Shelter Lakes

Community Handbook

Gainesville Magisterial District • Prince William County, Virginia

105 pages 24 sections Fully searchable Original scans

Most homeowners only need a handful of sections. Here’s what matters most — along with the full reference index below.

🔍 Search the full handbook
Living Here — Rules & What You Can Do
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Restrictions & Permitted Uses
What you can build, fencing rules, antennas, home occupations, signs, animals, and nuisance provisions.
Article V • pp. 42–48
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Getting Approval for Improvements
How to submit plans for additions, decks, pools, or other exterior changes. The Architectural Approval Committee process and timeline.
Article VI • pp. 49–51
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Architectural Guidelines (1994)
Specific rules on materials, square footage minimums, roof shingles, mailboxes, and lamp posts.
Arch. Guidelines • p. 97
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Lake & Trail Facilities
Rules for use of the lakes and trail, lake lot percentages, and maintenance responsibilities.
Article VIII • pp. 55–58
Assessments & Finances
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Annual Assessments & What They Pay For
How dues are calculated, when they’re due, late fees (5%), interest (12%), lien rights, and foreclosure rules.
Articles II–IV • pp. 36–41
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Assessment Rate & CPI Cap (By-Laws)
Starting rate $240/year; can increase by CPI or up to 20% with two-thirds member vote. Special assessment rules.
By-Laws Art. XI • pp. 92–95
Community Governance
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By-Laws — Board, Elections & Meetings
Board structure (3 directors), annual meetings, voting (25% quorum), officer duties, and amendment rules.
By-Laws • pp. 83–95
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First Amendment (1994)
Resubdivision of lots 13, 14 & 25; revised common driveway easements; updated lake percentages.
1st Amendment • pp. 98–101
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Second Amendment (1996)
Section Two (Lots 1–23) annexed; lake facilities updated; trail easement added.
2nd Amendment • pp. 102–105
Reference & Legal Background

The sections below contain the full legal scaffolding — deed of dedication, plat surveys, incorporation documents — that most homeowners will rarely need to read.