Woodland Springs in Carmel: What It Costs, What the HOA Covers, and Who It Fits

Price per square foot ran from about $148 to about $286 across the 12 sales, with a median near $201. Size matters here: the smallest homes, under about 2,500 square feet, sold between $350,000 and $450,000, while the larger homes sold for more.

For a specific home, compare it with the closest recent sales by size, condition and lot, not just the neighborhood median.

I read the Amended and Restated Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions for Woodland Springs, approved by the members at a special meeting on October 8, 2011. It replaces the original 1960s declaration once recorded, and the copy I have does not show a recording stamp.

• Annual dues. The annual assessment is due May 1 unless the board changes the date. The board sets the amount, but any increase over the prior year has to be put to a member vote and wins with a majority of votes cast. If it fails, last year's amount stays in force. Special assessments for capital improvements or operating deficits need two-thirds of the voters present at a meeting called for that purpose.
• Late fees and liens. An assessment unpaid 30 days after the due date draws a $25 late fee and/or 8 percent annual interest, plus collection costs and attorney fees, and becomes a lien on the lot. While you are in default you can't vote or use the lake, clubhouse, pool or other common property. The association will issue a written certificate showing whether assessments are paid.
• Rentals. I found no rental cap or minimum lease term. Owners who lease to non-residents must give the association a list of everyone living in the home, and those residents get the same use of the common property as owners.
• Vehicles. Campers, motor homes, trucks over three-quarter ton, trailers, buses, boats, personal watercraft, snowmobiles and other recreational vehicles can't be stored on a lot or the street, except fully inside a garage. They may sit in the driveway up to 7 consecutive days for loading and cleaning, and 21 days total per year. No vehicle may be parked on lawn areas, and vehicles without current plates can't stay in open view.
• Fences. Fences must be approved in writing by the Architectural Review Committee, with style, color, location and height generally consistent across the subdivision, and may not obstruct reasonable vision, light or air except for screening and small patio privacy areas. Existing fences may stay but replacements must comply.
• Sheds and structures. No tents, shacks or trailers on a lot, though party tents and overnight camping tents are fine for up to 48 hours. Mini barns and detached outbuildings need committee approval, as do solar panels. Satellite dishes have their own size and placement rules.
• Home businesses. Allowed within zoning, with no business signage, at most one non-resident employee, and no more than two non-employee visits a day, unless the board grants a one-year exemption.
• Docks and lake. Lakefront owners may have one dock, approved in advance, extending no more than 16 feet and no more than 150 square feet, with no permanent overhead structure. All owners may use boats on the lake, subject to board rules. You may not dump yard waste in the lake or blow leaves into it, and pumping lake water for lawns is allowed but the board can restrict it, and the lake may be treated chemically.
• Pets. Owners are liable for pet damage and must clean up after pets, and pets must be leashed on common property and not tied up unattended.
• Amendments and term. The covenants run 35 years from recording and then renew automatically in 10-year periods unless a majority of owners record a change. Amendments need a majority of members in good standing.

This summary is from a courtesy copy of the amended declaration. Later amendments and current association rules were not reviewed, and any of these provisions may have been changed, so confirm with the association before you buy.

How many homes sold in Woodland Springs in the last year?

Twelve homes sold in the last 12 months, from $350,000 to $1,160,000, with a median of $580,500.

What are the HOA fees in Woodland Springs?

The two listings I reviewed showed $445 paid semi-annually and $990 paid annually. Confirm the current amount and schedule with the association.

What amenities does Woodland Springs have?

Listings mention a pool, tennis courts, a clubhouse, a park and playground, and a pond. Confirm what applies to your section.

What schools serve Woodland Springs?

The recent sales are listed in Carmel Clay Schools. Always confirm school assignment for a specific address.

Comparing options? Read the other Carmel neighborhood guides: West Clay, Bridgewater Club, Crooked Stick, Plum Creek. Or start at the Carmel overview.