The association has an active committee organization comprised of volunteer property owners. The easiest way to get involved in your association is through service on a committee.

The Architectural Review Committee and the Covenants Committee are comprised of property owners who volunteer their time to uphold community standards and thereby help protect Preserve property values.

Following are highlights of covenants and ARC requirements. The highlights serve as a summary only. The Preserve Covenants & Bylaws, Design Review Manual, Builder Guidelines, and Modification Application all reside on the home page of The Preserve website at sharpmountainhoapoa.org. There is no cost for filing a Modification Application. Turnaround time is about 30 days. The form should be returned to Architectural Review Committee Chair Gayle Adkinson.

Here are the highlights:

• Approval of the ARC is required for the following:
  • Any exterior remodeling, repairs or additions.
    This includes, but is not limited to: paint, siding, stone, masonry, roofing, concrete/blacktop work, window replacement, chimney work, retaining walls, outdoor rooms (kitchen, sitting area, etc.), patios, decking, accessory buildings, pools, gazebos, playhouses, fences, animal pens. [Please note that repainting your home the same color does NOT require approval; however, the ARC would appreciate a courtesy notification.]
  • Hardscape work and major soil disturbance where heavy loads of equipment and construction material are involved
  • Trees -If you have trees less than six inches across or have determined there are diseased trees or trees that could fall on your home, they can be removed without prior ARC approval. [Once again, please advise the ARC as a courtesy that you are removing such trees.] All other trees require ARC approval before removing.
• The covenants specifically forbid the following:
  • Storing an RV unless on a hard surface and not visible from the street
  • Visible garbage cans – must be concealed or screened from streets and bordering properties (garbage cans must be removed the same day as pickup).
  • Home rentals must be brought to the attention of the board with leasing papers. Rentals must be one year or longer, and tenants must acknowledge receipt of covenants and rules and consent to comply. The community management association requires a copy of the lease. The property owner ultimately is responsible for tenants. Short-term rentals are prohibited.
  • All discharge of firearms except for lawful defense of personal property and individual safety
  • All fireworks
• Special burning provision:
  • In consideration of the fire risks of living in a forest, burning leaves and natural debris is allowed provided the owner has obtained a burn permit issued by the Georgia Forestry Commission and has posted a “Controlled Burn in Progress” sign available from the board. Permit approval is processed online free of charge and is in effect for the day specified in the application.

You’ll find neighbors in The Preserve to be a friendly and diverse group of people who enjoy getting together. Social opportunities include a picnic after the annual meeting in June, happy hours on select Sunday evenings from May to September at the lodge, Fall Fest, and a New Year’s Eve progressive dinner.
Monthly gatherings include a book club and game night for ladies, and men’s night out. In addition, residents can sign up for dinner groups.

For additional information about all these opportunities, check the website calendar for dates, watch the bulletin board by the pond, or contact The Preserve’s social committee chairman, Ann Kern.

The property owners association depends on timely payment of dues to support the management and maintenance of the association. Association dues are payable January 1 and July 1. After 15 days beyond those dates, late fees are assessed. Delinquent accounts are referred to a collection agency, and liens are placed on owners’ property if fees are not paid.

The website has current gate codes, events calendar, info on reserving the lodge, financial statements, meeting minutes, historical documents, contact info, covenants and bylaws, Design Review Manual, resident directory, and much more.