Frequently Asked Questions

DISCLAIMER: Bradford Estates Property Owners Association is a Pennsylvania non-profit corporation. The Association, its Board of Directors and associated parties cannot guarantee the accuracy of this website and provide it to property owners and residents as an informational service that is subject to change.


​Last edited on 8/11/2024

A Premier Planned Community in West Hanover Township, PA



ISN'T THE BOARD IN PLACE TO RESOLVE NEIGHBOR DISPUTES?

No. The Board is in place via the Declaration and Bylaws to clarify and enforce policies related to the governing documents in Bradford Estates. We strongly encourage neighbors to resolve disputes between themselves. If any resident believes a code has been violated, they may contact the contracted management company or any Board member with evidence supporting their inquiry. Township officials should be contacted for ordinance violations and law enforcement or PA State Police for criminal activity, when appropriate.


Why do I need to submit a request to make exterior changes to my home?

When you closed on purchasing your property in Bradford Estates, you also agreed to abide by the rules and regulations in the "Declaration". The Declaration outlined the guidelines by which you can change the exterior of your home, to keep uniformity in our planned community. Submitting a request allows the Board and its associated committees to review plans, details, and descriptions to see if any applicable policies would be violated. The simplest way to submit a request is to the current management company. Be sure to complete the ARCH Request Form and attach it to the email or mail/fax it to the current management company.


Are there rental units in Bradford Estates?

Yes. Some property owners have chosen to make their units available for rent. Current BEPOA policy does not prohibit this. Renter residents are subject to the same policies as homeowner residents and owner landlords are responsible for ensuring their tenants are aware of and follow the same policies to avoid sanctions.


Declaration vs. Policies?

The Bradford Estates Declaration is a document that was written based on the Commonwealth of PA Act 180 of 1996 (Uniform Planned Community Act) and dictates the creation of a planned community under the management of a Declarant, in this case, Yingst Homes. The Declarant builds and manages the planned community until the construction of homes, infrastructure (such as sewer facilities), and common grounds are finished in accordance with local township ordinances. The Declaration also dictates that the management of the community is granted to a Board and/or the township, depending on what it is. Initially in Bradford Estates, the Board consisted of residents and representatives of the builder, developer, management company, and real estate agents. The Board is granted authority in the Declaration to create policies as they fit. Changes to the Declaration require all owners to agree, which is very difficult, yet not impossible. As more homes were sold, residents took more seats on the Board according to a formula outlined in the Declaration. As of August 29, 2007, the Board has consisted of all resident owners. 


BEPOA Policies are Board-approved rules, regulations, and guidelines developed to clarify the Declaration. Since Bradford Estates was created, only a few additional policies have been clarified, approved, and communicated to homeowners including the storm door, deck, patio, commercial vehicle, satellite dish, and trash policies. 


Association Dues from Single Family and Townhomes:


Dues from single-family homes and townhomes are essential to cover the shared costs for managing our planned community. Assessments are determined as follows:llows:


All 252 unit owners will pay common shared costs to cover the following services:


Common area landscape maintenance including Entrance Circle, Pump House, walking trails, Sarhelm Field,                  Sarhelm and  Buckley retention ponds, Sarhelm shrub trim

Common area snow removal

Professional Management Company support fees

BEPOA.org website, domain, and email

Insurance Premiums

MS4 Stormwater Fees

Postage 

Accounting Fee for Tax Return

Legal fees to solicitor

Common Area Reserve Fund to cover replacement costs to common area infrastructure elements, and special maintenance needs in common areas only




       226 Townhome owners, in addition to paying the above common shared costs, will also pay for exclusive              services including:


Landscape seasonal service including:

      Spring cleanup

       Yearly edging mulching (front, side, back beds, front trees, and utility beds)

       Weekly regular mowings

       Chemical lawn treatments (3)

       Shrub trimming(front shrubs and utility boxes only)

       Weeding of mulched beds (monthly)

       Fall cleanup

Snow Removal:

       On driveways, walkways, and sidewalks when accumulation is over 3"

BEPOA financial documents are located on the portal.