FAQ - Section 20 POA SEC20 - Punta Gorda, FL

Permits are required for all new constructions, additions or remodel, pools, pool cages, fences, enclosures, concrete/flatwork, water wells, and exterior changes (adding screening, generators, propane tanks, etc). Permit forms can be obtained at the P.O.A. office or downloaded from this website. Painting of the home or a reroof does not require a permit, but a color swatch must be sent to our office either in person or via e-mail.

How often do I have to mow my vacant lot?

All vacant lots are to be mowed on a monthly basis. If you would like to set up an annual mowing contract for your lot, please contact our office.

What is a greenbelt?

Our greenbelts act as drainage swales for Section 20. These swales will hold water during rainy season as they are designed to do. The water in the swales are either soaked into the ground or run into one of our small lakes.

By design, the slope of the swale system is minimal – usually 1 inch in 100 feet. This allows the storm water to percolate through the soil and filter out impurities. The rule of thumb for this process requires the swale to hold water from a 1 inch rain event for 24 to 36 hours. So, if we experience a 1 inch rain event every day, as is common in the summer months, the swales appear as though they are not draining properly when in fact they are performing as designed.

How often are greenbelts mowed?

Greenbelts are currently mowed a minimum of twelve (12) times per year. During our rainy summer months they are scheduled to be mowed every three (3) weeks, and during our dry winter months they are mowed once per month. During our rainy season, however, the middle of the greenbelts get more difficult to mow. To avoid additional repairs and maintenence, mowing the middle of some greenbelts may need to be halted until the water has receded. Once the water does recede, then regular maintenance can and will resume.

How much is the annual assessment and when is it due?

The annual assessment is currently $150.00 per lot (standard size lot), per year. The invoice is sent our with the Annual Meeting package in September and becomes due October 1st every year. Interest will begin accruing on the 10th of each month for any fees that are past due more than 60 days.

Are sheds, gazebos, tents or tree houses allowed?

No, Article 17 of the Declaration of Restrictions states: "No tents and no temporary or accessory building or structure shall be erected without the written consent of the grantor."

Where can I get information about Scrub Jays and Scrub Jay Zoning?

Scrub Jays are an endangered bird that is quite active in Section 20. If you would like to learn more about these endangered birds and their habitats, please visit the Charlotte County Natural Resources webpage. To determine if your property is in a Scrub Jay area, please visit the Charlotte County Natural Resources interactive map. You may also call Natural Resources at (941) 764-7383.

What are the dimensions allowed for my fence and/or enclosure?

Fencing is restricted to a 4 foot maximum height and must be of open construction (i.e. open picket, chainlink, etc). Fencing may be placed at the side of your house and extend to your rear property line. Fencing may not be placed in the front of your home and cannot be placed on Association property. Enclosures must stay within our maximum guidelines of 6' x 6' x 18', must be attached to the home, and may be made of privacy material. Both enclosures and fences must have a permit (which can be found under the Documents tab under 'Permits').

Is fishing allowed in the canals and lakes of Section 20?

Fishing is restricted to the homeowners of Section 20 only. However, access to the canals and lakes cannot be made through private property. If you do not live on a canal or lake, access can only be made through the common areas. In addition to walking, the only modes of transportation allowed on the greenbelts are bicycles and golf carts. You may not park or drive any other vehicle on the greenbelts.

How long can I have my RV or boat in my driveway?

RV's are allowed to be parked no longer than a fourty-eight (48) hour period per week for the purpose loading and unloading. Boats may be parked in driveways from noon Friday through noon on Sunday only.

Can I park a trailer or commerical vehicle in my driveway/on my property?

Trailers and commerical vehicles, including any type of vehicle with signage or racks with materials on it (i.e. ladders, pipes, other work-related materials) are not allowed overnight, stated at 5:00pm.

Can I park in the front swale or on my lawn?

All vehicles must be in your driveway. If you driveway is full, we allow for parking along the road/swale. However, there should be no vehicles past the county swale being parked.

Do I need approval to repair the exterior of my house?

Any changes in design, color, or modifications to your existing structure must be permitted though the P.O.A. office.

When I report a violation what happens next?

When a violation is reported there must be confirmation of the violation. Therefore the office staff will visit the location of the alleged violation in a timely manner to perform this confirmation. Once confirmed, there will be a first notice sent requesting the violation be remedied in 7 days for most violations. The violation is then rechecked after the alloted time and if it is not corrected or the owner has not contacted the office then a second 7 day notice is sent advising the owner correct the issues or they will incur attorney fees. If this is not completed, then a third and final notice is sent with the same alloted time for completion. If by the end of the 7 days for the final notice the violation is not corrected, then the matter will be forwarded to the association attorney for further action.

Where can I keep my garbage cans, recycle bins and ladders?

All of these items need to be out of view either inside an approved enclosure or inside a resident's garage.

My front swale isn't draining; water is sitting in the end of my driveway. What do I do?

Issues related to drainage swales in the front of your property is the responsibility of Charlotte County Public Works. They can be reached at: (941) 575-3600. You can also submit a work request at: https://www.https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/departments/public-works/maintenance-operations/.gov/services/maintanenceoperations/pages/drainage

Who is responsible for trimming trees/shrubs that block the view of the road?

Issues related to right of way trimming is the responsibility of Charlotte County Public Works. They can be reached at: (941) 575-3600. You can also submit a work request at:
https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/departments/public-works/maintenance-operations/