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Maryknoll TownhomesGlen Ellyn, IL

Homes and grounds

Exteriors, landscaping, and snow

Homeowners agreed in the governance documents to get express Board permission before changing the exterior of a unit, including lawns and plantings.

The Board has approved certain specifications for common replacement and renovation jobs, such as front door, roof shingles, paint and deck stain, garage doors, storm doors, windows and patio doors and retractable awnings. An ARC form (see below) must still be submitted to the Board, but the listed items are presumptively approved.

Architectural variance

Complete an Architectural Variance Form (known as an ARC form) and submit it to REIS (cf@REISproperty.com) at least ten days before a regularly scheduled Board meeting. Illinois law no longer allows the Board to approve architectural modifications except at a regularly noticed meeting.

Fill out the formBlank PDFMeeting dates

Mulch

All gardens are mulched by the HOA every two years, in odd-numbered years. Residents may mulch on their own provided a dark brown mulch is used.

A plat of survey is required for

  • Deck replacement or expansion
  • AC unit replacement
  • Expanding landscaping beds or creating new beds
  • Drain tile
  • Satellite dish
  • Radon mitigation system

A plat is not required for

  • Windows
  • Doors (front, storm, patio, or garage)
  • Landscaping within existing planting beds
  • Masonry repairs
  • Roof

This may not be a complete list. The Board may request additional documents during review.

Cycles

Painting and deck staining

Building trim is repainted periodically by the HOA, by building number (consult the owners’ directory). Painting is paused until 2027. Decks are re-stained on a rotation; Buildings 1, 3, and 4 are in the 2026 cycle.

Trim painting

YearBuildings
20271, 3, and 4
20282, 5, and 6
20298 and 10
20307 and 9

Deck staining

YearBuildings
2025Cycle year7 and 9
2026This year1, 3, and 4
20272, 5, and 6
20288 and 10

Snow

Removal policy

Governed by the Declaration and the Board’s interpretation of it.

  • Less than 2 inches

    Not covered by the association’s snowplow contract.

  • 2 to 5 inches

    Plowing completed within 4 to 6 hours of the end of a snowfall.

  • 6 to 10 inches

    Plowing normally begins when 4 inches have accumulated, and is completed within 6 to 8 hours of the last snowfall — subject to the severity and duration of the storm.

  • When snowfall equals or exceeds two inches, the HOA pays to plow the streets and all driveways; to shovel all front sidewalks and entry steps; and to shovel the walkway circle along Pershing Avenue, Abbey Drive, and behind the units on Seminary.
  • Our vendor salts the streets when needed. The HOA does not pay to salt individual driveways, sidewalks, steps, or mailbox areas. Homeowners can contract with Cypress to have those areas salted at the homeowner's expense.
  • Usually plowing starts when snow ends. In an extended snowfall the vendor has discretion to plow more than once.

Optional salting

As of winter 2025–26, Cypress will salt individual driveways ($35) and sidewalks and stoops ($25) for homeowners who set up their own seasonal account. When Cypress salts the streets for the association, those accounts are salted and billed directly.

Cypress Lawns Inc. 630-293-0339

Who does what

Division of responsibility

Pursuant to the governance documents, some exterior work belongs to homeowners and some to the association. The chart the Board circulates is below, with a readable summary under it.

Chart dividing exterior maintenance between homeowners and the association
Division of responsibility for exterior maintenance and repair.

Association

  • Gutters and downspouts
  • Siding, exterior brick, chimneys, and foundation
  • Scheduled exterior painting of building trim
  • Lawns, trees, and common-area landscaping
  • Driveways, streets, and common sidewalks
  • Common-area lighting and mailboxes

Homeowner

  • Roofs
  • Windows, doors, and garage doors
  • Decks and patios (the HOA stains decks on rotation; owners repair boards and rails)
  • Owner-installed landscaping and plantings
  • Air-conditioning equipment
  • Tuckpointing, brick cleaning, and concrete steps and walkways at the unit
  • Front-door paint or stain between building painting cycles
  • Interior of the home

Replacement specifications

These specifications are not mandatory, but they are presumptively acceptable to the Board.