At the October, 18, 2018 meeting of the HOA Board of Directions a resolution was passed to address numerous complaints from homeowners regarding placement and storage of garbage/trash receptacles, recycle bins and yard waste containers.

"It is resolved that residents shall remove the garbage/trash/recycle containers from sight no later than the evening of the pick-up.  At all other times, all such containers must be stored within each Residence or 15 feet minimum from the front of house concealed by means of a wall, fence, landscape, hedges or other enclosure previously approved by the ARB committee, so that the containers cannot be seen from the streets."

The discussion by the Board included the following points:

• HOA continues to receive complaints about homeowners who:
• Place their garbage receptacles and recycle bins at the curb earlier than allowed by City Ordinance and counter to what is considered to be reasonable and considerate
• Do not remove their garbage receptacles at the end of the day and sometimes leave them at the street multiple days or on weekends
• Store their garbage receptacles in front of the house or in plain view from the street
• It is not fair that all Association members have to pay for the expense of continually sending out reminder notices to homeowner regarding proper storage and to be considerate of their neighbors
• The HOA is forced to implement a formal policy to deal with the few homeowners who continue improper practices of garbage receptacle placement as authorized by Covenants subsections:
• Article 8.09 Service Yard Storage Receptacles
• Article 8.13 Offensive Activity
• Article 8.19 Enforcement

Garbage receptacles may be stored in the garage, behind the backyard fence or a “screen” at least 15 feet from the front house.  Waste Pro receptacles are 42” H x 30” W so an appropriate screen may be constructed as preapproved by the ARB or by use of hedge such as Podocarpus, a sun/shade tolerant plant.  Homeowners may petition their situation based on the specifics of their property but must obtain in writing a variance by the Board of Directors otherwise no exceptions.  Garbage receptacles are to be placed at the curb or edge of the yard NEVER on the street pavement.

Seminole County Fertilizer Restrictions     

Seminole County has adopted a fertilizer ordinance aimed at implementing scientifically sound fertilizer practices that preserve our waterways while still allowing for attractive landscapes. This is relevant not only to people who fertilize their own lawns but also to those who use a professional service. All cities within Seminole County including Longwood have adapted the fertilizer ordinance with the only exceptions of Winter Springs which adopted the state model ordinance and Sanford which is still working on adopting an ordinance. Refer to the specifics of the ordinance below.