Frequently Asked Questions

What is required by the association when buying a house?

There is a transfer fee of $300 when buying or selling a home. The business office will provide new homeowners with a copy of the Restrictive Covenants at the time of purchase. They are also available on this website.  HOA members pay annual dues each January and the amount is subject to change. The Poplar Creek Estates Board of Directors also has the ability to make special assessments. PLEASE NOTE: WE HAVE NEVER HAD A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT.

When is it OK to park on a sidewalk or in a yard

Never.

What must I do if I want to add a fence, a playset, a deck, a pool, a screened porch, a treehouse, a playhouse, an addition to my home, re-landscape my yard, etc.?

Prior to implementing the addition or change, obtain a copy of the ARC Request form on this website, complete it, and return it to the PCE Homeowners' Association board. All proposed building changes to one's property must be submitted in writing with copies of applicable drawings to the Board of Directors prior to the beginning of construction. All such projects must be approved by the Board's Architectural Review Chairman. At present, residents building decks, installing pools, erecting playsets, or any structure not part of the dwelling are required either to locate their property pins or have a professional survey done prior to approval. This requirement is at the discretion of the ARC for all other structures one may request. Projects are reviewed for compliance to the restrictive deeds and covenants. The main criteria considered in a review is compliance with the restrictive covenants. The Board's sole responsibility in such matters is ensuring the proposed structure does not detract from the décor of the neighborhood or place the Association and its residents at risk of liability. For this reason, the Board and the Architectural Review Chairman have latitude in decision-making. For any approved structure(s), the location (boundaries/property lines), the movement of utility lines, the impedance to drainage flows, and the safety of the structure are the complete and total responsibility of the resident. As such, these criteria are not a basis of consideration when the ARC makes a decision to approve or disapprove. Those who build structures that do not meet the conditions of the restrictive covenants could be asked to remove them at owner expense. Such notice will be done by certified letter. Those who do not comply are subject to legal action on behalf of the Association. The covenants and deeds of restriction define size, materials, locations, etc. for most types of structures. They are in place to protect the property value of all Poplar Creek residents. Metro requires that one obtain building permits for many types of construction. This is requirement is the responsibility of the resident.

Do the covenants contain specific requirements concerning mailboxes?

Yes. This is the verbiage as stated in the Restrictive Covenants concerning mailboxes: Each lot is required to put up a brick mailbox or a mailbox, which is style "F" from Herndon and Merry Co., Nashville, Tennessee or such other company carrying the same mailbox, painted "Belle Meade Green" in color and lettered in the "White Roman" style, including the address and street name only. All residents are expected to comply fully with this restriction. At no time, may a resident use any other style of nameplate nor may stick on numerals/letters be used. Residents in violation will be asked to take corrective action. Failure to bring one's mailbox and/or mailbox nameplate into compliance with the covenants, as stated above, will result in a Board imposed fine.

What do the restrictive covenants say regarding signs on one's property?

The covenants are very clear that only one "For Sale" sign, which cannot exceed 8 square feet in dimension, may be placed on one's property and it must be in the yard. No other signs of any kind including political signs, burglar alarm signs, garage sale signs, birth announcement signs, lost pet signs, religious signs, etc. are permitted without prior written approval from the HOA Board of Directors. No sign or banner is permitted at anytime in windows, on the roof, in front entranceways, on garage doors, etc. This regulation will be strictly enforced. Residents in violation will be expected to remove any signs that are not "For Sale" signs or those for which the BOD's has not granted written permission. This is the verbiage as stated in the Restrictive Covenants concerning signage: "Signs. No solicitation, signs, advertisements, billboards or advertising structures of any kind shall be erected or maintained on any lot or building site, except with prior approval in writing of the Developer; provided, maintenance of not more than one advertising sign, which shall not be more than eight square feet of area, and shall be used for the sole and exclusive purpose of advertising for sale the lot or building upon which it is erected." Developer" shall mean and refer to Poplar Creek Development Co., a Tennessee corporation having a principal place of business in Nashville, Tennessee, its successors or assigns." Attached is a list of those signs, in addition to "For Sale" signs, for which the board has granted indefinite written permission to display. The BOD's reserves the right to make changes to this at anytime. Political Signs are only permitted if they name a candidate for office. They can be placed no more than 30 days prior to the scheduled election date and must be removed within one week after the election date. No more than one sign per candidate may be displayed on a property. No banners, banner type signs, signs in windows, signs hanging from the roof, etc. are permitted under any circumstances. Additionally, no political signs that pertain to referenda are permitted without expressed written consent of the BOD's. For example, property tax referendum signs, signs legalizing gambling, supporting liquor by the drink, etc. are not part of this permission. "No Trespassing" and "Beware of Dog" Signs are permitted but subject to good taste as determined by the BOD's. "Burglar Alarm" Signs that indicate the presence of an alarm may be posted at a mailbox or front entryway but not in the middle of the yard. No alarm signs solely for the purpose of advertisement is permissible without Board consent. "Home Improvement/Temporary construction" Signs are permitted for display during work hours. They must be removed after normal work hours and on weekends unless construction workers are present. Such signs must be removed upon completion of the project. Birth Announcement Signs are permitted for a one week period after which they must be removed. These signs may be placed in the yard only. They are not permitted to be placed in windows, stuck on the dwelling, or displayed as banners.

What is the policy concerning placement of "Open House", "For Rent", or "Home For Sale" signs in Poplar Creek Estates Entranceways?

Neither residents nor realtors are permitted under any circumstances to place any such signs in Entranceway landscaping beds. Such signs will be removed immediately. The realtor or party placing them will be given notice as to the policy and infraction. Repeat offenders will have their signs disposed of. No resident may place a for rent sign in a yard without prior BOD's approval.

What is the policy concerning motor homes, campers, boats, trailers, truck cabs, and other large vehicles?

Such vehicles are permitted only if parked in the garage, at the rear of one's home on the driveway, or on a side section of driveway at the rear of one's home. Article III, Section 2, Paragraph 4 states "Parking of any boats or other large vehicles shall be off the street and shall be in the garage, to the side or rear of the home." Under no circumstances may any such vehicle be parked in the front of one's driveway, on the street in front of one's home, in one's yard, or on any street in Poplar Creek Estates. This applies to guests of Poplar Creek Estates residents as well. Violators will be issued a letter advising them of the violation and they will be asked to remedy the situation immediately even if it involves their relocating the vehicle offsite. Failure to comply will result in a fine.

Is there anything that can be done about cars parked on the sides of the street?

As a matter of policy, the Board of Directors asks all residents to refrain from parking vehicles along the sides of streets, particularly, in situations where doing so can cause obstructions in the view of the road such as parking in bends in roads or parking too close to corners. Vehicles parked on the street obstruct the view of our neighbors when they are backing out of their driveways and create a hazard when small children are at play. Roadside parking should be reserved for guests, service vehicles, or special occasions. Residents are reminded that Association covenants call for each residence to have at a minimum a two-car garage and driveway space for a minimum of at least two other vehicles. The parking of boats, trailers, RV's, and oversized vehicles (including heavy pickups) on the street is prohibited by covenant and owners are subject to Board imposed fines. All streets within Poplar Creek Estates are under the jurisdiction of Metro. As such, the Poplar Creek Estates Board of Directors has no law enforcement powers. Cars parked on the sides of any of our streets are within the law as long as the vehicle does not obstruct access to fire hydrants, is parked in the direction of traffic flow, or is free of the sidewalk. In the event a vehicle is in violation, any resident may contact the Metro Police who would have authority to issue citations. The Board of Directors cannot issue citations to violators; however, it does have the authority to consider/set limited rules and regulations surrounding vehicle parking. Metro will be contacted and will tow any vehicle without tags parked in front of one's property.

What can be done about cars parked on the sidewalks, debris placed on sidewalks, or trashcans obstructing the sidewalks?

It is a violation of Metro ordinance to obstruct any public sidewalk. This includes parking cars wholly or partially on them, placing debris on them, bags of trash on them, and garbage cans on them. You may not obstruct a sidewalk. Doing so causes pedestrians to have to walk into the street to avoid them and this could result in a serious accident. The BOD's has repeatedly asked that residents refrain from obstructing sidewalks and that they inform their guests who may park on them. As a result of the numerous complaints the BOD's has received concerning this matter, The BOD's has consulted Metro about enforcement options. Metro has advised that we contact it and it will send officers who will issue written citations to offenders. Out of respect for our neighbors and for safety reasons, all residents are respectfully asked to refrain from such activity.

Can the Board do anything about vehicles speeding through the neighborhood?

Offenders are most commonly residents of Poplar Creek Estates. The Board, in all newsletters, advises residents of the 30mph speed limit asking that homeowners be cognizant and adhere to it. Speed limit signs are posted throughout the neighborhood and particularly at all entrances. It is a matter of personal safety for our residents many of whom are young children. Ultimately, all streets within Poplar Creek Estates are under the jurisdiction of Metro. As such, the Poplar Creek Estates Board of Directors has no ticket enforcement powers. Residents are asked to contact Metro Police who can choose to issue warnings or citations. Residents observing their neighbors speeding are asked to alert the violator as to the safety risk. If you are confronted, understand that it is out of safety concern. Speeders who are part of construction crews should be reported to their construction foreman. For speeders who are part of home delivery/repair services, residents are asked to record license tags and report violators to the company. Most businesses have their company names advertised on their vehicles.

Is the installation of speed bumps a possibility?

Because the streets in Poplar Creek Estates are Metro streets, installation of speed bumps would involve Metro. The Board has no jurisdiction in this matter. Several Board members attended an area meeting regarding traffic calming techniques afforded by Metro. Unfortunately, because we do not have 50% cut through traffic, PCE is not eligible for this calming technique. Additionally, PCE would not be permitted to place stop signs as a traffic calming technique either. The major streets in Poplar Creek Estates were recently lined in an attempt to slow traffic. We ask that all residents abide by the posted 30mph speed limit for your own safety and that of all residents.

Is there anything that can be done about residents allowing their dogs to roam freely or ones that persistently bark?

The Board asks that residents first contact their neighbors to advise them of the nuisance. If unsuccessful, the resident may contact Metro Police who, based on priority, may or may not cite the owner. All residents in Poplar Creek Estates are subject to Metro leash laws. Enforcement of these laws is under the jurisdiction of Metro's Animal Control Division. The Poplar Creek Board of Directors has no authority to enforce leash laws. Residents of Poplar Creek Estates are also subject to Metro laws pertaining to noise. Dogs barking during hours late in the evening or early in morning could be in violation of this code. In such instances (barking dogs), residents should first contact their neighbors to advise them of the nuisance. Article 3, Sec. 2, Paragraph 7 of the covenants states that sheltering of pets is limited to one's domicile or garage unless an outdoor structure is approved by the ARC.

Can the board do anything about residents that allow their animals to urinate/defecate on another's property?

The Board has no enforcement powers other than to phone the owner or issue a letter asking that the violator respect his/her neighbors. For animals not subject to leash laws, residents are responsible for their actions in this regard. The Board asks that residents contact their neighbor(s) directly when such incidents occur. If unsuccessful, residents should contact a member of the Board of Directors in writing providing all necessary information. In such instances, the Board will contact violators and ask that they respect their neighbors.

What can the board do about those who do not mow their lawns?

All residents are subject to specific covenants that govern lawn maintenance. Additionally, Metro codes may apply should the yard be in a state that is substantially out of code. The Board asks that residents contact and express their concerns with their neighbors first. If unsuccessful, residents should contact a member of the Board of Directors in writing as to the nature of the complaint. A board member will attempt to contact the alleged violator by phone asking that he/she bring his/her lawn within code. If the lawn is not brought within code, a certified letter will be issued to the owner giving the resident five (5) business days to comply. If said resident is out of compliance after the five business days, a second certified letter will be issued advising the resident of the imposition of a $15 per day fine that will be effective upon receipt of the letter and the intent to file a lien against the property. If after another five days, the lawn is still not within codes, a third and final certified letter will be issued detailing all prior communications and it will include a copy of the lien that was filed. The daily fine remains in effect until the lawn is brought within code. A lien filed against a property must be satisfied at the sale or refinancing of the property. Residents are asked to respect their neighbors. Unsightly lawns detract from the property values of all and have been known to impact adversely the sale of residential property. The Board will be happy to refer its lawn service if a resident is in need of assistance. Such mowing costs will be at the expense of the owner. Requirements regarding lawns can be found in Article 3, Sec. 2, paragraph 6.

What voice do residents have in the budget or the spending of Association funds?

Each year at the annual meeting, residents in attendance elect board members. Board members have three-year terms. Residents elect board members to represent their views, wishes, desires, etc. Residents are invited to express their feelings, wishes, etc. at the annual meeting and a resident may, at anytime, contact a member of the Board. The Board may vote to approve/disapprove most measures without consent of residents. The Board, in essence, acts like your congressional representatives. Historically, the Board has never voted in favor of any measure without first knowing it to be the desire of the majority.

What do I do if a tree located on common ground poses a risk to my home?

If you feel any tree on common ground poses a risk to your home, contact a member of the Board of Directors in writing or via telephone. The grounds keeping supervisor will go to assess the situation. Because such removal is at the expense of the Association, only trees or limbs deemed to be a potential safety or damage hazard will be removed, trimmed, etc. The board is under no responsibility to have unsightly trees and/or limbs which pose no safety or damage risk removed/trimmed. The cost of tree trimming/removal is very expensive. Thus, the board exercises great discretion.

What can be done about those who leave tree limbs/brush piled in the street or yards?

Removal of branches, tree limbs, and other brush is the complete responsibility of the homeowner. If the next scheduled Metro pickup is greater than two weeks, the homeowner must make arrangements to have the debris removed. Stacking/leaving piles of brush or limbs in one's front yard for periods longer than 2 weeks will be considered a violation. Owners who violate this restriction are subject to the same Board actions described above related to lawn care. No homeowner, under any circumstances, may transfer, move, or deposit such debris to Poplar Creek Estates' common ground, drainage areas, etc. Those who do so will be subject to a board imposed fine and required to remove the debris immediately. Metro has resumed voluntary collection of such debris. In order for such items to be picked up, limbs may not exceed 4 inches in diameter and stumps will not be accepted. Additionally, commercial tree services/landscaping services are required to remove their debris. You may contact Metro at 880-1000 for specific information concerning pickup schedules in our area. You must leave all debris eligible for pickup in the same location as you would your garbage containers on scheduled pickup dates. Residents may not leave debris in the street or on sidewalks. Those who leave debris in the street or on the sidewalk are subject to citation by Metro. Above all else, leaving debris in the street or on sidewalks poses a safety risk. The Board asks that you refrain from such practices out of courtesy to neighbors as well as for safety reasons.

What is the policy regarding disposing of grass clippings/leaf debris/brush/trimmings etc. in the street, storm drains or drainage areas?

It is a violation for any resident or hired lawn service to dump/blow grass clippings, leaf debris, etc. into the street, a storm drain, or drainage area. Residents are requested to refrain from blowing such debris into the street because during subsequent rains it washes into the storm drains and drainage areas. Those who dump/blow debris into storm drains/drainage areas are subject to Metro and board imposed fines. Owners are responsible for the bagging and removal of all such debris. The homeowner is responsible for communicating this to their lawn service. The Board asks that you be considerate of your neighbors. If storm drains become clogged with debris, other residences can be adversely affected. Should you observe any resident engaging in such activity, you are asked to report it to a member of the Board of Directors.

What is the policy regarding garbage containers?

It is a violation of Metro ordinances for anyone to place a garbage container such that the sidewalk is obstructed. Please do not place garbage containers on the sidewalks. The Board respectfully requests that garbage containers be removed from the street as soon as possible after pick up. Additionally, the Board asks that garbage containers be stored out of sight of the street. Garbage containers left in the street pose safety risks and detract from the overall beauty of the neighborhood. Many prospective residents are driving through our neighborhood daily. It is unsightly to have garbage containers lying in the streets or sitting in full view of the front of one's home.

What is the policy concerning street lights?

Installation of new lights is at the expense of the Association. Installation is also subject to Metro regulations. Any resident who desires installation of lighting should discuss the matter with all residents who would be in proximity. Remember, one resident's opinion on lighting may not be the same as that of a neighbor. Not only should all residents in the vicinity agree on wanting the light, but, all should agree on the location of the light. Requests must be submitted to the Board in writing with all applicable detail. Funding and opinions of neighbors that would be affected will be used by the Board to render a decision. The Board has full authority to approve or reject such requests.

What is the policy concerning renting one's home?

The restrictive covenants do not restrict the rental of one's property; however, the resident owning the property is responsible for its conformity to all aspects of the restrictive covenants. Any violations, even if the fault of the tenant(s), are the responsibility of the property owner to correct. The property owner is subject to receive letters from the board requiring corrective action and the property owner is responsible for payment of any board imposed fines.  As of May 11. 2021, the Poplar Creek Estates Homeowners' Association has established that businesses, including without limitation individually owned rental businesses and short-term rental businesses including Airbnb type rentals are “a business on a lot” of Poplar Creek Estates and are therefore prohibited by the Poplar Creek Estates Covenants. Active long-term single-family rentals at the date of this notice (May 11. 2021) shall be allowed to continue their rental business until the property is sold to another buyer at which time the prohibition on business rentals shall be enforced on the property. Short-term rental businesses including Airbnb-type rentals are strictly prohibited and do not have a grace period.

What is our policy regarding FLOCK camera system?

Our neighborhood is monitored by a camera system by FLOCK which passively monitors vehicles entering and exiting our neighborhood, as well as logging license plate numbers. In the event of any sort of crime, the first expectation is that a homeowner will contact the appropriate authorities. The Homeowner’s Association will work with authorities to provide any relevant information to assist in an investigation.

The answers to all questions above are not intended to replace nor should they be considered as a substitute for the Poplar Creek Estates Restrictive Deeds & Covenants. The Restrictive Deeds & Covenants give the Board of Directors authority to create reasonable rules and regulations and represent the final legal authority of the Association. All legal decisions/proceedings will be based on the Restrictive Deeds & Covenants and not the answers contained herein. Answers are subject to change based on future Board decisions.