Property & Community FAQs
Considering a home at ChimneyHill or planning an improvement to your property? These answers explain common maintenance responsibilities and when to contact the association before beginning work.
Who maintains the sidewalks?
Responsibility depends on the sidewalk’s location:
Entrance walkways leading to front gates: Maintained by the association.
Concrete and walkways inside courtyards: Maintained by the homeowner.
Public sidewalks along city streets: Subject to City of Dallas requirements and applicable property-owner responsibilities.
The association evaluates entrance walkways for safety and trip hazards. A crack alone does not necessarily require replacement.
Who maintains carports and garages?
ChimneyHill’s homes were originally built with carports. Some owners later enclosed those structures to create garages.
The association maintains the original carport structures. Homeowners are responsible for garage enclosures and other owner-installed improvements.
Where a garage retains the original, unaltered carport roof configuration, the association generally continues to maintain that original roof structure. However, carports were not designed as watertight enclosed spaces, and enclosing one does not guarantee a watertight garage.
Contact management to confirm responsibility for a particular structure or alteration.
Can I convert a carport into a garage?
A carport-to-garage conversion requires architectural review and approval before construction begins. Applicable City of Dallas requirements must also be satisfied.
Contact management for the current application requirements before hiring a contractor or purchasing materials.
Who is responsible for foundation repairs?
Homeowners are responsible for their home’s foundation and any necessary repairs.
Because homes within a building share structural connections, foundation work requires advance coordination with management and affected neighbors. Contact management before work begins to obtain the current review requirements, including required documentation, neighbor notification, permits, and warranty information.
Owners should also plan for the protection and restoration of landscaping, irrigation, and other areas affected by the work.
Who is responsible for drainage?
Homeowners are generally responsible for drainage within their courtyards, backyards, and atrium areas.
Before beginning drainage work, contact management to discuss the proposed scope and coordinate identification of association irrigation lines. Management can also confirm whether the project requires architectural review.
Drainage work should be planned to avoid damage to association-maintained components or adverse effects on neighboring properties.
Do exterior changes require approval?
Many changes to a home’s exterior or surrounding property require approval before work begins. Examples include:
Window replacement and solar screens
Carport-to-garage conversions
Expanded landscape beds
Retaining walls and other hardscape changes
Changes to exterior materials or appearance
Relocation of exterior HVAC equipment
Requirements depend on the proposed work. Contact management for the current exterior modification application and submission instructions.
Approval of a project does not replace any required City permits or inspections.
Who maintains windows?
Homeowners are responsible for window glass and window frames, including replacement.
The association maintains certain surrounding exterior wood trim within its maintenance responsibilities, including wood around clerestory or loft windows.
Window replacement requires architectural review before installation. Contact management to confirm the requirements for the proposed windows and any surrounding trim repairs.
Who maintains heating and air-conditioning equipment?
Homeowners are responsible for HVAC maintenance, repairs, and replacement.
Relocating an exterior unit requires review and approval before work begins. Some homes have rooftop equipment, so owners should confirm that their contractor can safely access and service the equipment, particularly where tile roofing is present.
Can I change the landscaping in front of my home?
Certain plants and materials may be added to existing flowerbeds in accordance with the association’s approved landscaping guidelines.
Expanding a flowerbed, adding retaining walls or other hardscape, or selecting plants outside the approved list requires review before work begins.
Contact management for the current plant list and to confirm whether your proposed changes require an exterior modification request.
Who maintains the front lamppost?
Lamppost maintenance is a shared responsibility.
The association maintains the post, light fixture, bulb, and wiring between the home’s exterior connection point and the lamppost. The homeowner is responsible for supplying electrical power from the home to that exterior connection point.
Electrical arrangements vary by home. If power is not reaching the exterior connection point, the homeowner may need an electrician to address the issue before association repairs can proceed.
Who maintains garage and carport lighting?
Homeowners are responsible for garage and carport lighting, including fixtures and associated repairs.
Replacement fixtures should be appropriate for their location and positioned to avoid interference with vehicles and alley access.
Who maintains streets and alleys?
The community’s public streets and alleys are maintained by the City of Dallas rather than the association.
For street or alley concerns, contact Dallas 311.
Are rentals permitted?
Rentals are permitted subject to the association’s governing documents and leasing requirements.
The association’s rental guidelines require a minimum lease term of six months and a copy of the lease to be provided to management. Short-term rentals are not permitted.
Prospective buyers considering a rental property should confirm current leasing requirements before purchasing.
Where can I ask a property-specific question?
Contact the ChimneyHill Management Office for questions about maintenance responsibilities, proposed improvements, or application requirements.
ChimneyHill Management Office
Texas Star Community Management, LLC
9223 Emberglow Lane
Dallas, TX 75243
Phone: 214-575-5661, extension 150
Email: ChimneyHill@tscmanagement.com
These FAQs provide general guidance. The association’s current governing documents, adopted policies, and applicable requirements control. Responsibilities may vary based on a component’s location, original construction, and subsequent alterations.