FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any parking restrictions?

Overnight street parking is not allowed. The Covenants and Restrictions of Stone Bridge Estates state, ”No motor vehicle shall be parked on the street of the subdivision overnight or at any time in any manner which would interfere with the flow of traffic” (see covenants).

While occasional overnight parking may be needed, street parking should not be used as a regular overnight parking space, nor as long-term storage of any vehicle, including boats, trailers, or RVs. Residents should store recreational vehicles in their garage or make off-site storage arrangements.

In some instances, street parking can become problematic. Street parking should not block or limit traffic flow, visibility of oncoming traffic, access to mail delivery or trash pickup, or snow plow access. As a courtesy to your neighbors, if your car is parked in the street when the snow plow comes by, please shovel the snow debris in the street caused by your parked car.

Do I have to shovel my sidewalk and mow my lawn?

Yes, you need to shovel and mow (and your neighbors will thank you).  If there are curb ramps (where the sidewalk meets the street) on your property, you must also shovel those.  Sidewalks and curb ramps must be shoveled the entire width of the concrete.  To complain about unshoveled sidewalks and tall grass/weeds, contact the City of Iowa City at www.icgov.org/icgovxpress or 319-356-5152.

Who shovels snow from the fire hydrants?

Be a good neighbor and keep fire hydrants accessible to firefighters. If there is a fire hydrant in the right-of-way abutting your property, shovel the snow around the hydrant (3′ from each side) with a path to it from the street. If you cannot clear the snow, ask your neighbors to help.

Can I have a brick mailbox?

Masonry mailbox posts are not allowed under City code. All mailboxes should comply with US Postal Service and City of Iowa City mailbox standards. The Stone Bridge covenants state that mailboxes should be a standard black mailbox with a windsor-style redwood post; Part 9 has a mailbox cluster.

Can I have a satellite dish?

Yes. It must be installed in the back or side yard or attached to the rear-facing roof of the house or garage, should be no larger than needed for reception, and, when possible, should blend with the home’s exterior and screened from view.

Can I put up a privacy fence?

All fences must be ply-covered black chain link fence, four feet tall (six feet for yards with in-ground pools), allowed only in the back yard to the rear outside corner of the house.  Fences must comply with city regulations.

For homeowners seeking to create privacy in their yard, strategically-planted trees and shrubs can create effective screening with the bonus of beautifying your yard. Check with a local nursery for recommendations.

Can I plant a tree?

Yes, please! Trees beautify neighborhoods, can increase home values, and have a positive impact on the environment. Contact Iowa One Call before you dig.

Trees must be planted on your own property. If you wish to plant a tree in the right of way, check out the City of Iowa City street tree planting program.

The protective covenants address the minimum requirements for trees:

• Stone Bridge Parts 1-4: No restrictions
• Stone Bridge Parts 5-7: Each lot owner will plant two trees, one in the front yard and one in the back yard, each with a minimum trunk diameter of 1.5 inches and of a species to be approved by the Subdivider.
• Stone Bridge Parts 8 & 9: Each lot owner will plant one tree, in the front yard, with a minimum trunk diameter of 1.5 inches and of a species to be approved by the Subdivider.

All homeowners are encouraged to plant more trees than the minimum restrictions. See a map with the parts and tree requirements in the About section.

Can I remove a tree?

Refer to the covenants.  In parts 5-9 of Stone Bridge, you must have written permission from Arlington Development to remove any tree 6” in diameter or larger.

Can I put up a flagpole?

Yes.

Can I put a shed in my backyard?

No, storage sheds are not allowed under the covenants.

Can I have a garden?

Yes! Gardens are allowed in backyards.

Can I have a fire pit?

Please be considerate of neighbors if using a fire pit. Your neighbors may have health conditions that make it difficult to breathe when a nearby fire pit is burning, or find the smoke objectionable. The smoke from nearby firepits can also seep into your neighbor’s home, even with windows and doors closed. For questions or concerns about neighbors using fire pits, contact the Iowa City Fire Department at 319-356-5260.

Under City Code, fires are allowed in below-ground, free-standing, and portable fire pits used following the manufacturer’s instructions.  Note that Iowa City fire pit regulations include:

• No outdoor burning from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am.
• No burning that is objectionable because of smoke or odor, or when ground/weather conditions make such fires hazardous.
• Only burn natural firewood/commercial logs (no scraps, yard waste, garbage, etc.).
• Place fire pits away from any structure or combustible material.
• Place below ground fire pits and freestanding fireplaces at least 25 feet away from any structure or combustible material.
• Place portable fire pits at least 15 feet away from any structure or combustible material.
• Constantly attend and supervise the fire until it has been completely extinguished.
• Always keep a portable fire extinguisher, such as a garden hose, readily available.

Does Stone Bridge allow pets?

Yes, Stone Bridge allows pets, and taking Fido for a walk is a great way to meet neighbors. Always pick up after your pet; leaving dog poop in someone’s yard is inconsiderate, a health hazard, and can contaminate stormwater runoff.  Follow Iowa City pet regulations including the leash laws, licensing, and vaccinations.  Pets that are loud or cause damage are considered a nuisance.

Can I have chickens or other farm animals in my yard?

No, that would ruffle a lot of feathers. Only household pets are allowed; no livestock or poultry.

How long are our protective covenants in effect, and how long must the HOA maintain the common areas?

The general covenants are in effect for 21 years from the date they were recorded. When they expire, the covenants end unless a majority of the owners vote to keep them. Even if the covenants expire, the HOA retains responsibility to maintain the common areas as long as the Association exists (see “Protective Covenants and Restrictions” p. 7, Article III, item 4).

Who maintains the landscaped entrance off Court Street?

This is part of a lawn service maintenance contract for the HOA common areas. The service includes mulch and weeding and is included in our annual budget.

Could residents tend the HOA common areas to save money?

Landscaping services are budgeted annually, so it is not necessary to ask homeowners to do the work.

Can I rent my house?

Stone Bridge Estates is a quiet, single-family, owner-occupied residential neighborhood. Homes are built with the intention that they will remain owner-occupied. On rare occasions and under certain circumstances, a property owner may rent their property as a long-term rental. Rentals must remain single-family homes for residential use.

The City of Iowa City requires a valid rental permit and homes must pass rental inspection with the city.  View City of Iowa City rental permit requirements.

In some instances, a homeowner’s mortgage may place restrictions on renting the property. The HOA Board may notify the city and/or lender of any property being rented that does not have a current rental permit with passable inspection on file. Property owners are encouraged to notify the HOA Board if they rent their property, and provide the board with a copy of the rental permit to hold on file for the term of the rent obligation.  Renters are subject to the protective covenants and restrictions of the Home Owners Association. Look up registered rental permits.

Many neighbors desire neighborhood stability with owner-occupied housing. If you are contemplating renting your home vs. selling, let your neighbors know — they might be happy to help spread the word that there’s a home for sale in our neighborhood!