FAQs

Annual Dues

  • What are the annual dues?

Currently, annual dues are $275. They are due on January 1 of each year. Late fees do not accrue until after January 31, unless the delinquent date is changed due to unusual circumstances, such as widespread economic distress.  If this occurs, the letter accompanying the invoice will notify homeowners of the new delinquent date.

  • How can I pay the annual dues?

Electronic payments are processed by Selective Management Services (SMS).  Instructions on how to remit payments electronically can be found on the annual statement provided to you.  If you have discarded this statement, please call SMS at (205) 624-3586 to receive the information needed to apply the online payment to your account.  If you would prefer not to submit an electronic payment, then please remit a check to the address included on your mailed invoice.  Make sure to include your bill pay account number, serial account number, and unit number on the check so that the payment is correctly applied.  If you do not have the correct address for mailing or the account numbers, please call SMS at (205) 624-3586 to obtain that information.

  • How are the collected dues used?

A budget is mailed out annually that details the ongoing expenses incurred by the HOA.  The HOA Board also provides the annual budgets online in case you have misplaced or did not receive the mailed budget.

Community Pool

  • What are the pool hours?

The pool is open from 8:00AM to 10:00PM during the spring and summer months.  The opening and closing dates for the pool are not consistent from year to year, as these dates are dependent upon weather conditions and the availability of an inspector from the Health Department.  Please check our calendar for updates regarding this and other community events/notices.

  • Where do I get a pool card if I just moved in?

Your first pool card after purchasing a home in Stone Creek is free.  You can obtain a pool card by calling Selective Management Services at (205) 624-3586.

  • I lost my pool card; how do I replace it?

Replacement pool cards can be purchased for $25.  The lost pool card will be deactivated, as only one pool card per household is allowed.

  • Why doesn’t my pool card work?

If you are attempting to access the pool during regular pool hours, and you do not have a past due balance for fines or dues, yet your pool card is not working, then you should contact Selective Management Services (SMS) at (205) 624-3586.  Alternatively, you can submit a contact form that will be e-mailed to SMS and the HOA Board simultaneously.

Restrictive Covenants

  • What is a restrictive covenant?

A restrictive covenant is a rule that is established by a developer or original owner of land that will make up a neighborhood.  Unlike zoning ordinances, which are imposed by a government entity, restrictive covenants are established for planned subdivisions in order to maintain the attractiveness and value of the properties.  A declaration of covenants is filed with the county probate court, which makes the covenants legally binding on all homeowners.

  • What restrictive covenants does Stone Creek’s HOA enforce?

The developer of the Stone Creek neighborhood established relatively standard restrictive covenants with the assistance of a law firm.  These covenants have been in place since 2003, and are on file with the Shelby County Probate Court.  You can view the covenants at the following link:  Stone Creek Covenants

  • I don’t like one of the covenants; can the HOA Board change it?

Pursuant to Article 6.03 of the Stone Creek Covenants, the HOA Board does not have the authority to amend any covenant.  This can only be done by a document that is signed by at least two-thirds of the homeowners in Stone Creek.  If you intend to present a petition to the HOA Board, please ensure that the names and addresses of all homeowners who signed the petition are legible.  If it is determined that any individual who signed the petition is not a homeowner, then the petition will be deemed invalid.  The petition must identify the article of the covenants that is being changed or removed, and it must detail the change requested, including any proposed language to be used in place of the existing covenant language.

Construction and Exterior Changes

  • Can I change the exterior appearance of my house?

Article 5.01 of the Stone Creek Covenants indicates that any exterior changes, alterations, or additions must be approved by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC).  This ensures that the neighborhood maintains a uniform appearance, as well as to prevent any exterior changes that would harm property values.  Your proposed exterior changes must be submitted to Selective Management Services via a form, which can be found at the following link:  Request for Architectural Improvement or Variance

  • Can I build/remove a fence/shed/deck/etc. on my property?

Article 5.01 of the Stone Creek Covenants indicates that the building or removal of any structure must be approved by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC).  This ensures that the neighborhood maintains a uniform appearance, as well as to prevent any changes that would harm property values.  Your proposed changes must be submitted to Selective Management Services via a form, which can be found at the following link:  Request for Architectural Improvement or Variance

Easements

  • What is an easement?

An easement is a nonpossessory right to use and/or enter onto the real property of another without possessing it. As an example, utility companies have an easement allowing them access to portions of your lot for maintenance of structures that deliver power, water, and gas. This does not give utility companies ownership of any portion of your lot, nor are they obligated to maintain your lot; it merely provides them with a legal means of access to perform necessary maintenance, repairs, or improvements.

  • Does the HOA have an easement on my property?

Article 2.13 of the Stone Creek Covenants reserves a 10 foot easement across the back of each lot. While not every lot has a drainage ditch/swale, it is the HOA’s understanding that this easement was created due to most lots having some sort of drainage ditch/swale or other structure that facilitates the movement of water from one area to another in order to prevent flooding and standing water.

  • Who should maintain this easement?

Article 2.13 of the Stone Creek Covenants stipulates that the homeowner is responsible for maintaining (i.e., mowing and keeping clear of debris) the easement that exists within their lot boundaries.

  • A fence was built that blocks access to the easement on my property; what do I do?

Homeowners can install a gate to gain access to portions of their lot that exist behind a fence.

  • Why wasn’t I told that part of my lot has an easement behind a fence?

Alabama follows the “caveat emptor” rule for real estate transactions. Under this “buyer beware” rule, the buyer of real estate has the sole responsibility to understand what they are purchasing (including lot boundaries) and what legal obligations may arise as a result of owning property. The Stone Creek Covenants are filed as public record with the Shelby County Probate Court.  Most real estate agents will provide copies of the covenants upon sale.  Similarly, whenever the HOA is made aware of a sale, Selective Management Services (SMS) voluntarily provides information to the new homeowner.

Notice of Covenant Violations

  • I received a notice concerning a covenant violation; what do I do?

You will receive an initial notice informing you of the covenant violation.  This notice will describe the violation and give you a specific time frame for remedying the violation.  If you do not remedy the violation within that time frame, then a second notice will be issued.  If you do not remedy the violation after the second notice, then a $25 fine will be assessed, accompanied by a picture of the ongoing violation.  Additional fines will continue to be assessed upon each inspection until the violation is remedied.

  • I don’t agree with a covenant violation notice that I received; what do I do?

The notice will contain contact information for Selective Management Services (SMS).  Ideally, your response to the violation notice should be in writing so that a clear and concise argument can be reviewed.  SMS will forward your information along to the HOA Board, which will make a determination as to the validity of the covenant violation.

HOA Management

Many HOAs retain the services of a third party to manage various aspects of operating an HOA, such as contacts with homeowners, covenant enforcement, record keeping, assistance with budgeting, vendor contacts and negotiations, etc.  This is due to the fact that the HOA Board is comprised of homeowners who are volunteering their spare time.  Selective Management Services (SMS) assists with the day to day operations of the HOA, and in doing so, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table.  However, all decisions are made by the HOA Board, not SMS.

  • Who is on the HOA Board of Directors?

The HOA Board of Directors is comprised of homeowners.  Individuals who rent homes in Stone Creek can not be on the board, nor do they have the ability to vote on any matters.  A list of current directors can be found at the following link:  HOA Board of Directors

  • Can any homeowner be on the HOA Board of Directors?

The HOA Board always welcomes new directors, as very few homeowners express interest in joining.  Directors are generally elected/accepted at the annual meeting.  However, appointment of additional directors can occur at any time by a vote of the current HOA Board of Directors.  Please contact Selective Management Services at (205) 624-3586 if you are interested in becoming a director.  Homeowners who have past due balances are not permitted to be on the HOA Board of Directors.

Miscellaneous

  • Who should I contact about problems with street lights?

If a street light is out or malfunctioning, do not contact Selective Management Services.  Street lights are serviced by Alabama Power.  You can submit an online report to Alabama Power at the following link:  Report an Outdoor/Security Light Outage

  • Can I replace or paint my mailbox so that it is a different style/color?

Mailboxes are to remain as uniform as possible.  As such, they should only be painted black, and should be very similar in style to the original mailbox.

It is the HOA’s understanding that the original mailboxes were obtained from Alabama Mailbox Co.  The exact product that was purchased does not appear to be available, but the closest design is their C Series product.  Other designs from other companies would likely be acceptable, but it is advised that homeowners submit a Request for Architectural Variance form to obtain approval prior to installation.