Covenants

We all have an interest in maximizing the value of our properties and the vitality of our neighborhood. If you are initiating an improvement or just have questions regarding modification or upkeep of your property, please review the appropriate covenants for your subdivision and feel free to reach out to the appropriate members of the Covenants Committee.

What is a Covenant?

The covenants are restrictions on uses of the property that were set by the subdivision developer when your property was originally subdivided in order to create a more pleasant and attractive neighborhood and to maintain a uniform look to a subdivision. The covenants run with your property. Every Chatterleigh property deed contains covenants that are recorded with the county. Covenants are not government mandated, although they may address the same property uses that the county code restricts as well (for example, parking vehicles on your front lawn). Common examples of property uses addressed by the covenants include fence construction and placement, exterior home modifications, sheds and property maintenance. Essentially, covenants are private agreements between the homeowners in your subdivision and legally enforceable like a contract.

What Covenants Apply to My Property?

Each of the six Chatterleigh Association subdivisions has unique covenants that establish property use and development restrictions as well as the method of review and enforcement. Please consult the links on this page for a copy of you subdivision’s covenants. If you have any questions, the covenants contacts for each subdivision, listed below, will be happy to assist.

Who Enforces Covenants?

Each subdivision’s covenants establishes a body responsible for assessing whether a property use is consistent with the covenants. To administer this responsibility, certain community members volunteer their time to review applications for property improvements or uses to assure that the project or use is consistent with the applicable subdivision’s covenants. Absent such approval, neighbors can seek a court order directing the offending homeowner to cease the non-compliant use or remove the non-compliant improvement. Of course, our hope is that through knowledge and mutual respect no matter ever rises to such level.

How Do I Assure That My Property Is In Compliance?

If you are planning a property improvement or a change in use, first review the applicable covenants for your subdivision. Depending on the subdivision you live in, you should seek a covenants review from the Covenants Committee or your subdivision’s Architectural Review Committee. These volunteers are empowered by the homeowners in your subdivision to authorize specific development plans. In addition, talking to your immediate neighbors is the most important thing you can do. Informing your neighbors of your plans at the outset of a project fosters trust and is a primary guidepost for covenants reviews. Similarly, if you believe your neighbor is not complying with the covenants, please talk to them before taking any formal actions. You will likely learn additional information to consider before taking additional steps. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact the appropriate Covenants Committee or Architectural Review Committee representatives for your subdivision.

Find your address on the map below to identify which covenant applies to your residence.

Click on map to view a larger image.

Covenants Review

If you are planning an exterior modification to your home or property you are encouraged to review the covenants for your subdivision, linked above, and to contact your subdivision’s covenants contacts for review or approval, as appropriate for your subdivision. You are encourage to seek approval, if appropriate for your subdivision, in advance of signing contracts or applying for variances or permits with Baltimore County. Doing so assures that you are fully informed about any restrictions on your project and that you are on track to obtain any needed approvals. Assuring covenants compliance up front will help you avoid unnecessary delays, fees or litigation.

Pick your subdivision from the list below

Brookview Farms I

Contacts:

Jason Barker chatterleigh.jason.barker@gmail.com
Brookview I ARC (Vacant)

Brookview Farms I Covenants

Brookview Farms II

Contacts:

Brian DeMuth bpdemuth01@aol.com
Josh Davalli jdavalli@yahoo.com
Michael Ludden mluddenjr@gmail.com

Brookview Farms II Covenants

Brook Meadows

Contacts: