Common Area

The developers of Exmoor planned our neighborhood of upscale houses to be settled among the natural stand of trees. They envisioned a larger number of smaller lots that would form a wooded and condensed neighborhood. The uniting theme would be the woodlands with each homeowner having an intimate and dynamic connection with the wooded land in its natural setting.
 
The Common Area comprises land and features that are devoted to the common use and enjoyment of all homeowners. Every lot has at least one side that immediately faces some portion of the Common Area, but none of the privately-owned lots include any portion of it. All homeowners have access to the Common Area but are prohibited from restricting, impeding, or interfering with other members' access. The Association is required to preserve the natural attributes of the Common Area. 
 
The Exmoor board is charged with protecting our Common Area property. The Common Elements are owned by all homeowners equally. The board has oversight of the property. No homeowner has more right than any other to any portion of its use. An owners who wishes to make changes on Exmoor property must consult with the board and get its approval before doing so. 
 
Changes made to the woods impact neighbors’ views, privacy, and sound barriers as well as the Association’s access to it. No trees are to be removed or trimmed without written board approval. Except in landscaped areas operated by Exmoor contractors, no heavy equipment is permitted in the Common Areas. Homeowners requesting approval for modifications or plantings need to document that they have spoken with owners of the neighboring lots that will be impacted by any request. 
 
Native Plantings are permitted in the Common Area with prior written approval of the Common Area Committee. Please consult the Exmoor Common Area Master Plan August 2023 document. Refer to Appendix C as well as the Deer Resistant Plant List at Appendix D. A discussion with a member of the Common Area Committee is recommended to assist with the planning and process. 
 
Mulching is harmful to the forest ecosystem. There should be no mulch applied by homeowners without board approval. The placement of new plants has always been permitted with board approval, but they must not disturb the forest ecology. A board member can help identify lot boundaries. If there is a question about the boundary, the homeowner will pay for a survey. 
 
Pictometry View of Common Area
PERMITTED Common Area Activities
  • Removal of fallen branches, leaves, and debris
PROHIBITED Alterations to the Common Area
  • Removal of any trees
  • Installation of fences or other barriers to full access
  • Placement of any improvements, installations, or structures
Exmoor's Policy Regarding Mulch in the Common Area
The Exmoor Homeowners’ Association has in recent years consulted with arborists, conservationists, and landscape architects about sustaining the unimproved Common Area. We’ve begun maintenance and conservation projects that incorporate their recommendations.

According to the experts, the appeal and value of residential property is enhanced by trees. They also say that the health of the natural habitat, especially trees, relies upon – among other things – naturally-occurring mulch. Artificially applied mulch can also be beneficial. Its depth, proximity to trees, and other factors, however, must be considered and controlled to protect and preserve optimal conditions.

The board understands homeowners’ concerns about the unsightliness of limbs and branches that have fallen in the Common Area. The board has, therefore, adopted a policy allowing homeowners, if they wish, to remove them at their own expense. Even without larger organic matter, the naturally-occurring mulch is sufficient to sustain the woodlands.
 
We also understand that some homeowners may find that naturally-occurring mulch near their properties is not aesthetically pleasing. The board has adopted a policy allowing homeowners to apply manufactured mulch in limited portions of the Common Area to soften the transition between the homeowner’s own landscaped property and the natural ambience of the woodlands.
 
In adopting the policy allowing the addition of manufactured mulch to portions of the Common Area, the board has taken various considerations into account. First, artificial mulch – if applied too thickly – can deprive the soil of essential oxygen which arrests the growth of indigenous plants and leads to the failure of the trees. And if manufactured mulch is on or too near trees, it can cause the trees to become diseased, to weaken, and to die.
 
Dying and dead trees in the Common Area are not only hazardous to private property, they are expensive to remove, an expense that ultimately falls on all Exmoor homeowners. There are ample trees dying naturally in the Common Area; we should be careful not to accelerate the process.
 
So, the Association will permit homeowners to apply mulch beyond their lots with the following specifications.
1) The homeowner must inform the board in writing of his or her intention to apply mulch in the Common Area. Notification should be sent to: Erin Osstifin, Property Manager.
2) Reflecting the provisions of the Declaration of Restrictions, the application of mulch must be “immediately adjacent” to the homeowner’s lot (within a few feet; not yards).
3) Any mulches applied in the Common Area must be derived exclusively from hardwoods.
4) Applications of mulch must be spread out (broadcast) gently by hand or rake.
5) The total depth of mulch, including naturally-occurring and manufactured, must uniformly not exceed 4” in depth.
6) Manufactured mulch may not touch the base of trees.
 
Please keep in mind that naturally-occurring mulch is better for the woodlands than manufactured varieties, which may contain preservatives and additives and may otherwise been unsuitable.

 
 
Exmoor Common Area Master Plan August 2023
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Common Area Request Form
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