Announcements
March 15, 2026 Updates:
HOA Board Positions Available: Want to help serve our community? Due to HOA 3-year terms limits, we currently have two positions open on our HOA Board. Serving the HOA is a great opportunity to help support our community, contribute ideas, and participate in decisions that impact Emerald Lakes. If you are interested in serving on the HOA Board or would like more information about the responsibilities involved, please contact the board at [email protected] by March 31st.
Trails - Downed Trees: Due to the high winds on March 13, several trees have fallen along our HOA trails. We are currently working with our tree removal service to have these trees cleared from the trails as soon as possible. We have also a bridge that was damaged by fallen trees and will be assessing and repairing it as part of the cleanup.
In the meantime, we ask all residents to use caution when using the trails until the debris removal and any necessary repairs are completed.
As a reminder, due to potential liability concerns, homeowners should not use chainsaws or attempt to remove fallen trees from HOA trails or common areas. While we appreciate the willingness of residents who have offered to help, this work must be handled by our insured contractors.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we address the storm damage.
Lamp Post not working?
A lot of our neighbors are replacing their aging gas lamp post with either electric or solar. Please remember to turn off the gas line to your lamp post (we also suggest capping the gas line to the lamp post at the meter as well). For your safety, please consult with a licensed plumber to help with any gas line work.
Here is a suggested solar replacement that several homeowners have installed:
Imperial Bulb Solar Post Light | Trapezoidal Solar Panels & 3" Fitter
Landscaping Reminder:
For all homeowners, please ensure that any outdoor improvements comply with township codes and have the necessary permits in place - especially for decks, which require prior approval from Montville Township. The township has strict guidelines including rear setback lines, and construction without a permit may result in costly delays or mandated removal.
Special Guidelines for Lake Lots
If your property borders one of our beautiful lakes (commonly referred to as a "lake lot"), there are specific restrictions in place to help preserve lake views and protect our shared natural resources. These guidelines have been carefully considered and agreed upon by the association to benefit all residents.
Overview of Key Restrictions:
- Fences must be made of white vinyl or wood (painted white). Chain-link or cyclone fences are not permitted. For lake lots, fencing may extend only as wide as the sides of the home and no more than 20 feet to the rear of the house.
- Auxiliary Structures such as sheds or similar outbuildings are allowed on all lots but must be placed behind the house on lake lots. Like fences, they must not be set wider than the sides of the home and may not extend more than 20 feet behind it.
- Trees, Shrubs, and Landscaping must be low-growing and maintained on lake lots to avoid obstructing neighbors’ views of the lake.
- Lake Modifications such as altering the lake's contour or filling in any portion of it is strictly prohibited. These lakes are not only scenic amenities but also serve a critical function as catch basins for stormwater runoff. Unauthorized modifications may result in significant legal consequences for the homeowner—and potentially the association.
We appreciate your continued commitment to keeping our neighborhood beautiful, safe, and compliant. Following these rules helps preserve the value of our community and ensures enjoyment for everyone.
If you ever have questions or concerns about the bylaws, or need clarification on how they apply, please don't hesitate to reach out to the HOA board. We’re here to help support understanding and cooperation. You can find a copy of the bylaws on the Emerald Lakes HOA-express website - HOA Bylaws and Declarations
These bylaws were not only thoughtfully crafted but also voted upon and agreed to by the membership. They reflect our shared values, protecting property values, maintaining a peaceful and attractive environment, fostering respectful relationships between neighbors, and enhancing community pride.
Compliance isn’t just a legal obligation - it’s a commitment we’ve made to one another. When everyone plays their part, the result is a well-managed, harmonious neighborhood we can all be proud to call home.