Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

A:  You’re in the right place to access a wealth of information.  You’ll find answers to many questions that homeowners or prospective buyers may have on this Birnamwood website.  Another source for Birnamwood updates is the Winds newsletter published once a month during spring, summer, and fall and sent by e-mail to Birnamwood homeowners.  Be sure to provide our BHA Property Manager with an up-to-date e-mail address, so that you’ll receive each edition of the newsletter. If you are unable to find the information you’re looking for, please contact the BHA Property Manager, Amelia Meyer, at ameyer@cedarmanagement.com or call 763-231-9823.

 

A: Submit your request to be heard by the Board in writing to the BHA Property Manager, Amelia Meyer, prior to the next scheduled monthly Board meeting.  The Board meets monthly from March through November.  If your issue is scheduled for a Board hearing, you will be notified. After you’ve been heard at a Board meeting, you will receive a written response within 10 days following the meeting.

 

A:  The Board generally holds Listening Sessions during the summer months at the pool pavilion, and there is a formal Annual Homeowners Meeting each November.  Packets containing the annual budget and reports from Board members are distributed to homeowners prior to the annual meeting.

 

A: The Act, Declaration, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations, Architectural Control and Homes Maintenance Standards, and Landscape Guidelines are the primary governing documents of the Birnamwood Homes Association that guide and govern our community.  You will find them included in the BHA Documents section of the Birnamwood website.

 

 

A: Birnamwood’s monthly dues pay for regular maintenance of the common areas, including the pool and pavilion, tennis and ball courts, tot lots, common area fences, etc.; periodic replacement of Birnamwood roofs and painting of unit exteriors and common buildings; Birnamwood facilities, including sidewalks, rails, driveways, etc.; trash, recycling, and yard waste pickup; snow removal and grounds care, with tree service, etc.  HOA insurance premiums are billed monthly with the dues.

 

A:  Dues are collected by Cedar Management.  You may pay by check or set up an automatic payment.  Cedar Management provides payment coupons and provides information on automatic payment setup.  Payments are due on the first of each month, and late fees are assessed if payments are not received by the 15th of the month they are due.

 

A: Go to Cedar Management’s website (https://www.cedarmanagement.com) and access your account information using your password.  If you don’t have a password, request one through the BHA Property Manager, Amelia Meyer.

 

 

A:  Yes!  You will need to obtain an individual, supplemental HO6 policy from your insurance agent to cover your personal property and a loss assessment amount at least equal to the current HOA policy deductible of $50,000.  

 

 

A:  BHA maintenance of units is limited to Birnamwood roofs (replaced in 2019-2020, and covered by a GAF Golden Pledge warranty on roofing materials and installation for a lifetime, with workmanship warranties from both GAF and Walker Roofing); BHA maintains a seven-year painting rotation for building exteriors (homeowners are responsible for conducting interim touch-up painting, as needed, and for applying primer and paint to any exterior raw wood repairs or replacement (see the Architectural Control and Homes Maintenance Standards for specific information). All other unit exterior repairs and replacement are the responsibility of the homeowner.  BHA arranges for annual inspections to identify unit components in need of repair.  An annual exterior inspection report is distributed to each unit in early summer (see the Rules and Regulations, Homes Maintenance section and Architectural Control section for more information).

 

A: Contact the BHA Property Manager, Amelia Meyer.  She will notify Walker Roofing to arrange an inspection of the roof.  Walker Roofing holds our GAF Golden Pledge and a Walker Roofing workmanship warranty. A Walker representative will call you to confirm a service date and time.

 

A: Homeowners are responsible for maintaining the inside and outside of their townhomes in a state of good repair, including conducting all work noted on annual exterior inspection reports and priming and painting all exterior repairs and replacement components (except for ACC approved maintenance-free doors and windows) by each year’s designated deadline. Be sure to consult the Architectural Control and Homes Maintenance Standards before conducting any exterior work on your unit.

 

NOTE: Please review the Architectural Control and Homes Maintenance Standards for information regarding an item in need of repair. If a standard for that item is described and you are replacing or requesting an alteration, follow the directions regarding an ACC application and any needed City permits. Be sure to submit your completed application and receive ACC approval before beginning work on your unit’s exterior to avoid costly rework if repairs are done incorrectly. Information regarding required permits is listed on the City’s website.

 

A: All exterior maintenance work that is not completed at the time of a unit’s sale must be disclosed by the owner to prospective buyers.  

 

A: First, review the Architectural Control and Homes Maintenance Standards section related to the repairs you need to make.  If an ACC application is required, please complete the correct ACC form located under BHA Forms menu on the website and submit to BHA Property Manager, Amelia Meyer.  Some work requires a City Permit, so be sure to obtain the required permits before beginning your work. To ensure the work is done according to BHA Standards and City codes, be sure to hire a licensed contractor to complete the work. You are encouraged to request references and proof of licensure before entering into any agreement for your own protection.

 

A: The general rule in Birnamwood is that all wood must be cedar unless specifically noted in the Standards for the item in question. Treated wood may be used for some support structures that are not readily visible (e.g. underlying deck support).  Be sure to check with your ACC representative to avoid having to redo any work done that has been done with incorrect materials.  

 

A:  There is a link to Birnamwood paint colors in the Architectural Control and Homes Maintenance Standards. The Sherwin-Williams Store on Cliff Avenue in Eagan, MN has a list of the Birnamwood colors and formulas.  As formulas may change when Sherwin-Williams moves to a new base, it’s recommended that you double check the paint color before asking them to mix it.  For touch-ups, bringing a sample of the paint you need to match would be helpful. There may be a discount available to Birnamwood homeowners if you ask.

 

 

A: Complete the Installation of Satellite Dish form that is located under the BHA Forms website menu, and submit it to Amelia Meyer, BHA Property Manager. The satellite dish must be installed on a Commdeck mount to preserve the GAF roofing warranty.  Walker Roofing maintains our roofs and is able to install a Commdeck mount at the homeowner’s expense.  

 

 

A: No. Homeowners are not required to maintain the areas immediately in front of their townhomes, but they may opt to do so to have a hand in the design and maintenance of that area. BHA Grounds will maintain the area to minimum standards, as determined by the Grounds Committee; and the Grounds Committee will conduct maintenance work according to their schedule and without notification to homeowners. Review the Landscaping Guidelines located under BHA documents for more information on acceptable alterations to the area.  If you would like to make changes to the plantings and/or layout in your area, complete the landscaping change request form found under BHA Forms and submit to the BHA Property Manager, Amelia Meyer. Do not begin any landscaping alterations without final approval of your landscaping alteration plan. Submit requests or questions related to landscaping or grounds maintenance to the Grounds Committee through the Birnamwoodgrounds@gmail.com email account.

 

 

A: Yes, on a first-come, first-served basis for available dates.  Some dates are reserved for planned community activities.  See the Birnamwood Calendar for available dates during the pool season, and submit your request as instructed on the Community Calendar web page.

 

 

A: No. Birnamwood’s guest parking spaces are limited and reserved primarily for guests who are visiting Birnamwood homeowners.  To request a permit, complete the Parking Permit application under BHA Forms and submit to BHA Property Manager, Amelia Meyer. A temporary, 12-month permit may be granted if the Board (or designee) determines that ample guest parking is available in your pod.  Receipt of a temporary permit one year does not guarantee renewal of that permit in subsequent years.  You may be denied a permit and need to make alternate arrangements for parking (e.g. identify a homeowner with garage rental space).

 

A: No. Birnamwood driveways are common areas, including the areas immediately in front of garage doors. Homeowners are expected to park their vehicles in their garages. Guest parking is reserved for guests to Birnamwood and homeowners with Temporary Parking permits or long-term guests (up to six months) with Visitor Parking permits.

 

 

A:  If the situation involves a dangerous animal, call Burnsville Animal Control at 952-894-3647. For any dangerous situation, call 911 or the Burnsville Police at 952-895-4600.

 

Resale of BHA Unit
 
Q: Who do I call when I'm selling my unit?
A:  If you need a resale disclosure, PUD questionnaire, appraisal questionnaire, or a demand (dues current) letter, please go to https://www.condocerts.com. Their Customer Service number is 1-800-310-6552.