Governing Documents

Dedicatory Instruments (Governing Documents) for Stoneridge
Texas state law requires that the dedicatory instruments of an HOA/POA be posted online for all members to reference.
These are also recorded with the Travis County Clerk's Office and/or the Texas Secretary of State (SOS).
Background
Our association was created in 1995 when the developer exited and established a non-profit property owners association to assume management.  In the original paperwork, the organization is referred to as Wells Branch Residential Property Owners Association, Inc., which remains the legal name. To lessen confusion with other sections of Wells Branch, we have adopted the name Stoneridge Wells Branch Property Owners Association (POA) for general business use. Wells Branch was developed in sections, and Stoneridge is comprised of Phase P and Phase R. 
 
Each Stoneridge homeowner receives information about the POA as part of the home purchase and signs a "Planned Unit Development Rider" which explains the terms and responsibilities. Membership is not optional. If you did not receive this information at your property purchase closing, please contact your Title Company for further information.
 
Stoneridge is part of Wells Branch Municipal Utility District (MUD). It is located in Travis County and bears an Austin address, but it is not inside the city limits. The neighborhood includes 132 single-family homes and 3 small green space lots. 
 
Monthly homeowner dues for this community are minimal and primarily used to cover the costs of:
  • maintaining common areas, such as the two entrances
  • a management company that collects dues and manages other financial and legal activities
  • community activities such as our winter decorating contest and crime prevention gathering
  • communications including quarterly newsletter, mailings, website
The management company provides valuable, but limited, services.  A Board of Directors, officers, and committees - all volunteers - handle the rest. 
 
Governing Regulations and Documents
This association is a legal entity and must operate according to its governing documents as well as relevant laws. These include (in order of precedence):
 
Laws
Many federal, state, and local regulations apply.
 
Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) 
Also known as the "Covenants". Created by the developer, these spell out the legally binding rights and obligations of both the association and the homeowner. 
  • There are two sets for Stoneridge, virtually identical except for the streets covered. 
    • Wells Branch Phase P (1994) – Bescott Dr.
    • Wells Branch Phase R (1995) – Camas, Parralena Lane, Purslane Meadow Trail, Rose Pavonia Place, and the section of Ploverville Lane east of Wells Port.
  • Very difficult to change. Requires 75% vote of owners
  • In force until Dec 31, 2068, then automatically extends for 10 years unless amended or extinguished by 75% vote of owners
Articles of Incorporation (1995)
Legal document filed with Texas Secretary of State (SOS) establishing an organization as a corporation in Texas. In our case, a non-profit corporation.
 
Bylaws
Instructions for how the organization operates
  • Includes information regarding meetings, elections, governance by the Board of Directors, and more. 
  • Routine activities (like approving a large expense or elections) require a simple majority of those present
  • Amending bylaws is more difficult as that requires at least 50% of property owners participating in a meeting to form a quorum and then 75% approval of those voting.
A copy of the signed bylaws are filed with Travis County. 
 
Regulations/Rules/Policies
These are created by the Board and can be adjusted as needed.
Example: instructions for HOW to submit an architectural change request.