Frequently Asked Questions

No. The Woods at Elm Creek Homeowners Association is not part of or subject to a master homeowners association. WECHA does not report to a separate master association or collect assessments on behalf of one. Title companies needing transaction-specific verification should contact WECHA directly. 

The current annual assessment is $160 per property. Invoices are issued through QuickBooks Online each June and are payable within 30 days. Homeowners should use the secure payment option included with their individual invoice. Checks payable to WECHA may also be mailed to P.O. Box 453, Champlin, MN 55316. 

At a sale or title change, a $100 document fee is charged to the seller. An initiation fee equal to three times the current annual dues is typically charged to the buyer at settlement. At the current annual assessment, that fee is $480. Buyers should review the governing documents and submit their contact information through the Homeowner Registry. 

The Declaration, current amendments, Restated Articles of Incorporation, and Bylaws are available on the Governing Documents page under About Us. The original Declaration should be reviewed together with all applicable amendments. 

 Many exterior alterations require review and approval before work begins. Contact the Architectural Control Committee before changing exterior colors or materials, constructing an addition, installing certain improvements, or beginning another exterior project covered by the governing documents. 

Storage sheds are not permitted. Fences and boundary walls are generally not allowed unless required by an applicable ordinance or code. Any required fence, wall, or hedge must receive written Architectural Control Committee approval for its location, height, design, and materials before installation. 

Contact WECHA before planting or removing trees when the work may affect the neighborhood’s landscaping standards, drainage, common areas, or the appearance of the property. The Board or Architectural Control Committee can confirm whether review is required for the proposed work. 

No. The governing documents require garbage and recycling containers to be stored inside rather than left visible outside the home. 

Each homeowner is responsible for the lock and personal mailbox assigned to the property. Lock changes and replacement keys must be arranged through the United States Postal Service at the homeowner’s expense. WECHA maintains the parcel boxes and may coordinate repairs to the shared cluster-box structure. 

WECHA generally holds its annual homeowner meeting in the spring. The date, time, location, and participation information are announced to homeowners in advance. Approved minutes are posted on the Meeting Minutes page after they become available. 

Annual dues support WECHA’s operating responsibilities, including common-area landscaping and maintenance, insurance, professional and administrative services, communications, website expenses, and other approved Association costs. 

Assessments are payable within 30 days of the invoice date. Late-payment charges and accrued interest may apply to past-due balances. Homeowners with questions about an invoice or outstanding balance should contact WECHA promptly. 

The governing documents restrict the outdoor storage of boats, trailers, campers, recreational vehicles, and similar equipment. Homeowners should review the applicable provisions and contact WECHA before arranging long-term outdoor storage. 

Contact WECHA with the property location and a factual description of the concern. The Board will review the matter under the governing documents and applicable Association procedures. Please avoid confronting another homeowner or making assumptions about whether prior approval was granted. 

WECHA coordinates maintenance of Association-managed landscaping and common areas. Report maintenance concerns through the Contact WECHA page and include the location and a brief description of the issue. 

Use the Contact WECHA page to identify the record you are requesting and the approximate date or subject matter. Available records will be handled in accordance with applicable law and the Association’s governing documents. 

Use the Homeowner Registry page to submit a new household registration or update an existing record. Keeping your email address current helps ensure that you receive invoices, meeting notices, and important Association communications. 

Street parking is regulated by the City of Champlin rather than WECHA. 

The City of Champlin prohibits parking vehicles on public streets and rights-of-way between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Because parking regulations may change, homeowners and guests should review Section 54-25 of the City of Champlin Code of Ordinances for the current requirements. Homeowners and guests should follow current city parking rules, posted restrictions, seasonal requirements, and snow-emergency notices. 

Special assessments may occasionally be approved to fund a specific Association project or unexpected community expense. They are uncommon and would be communicated to affected homeowners with information about the purpose, amount, and payment requirements. 

Roof-mounted solar-energy systems may be permitted with prior written approval. Plans must be submitted to the Architectural Control Committee before installation and must comply with WECHA standards and applicable city, county, and state requirements. Freestanding or ground-mounted solar systems are not permitted. 

In-ground swimming pools may be permitted with prior written Board approval following review by the Architectural Control Committee. Above-ground pools are not permitted. Homeowners should submit their plans before beginning construction or signing installation contracts. 

No. WECHA directors serve as volunteers and do not receive compensation for their service. Directors may be reimbursed for approved expenses incurred while performing Association duties. 

For emergencies or immediate safety threats, call 911 or the appropriate public authority. WECHA’s contact form is intended for Association business and is not monitored as an emergency-response service. 

Homeowners can volunteer for Association committees, neighborhood projects, or future Board service. Contact WECHA to learn about current opportunities and areas where assistance is needed.