible from the common area. All patio areas that are visible from the common area must be maintained in a neat and orderly fashion.

Unit owners are also responsible for maintaining any approved alterations that were made to the area directly adjacent to the unit – regardless of whether you or a former owner altered the landscaping. 

Land Under the Unit / Easements - SHP is a Planned Unit Development, not a condominium. Therefore, the ownership of each unit includes the land under the unit and a minimal amount of space around the unit (the footprint as described by the lot line maps).  Because the unit includes the land under it, the owner is responsible for the maintenance of that area.  This includes, but is not limited to, pest control, cleanup of unwanted material, moisture control, water pipes, sewer pipes, and structural damage caused by problems inside the unit.

SHPA grants easements across the common area to each homeowner for driveways, water, sewer, power, telephone and cables; these items are owned by and maintained by the unit owner.

General Information

Assessments - Monthly assessments are due on the first of each month and payable to:               

                            St. Helena Park Association

                            C/O Eugene Burger Management Corp.

                            6600 Hunter Drive

                            Rohnert Park, CA 94928

A coupon book will be provided. Monthly assessments are delinquent on the first day of the following month and a penalty will be added to the amount due.  To insure the efficient operation of your association’s business, to avoid late fees and to be fair to the other members, please pay your assessments on a timely basis. 

Changes to the Exterior - The Board of Directors has a responsibility to maintain continuity of appearance and to insure that any individual changes do not adversely affect your neighbors.  Therefore, you must obtain prior written approval from the Board of Directors before making any change to the exterior of buildings or within the enclosed patio area if visible from the common area. A written plan, describing the proposed variance, must be submitted for review and final approval at a scheduled Board Meeting.  Before beginning work on any project, please contact the Board in writing for assistance.

Emergency Contacts - It is essential that we know how to reach you (and if applicable, the occupant of your unit) in the event of an emergency. Telephone numbers will be considered confidential unless we are given permission to include telephone numbers on the membership roster. Also, please provide the names and telephone numbers of any additional individuals to contact in case of an emergency.

Absentee owners must include the name of a local individual (i.e. a friend or neighbor) who will be responsible for responding to emergencies and performing routine maintenance. If the association employees are required to perform additional services because of the absence of an owner, the association will bill the owner for time.

Caution!  If you leave your residence for any prolonged period of time, it is suggested that you turn off your main water supply to prevent accidental flooding.  A member of our maintenance crew can assist in locating your shutoff. 

Garage Sales – Although garage sales are not specifically prohibited in the CC&R’s, they do violate several prohibited activities.  Garage sales inconvenience your neighbors and are inappropriate in close community living.   Prior to scheduling a sale of any kind, please contact the Board for scheduling and specific guidelines designed to minimize the negative impact on your neighbors.

Garbage - Contact Upper Valley Disposal at (707) 963-7088 to arrange for garbage pick up. The CC&R’s specifically prohibit storing or maintaining trash receptacles in any area that is visible from the common area. For residents who do not have enough space to store the yard refuse (green) or recycle (blue) cans in their garage, there are a limited number of yard refuse and recycle cans available for community use located in the marshalling areas in the park.

Parking - The CC&R's require that residents' cars be garaged with garage doors closed except for temporary convenience. Please respect the intent of the regulation, which is to maintain the aesthetics of our Park.  Parking in the visitor parking areas is preferable to parking in driveways.  However, to insure that your neighbors are not deprived of visitor parking, please limit your personal use of the visitor parking whenever possible. Long-term storage of unused vehicles is not permitted.  The Board will follow procedures to remove such vehicles and bill owners for expenses.  

Pets - There is a city/county leash law governing dogs.  Due respect for your neighbors and our community should be observed.  Please pick-up after your dogs.  Your association is empowered by our by-laws to assess a $50.00 fine for infractions.

Realtor Signs 

Number of Signs.

Only one sign is permitted per unit.

Placement of Signs.

The sign must be placed within eighteen (18) inches from the foundation of the unit in the land owned by the Unit Owner. The sign shall be driven into the plant dirt to the left or right of the garage door siding at the base of either pillar. No sign of any kind can be placed in the common area or be attached to the siding of the Unit.

Size of Sign.

The maximum size of the sign is 18 X 24 (or 24 X 18) inches. There shall be no additional attachments or riders to the sign such as flags, balloons, lights, pamphlets, flyers, announcements or any additional advertisements.

Installation of Sign.

The sign shall be placed in a standard metal realtor sign frame which is not taller than three and one half feet (3 1/2'). This frame can be installed by simply pushing the metal stake at the bottom of the sign it into the ground.

Removal of Sign.

All sale signs must be removed within three days after close of escrow or signing of a lease or at the completion of construction.

Open House Sign

A type of portable real estate related sign that is an off-site directional sign with restriction on the design, number, duration, and placement location. The generic version of this sign is limited to the text Open House with a directional arrow, shall not include riders and is subject to additional restrictions for design, number allowed and placement.

Off-site Open House directional sign placement shall be restricted to SHPA Common Area grounds and must comply with City of St. Helena rules.

Off-site Open House directional sign placement shall be restricted to SHPA Common Area grounds and must comply with City of St. Helena rules.

1.                  Sign is limited to an A-frame type non-illuminated sign that is 4 square feet in size for each side with each side containing copy. Sign shall not exceed three and one-half feet in height.

2.                  Attachments such as flags, balloons, lights, pamphlets, flyers, announcements or additional advertisements in any part of the sign are prohibited.

3.                  No sign related to the sale or showing of real estate shall be attached or applied to vehicles or displayed within or on vehicles or towed trailers.

4.                  All Open House signs are temporary signs that are limited in the duration of display while the open house is in progress.

St. Helena Park

Pool and Spa Rules

HOURS   Pool and spa hours are from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day.

READ THE POOL RULES BEFORE USING.    USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.

IMPORTANT RESTRICTIONS: (Due to safety considerations and insurance liability issues, the following activities are never permitted)

1)                Unsupervised children under the age of 14 years are not allowed in the pool or spa area.  Homeowners, renters and guests must provide adult (18 years of age or older) supervision for children under the age of 14 years.

2)                Running, back flips, back dives, pushing or diving are not allowed.

3)                For safety reasons, no glassware of any kind is allowed in the pool and spa area. (In case of breakage, the pool would have to be completely drained!).

4)                Animals are not allowed in the pool or spa area.

5)                Skateboards, skates or bikes are not allowed in the pool or spa area.

6)                Smoking is not allowed in the pool or spa area.

7)                Any kind of excessive noise is not allowed.

8)                Reserving pool furniture or the entire pool for private parties.

The following spa rules are part of the State of California Administrative Code (Title 22 & 24, effective January 1, 1982).

1)                Unsupervised use by children under the age of 14 years is prohibited.  Homeowners, renters and guests must provide adult (18 years of age or older) supervision for children under the age of 14 years.

2)                Children under the age of 14 years are NOT to operate the spa controls.

3)                Elderly persons, pregnant women and those with health conditions requiring medical care should consult with a physician before using a spa.

4)                Hot water immersion while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medicines may lead to serious consequences and is not recommended.

5)                Never use a spa alone!

6)                Any long exposure may result in nausea, dizziness or fainting.

7)                The maximum Spa temperature is 104 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT.

8)                Familiarize yourself with the emergency shut off switch. (LOCATED ON THE POOL HOUSE WALL)

Additional Pool Information

INFLATABLES  Inflatables are not safe and may interfere with other swimmers' enjoyment of the pool.  The use of inflatables in a crowded pool is discouraged.  Please be both safe and considerate when using inflatables.

POOL & SPA USE  The pool and spa are for the exclusive use of current homeowners and their guests or renters and their guests.  It is not to be used by former owners or renters or neighbors who are not residents of St. Helena Park.

POOL ACCESS / POOL KEY  Each owner must obtain a pool access key from the previous owner or real estate agent. For security / control purposes, the replacement fee is set at $25.00. There can be NO EXCEPTIONS. 

POOL FURNITURE  Responsible use of the furniture will lengthen its life.  Please place towels over furniture when using suntan oils or lotions.  Also, please maintain a sense of order with furniture placement after use.

HOUSEKEEPING  Please keep dressing rooms, pool and spa in an orderly fashion and dispose of waste in the container provided. Please cooperate by cleaning and straightening up your area after use.

RESPONSIBILITY  Abuse of the pool and spa rules may result in the suspension of the owner's pool and spa privileges. Willful damage or destruction of pool and/or spa equipment, restrooms or furniture by resident owners, their family, guests or renters will subject those owners to a fine in addition to repair, replacement or other costs and a suspension of pool and spa privileges.

All vandalism will be reported to the police department!

THIS IS YOUR FACILITY - PLEASE RESPECT AND HELP PROTECT IT.  ALL PROPERTY OWNERS HAVE THE AUTHORITY AND ARE ENCOURAGED TO CORRECT INFRACTIONS WHEN THEY OBSERVE THEM.

READ THE POOL RULES BEFORE USING.   USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.

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