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.
Architectural variance
Complete an Architectural Variance 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.
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
| Year | Buildings |
|---|---|
| 2027 | 1, 3, and 4 |
| 2028 | 2, 5, and 6 |
| 2029 | 8 and 10 |
| 2030 | 7 and 9 |
Deck staining
| Year | Buildings |
|---|---|
| 2025Cycle year | 7 and 9 |
| 2026This year | 1, 3, and 4 |
| 2027 | 2, 5, and 6 |
| 2028 | 8 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.
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