Opequon Center Condo Association

Current News Update                                                                                                         Snow Removal

Ownership

Ownership of an Opequon Center condo unit is from the inside wall studs inward.  The outside walls, roofs, common areas and parking lot are owned by the Condo Association, NOT individual owners.  The window glass is owned by the condo unit owner. Changing the appearance or altering the outside of the buildings, landscaping or common areas is not permitted unless approved by a majority of owners in the Condo Association.  Purchasing a unit in Opequon Center means that each owner has agreed to abide by the Condo Association document and any future changes to that document, even if you do not personally agree with its policy.  The Condo Association document is a legally binding document, and failure to comply with its contents can have legal consequences.

 Signage

Placement of a community sign listing the businesses in Opequon Center on Valley Ave. is not possible.  The City of Winchester zoning regulations limit the amount and type of signage on Valley Ave.  A community type sign is limited in size and number.  The zoning rules allow either a community sign listing individual business or an entrance sign, but not both.  The brick Opequon Center signs at the complex entrance precludes the installation of a sign listing businesses in Opequon Center on Valley Ave.  The brick entrance signs were constructed too close together, and they did not meet the City’s sign codes.  A variance was obtained, and the entrance signs have been approved by the City.  NO CHANGES CAN BE MADE TO THE SIGNS ON VALLEY AVE, except that they may be removed. Posting signs on the outside of the buildings must be approved by the Condo Association President prior to placement.  Sign designs must be approved by the Condo Association prior to sign manufacture.  Neon signs are not permitted. Free standing individual signs in front of buildings are not permitted.  Individual signs on the Dryvet of the buildings are not permitted except for Valley Insurance Center, Extra Touch of Class and The Sweet Tooth Bakery  Placement of temporary signs either within the complex or on Valley Ave. is not permitted by the City of Winchester, nor  by the Condo Association.  The zoning department can confiscate temporary signs on Valley Ave. without notice.  The zoning department can confiscate temporary signs within the complex when a complaint has been made and with adequate notice.  The Condo Association can confiscate temporary signs within the complex without notice.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PLACE A SIGN AT OPEQUON CENTER, PLEASE CONTACT THE CITY ZONING OFFICE AT 667-1815 AND THE CONDO ASSOCIATION AT 722-6700 SO THAT YOU CAN UNDERSTAND THE REGULATION PRIOR TO SIGN FABRICATION

 

Garbage

The Condo Association will pay for garbage collection.  This is one of the largest expenses of the Condo Association.  The dumpsters are for garbage produced at Opequon Center.  Owners, employees and renters MAY NOT put personal garbage from their homes in the Opequon Center dumpsters.  The combination lock code is periodically changed.  The code may be obtained by calling Julie Staggers at 722-6700. 

 

Dues

Condo Association dues are paid in January and July at a rate of $0.75 per square foot owned.  A late fee of $250 will be charged for late payment of dues.  The Condo Association has the legal right to collect unpaid condo dues.  Fees associated with legal action  needed to collect past due fees will be paid by the past due owner. Condo fees are due on all units whether vacant or occupied.

 

Parking

The Opequon Center parking lot is owned by the Condo Association, not by individual owners.  There are no assigned parking spaces for any unit.  As a courtesy, owners and employees are ask not to park directly in front of businesses so that these spaces may be left for customers.  Littering of parking lot by owners/employees/renters is not permitted.  The Condo Association has the legal right to charge owners for parking lot clean up of employee/renter’s cigarette butts, soda cans, etc.   Owners are responsible from assuring that renters comply with this policy.

 

Owners That Rent Units
Owners are responsible for making sure that renters comply with ALL Condo Association rules.

 

 Utilities

The Condo Association will pay the water bill for all units and the electrical bill for the parking lot lights.  Owners will be charged for excessive water usage.

 

Fire Alarm

All units are required to have a professionally installed, monitored fire alarm system.  All owners must provide proof of monitoring to the Condo
Association.

 

Voting

Condo Association officers are elected annually in April.  Each member of the Condo Association has one vote per unit owned, regardless of the square footage of the unit.  An owner may send a representative to a Condo Association meeting.  Renters can not vote on Condo Association issues.

 

Recycling

Plastic, cardboard and paper for recycling should be placed in a blue recycling bin and then placed outside on the curb on Tuesday mornings.  To have a recycling bin delivered to your condo, call the City at 667-1815.

 

Snow Removal

Snow removal is a VERY costly service.  The Condo Association will provide snow removal on the sidewalks and the parking lot when snow is more than 2” deep.  Owners are responsible for removing snow from the sidewalks when less than 2” is present.  Owners are responsible for making sure than renters comply with snow removal.  Owners that do not remove snow, will be charged the costs for third party snow removal.   Owner who do not follow the snow removal policy can be legally and personally held liable if someone falls due to lack of snow removal, even when the fall occurs outside of a unit on Condo Association property.  There is a minimal charge of $200 every time that the snow removal company comes to Opequon Center for any reason.  The average cost for one day's  snow removal is $1000 to $1200.

 

Permitted Uses

No unit may be sub-divided.  Condo units may only be used for business and retail purposes.  Non-business uses or non-business organizations may not rent or occupy condo units.  A condo unit may not be used as a church, mosque, synagogue or any other type of  meeting place.  Classic Touch is the only interior design business that is permitted.  Condo units may not be used as residential housing by either owners or renters.

 

Purpose of the Condo Association

The sole purpose of the Condo Association is to maintain the buildings and common areas of Opequon Center.  Promotion of individual businesses or commerce within the Center is not part of  the Condo Association duties.

 

Problems/Questions

Problem with the Condo Association property or  questions should be directed to Julie Staggers at 722-6700 or j8649@aol.com.

 

Links to Opequon Center Businesses