COMMITTEES OF MIPOA

Background on House Construction:  Before a new building or addition is undertaken, it is recommended that the Owner and/or Architect meet with the Town's Planning  Zoning and Building Officials to understand the many code-related issues that, amoung other things, affect setbacks, septic systmes, access and height.  In addition, the requirements of the Owner's Land Deed should be reviewed and Masons Island Company deed restrictions understood.  It is the reponsibility of property owners to obtain all necessary permits regarding construction from the Town of Stonington.

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE (Chairperson Skip Watkins, architecturalreview@mipoa.info): The Architectural Review Committee seeks to preserve the aesthetic charm and natural beauty of Mason’s Island. The Architectural Review Committee considers the suitability of new construction and changes to existing property, including additions, modifications, outbuildings, and fences, to its lot, the immediate neighborhood and the community.  For this reason each building is considered individually.  The style of a house is secondary to pleasing proportions and suitability to the site.  It is important to know that the Committee has no enforcement power, but rather serves in an advisory role to homeowners and the Masons Island Company (hereafter referred to as "the Company").  All property owners are encouraged to discuss their plans with the Architectural Review Committee.

When property owners decide to build a new house or remodel an existing one, they shall obtain a copy of the detailed guidelines and checklists for building in the Mason’s Island community. This information is available from the Company or the Chair of the Architectural Review Committee.  The deeds for most properties within MIPOA's boundaries provide that any construction plans be drawn by a Registered Architect and be approved by the Company.  Owners of such properties are required to submit Preliminary Plans to the Company for approval.  Preliminary Plans are reviewed by the Company and by the Architectural Review Committee.  The Committee submits its recommendations regarding such plans in writing to the Company and the Company in turn will provide approval or disapproval to the property owners.

Although both the Company and the Committee endeavor to move quickly, review of construction plans can take a week or two in the best circumstances.  Disagreements are generally resolved through discussion between the owners, Company representatives and the Committee Chair, but inevitably consume additional time.  Property owners should take this process into consideration when planning their projects.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE (Chairperson Patty Copp, propertymaintenance@mipoa.info):  The Property Maintenance Committee has established guidelines to encourage District property owners to maintain the appearance of their houses and grounds to a standard appropriate for the area.  It also facilitates dialogues between property owners and conducts other activities to help accomplish its goals.  Property owners who believe they have a grievance are expected to address their issues directly with their neighbors as the first step, as the Board believes this is the best route to problem resolution.

The Board's “good neighbor policy” guidelines in effect are:

1. Clotheslines are not to be visible from neighbors’ properties or roads.

2. Use of power lawn mowers, leaf blowers, chain saws and similar equipment are to be limited to the hours between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday, excepting Holidays.

3. Construction and renovation projects are to be limited to the hours between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday, excepting Holidays.

4. Garage and tags sales are prohibited.

5. Posting of all signs is prohibited, including but not limited to realtors’ “open house” and “for sale” signs, workmen’s signs (builders, renovators, painters, roofers, etc.) and political advertising.

6. Reasonable property appearance, landscaping maintenance and neatness of grounds are to be sustained.  Landscaping overgrowth should not block neighbors' views.  Property owners are reminded that as neighbors' views become obscured, enjoyment of their properties may diminish and property values may be adversely affected.  Property owners are advised to document their views (in each season) as soon as possible after acquiring their property as the base from which to address matters involving future maintenance of those views.

7. Property owners are strongly encouraged to make every effort to minimize use of chemicals on their lawns, trees, yard plantings and gardens.  Most pesticides are harmful to the environment, and chemical fertilizer run-offs accelerate the growth of undersirable algae in the Ice Pond and the ocean.

8. Boats over 20 feet in length, house trailers, recreation vehicles, business vehicles and inoperable autos are not to be stored on District properties. The Board recommends that all boats and trailers be stored in garages or a commercial storage facility. If boats of less than 20 feet in length are stored outside, the Board recommends they be stored out of sight from neighbors to the extent possible and that their covers be of neutral color.

9. Please be cognizant of outdoor lighting.  It is appreciated by neighbors who enjoy the starlight nights.  The conservaton of energy resources is important to all.

A provision in many deeds permits the Masons Island Company to enter those properties for the purpose of trimming trees and bushes in a reasonable manner to maintain views from adjoining properties. The deed provisions also require Company approval for plantings along street lines. Property owners are encouraged to consider involving the Company when planning landscaping projects.  From time to time the Company clears the rights of way and the roadsides. Please contact them if you have a request regarding maintenance of a particular location.

When dealing with disagreements between neighbors regarding view maintenance, the Committee and the Company will always attempt to strike a balance between view maintenance and privacy concerns. The Chair of the Board will advise all parties in writing as to the suggested course of action.

MIPOA Committee Info

MIPOA
Document

If you need Adobe Reader
to view the file. Get it here: