The mission of the Holley Terrace Civic Association is to preserve and enhance our subdivision so that our quality of life, our investment in our homes and our family's safety are enriched.
There is no desire to be intrusive in the personal life and preferences of those who live in the Holley Terrace subdivision. But as Houston has no zoning laws, deed restrictions are the most important and effective tool to preserve our home values and protect our quality of life. Our deed restrictions are a valid contract between you and the other residents in the Holley Terrace. Likewise, we are bound by codes established by the City of Houston.
Personal Responsibility
We're adults. We have responsibilities--and one of them is to know what are responsibilities are toward our neighbors and more abstractly our neighborhood. We should "police" ourselves. Deed restrictions follow common-sense guidelines for communal living. The specifics of our deed restrictions can be learned by even an casual reading of our Covenants. Let's do on to our neighbors as we would that they do to us.
Resident-to-Resident
We don't necessarily know our neighbors... We don't want to get involved... We don't want to cause trouble... How do we mention to our neighbor that the music is too loud, the lawn unsightly, etc.? Well, we do it with humility. We presume that our neighbor may not know. We mention that their are deed restrictions. We mention that there is a website that is helpful is meeting common standards. We offer a printout of our deed restrictions. We offer a copy of the latest newsletter. We talk.
Street Captains
If we don't find the occasion or the words to speak (not confront) our neighbors, we have the option of seeking the advice and counsel of our street captains (see Street Captains). They know the neighborhood, the Association, our deeds and your neighbors. With their perspective and experience may help in understanding and making understood our deed restrictions. According to our Bylaws, Street Captains represent their street and facilitate communication between the Association and the Owners on their street.
Deed Restriction Committee
Development Standards
President
City of Houston:
If you have questions regarding deed restrictions or wish to lodge a complaint about a violation, please call the Deed Restriction Hotline at 832.393.6333. Or if you wish to lodge a written complaint, please print out and complete the Deed Restriction Complaint Form and mail it to:
City of Houston Legal Department Revenue and Compliance
Division
Attn: Deed Restriction Enforcement Team
P.O. Box 1562
Houston, TX. 77251-1562
The Deed Restriction Enforcement Team acts as an enforcement authority (we are the section of the City that takes people to civil court who violate the above-listed deed restrictions). Attorneys from the City's Legal Department can explain to citizens, civic organizations, and other individuals about the City's program for enforcement of deed restrictions but are prohibited by law from giving advice or offering an opinion to any individual member of the public. Examples of what the attorneys cannot do are interpreting the language (i.e. "What does this word or phrase mean?") in the deed restrictions and providing advice on legal procedures (i.e. "How can my civic club renew the restrictions for my subdivision?"). Private citizens and organizations must seek out the services of a private attorney.
Some issues might appear to be related to deed restrictions, but in fact are covered by City of Houston Ordinances.