Are you drawn to The Dominion’s privacy and prestige but unsure how the HOA rules might shape daily life? You are not alone. High-end, guard-gated communities run on Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions that protect standards, but they also set clear limits. In this guide, you will learn what those rules usually cover, how assessments and enforcement work in Texas, and how to review documents before you write an offer. Let’s dive in.
How HOAs work in Texas
Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions are recorded rules that bind every owner in a community. The HOA administers those rules and adopts day-to-day policies to keep the neighborhood running smoothly.
Texas Property Code Chapter 209 sets out many owner rights and association obligations. In practice, Texas associations can place liens and pursue collections for unpaid assessments, including foreclosure if allowed by the documents and law. TREC forms used in Texas purchase contracts and disclosures also address whether membership is mandatory and whether special assessments are known.
In The Dominion and similar North Side enclaves, expect a mandatory residential HOA for roads, gates, and common areas. Country club memberships are separate, with their own dues and rules. Be sure you distinguish between the residential HOA and any private club agreements.
What to expect in Dominion CCRs
Architectural review and exterior standards
Most luxury gated neighborhoods use an Architectural Review Committee. You typically must submit plans and get approval before building, adding on, changing exterior materials, repainting, installing a pool, or adding features like outdoor kitchens or solar. Submittals often include site plans, elevations, materials, and grading. Common standards address materials like stone, stucco, or brick, approved roofing, color palettes, window styles, and screening for mechanical equipment.
Landscaping and ongoing maintenance
Expect minimum front-yard landscaping standards, irrigation requirements, and timely lawn care. Some communities encourage water-wise plant choices, while others maintain an approved plant list. Owners often handle driveways, sidewalks, and curbs along their lot and must keep exteriors in good repair.
Use and lifestyle rules
Parking rules usually limit street parking and restrict RVs, boats, and commercial vehicles. Home businesses are typically fine if they do not change residential character or bring customer traffic. Signs, trash placement, noise, and exterior lighting usually follow clear standards. Holiday decor often has time limits and lighting rules.
Pets and animals
Rules commonly limit the number and type of household pets, require leashes outside fenced areas, and prohibit kennels or commercial breeding. Some communities maintain size or species limits.
Gates, guards, and amenities
Guardhouse procedures, guest access, and contractor rules aim to keep traffic orderly and predictable. The HOA usually maintains private roads, gates, and common landscaping. Amenities may include pools, tennis or pickleball, trails, and parks, each with usage rules and guest policies.
Assessments, budgets, and enforcement
How fees are structured
Assessments are billed monthly, quarterly, or annually to cover operating costs and maintenance. Healthy associations also fund reserves for long-term repairs, such as gates and private roads. Special assessments may be used for large projects or shortfalls, often requiring specific board or owner approvals. Expect transfer or administrative fees when a property changes hands.
Financial documents to review
Ask for the current budget, recent financials, and any reserve study. Review any recent audit or CPA financial review. Look at delinquency rates to understand collection risk and cash flow. If a professional manager is involved, review the management contract and major vendor agreements.
Enforcement tools and owner exposure
Associations often use fines or suspend amenity access for violations. For unpaid assessments, they can file liens and proceed through collection steps. In Texas, foreclosure can be a remedy if the CCRs and statutes allow and required procedures are followed. Verify the notice process and how the community has enforced rules historically.
How to review HOA documents before you buy
Documents to request
- Declaration of CCRs and all amendments
- Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation
- Current Rules and Regulations
- Architectural Guidelines and ARC submittal requirements
- Current budget, recent financials, and any reserve study
- Minutes of board and owner meetings for the last 12 to 24 months
- Delinquency report and any special assessment history
- Management contract and HOA insurance certificate
- Copies of pending litigation or demand letters
- Estoppel certificate stating dues, fines, and transfer amounts
- Gate and security rules for residents, guests, and vendors
- Any club membership agreements if applicable
What to read closely
- Assessment due dates, late fees, interest, lien, and foreclosure clauses
- Special assessment procedures and approval thresholds
- Transfer and administrative fees, and who customarily pays them
- ARC process, timelines, fees, penalties, and appeals
- Rental rules, including short-term restrictions and minimum lease terms
- Maintenance obligations for lots, fences, driveways, and utilities
- Amendment process and how difficult changes will be
- Dispute resolution requirements, like mediation or arbitration
- Insurance duties for the HOA and for individual owners
Practical steps and timing
- Make HOA document review and a clean estoppel certificate part of your contract timeline.
- Scan minutes and financials for recent projects, rule changes, or special assessments.
- Confirm who maintains private roads, gates, and common landscaping, and whether major work is planned.
- Ask about security staffing model and any upcoming changes.
- If prior exterior work was done, verify ARC approval or whether retroactive approval is required.
- Consider an attorney review for complex or unusually strict provisions.
Smart questions to ask
- What is the current assessment and is an increase planned?
- Is there a reserve study, and are contributions on track with recommendations?
- Are any special assessments pending or being considered?
- What percentage of owners are delinquent on dues?
- Is the HOA involved in litigation, and what are the potential costs?
- What is the ARC timeline from submission to decision?
- Who enforces rules and how consistent has enforcement been?
For context and governance best practices, the Community Associations Institute offers helpful resources on reserves, financial planning, and owner relations. You can explore those insights on the Community Associations Institute website.
Lifestyle, resale, and risk
Lifestyle tradeoffs to weigh
Strict CCRs protect curb appeal and support long-term values, but they limit exterior changes and spontaneous projects. Gated entries and maintained common areas create ease and privacy, while access rules add steps for guests and vendors. Amenities elevate daily life and may come with schedules, guest policies, and extra fees.
Financing, insurance, and title
Lenders review HOA health and may scrutinize litigation or low reserves. Title companies will account for recorded covenants and any association liens. Your insurance needs depend on what the association’s master policy covers versus what you must insure.
Resale considerations and red flags
Consistent, well-run CCRs in a prestige setting tend to support resale. In contrast, a pattern of large special assessments, low reserves, high delinquencies, or governance disputes can dampen demand. Watch for vague standards that invite subjective enforcement and for difficulty accessing required records under Texas law.
Quick buyer checklist
- Read the Declaration, amendments, Bylaws, Rules, and ARC guidelines.
- Request budget, recent financials, reserve study, minutes, delinquency report, estoppel, insurance certificate, management contract, and litigation disclosures.
- Verify gate operations, road maintenance responsibility, and whether club dues are separate from HOA assessments.
- Ask about pending special assessments, planned capital projects, and recent policy changes.
- Consider attorney review and include a contingency for document and estoppel review.
- Flag concerns: low reserves, frequent special assessments, high delinquencies, ongoing litigation.
A careful HOA review helps you buy in The Dominion with confidence. If you want a second set of eyes on documents, need introductions to local HOA attorneys, or prefer a guided review, you can lean on a concierge process tailored to premium, guard-gated properties.
Ready to explore Dominion homes and navigate HOA details with clarity? Connect with Jennifer Santrock to schedule a private consult or Request Your Free Relocation Kit.
FAQs
What is the difference between The Dominion HOA and The Dominion Country Club?
- The residential HOA governs homes, gates, private roads, and common areas, while any country club membership is separate with its own dues and rules.
Are short-term rentals allowed in The Dominion?
- It depends on the specific CCRs and any sub-association; review the rental section for minimum lease terms and registration rules before you buy.
Can a Texas HOA foreclose for unpaid dues?
- Under Texas practice, associations can pursue liens and, if allowed by the CCRs and law, foreclose after required notices and procedures; verify the process in the documents.
How much are Dominion HOA dues and fees?
- Dues vary by section and services; request the current budget and an estoppel certificate to confirm regular assessments, transfer fees, and any special assessments.
What should I ask about gate and security policies before closing?
- Ask about guest access, contractor entry, credential systems, staffing model, and any planned upgrades that could affect costs or procedures.
Who maintains private roads and common landscaping in The Dominion?
- The HOA typically maintains private roads, gates, and common areas; confirm responsibilities and any scheduled projects in the documents and minutes.
