There are a few problems that tend to be bought up often with subdivision trustees. Below are some of these issues with an explanation of the indentures and city ordinances referring to them. For more information, contact the trustees or Manchester city government, or consult the subdivision indentures and city code.
Commercial Vehicles
Commercial vehicles with a license plate of “Beyond Local 12” or lower are allowed to be kept at a residence. This includes pickups and vans used for work. The city prohibits tow, stake bed, and box trucks from being parked at residences overnight. (City Code 355.180)
Dumpsters / PODS
You must have a permit from the City of Manchester in order to have construction dumpsters, portable on-demand storage unit (POD), or similar items on your property or in the street. (City Code 245.020)
Garage Sales
The city allows a household to hold a maximum of three garage/yard sales during a calendar year. A permit from the city is required. There is no charge for the first and second sale permits. A fee of $50 will be charged for the third permit. Garage/yard sales can only be held during daylight hours for no more than three consecutive days or two consecutive weekend days. (City Code 615.xxx)
Grass
Lawns should be mowed such that the grass is no higher than 10 inches. Both the subdivision trustees and the city government have the right to maintain neglected yards, after which the property owner is billed for the service. In the past, the city has charged between $200 and $300 for mowing someone’s yard. If you are in need of help maintaining your yard, please contact one of the trustees. (City Code 215.100 & Indenture III.D)
Motorized Scooters / ATVs
The city prohibits the operation of motorized scooter on all streets, highways, roadways, sidewalks, or parking lots or within the boundaries of the city parks (City Code 385.110C). The city prohibits (with some exceptions) the operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on streets and highways in the city (City Code 340.080).
Excessive Noise
The city has an excessive noise ordinance (City Code 215.140). If you suspect someone is violating this ordinance (ie. playing a loud stereo or noisy car exhaust) contact the Police Department (636-227-1410).
Pets
The city limits houses to 3 dogs, 3 cats, or 5 dogs & cats combined. Pit bulls are allowed in the city, but restrictions are placed on them being outside of a house or kennel (City Code 205.xxx). Additionally, subdivision indentures restrict animals to dogs, cats, and other household pets. Commercial pet operations (breeding, kenneling, etc) are not allowed (Indenture IV.F).
Recreational Vehicles / Boats / Utility Trailers
Recreational vehicles (RVs) and utility trailers may be parked in driveways and streets for no more than 48 hours, for the purpose of loading and unloading. Otherwise, they must be parked behind the front of the house or inside a garage. (City Code 355.230, 355.240)
Rental Properties
The city requires an inspection and occupancy permit for any houses that are rented out. The inspection costs $150 and is completed before an occupancy permit is issued by the city. If renters change, a new inspection and occupancy permit is required. (City Code 505.50, 505.80, 505.100, 505.130)
Residential Occupancy Limits
The city defines a family as no more than three unrelated (either by birth, marriage, or adoption) people living together. No more than one family can live together in the same house at the same time (City Code 405.060 & Indenture IV.B). This includes both owner occupied and rental properties.
Sheds and Outbuildings
Small portable accessory buildings used for utility/tool or storage sheds, cabanas, play houses, etc. can be built, so long as the structure is 120 square feet or less in area and less than the height of principal structure (house). They must also be 10 feet behind the front of the house and at least 5 feet from any property line. No permit is required but Zoning Approval is necessary. Any portable/stationary accessory building larger than 120 square feet must have both Zoning Approval by the Manchester’s Board of Planning and Zoning and a building permit. A permit to construct a shed must be obtained from the city (City Code 405.165). Additionally, permission to construct an accessory building must be obtained from the subdivision trustees. (Indenture III.E)
Signs
Subdivision indentures limit property owners to one sign at a time. This sign can be for advertising the property for sale or rent, used to advertise for a commercial company or service doing work on the property, for a political candidate or cause, or other professional reasons. (Indenture IV.I)
Speeding
If you have any problems with speeding on your road or within the subdivision, contact the Police Department (636-227-1410). (City Code 320.xxx)
Trash Containers
City ordinance limits the time that trash cans and recycling bins can be placed at the curb to the night before the day of collection. Containers must be removed by 8PM of the day of collection or within 12 hours after pickup. Since the subdivision’s trash and recycling is picked up normally on Tuesdays, this would mean that trash cans cannot go out to the curb until Monday evening and must be picked up Tuesday night. Furthermore, the city also says that trash and recycling containers must be stored 25 feet behind the front building line. This means that trash cans cannot be stored in front of the house. (City Code 240.080)
Trees & Shrubs
Trees, shrubs, and other vegetation must be are to be maintained by the property owners. If trees are impairing the line-of-sight on a road, the city will come in and trim them. The lower branches of trees next to sidewalks should be no lower than six feet from the ground.