Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Association.

Q: How much are annual dues?

A: Annual dues are currently $150. Invoices are typically sent out in September and are due November 1st of each year. Failure to pay dues by the due date will result in late fee(s), and after 90 days of non-payment the Association will file a lien against the property.

Q: What do potential buyers/sellers of homes in Lake Pointe need to know?

A: There is a one-time entrance fee of $100. Banks and title companies are required to collect this fee at closing; however, some do not. If the fee is not withheld at closing, the new homeowner is responsible for the fee. Banks and title companies also require a letter from the Association on the status of dues/fees/liens associated with the property - requests for letters should be made via email at least one week prior to closing to the Association Treasurer at LakePointeHOATreasurer@gmail.com. You are required to provide to the Association the name of your home buyer or lessee.

Q: What are some of the most common LPHA covenant violations?

A: The most common LPHA covenant/bylaw violations are mold on house siding, maintenance of pond riprap, tree and shrubs encroachment to common areas, and unapproved architectural projects/improvements.

Q: What issues are regulated by the City and NOT by the Association?

A: The City has oversight of overgrown yards/lots, public drainage & sewers, electrical outages, parking regulations, snow removal, traffic & speed limits, and sidewalks. You can register a complaint with the City by visiting https://www.springfield.il.us/IWantTo_Report.aspx or by calling 217.789.2000.

Q: Does the LPHA regulate overgrown yards/lots?

A: NO; the LPHA covenants do not outline the caretaking of lawns as that is enforced by City ordinance. If you want to register a complaint regarding an unkempt yard or lot, please reach out to the City of Springfield by visiting https://www.springfield.il.us/IWantTo_Report.aspx or by calling 217.789.2000.

Q: Do I need to contact the Association prior to making structural changes/additions to my property?

A: YES. Prior to any improvement being constructed, the owner shall submit plans and specifications to the LPHA Architectural Committee for approval. This includes but is not limited to fences, decks, sheds, additions, and swimming pools. Please submit your plans prior to building to lakepointehoaarchitecture@gmail.com.

Q: How do I found out when the City's free branch pickup is?

A: You can find the schedule for the free branch pickup by going to https://www.springfield.il.us/Departments/PublicWorks/branchPickup.aspx. We are in the Southeast Quadrant.

Q: How do I found out when the City's free yard waste pickup is?

A: The City of Springfield offers bi-weekly yard waste pickup. Residents may use brown paper yard waste bags or hard plastic containers for their yard waste. If using hard plastic containers, please make sure the containers are clearly marked with “YW” or "Yard Waste". Stickers are NOT required for this program. You can find the schedule for yard waste pickup by visiting https://www.springfield.il.us/Departments/PublicWorks/leafPickup.aspx.

Q: Who is responsible for the maintenance of rear yard drainage easements?

A: The City of Springfield, Office of Public Works website specifies that maintenance of rear yard drainage easements, as they were designed, is the responsibility of the individual property owner. The City of Springfield and the Lake Pointe Homeowners Association do NOT maintain rear yard drainage easements.

Q: Can I submit questions or complaints to the Board via the Facebook Group?

A: No. The Facebook group is a great resource for neighborhood communication, but while the Facebook group is maintained by the Board to approve member requests, it is not an avenue for official Board business. Please use email or the "Contact Us" section on the website.

Q: When is the neighborhood garage sale?

A: The Lake Pointe annual neighborhood garage sale is held on the third Saturday in June every year. However, expect some traffic on Friday and sometimes even Thursday evening.

Q: What should I know about city parking regulations?

A: Recreational vehicles, boats, trailers, or contractor equipment parked in driveways for longer than three days are in violation of City ordinance. If you wish to report a violator, call City Zoning at 789-2171. Call 788-8444 to report an abandoned vehicle parked on the street or to address a parked vehicle blocking driveways or mailboxes.

Q: Can I use water from the pond(s) to water my plants or yards?

A: No homeowner is permitted to water private property with water from the Association common property ponds. The use of common property is prohibited from enhancing private property.

Q: Are there any activities allowed on the ponds?

A: Shore fishing is the only activity permitted on the upper and lower ponds for homeowners and guests. All other recreational activities are prohibited. These activities include boating, swimming and all ice sports (such as ice skating, ice hockey, ice fishing and sledding). Children must be supervised at all times when they are near the ponds, on the banks and on common areas. Anyone violating these rules is trespassing.