Dear Winchester homeowner;

We want to take a moment to remind you of some very common “violations” of the covenants. For every letter that we send during every inspection, it costs you as a homeowner and takes away from funds that may otherwise be spent in improvements and maintenance of the community. When the Association can spend your HOA money on improvements that effect everyone’s property values, everyone benefits.

The covenants are enforced by sending correspondence to homeowners to remind them of a particular section of the covenants. The letters are not meant to be harsh or punitive, but the Association has an obligation to enforce the covenants. As a means of enforcement, the Board of Directors approved a covenants enforcement policy. This policy is included and is also posted on the Winchester website at This policy was intended to provide framework for the fair and equal treatment of all owners, while also providing a strict consequence for those who did not comply with the covenants. Please remember, if you ever receive a notice and need additional time to resolve a problem, all you have to do is contact the Association Manager at and we will work towards a reasonable solution or extension.

Below are some expectations based on the Winchester recorded covenants, which are legally binding on every homeowner and resident:

  • Trash bins should be stored where they are not visible from the street. Trash and recycle bins can be stored behind your fence, in your garage, behind a sufficiently sized bush, or behind an ARB-approved screen (please submit your plans for a screen to the ARB for review prior to installing). The bins may be rolled curbside the evening before collection day, but should be stored again that evening. (Refer to Section 10.7: Garbage and Refuse Disposal.)
  • Yards must be maintained on a regular basis. It is the responsibility of each homeowner to properly maintain their property by cutting and watering grass, edging the boundaries, weeding, replacing mulch or pine straw in the landscape beds, and keeping sidewalks, driveways, and curbs free of growth (i.e. grass, weeds). (Refer to Section 10.13: Vegetation.)
  • Exterior Maintenance. Home exteriors should be maintained on a regular basis. This includes pressure washing, painting, and any other repairs that may be needed. Please refrain from placing and storing miscellaneous items (boxes, toys, coolers, trash, etc.) where they can be seen from the street or by neighboring properties. (Refer to Section 10.1: Nuisances)
  • Mailboxes should be kept in good repair. Please take a little time to fix any broken mailboxes. If you have a wooden post, it should be painted black, installed straight, and the attached mailbox should be free of any rust spots or mildew. If you have a black metal box, it should be free of any rust spots and should be painted black (if needed). Taking the time to maintain your mailbox provides an instant boost to your curb appeal and your neighbors’, as well. If your mailbox is missing your house numbers, it can easily and inexpensively be fixed as well and will make a big impact!
  • Parking. Homeowners must utilize their garages and driveways for parking vehicles. No vehicle shall be parked on any unpaved area (yards, grass, etc.), at any time! Vehicles should not be parked in the street. Please be aware that

emergency vehicles must be able to navigate through the neighborhood and that parking on the street may hinder that and could cost precious seconds in responding to an emergency. (Refer to Section 10.9 and 10.5)

  • Exterior Modifications. All exterior modifications must be approved in writing by the review board prior to project commencement. Please contact me or your Board of Directors if you have any questions about the process.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the covenants and feel free to contact the management office if you have any questions or concerns at all!

Sincerely,

Kristina Faure, CMCA, AMS
Southern Community Services, AAMC

Subject: Winchester Fines Procedure

Effective: July 15, 2013

  • An initial letter is sent to inform the homeowner of a CC&R violations and remedy (if any). This letter will reference or include a copy of the CC&Rs clause pertaining to the violation. The homeowner will be given 7 days to remedy the violation. Should the violation not be abated or a hearing requested, as set for below, fine(s) in the amount of $20 a day will be levied by the Board.
  • If the homeowner would like to contest the alleged violation, they may request a hearing before the Board, in writing to Winchester Homeowners’ Association, P.O. Box 290189, Columbia, SC 29229, within 7 days of the initial letter. The Board shall then set a hearing date within 30 days of such written request. Prior to the hearing, no fines will be levied against any Owner.
  • If after the 7 day check the violation is not resolved; a final letter will be sent notifying the homeowner that fines are being assessed and will continue to accrue until the violation is cured. It will be up to the homeowner to notify the Association when the violation has been corrected and ready for inspection to stop further fines from accruing.

Winchester is professionally managed by:

Southern Community Services, LLC

P.O. Box 290189 • Columbia, SC 29229 • Telephone 803-865-5470 •