The recent community vote was in favor of dissolving the covenants. However, this is a multi-step process, and the Board is working through each phase in a manner that best serves the community's interests. While it is our intent to continue moving forward with the dissolution, please note that the covenants remain in effect until the county formally accepts the dissolution and The Pines transitions back to county oversight.
Until that time, all current obligations under the covenants remain in force, including the requirement to pay dues. We ask all residents to continue abiding by the covenants as they are still legally binding.
Until that time, all current obligations under the covenants remain in force, including the requirement to pay dues. We ask all residents to continue abiding by the covenants as they are still legally binding.
The results of the vote during the May 24, 2025 meeting resulted in a 24-7 decision in favor of dissolving the covenants.
Step No. 1
The first step in the process
As of the date of the vote, the Board is actively working on matters related to the HOA-owned open space. This area includes a protected wetland, which requires a careful and legally compliant donation process. The Board acknowledges that donating the wetland is a complex and time-consuming endeavor. At this time, we are in the process of gathering detailed information on the appropriate procedures, potential recipient organizations, and long-term maintenance requirements to ensure the wetland is preserved and managed responsibly. Updated 6/20/2025
As of the date of the vote, the Board is actively working on matters related to the HOA-owned open space. This area includes a protected wetland, which requires a careful and legally compliant donation process. The Board acknowledges that donating the wetland is a complex and time-consuming endeavor. At this time, we are in the process of gathering detailed information on the appropriate procedures, potential recipient organizations, and long-term maintenance requirements to ensure the wetland is preserved and managed responsibly. Updated 6/20/2025
Additional steps in the dissolution process include the following:
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we navigate this process.
- Preparing a detailed cost analysis for dissolving the covenants to ensure financial transparency and responsible use of HOA funds.
- Identifying community services or improvements that allow the HOA to responsibly utilize any surplus funds, which may help avoid the requirement to donate unused funds.
- Drafting and filing the necessary legal documentation with the county to formally request the dissolution of the covenants.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we navigate this process.
9/18/2025
Formal Notice Regarding Replatting of Tract A
The Homeowners Association (HOA) has formally filed an application with the county to replat Tract A into a saleable residential lot. This action was taken following a majority vote by the membership to dissolve the covenants associated with the property.
The replatting is being pursued to facilitate the sale of Tract A, thereby eliminating the HOA’s ongoing liability and expense related to maintaining liability insurance on the tract.
The county has accepted the application, and the HOA is currently awaiting notification of a scheduled hearing to review and potentially approve the replatting request.
Further updates will be provided to the membership as they become available.
The Homeowners Association (HOA) has formally filed an application with the county to replat Tract A into a saleable residential lot. This action was taken following a majority vote by the membership to dissolve the covenants associated with the property.
The replatting is being pursued to facilitate the sale of Tract A, thereby eliminating the HOA’s ongoing liability and expense related to maintaining liability insurance on the tract.
The county has accepted the application, and the HOA is currently awaiting notification of a scheduled hearing to review and potentially approve the replatting request.
Further updates will be provided to the membership as they become available.
2/10/2026
The Pines Homeowners Association (HOA) Board continues to work diligently with Elbert County regarding Tract A and the required process to dispose of the land so the Association may proceed with dissolving the Covenants.
At this time, the HOA is required to sell Tract A. However, before the property can be sold, Elbert County requires that Tract A be replatted and converted from a tract to a lot through the Elbert County Planning Department. The County will not allow the sale of the property in its current tract designation. While there has been a prior instance in which a tract (Tract B) was sold and subsequently developed, the County has stated that this occurred due to an oversight and does not reflect current policy.
In 2019, Elbert County implemented a new regulation requiring that any vacant property under ten acres must be served by either a community well or a community septic system. This regulation presents significant challenges for the HOA. Compliance would require the Association to remain active and undertake the creation of a community well or septic system to support the remaining three vacant lots. This is not a viable option for the HOA, as there is insufficient space to support such infrastructure and it conflicts with the community’s prior votes to dissolve the Covenants.
The Board is currently working to obtain a meeting with the Elbert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to request a possible modification or exception to this requirement for the remaining vacant lots. We have been engaged with the County for several months in an effort to secure this meeting and will continue to pursue this process diligently.
Given the current status of the HOA and its continued ownership of Tract A, the Association is required to continue collecting dues in order to meet its obligations and manage the liabilities associated with the land. Once the Board has met with the BOCC, we will provide the community with an updated status and outline the next required steps.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we work through this process.
Sincerely,
The Pines Homeowners Association Board
At this time, the HOA is required to sell Tract A. However, before the property can be sold, Elbert County requires that Tract A be replatted and converted from a tract to a lot through the Elbert County Planning Department. The County will not allow the sale of the property in its current tract designation. While there has been a prior instance in which a tract (Tract B) was sold and subsequently developed, the County has stated that this occurred due to an oversight and does not reflect current policy.
In 2019, Elbert County implemented a new regulation requiring that any vacant property under ten acres must be served by either a community well or a community septic system. This regulation presents significant challenges for the HOA. Compliance would require the Association to remain active and undertake the creation of a community well or septic system to support the remaining three vacant lots. This is not a viable option for the HOA, as there is insufficient space to support such infrastructure and it conflicts with the community’s prior votes to dissolve the Covenants.
The Board is currently working to obtain a meeting with the Elbert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to request a possible modification or exception to this requirement for the remaining vacant lots. We have been engaged with the County for several months in an effort to secure this meeting and will continue to pursue this process diligently.
Given the current status of the HOA and its continued ownership of Tract A, the Association is required to continue collecting dues in order to meet its obligations and manage the liabilities associated with the land. Once the Board has met with the BOCC, we will provide the community with an updated status and outline the next required steps.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we work through this process.
Sincerely,
The Pines Homeowners Association Board
