If You Live/Have Lived in Stoneybrook in Venice (Sarasota: for sale, rental)

[macrodome2]

Originally Posted by dpbarr2000

Stoneybrook in Venice is not a community I would have at the top of the list.

What would you put on the top of your list for someone with OP's needs in Venice?

[Nancy in Nokomis]

Stoneybrook had a problem with their backyards flooding near their patios - not sure if that is still true. I do remember people saying Lennar would not help them fix their brand new homes.

[macrodome2]

I haven't heard of any issues with flooding in the backyards (and I'm on a lake), but there might have been a bad rainy season a few years ago where they did have water coming up. Just that nobody's mentioned it.

[sarah_w]

We were thinking of checking out a few houses in Stoneybrook, but I noticed there seem to be a lot of rentals listed online in the community. Some even have stays available as short at 1 night! Does anyone know what the community rules are as far as renting out properties? I'd rather not buy a house and then find out the house next door is constantly being rented to different people all the time.

[SoFLGal]

The property management company is:

HOA Management Company
Advanced Management
899 Woodbridge Dr.
Venice, FL 34293
941-493-0287

Josh (community Association Manager) or Dylan (Assistant Community Association Manager) are the people who handle this type of thing, 941-408-1276.

The minimum rental periods are 30 days, 4 times a year but most do annual rentals. If someone is renting for a shorter period they will warn them and then cut off their access to the community if they continue.

[macrodome2]

SoFLGal is right with the rental rules. No matter where you buy, you can check the ownership of the houses next door on the Sarasota County Assessor. SC-PA.com - Home Go to Search-Real Property. If you get an out of state address, the house probably belongs to a snowbird or is a rental.

[coastal chic]

I'm trying to find the deed restrictions online, but am not finding them. Anyone have a link? Do they allow fences at SB? Thanks.

[macrodome2]

I don't know of any website where the deed restrictions are posted. The do have them on-line for residents, but that requires a password. The following is copied from a small yellow booklet that has condensed rules. You may be able to get a copy from the address above, or a realtor. I couldn't get it to paste in formatted so I just pasted plain text. Sorry if it's a little hard to read.

Deed Restrictions at a Glance
Stoneybrook is a deed-restricted community. The restrictions are defined in the Community's documents, which should be read and retained as a part of your permanent records. This summary of the Declaration, Article 5. General Covenants and Use Restrictions is not intended to be all-inclusive, but addresses issues that are frequently asked about.
Exterior Alterations to Lot, Lawn or Structure:
• The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) must approve any modification, addition or removal to the lot or structure prior to any alteration. This includes painting, tree removal and modification of landscape, installation of play or other equipment. This does not include replacing dead or diseased landscape material with like plants. Please see Architectural Review and guidelines.
Garbage:
• Must be in a closed container or in sealed, properly sized plastic bags
• Containers must be screened from view and kept in a clean manner
• May be placed at curbside the night before pick up and taken from the curb after pickup.
Golf Carts:
• Golf Carts must be registered with the Association. Proof of insurance is required. Golf carts are to be driven by licensed drivers. Children under the age of 10 shall not drive a golf cart. Children 10 and older may drive a golf cart when the parent or guardian is seated next to them. Please refer to the policy for additional information.
Homes:
• All structures are to be maintained in safe and attractive condition.
• Driveways are to be free of oil and stains.
• Each home is for single family, non-commercial purposes. (See the Declaration Article 5.18 for information relative to "commercial purpose".)
• Garage sales are not permitted.
• Anything that causes unreasonable annoyance or nuisance is not permitted.
• Outdoor drying of clothes is not permitted unless the ARC approves the location.
• The exterior of the home may not be modified without ARC approval. This includes, but is not limited to; painting, antennas, satellite dishes, flagpoles, decorative items, play equipment etc.
• Structures are to be maintained in a safe and attractive condition.
Hurricane Shutters:
• May be put up when the National Weather Service has issued a Hurricane watch for Sarasota County.
• Must be removed within 72 hours after the watch expires.
• The ARC must approve installation of new shutters.
Insurance:
• Each owner will maintain adequate replacement cost property insurance.
Lakes and Conservation Areas
• No person may remove or add vegetation, add chemical or material, draw water, boat, or swim.
• No landscape or other structure is permitted adjacent to a lake. Fences are not permitted on 52' or 60' lake lots.
• Private wells are not permitted.
Lawns, Landscape
• All lawns, landscape, irrigation systems are to be maintained in safe and attractive condition.
• Lawns are to be maintained, by the owner, from the pavement edge of the street to the waterline of the lake or the edge of conservation areas.
• Lawns must be regularly cut and mulched.
• Weeds or other unsightly vegetation is not permitted.
• Trees may not be removed or landscape altered without ARC approval.
Parking and Vehicles:
• No vehicle, including motorcycles, shall park anywhere but on the driveway or in the garage.
• Vehicles, including motorcycles, may park on the street for a period of up to 4 hours.
• Commercial trucks and vehicles must be parked in the garage. (See The Declaration article 5.14 for further information.)
• Recreational vehicles must be parked in the garage. This includes boats, trailers, campers, motor homes and like vehicles.
• Any vehicle that is inoperable or without a current tag must be parked in the garage.
• No vehicle may be stored on the common elements including the Community Center parking lot.
• Maintenance of vehicles must be done in the garage. Washing, waxing and checking of fluids may be done in the driveway.
• ATV or similar vehicles are not permitted on common area.
Pets:
• There may be two household pets.
• All pets shall be leashed when outside the home and owners must clean up after their pets. Pets may not roam free.
• Pets may not be left unattended or leashed in yards, garages, porches or lanais.
Rental of Home:
• Owner is responsible to notify the Association that their home will be rented. Submitting the Intent to Lease Form with a copy of the executed lease does this.
• No owner may lease less than the entire home.
• A lease shall be for no less than 30 days.
• A property may be lease up to 4 times per year.
• The Owner may transfer use-rights for the community facilities. There is a transfer fee.
• Renters without use rights and a paid transfer fee may not utilize the Community Center or it amenities.
• Owners are responsible to provide gate access cards to the renter and to register the renter with the gate monitoring company.
• Owners are responsible to provide Rules and Regulations to the renter.
Signs:
• Are not permitted anywhere including in windows of a home or vehicles.
Irrigation:
Irrigation of a lot is limited to Sarasota County restrictions, for all unincorporated Sarasota County, as determined by Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Sarasota County Commission. Any lot that violates the restriction is in violation of the Declaration and is subject to enforcement and remedies as defined in the Declaration. This standard is adopted as a part of the Stoneybrook at Venice community Association, Inc. Rules and Regulations. 2/16/12

Architectural Review and Guidelines
Exterior alterations require the prior written approval of the Architectural Review Committee. Exterior alteration includes any modification, addition or removal from the lot or structure including, but not limited to: painting, tree removal, landscape modification, landscape curbing, change in mulch material, additions or enclosure of patio areas, alteration of lighting or house numbers, installation of windows, doors, decorative objects or play equipment.
Only landscape replacement is exempt from Architectural Review when the follow conditions apply; the same landscape material is placed in the same location as originally installed or as previously approved by the Architectural Review Committee.
The Architectural Review process is as follows:
1. Owners are responsible to submit an Architectural Request Form and include other information as necessary. The form is available on the Community's website or at the Community Center.
2. The Committee meets on the third Thursday of each month to review the requests.
3. The Association will mail a letter to advise of the Committee's findings within 6 business days of the meeting.
Architectural Guidelines
The following guidelines are intended to maintain the theme ofthe community and provide assistance in planning your improvements. These guidelines do not waive submission of an Architectural Review Request. These guidelines are not intended to be all-inclusive, but address issues that are frequently asked about.
Walls, Doors, Windows, Driveways
• Exterior colors including stucco, trims, doors, roofs, driveways shall be in the original colors that were applied in the development of the community.
• Window frames shall be white.
• Gutters shall be white and of continuous aluminum. Downspouts shall be white or match the body color of the home.
• Shutters shall be similar in scale and style as those installed by the builder.
• Storm and screen doors shall be aluminum and match the color of the entry door or exterior walls of the home.
• Driveway extensions are permitted. Paver driveways are permitted with matching pavers. Concrete driveways are permitted with similar material to the driveway.

Enclosures and patios
• Entryway enclosures shall be white or bronze aluminum.
• Lanai or pool enclosures shall be bronze aluminum. The perimeter is to be landscaped.
• Patios of concrete or paver are permitted when abutting the home or existing lanai
• Raised decks, gazebos and any freestanding elements are not permitted.
Lighting and House Numbers
• Entry and coach lighting shall be similar in style and scale to those installed by the builder.
• All exterior light fixtures shall emit white or clear light.
• Landscape lighting shall be ground mounted.
• House numbers shall be similar in style and scale to those installed by the builder.
Landscape
• Landscape material shall be Florida Friendly, as defined by the University of Florida IFAS Extension, non-invasive, cold/frost tolerant and shall not interfere with lot drainage or easements. Landscape design and material shall be consistent with the theme of the community.
• Annual planting beds are permitted and may be replanted seasonally. The original planting bed and any change to the location or outline of the planting bed shall require approval.
• Fruit bearing trees and plants are prohibited.
• Tree removal may require a permit from the County of Sarasota. The Architectural Committee will consider removal of trees with prior Sarasota County consent.
• Trees shall be planted a minimum of 3' off lot lines and 6' away from utility lines.
• Landscape shall not be installed to impede vehicular sight lines.
• Trellises shall be maintained with appropriate plant material.
• Mulch may be of wood, shell or stone and shall be in earthen tones including brown, dark brown, gray or red.
• Landscape concrete curbing shall be in earthen tones. Fences
• Fences are permitted on 40' homesites and 52'and 62' homesites that do not abut or are adjacent to open water or lakes. There is a standard fence design, material and color as well as location restriction on the lot. The perimeter of the fence is to be planted to 60% coverage.
• Fences to shield pool equipment and other devises are permitted on all lots. There is a standard fence design, material and color.

Holiday Decorations
• Holiday decorations are permitted 30 days prior to the holiday and shall be removed 1 week after the holiday. December holiday decorations shall be removed by January 13th.
Other
• A limited number of decorative ornaments may personalize your home. The committee, at their sole discretion, will determine the appropriate number and that the ornament is consistent with the theme of the community.
o Decorative pots and statues may be placed at the entryway, on the entryway or at the garage door. Decorative pots must be maintained with healthy plant material.
o Wall hangings may be placed on the sidewall under the cover of the entryway.
o Appropriate exterior furniture may be placed only on the entryway.
• Wreaths are permitted on entry door and may be changed seasonally after approval.
• Satellite dishes, flagpoles and solar equipment are permitted but may have placement and dimension restrictions.
• Decorative and team flags are not permitted.
• Rain barrels and water softeners are permitted but shall be screened from view.
• Above ground propane tanks are permitted. The tank shall be low profile, vertical and not exceed 120 gallons. The tank shall be screened from view.
• Swing sets are permitted in Estuary Cove. Other play apparatus may not be permanently installed on a lot.
• Bird feeders are prohibited.
• Freestanding elements such as sheds and storage devises are not permitted.
• Open fire and fire burning devises are prohibited by County Ordinance.
• All required permits must be obtained prior to work commencing.
• All improvements and alterations shall be maintained in good and safe condition.
• Back flow devises may be temporarily wrapped, to protect against cold, with purpose built material. Covering is to be removed by March 1st of the year.

[coastal chic]

Thanks for that and yes it answered my question!

However, I noticed there is a 2 pet limit!!!! Also, approval is required to hang a wreath on your door! But, once approved, you're free to switch it out seasonally. Also, bird feeders are not permitted.

We have actually been looking in there as a potential place to move, so our son would have kids around. Unfortunately, I can't abide by the rules. Especially since we have 2 (indoor only) cats and 3 dogs. Oh well.

[macrodome2]

Yes, there is a two pet limit. And cats have to stay indoors- no free roaming, although I don't think you'd want them to roam with the alligators.

I didn't know about the wreath on the door. A lot of people have put stuff out on the lawn and I don't think the decorating is heavily enforced.

The bird feeder thing has nothing to do with birds but the other pests that the seed attracts, like rodents. They also do not allow fruit bearing trees for the same reason. If the homeowner is not diligent in picking up the dropped fruit it attracts pests, some of which can get in the house.

The pet limit would be a deal breaker for you.

Check out Grand Palm and Gran Paradiso. We were driving around Gran Paradiso over the weekend and saw kids there. I also know of 2 families from Stoneybrook that moved, one went to Grand Palm and one to Gran Paradiso.