HomeMy WebLinkAbout15_Lmbyd CovenantsAfter recording, return to:
Crowley Fleck PLLP
Attn: Lucas H, Forcella
P.O. Box 2529
Billings, MT 59103
DECLARATION OF COVENANTS, CONDITIONS, AND
RESTRICTIONS
FOR LUMBERYARD FLATS
This Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for Lumberyard Flats (as
amended, supplemented, or restated from time to time, this “Declaration”) is made by Virga
Venture I LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (as further defined in Article I below,
“Declarant”).
RECITALS
Declarant owns the real property described on Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated
herein by reference (together with any additional real property subjected to this Declaration by
amendment of this Declaration from time to time, and as further defined in Article I below, the
“Property”).
Declarant intends by this Declaration to impose upon the Property mutually beneficial
covenants, conditions, and restrictions under a general plan of improvement for the benefit of all
Owners and Occupants.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, Declarant hereby declares that the Property shall be held, sold,
leased, mortgaged, encumbered, used, occupied, improved and conveyed subject to the following
declarations, limitations, restrictions, covenants, and conditions which are imposed for the purpose
of enhancing and protecting the value, desirability and attractiveness of the Property.
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
The terms in this Declaration and the exhibits to this Declaration shall generally be given
their natural, commonly accepted definitions except as otherwise specified. The capitalized terms
defined below and elsewhere in this Declaration shall be given the meanings set forth in such
definitions.
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1.1. “Articles” shall mean and refer to the Articles of Incorporation of the Association,
as amended or restated from time to time.
1.2. “Assessment” shall mean that portion of the cost of maintaining, improving,
repairing, operating and managing the Property, or a portion thereof, which is to be paid by the
Owners as determined by the Board and in accordance with this Declaration and any applicable
Supplemental Declaration, and shall include regular, special and supplemental assessments, and
such other assessments as may be determined by the Board from time to time which are consistent
with the terms of this Declaration, which assessments shall include, without limitation, each
Owner’s share of Common Expenses.
1.3. “Association” shall mean the Lumberyard Flats Property Owners’ Association, a
Montana nonprofit mutual benefit corporation, its successors and assigns, the Members of which
shall be the Owners of the Property.
1.4. “Board” or “Board of Directors” shall mean and refer to the board of directors or
similar governing body of the Association.
1.5. “Bylaws” shall mean and refer to the Bylaws of the Association, as amended or
restated from time to time.
1.6. “Clubhouse” shall mean and refer to the multi-use fitness, activity, and office
space located on the Property, and the Clubhouse is hereby designated as a Common Area.
1.7. “Common Areas” shall mean and refer to any portions of the Property or
improvements thereon designated as Common Areas by this Declaration, any Supplemental
Declaration, or by the Board from time to time with consent of the Owner of the Lot where any
such additional Common Area is located, for the common use and enjoyment of the Owners and
Occupants, or a subset of the Owners and Occupants as set forth in the applicable designation, and
may, but shall not be required to, include from time to time, without limitation, the Clubhouse,
Shared Roads, parking areas, sidewalks, trash receptacle areas, community barbecue areas, bus or
other transportation stops, and common grounds of the applicable portion of the Property.
1.8. “Common Expenses” means and includes costs incurred by the Association in
connection with maintaining, managing, and operating the Property as set forth in this Declaration,
including, without limitation, operation, maintenance and repair of the Shared Roads, the
Clubhouse, and, to the extent designated for the benefit of all Owners and Occupants, the other
Common Areas, pursuing, implementing, and executing the intent, purposes, obligations, business
and affairs of the Association, any reasonable reserve for such purposes as found and determined
appropriate by the Board, and all sums designated Common Expenses by or pursuant to this
Declaration or the other Property Documents.
1.9. “Declarant” means Virga Venture I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company,
and its successors and assigns.
1.10. “Lot” shall mean any legally subdivided parcel of real property within the Property,
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including any Common Areas located thereon.
1.11. “Member” shall mean any Person that is the Owner of a Lot. Each Lot Owner will
be a member of the Association and agrees to abide by and be bound by this Declaration and the
other Property Documents.
1.12. “Occupant” shall mean a lessee or licensee, or sublessee or sublicensee, of an
Owner legally occupying any residential apartment unit or commercial space located within a
building on a Lot, or any other Person other than an Owner in lawful possession of any residential
apartment unit or commercial space located within a building on a Lot with the permission of the
Owner of such Lot.
1.13. “Owner” shall mean the legal title holders, or contract purchasers, whether one or
more Persons, owning or purchasing fee simple title to any Lot but excluding those having an
interest merely as security for the performance of an obligation.
1.14. “Owner Percentage” means the percentage calculated for each Lot and the Owner
thereof from time to time in accordance with Exhibit B.
1.15. “Parking Lot” shall mean the designated area for parking motor vehicles located on
the Lot.
1.16. “Person” means a natural person, a corporation, a limited liability company, a
partnership, a trust, or other legal entity.
1.17. “Property” shall mean the Property and all improvements from time to time
constructed thereon, as modified from time to time.
1.18. “Property Documents” shall mean, collectively, this Declaration, any Supplemental
Declarations, the Articles, the Bylaws, any Rules and Regulations, and the decisions and
resolutions of the Board, each as amended, supplemented, or restated from time to time.
1.19. “Rules and Regulations” shall mean rules and regulations adopted by resolution of
the Board from time to time, as amended, supplemented, or revoked from time to time, and
described in Section 5.5.
1.20. “Shared Roads” shall mean the roads located or to be located within the Property.
For the avoidance of doubt, Shared Roads do not include parking areas, or driveways.
1.21. “Special Assessment” shall mean and refer to Assessments levied in accordance
with Section 6.3(b).
1.22. “Supplemental Declaration” shall have the meaning given in Section 7.2.
ARTICLE II
AUTHORITY
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2.1 Declarant is the sole owner of the Property. This Declaration is made by Declarant
and will be recorded at the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Gallatin County, Montana.
2.2 The Association is established under the authority of this Declaration, Articles,
and Bylaws.
ARTICLE III
EASEMENTS; NO FURTHER SUBDIVISION
3.1 Easement for Clubhouse. There is hereby reserved a nonexclusive easement and
right-of-way for the benefit of the Association, Owners and Occupants, and their respective
permitted family members, guests, and invitees, for use of the Clubhouse located on the Property
from time to time for its intended purposes, together with an easement and right-of-way for ingress
and egress to and from such Clubhouse over and across the any parking areas, and sidewalks,
located on the Property as reasonably necessary to access the Clubhouse and in locations that will
cause the least disruption to the use of the relevant portion of the Property by the Owners and
Occupants thereof, all in accordance with and subject to this Declaration and the Rules and
Regulations. The Board may from time to time establish and modify Rules and Regulations
relating to the use of the Clubhouse. The Clubhouse may be closed from time to time as
determined by the Board in connection with maintenance, improvements, or other activities. For
the avoidance of doubt, nothing herein grants any easement, access or use right to the public with
respect to the Clubhouse or other portions of the Property.
3.2 No Subdivision. There shall be no further subdivision of any Lot or any portion
thereof, including, without limitation, subjecting any Lot or portion thereof to the Montana Unit
Ownership Act and thereby creating condominium units, without written approval of the Board
and the Owners (by a majority of the Owner Percentage), which approval may be withheld or
conditioned in their discretion, and which approval would be subject to the laws of the State of
Montana and Gallatin County.
ARTICLE IV
MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP
4.1 Buildings, Landscaping and Grounds. Each Owner shall maintain or cause to be
maintained in a reasonably safe and sightly condition and in accordance with applicable legal
requirements the buildings, grounds, landscaping, and other improvements and vegetation located
on the Owner’s Lot; provided, however, that the Association may be responsible for maintaining
certain Common Areas to the extent set forth in a Supplemental Declaration.
4.2 Snow Removal. The Association will be responsible for snow removal from all
Shared Roads and Common Areas. Each Owner shall be responsible for snow removal from all
other areas on the Owner’s Lot, including all Parking Lots, the Clubhouse, driveways, sidewalks,
entryways, patios, decks, or other appurtenances to buildings on such Owner’s Lot. The costs of
snow removal incurred by the Association with respect to Shared Roads shall be Common
Expenses.
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4.3 Shared Roads and Parking Lot. Subject to Section 4.6, the Association shall
operate, maintain, and repair Shared Roads, the Parking Lot, and the Clubhouse in a reasonably
safe and sightly condition and in compliance with applicable legal requirements. The cost for such
operation, maintenance, and repair shall be a Common Expense. For the avoidance of doubt, the
Association’s obligations with respect to Shared Roads, the Parking Lot, and the Clubhouse shall
not commence until construction or installation of such Shared Roads, the Parking Lot, or the
Clubhouse, as applicable, is substantially complete as determined by the Board.
4.4 Common Areas. Any Supplemental Declaration may require the Association to
operate, maintain, repair, and periodically replace the Common Areas on the Lots subject to such
Supplemental Declaration and to keep such Common Areas in a reasonably safe and sightly
condition and in compliance with applicable legal requirements. The cost for such operation,
maintenance, repair, and replacement shall be assessed against the Lots which are subject to such
Supplenetal Declaration as a supplemental Assessment in accordance wih the respective Owner
Percentages of such Lots or in such other manner as may be set forth in the Supplemental
Declaration. For the avoidance of doubt, the Association’s obligations with respect to Common
Areas for which the Association is responsible pursuant to any Supplemental Declaration shall not
commence until construction or installation of such Common Areas is substantially complete as
determined by the Board.
4.5 Damage or Destruction. The responsibility for the cost to the Association for
maintenance and repair under Section 4.3 or 4.4 shall not extend to repairs or replacements arising
out of or caused by the willful or negligent act or omission of any Owner, any Occupant, or any
family member, guest, invitee or pet of the foregoing, any of which shall be the responsibility of
the individual(s) causing such damage (with each Owner being responsible for such damage
caused by Occupants of such Owner’s Lot and each Owner and Occupant being responsible for
damage caused by any of their respective family members, invitees, guests, or pets). To the extent
any improvements comprising the Shared Roads, the Parking Lot, and the Clubhouse are damaged
or destroyed, such damage or destruction shall be repaired or reconstructed, as the case may be,
by the Association and the cost of such repair or reconstruction shall be a Common Expense.
4.6 No Liability. In no event shall the Association or Declarant be liable to any Owner,
Occupant, family member, guest, invitee or any person using any of the Shared Roads, the Parking
Lot, the Clubhouse, or any other Common Areas for any injury (including death) or damage arising
out of the construction, maintenance, or state of repair of the Shared Roads, the Parking Lot, the
Clubhouse or any other Common Area.
ARTICLE V
ASSOCIATION ADMINISTRATION, MEMBERSHIP AND
VOTING RIGHTS
5.1 Membership. Any Owner of a Lot shall automatically, upon becoming the Owner
of a Lot, be a Member of the Association and shall remain a Member for the period of the Owner’s
ownership of the Lot.
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5.2 Appointment of the Board. The Board shall be comprised of three (3) directors
Each Member of the Association shall have a right to elect one member of the Board for each Lot
owned by such Member and such directors shall serve at the pleasure of the Member electing such
director. The third director shall be elected by mutual agreement of each Member of the
Association and shall serve as a representative of the Owner(s).
5.3 Function of Board. It shall be the function of the Board to:
(a) Adopt Bylaws for the governance of the Association;
(b) Make provisions for the general management, repairs and maintenance of the
Shared Roads and any Common Areas or other property or improvements for which
the Association is responsible under this Declaration or other Property Documents;
(c) Levy assessments as provided for in this Declaration and the Bylaws;
(d) Enter into contracts to hire personnel for the management of the affairs of the
Association and the maintenance and repair of the Shared Roads and the other
obligations of the Association under this Declaration or other Property Documents;
(e) Adopt Rules and Regulations pursuant to Section 5.5;
(f) Enter into contracts and negotiate and accept easements for the benefit of the
Association; and
(g) Acquire, operate, and maintain equipment for the benefit of the Association.
5.4 Association Decisions and Actions; Votes. Except for matters where the vote,
approval, or consent of the Members is specifically required by this Declaration, the Bylaws, or
applicable law which is not modified by this Declaration or the Bylaws, the Board shall make all
decisions for and take all actions on behalf of the Association and the vote of the Members shall
not be required. On all matters, if any, to be decided by the Members, each Member shall have,
with respect to the Lot(s) owned by such Member, a number of votes equal to the Owner
Percentage with respect to such Lot(s). The entire Owner Percentage with respect to a Lot must
be voted in the same manner. In a multiple interest owner situation, if more than one Person seeks
to exercise the vote with respect to a Lot, the voting privilege with respect to such Lot shall be
suspended. None of the Association, Board or Declarant shall have any obligation to confirm, as
among such multiple interest owners, which of the Persons has the right to exercise a vote. In the
case where an Owner is not a natural person, or where there are multiple owners of one Lot, written
notice shall be provided to the Board stating which individual has authority to act on behalf of the
Owner(s) and include that person’s name, mailing and physical address, telephone number and
email address. The Association and Board shall rely on such notice until such notice is updated
by an Owner. Unless otherwise required by statute, this Declaration, or the Bylaws, a majority of
the aggregate Owner Percentage entitled to vote shall be sufficient for approval of any matter to
be voted on by the Members.
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5.5 Adoption of Rules and Regulations. The Board shall have the right to adopt,
promulgate and enforce reasonable Rules and Regulations relating to the Property, including,
without limitation, the operation, maintenance, use and enjoyment of the Shared Roads and any
Common Areas for which the Association is responsible. In addition, any Supplemental
Declaration may grant the Board the right to adopt, promulgate and enforce reasonable Rules and
Regulations relating to the portion of the Property subject to such Supplemental Declaration,
including, without limitation, the operation, maintenance, use and enjoyment of such portion of
the Property and Common Areas located thereon. It is the intent of this Section 5.5 that the Board
have broad discretion with respect to the Rules and Regulations and that the Board’s authority in
this regard be construed liberally in order to effectuate the objectives of the Board with respect to
the Rules and Regulations. In general, the objectives of the Board should be to promote and
enhance the Property, its attractiveness and economic viability, and provide for the orderly
operation, maintenance, repair and upkeep of the portions of the Property for which the
Association is responsible. The Rules and Regulations may be enforced in any manner determined
by the Board from time to time, which may include, among other things, fines. Written copies of
such Rules and Regulations and any schedule of fines and penalties adopted by the Board shall be
furnished to Owners and Occupants upon request. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, until
Declarant no longer owns any Lot(s) in the Property, the adoption or amendment of any Rules and
Regulations shall require the consent of Declarant.
5.6 Enforcement. The Board, on behalf of the Association, shall be responsible for the
enforcement of this Declaration, the Articles, Bylaws and Rules and Regulations. The foregoing
notwithstanding, the Board shall have discretion regarding enforcement, including, without
limitation, determining that enforcement in some cases may not be in the best interests of the
Association based on the cost of enforcement or likelihood of success, the nature of the violation,
or otherwise. No failure of the Board to take enforcement action in any one instance shall be
deemed a waiver of the violation or any subsequent or different violation. Each Owner and
Occupant shall comply strictly with the provisions of this Declaration and the other Property
Documents.
ARTICLE VI
ASSESSMENTS
6.1 Creation of the Lien; Personal Obligation for Assessments. Each Owner, by
acceptance of a deed or conveyance with respect to any Lot, whether or not it shall be so expressed
in such deed or conveyance, covenants and agrees:
(a) to pay to the Association regular, special and supplemental Assessments, and any
other Assessments established and made in accordance herewith, to be established
and collected as hereinafter provided; and
(b) to allow the Association to enforce any Assessment lien established hereunder by
non-judicial proceedings under a power of sale or by any other means authorized
by law.
Assessments, together with interest, late charges, collection costs, and reasonable attorneys’ fees
and costs, shall be a charge on the land and shall be a continuing lien upon the property against
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which each such Assessment is made, the lien to become effective upon recordation of a notice of
delinquent Assessment or other amounts owed hereunder. Each such Assessment, together with
interest, late charges, collection costs, and reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, shall also be the
personal obligation (joint and several) of each Person who was the Owner of such property at the
time when the Assessment fell due. No Owner of a Lot may exempt himself, herself or itself from
liability for such Owner’s contribution towards the Common Expenses or Assessments by waiver
of the use or enjoyment of any of the Shared Roads or other Common Areas which such Owner
may be entitled to use or by the abandonment of such Owner’s Lot. Any lien hereunder shall be
subordinate in all respects to any first position mortgage or trust indenture of record securing
financing provided by an established lending institution.
6.2 Purpose of Assessments. The regular Assessments levied by the Association shall
be used to pay Common Expenses. Any Supplemental Declaration may include additional
purposes for which Assessments may be levied against the Lots which are subject to such
Supplemental Declaration.
6.3 Assessments.
(a) Regular Assessments. The Board shall annually, a reasonable time prior to the end
of each calendar year, establish and levy regular Assessments in an amount that the
Board estimates will be sufficient to raise the funds needed to pay Common
Expenses, to operate the Association, and to perform the duties of the Association
during each fiscal year. The Board shall then, prior to the end of each calendar year,
send written notification to each Owner of the estimated amount of Common
Expenses and regular Assessments for that fiscal year. The regular Assessments
shall include a portion for reserves in such amounts as the Board in its discretion
considers appropriate to meet the costs of the future repair, replacement or additions
to the major improvements and fixtures that the Association is obligated to maintain
and repair, along with any other amounts as may be deemed reasonable by the
Board to establish a reserve. Reserve funds shall be deposited in a separate account
and the signatures of at least two (2) persons, who shall either be members of the
Board or one officer of the Association who is not a member of the Board and one
member of the Board, shall be required to withdraw monies from the reserve
account. Except to the limited extent otherwise provided herein, reserve funds may
not be expended for any purpose other than repairing, restoring, maintaining or
replacing the Shared Roads and any other Common Areas for which the
Association is responsible, or payment of insurance deductibles.
(b) Special Assessments. The Board may at any time and from time to time levy one
or more Special Assessments in order to raise funds for unexpected operating or
other costs, insufficient operating or reserve funds, or such other purposes as the
Board in its discretion considers appropriate. Special Assessments shall be
allocated among the Lots in the same manner as regular Assessments, except in the
case of a Special Assessment levied by the Board against a Member to reimburse
the Association for costs resulting from an act or omission of such Member.
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(c) Supplemental Assessments. The Board may levy supplemental Assessments as set
forth in any Supplemental Declaration against the Lots which are subject to such
Supplemental Declaration. Such supplemental Assessments may be used for such
purposes as are set forth in the Supplemental Declaration, which may include
operation, maintenance, repair and periodic replacement of Common Areas
benefitting the property subject to such Supplemental Declaration for which the
Association is responsible and other operation, maintenance, repair, reconstruction
or replacement obligations of the Association set forth in the Supplemental
Declaration.
(d) Owner Assessment Contest. An Owner desiring to contest the amount or
calculation of an Assessment shall do so by sending a written contest notice to the
Board within ten (10) days following the Owner’s notice of the amount of the
applicable Assessment. Such notice shall set forth in reasonable detail the reason
for the contest and the requested change to the Assessment. The Owner shall
continue to pay all Assessments as and when due pending resolution of the contest
notice. If an Owner does not send a written contest notice with respect to an
Assessment within the time specified above or does not pay all Assessments as and
when due, then that Owner will be deemed to have waived the right to contest the
previously noticed Assessment. The Board or its designee will send
acknowledgement of receipt of any timely contest notice to the Owner within thirty
(30) days of receipt by the Board and the contest notice will be reviewed by the
Board at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting at which there is quorum. The
Owner or a representative of the Owner may be present in person at such Board
meeting while the contest is discussed and may comment at the Board meeting.
The Board shall issue a decision regarding the Owner’s contest in writing to the
Owner within thirty (30) days following the Board meeting at which the contest is
discussed, and the decision of the Board shall be final and binding unless otherwise
determined by the Board. If the Board determines an adjustment to the Assessment
is require or that the Owner is entitled to a refund of a portion of a previously paid
Assessment, the Association shall make such adjustment or refund, without interest
or penalty, to the Owner within a reasonable period of time following the Board’s
decision. This paragraph sets forth the sole and exclusive remedy of an Owner with
respect to any disagreement, dispute or contest regarding the amount or calculation
of any Assessment.
6.4 Restrictions on Increases in Regular and Special Assessments. The Board may not
impose a regular Assessment on any Lot which is more than twenty percent (20%) greater than the
regular Assessment for the immediately preceding fiscal year, or levy a Special Assessment to
defray the cost of any action or undertaking on behalf of the Association which in the aggregate
exceeds five percent (5%) of the budgeted gross expenses of the Association for that fiscal year,
without the vote or written assent of Members entitled to vote a majority of the Owner Percentages
at a meeting of the Association at which a quorum is present or by written ballot. The Board may
increase regular Assessments by more than twenty percent (20%) over the regular Assessment for
the immediately preceding fiscal year only if the Board has complied with the provisions set forth
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in this Declaration. These limitations will not apply in the first fiscal year in which Assessments
are made against any Lot.
6.5 Division of Assessments. Regular and special Assessments shall be levied among
the Lots based on the Owner Percentages allocated to the Lots. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if
the Members by a majority of the Owner Percentages determine that any portion of a regular or
special Assessment should equitably be allocated disproportionately to one or more Members or
Lots due to the cause or nature of the cost or expense to be covered by such Assessment, the Board
may allocate such Assessment disproportionately to the Owner Percentages as necessary to ensure
the costs are borne equitably by the Members who should bear responsibility for such costs.
Regular Assessments shall be collected on a quarterly basis unless the Board directs otherwise.
Special Assessments may be collected in one payment or periodically as the Board shall direct.
Any supplemental Assessments shall be levied at the same time as regular Assessments or as
otherwise set forth in the Supplemental Declaration establishing such supplemental Assessments.
6.6 Date of Commencement of Regular Assessment; Due Dates. Assessments against
each Lot shall commence following recording of this Declaration with the office of the Clerk and
Recorder of Gallatin County, Montana on the first day of the first month in which a building on
such Lot is substantially complete, as determined by the Board. Until a building is substantially
complete on a Lot, as determined by the Board, no Assessments will be assessed against such Lot.
The due dates for Assessments shall be established by the Board. The Association shall, upon
demand, and for a reasonable charge, furnish a certificate signed by an officer of the Association
stating whether the Assessments on a specified Lot have been paid. Such a certificate shall be
conclusive evidence of such payment.
6.7 Effect of Nonpayment of Assessments. If any part of any Assessment is not paid
within thirty (30) days of the due date, an automatic late charge equal to five percent (5%) of the
Assessment, but not less than ten dollars ($10), shall be added to and collected with the
Assessment. This late charge is a penalty and shall not be deemed to be payment of interest.
Additionally, if any part of the Assessment is not paid and received by the Association or its
designated agent within thirty (30) days after the due date, the total unpaid Assessment, including
the late charge, shall thereafter until paid bear interest at the rate of the lower of: (a) fifteen percent
(15%) per annum; or (b) the highest amount of interest permissible without implicating Montana’s
usury laws
6.8 Transfer of Lot, by Sale or Foreclosure. The sale of any Lot pursuant to foreclosure
of a mortgage or trust indenture shall extinguish a junior lien for Assessments on such Lot,
including attorneys fees, late charges and interest levied in connection therewith, as to payments
which became due prior to such sale by foreclosure. Except in the case of sale by foreclosure
where a junior lien for Assessments is extinguished, if a Lot is transferred, the grantor shall remain
personally liable to the Association for all unpaid Assessments against the Lot through and
including the date of the transfer and such transfer shall not affect the Assessment lien on the Lot.
6.9 Priorities; Enforcement; Remedies.
(a) If an Owner fails to pay an Assessment when due, the Association has the right,
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and option, to bring legal action against the Owner to enforce collection of the
unpaid and past-due Assessment, or may impose a lien on the Lot owned by the
Owner, or both. Suit to recover a money judgment for unpaid Assessments and
attorneys’ fees and costs may be maintainable without foreclosing or waiving the
lien securing the same. Before the Association may record a lien upon a Lot, the
Association shall notify the Owner in writing by certified mail to the address for
such Owner in the records of the Association of the fee and penalty procedures of
the Association, provide an itemized statement of the charges owed by the Owner,
including the principal owed, any late charges and interest, and the method of
collection, any attorneys’ fees and costs, and the collection practices used by the
Association, including the right of the Association to the reasonable costs of
collection. The Association may record a notice of delinquent Assessment and
establish a lien against the Lot of the delinquent Owner prior and superior to all
other liens except (1) all taxes, bonds, assessments and other levies which, by law,
would be superior thereto, and (2) the lien or charge of any first mortgage or trust
indenture of record (meaning any recorded mortgage or trust indenture with first
priority over other mortgages or trust indentures) made in good faith and for value.
The notice of delinquent Assessment shall state the amount of the Assessment,
collection costs, attorneys’ fees and costs, late charges and interest, a description of
the Lot against which the Assessment and other sums are levied, the name of the
record owner, and the name and address of the trustee authorized by the Association
to enforce the lien by sale. The notice shall be signed by any director or officer of
the Association or any management agent retained by the Association and shall be
mailed in the manner required under Montana law to all record owners of the Lot
no later than ten (10) days after recordation.
(b) After the expiration of thirty (30) days following the recordation of the lien, an
Assessment lien may be enforced in any manner permitted by law, including sale
by the court or sale by the trustee designated in the notice of delinquent Assessment.
Any sale by the trustee shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of
Montana law applicable to the exercise of powers of sale in mortgages and trust
indentures, or in any other manner permitted by law. Nothing herein shall preclude
the Association from bringing an action directly against an Owner for breach of the
personal obligation to pay Assessments.
(c) Each Owner waives, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the benefit of any
Montana homestead or exemption laws in effect when any Assessment or
installment becomes delinquent or a lien is imposed.
ARTICLE VII
USE
7.1 Restrictions. No unlawful activity shall be carried on or upon the real property
subject to this Declaration. No unreasonably noisy activity shall occur on a Lot outside of what is
required for normal maintenance or for the normal and customary use of multifamily housing. No
activities shall be undertaken which are contrary to this Declaration or the Rules and Regulations
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in effect from time to time. In addition to the foregoing, all Lots shall be used and enjoyed subject
to the following limitations and restrictions:
(a) Parking. No person may park so as to block any roadways or driveways. All
parking signs (including accessible parking, fire lane, no parking, etc.) shall be
obeyed. No cars may be stored anywhere on the Property other than in parking lots
in which the Person has a right to park and then only in compliance with all
applicable Rules and Regulations.
(b) Wildlife. The feeding of wildlife is prohibited. Any activities that may harm or
threaten wildlife are also prohibited.
(c) Animals. No animals other than a reasonable number of dogs, cats, or other
customary household pets (with the determination of what is customary to be made
by the Board from time to time) may be brought or kept on a Lot, and all animals
shall be subject to applicable Rules and Regulations and to any additional
restrictions, rules and requirements established by the Owner of the Lot from time
to time. No animals shall be kept, bred or maintained for any commercial purpose,
nor in unreasonable quantities, nor in violation of any other provision of this
Declaration. No pet shall be permitted to harass any wildlife or any individual. Pets
shall be controlled by each owner, and not allowed to roam within the Property.
(d) Refuse. All refuse shall be stored in animal-proof containers or made unavailable
to all domestic and wild animals.
7.2 Supplemental Declarations. To further the intent that the Property be developed,
operated, and occupied in accordance with desires of the Owners, it is expected that the Owners
will record with the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Gallatin County, Montana supplemental
declarations (each, a “Supplemental Declaration”) imposing additional restrictions and
requirements on the Lots (or individual buildings on the Lots) which are subject to such
Supplemental Declarations, which may include, without limitation, rent limitations, income
limitations for Occupants, and other restrictions or requirements and, if applicable, comply with
financing requirements for development of the Lot(s). In addition, Supplemental Declarations
may, among other things, establish easements or other rights for the benefit of the applicable Lots,
Owners, and Occupants, designate Common Areas for the benefits of such Lots, Owners or
Occupants, establish supplemental Assessments with respect to the applicable Lots or buildings,
and include other provisions related to the operation, maintenance, and repair of the Property
subject to the Supplemental Declaration and the improvements thereon. Each Supplemental
Declaration is intended to supplement this Declaration and shall be incorporated herein and
become a part hereof with respect to the Lots (or building(s)) subject to such Supplemental
Declaration. In the event of any conflict between this Declaration and any Supplemental
Declaration, the terms of the Supplemental Declaration shall control with respect to the Lots (or
building(s)) subject to such Supplemental Declaration; provided, however, that a Supplemental
Declaration may not remove restrictions or requirements imposed by this Declaration or eliminate
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rights specifically granted by this Declaration. No Supplemental Declaration may be adopted,
recorded, terminated, or amended without the written consent of the Owner(s) of the Lot(s) subject
to such Supplemental Declaration and approval of the Board and, so long as Declarant owns any
Lot, of Declarant. Each Supplemental Declaration shall (i) identify the Lot(s) (and, if applicable,
individual building(s)) to which it applies, (ii) set forth in reasonable detail additional covenants,
restrictions and requirements applicable to such Lot(s) or building(s) and describe in reasonable
detail any easements, Common Areas or supplemental Assessments established thereby, (iii)
subject the Lot(s) or building(s) to such additional restrictions as the Owner(s) of the Lot(s), with
approval of the Board, shall determine and which are not inconsistent with this Declaration, and
(iv) be signed by the Owner(s) of the applicable Lot(s) and be recorded with the office of the Clerk
and Recorder of Gallatin County, Montana.
7.3 City Required Covenants. Covenants required by the City of Bozeman are included
in Lumberyard Flat’s Master Site Plan described in Exhibit C. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary herein, the covenants in Exhibit C cannot be amended or revoked without amendment of
this Declaration as set forth herein and with the approval of the City of Bozeman
7.4 Permitted Future Development. In the event the Property (or any portion thereof)
is sold, all future development, operation, and occupation shall be in accordance with the
guidelines of Phase 1 of the Lumberyard Flats Developments, including the architectural style
and design standards established in Phase 1 of the development, as hereafter duly amended.
ARTICLE VIII
INSURANCE; DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION; CONDEMNATION
8.1 Association Insurance. The Association shall obtain and maintain the following
insurance:
(a) a hazard policy insuring all improvements, equipment, and fixtures owned by the
Association and any improvements which are part of the Common Areas and for
which the Association is responsible pursuant to this Declaration or any
Supplemental Declaration at full replacement value, unless the Board determines,
in its sole discretion, that such insurance is not necessary;
(b) a comprehensive general liability policy insuring the Association against liability
incident to the ownership or use of any other Association owned or maintained real
or personal property (in occurrence version form if obtainable);
(c) officers and directors liability insurance in the minimum amounts required by
Montana law or as otherwise determined by the Board from time to time; and
(d) such other insurance as the Board in its discretion considers necessary or advisable.
8.2 Appointment by Owner. Each Owner appoints the Association or any insurance
trustee designated by the Association to act on behalf of the Owners in connection with all
insurance matters arising from any insurance policy maintained by the Association, including,
without limitation, representing the Owners in any proceeding, negotiation, settlement or
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agreement. Any insurance maintained by the Association shall contain “waiver of subrogation” as
to the Association and its officers, directors and Members, the Owners and Occupants of the Lots,
and mortgagees, and cross-liability and severability of interest coverage insuring each insured
against liability to each other insured. The Association shall periodically (and not less than once
every three years) review all insurance policies maintained by the Association to determine the
adequacy of the coverage and to adjust the policies accordingly. The premiums and deductibles
for all insurance maintained by the Association shall be Common Expenses, provided that the
Board may determine that any deductible or increase in premium caused by an Owner or Occupant,
or family members, guests or invitees thereof, be allocated entirely or disproportionately to one or
more Lots and premiums and deductibles for hazard insurance covering Common Areas for the
benefit of less than all Lots shall be assessed as supplemental Assessments against the benefitted
Lots, as determined by the Board.
8.3 Policies Available. The Association shall make available to Members upon request
copies of the Association’s policies to enable Members to insure their Lots without duplicating
insurance carried by the Association. Each Member shall be listed as an additional insured under
the general liability insurance policy maintained by the Association.
8.4 No Liability. The Association, and its directors and officers, shall have no liability
to any Owner or mortgagee if, after a good faith effort, it is unable to obtain the insurance required
hereunder, because the insurance is no longer available or, if available, can be obtained only at a
cost that the Board in its sole discretion determines is unreasonable under the circumstances, or
the Members fail to approve any Assessment increase needed to fund the insurance premiums or
reserves for deductibles. In such event, the Board promptly shall notify each Member and any
mortgagee entitled to notice that the insurance will not be obtained or renewed.
8.5 Owner Insurance. Each Owner shall be responsible for obtaining, maintaining, and
paying for such insurance as required of such Owner by this Declaration and such other insurance
as the Owner may deem reasonably necessary with respect to fire, casualty and liability involving
such Owner’s Lot and all buildings, improvements and property thereon. The buildings and other
improvements for which the Owner is responsible shall be insured at full replacement value, as
reasonably determined by the Owner. Each Owner shall, upon request, provide evidence of such
insurance to the Board, though the Board shall have no obligation to monitor or ensure that Owners
are maintaining the required insurance.
8.6 Damage or Destruction. If any buildings or improvements on any Lot are damaged
or destroyed by fire or other casualty, the Owner of such Lot or the Association, as contemplated
by this Declaration or any Supplemental Declaration (with the Owner being responsible for repair
or replacement of buildings or other improvements on such Owner’s Lot which are not the
responsibility of the Association under the terms of this Declaration or a Supplemental
Declaration), may rebuild the improvements with reasonable promptness. In the event that such an
Owner or the Association elects not to rebuild any structures or improvements with reasonable
promptness, said Owner or the Association, as applicable, shall be responsible for promptly
removing from the Lot any and all debris, including any portion of a structure or improvements
which may remain standing after partial damage or destruction, and the Owner or Association, as
applicable, shall cause the area to be landscaped in accordance with plans approved by the Board.
If an Owner or the Association, whichever is responsible for repair or replacement as set forth in
15
this Declaration, elects to rebuild the damaged or destroyed building or improvements, the Owner
or Association, as applicable, is responsible for the cost of all such reconstruction that is not
covered by insurance or is within the deductible amount; provided that any costs incurred by the
Association may be assessed against the Owners as determined by the Board.
ARTICLE IX
GENERAL PROVISIONS
9.1 Enforcement. The Association and each Owner shall have the right to enforce, by
any proceeding at law or in equity, all restrictions, conditions, covenants, reservations, liens, and
charges now or hereafter imposed by the provisions of this Declaration, the Articles and the
Bylaws, and in such action shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees as are ordered by
the applicable court. Absent a final, non-appealable determination of a court to the contrary, the
interpretation and determination of the Board of all matters relating to this Declaration or the other
Property Documents will be final and binding on the Association, all Owners, and all third parties.
The Association shall have the sole right to enforce Rules and Regulations and to impose fines and
penalties. The Association, in accordance with Section 9.7, has the right to record a Notice of
Violation against the Lot of an Owner that is not in compliance with the provisions of this
Declaration or other Property Documents. Failure by the Board or by any Owner to enforce any
covenant, condition, restriction or requirement herein contained shall in no event be deemed a
waiver of the right to do so thereafter.
9.2 Invalidity of Any Provision. Should any provision or portion thereof of this
Declaration be declared invalid, unenforceable, or in conflict with any law, rule, regulation,
ordinance or other legal requirement, the validity of all other provisions and portions hereof shall
remain unaffected and in full force and effect.
9.3 Run With the Land. All of the Property described in Exhibit A of this Declaration,
any additional property subjected to this Declaration by amendment to this Declaration in
accordance with the terms hereof, and all improvements existing, placed or constructed thereon,
shall be held, sold, used, leased and conveyed subject to this Declaration, all other applicable
Property Documents and all restrictions, covenants, and conditions set forth herein and therein,
which are for the purpose of protecting the value and desirability of, and which shall run with title
to, the real property subjected to this Declaration. This Declaration shall be binding on all Persons
having any right, title, or interest in or to the Property or any part thereof, and their respective
heirs, successors, successors-in-title, and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of each owner
thereof.
9.4 Amendments. This Declaration may be amended as follows:
(a) For so long as Declarant owns any real property in the Property, Declarant may
amend this Declaration without prior written consent of any Owner unless such
amendment adversely affects such Owner in a manner that is different than the
affect on the other Owners in any material respect. For purposes of example and
not limitation, and subject to the other provisions of this Section 9.4(a), such
amendments may include amendments which are (i) necessary to bring any
16
provision in compliance with any applicable governmental statutes, necessary
governmental registrations, rule, regulation, or judicial determination; (ii)
necessary to enable any reputable title insurance company to issue title insurance
coverage on the Lots; (iii) required by a Federal Mortgage Underwriter to enable
such Federal Mortgage Underwriter to make or purchase mortgage loans on the
Lots; (iv) necessary to enable any governmental agency or reputable private
insurance company to insure mortgage loans on the Lots; or (v) necessary to enable
any governmental agency or reputable private insurance company to insure the
Property or any portion thereof.
(b) This Declaration may be amended for any reason with consent of Owners of Lots
with at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the Owner Percentages.
9.5 Limitation of Restrictions on Declarant. Declarant is expected to undertake the
work of construction of certain improvements on Lots owned and retained by Declarant. In order
that said work may be completed and said development be established as rapidly as practicable,
nothing in this Declaration shall be understood or construed, in connection with Declarant’s initial
construction and development, to: (a) prevent Declarant or its contractors or subcontractors from
doing on any Lot owned by Declarant whatever is reasonably necessary or advisable in connection
with the completion of said work; or (b) prevent Declarant or its representatives from erecting,
constructing and maintaining on Lots owned by Declarant such structures as may be reasonable
and necessary for developing said Lots, including, without limitation, a leasing office and related
signs or markers. Declarant’s rights and powers under this Declaration and the other Property
Documents belong exclusively to Declarant, and Declarant will exercise such rights and power in
its capacity as Declarant, not for, through, or on behalf of the Association or the Owners.
9.6 Declarant Rights and Responsibilities. Declarant may assign, in a written document
recorded with the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Gallatin County, Montana, some or all of its
rights and obligations as Declarant under this Declaration or the other Property Documents.
9.7 Owners’ Compliance.
(a) Each Owner and Occupant shall comply with the provisions of this Declaration and
the other Property Documents applicable to the relevant Lot(s). Failure to comply
with any such provisions, decisions, or resolutions shall be grounds for an action
(1) to recover sums due, (2) for damages, (3) for injunctive relief, (4) for costs and
attorneys’ fees, or (5) any combination of the foregoing.
(b) In the event of a violation of any of this Declaration or any other applicable Property
Documents, the Association may record a “Notice of Violation” against the Lot(s)
of the non-complying Owner. Upon recording a Notice of Violation, the
Association shall have complete discretion in deciding whether, when and how to
proceed with enforcement, and any delay after recording a Notice of Violation shall
not give rise to a defense of waiver or estoppel in favor of a noncomplying Owner.
The Association may take action to enforce compliance against a subsequent Owner
who acquires a Lot with a recorded Notice of Violation. The right of the Association
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to record a Notice of Violation shall be in addition to all other rights and remedies
the Association may have at law or under this Declaration or any other applicable
Project Document.
(c) All agreements and determinations lawfully made by the Association, by the Board
or in accordance with the voting percentages established in this Declaration, or in
the Articles or the Bylaws, shall be deemed to be binding on the Association and
the Owners and Occupants shall not do anything in violation or breach of such
agreements.
9.8 Notice. Any notice permitted or required by this Declaration, the Articles or the
Bylaws may be delivered either personally or by electronic or US mail addressed to the Person to
be notified at the current e-mail or postal address given by such Person to the Secretary of the
Board or addressed to the Lot of such Person if no address has been given to the Secretary.
9.9 No Discrimination. No Owner shall, either directly or indirectly, forbid or restrict
the conveyance, encumbrance, leasing, or mortgaging, or occupancy of their Lot to any person of
a specified race, sex, adulthood, marital status, color, religion, ancestry, physical handicap,
national origin, or any other legally protected status.
9.10 Number; Gender. The singular and plural number and the masculine, feminine and
neuter gender shall each include the other where the context requires.
9.11 Captions. The captions and headings herein are for convenience only and shall not
be used to limit or expand the terms or provisions hereof.
9.12 Exhibits. All Exhibits are deemed incorporated herein by reference as though set
forth in full.
[Signature page follows]
18
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Declarant has executed this Declaration this ____ day of
________________, 20___.
DECLARANT:
VIRGA Venture I, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
By: , its
STATE OF )
:ss
COUNTY OF )
This instrument was acknowledged before me on ______________, 2023, by
____________________, as the ____________________of Virga Venture I, LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the date first above
written.
[signature]
Notary Public for the State of ______________
( S E A L ) ______________________________________
[printed name]
Residing at:________________, ___________
[city] [state]
My commission expires:____________, 20___
[Month Day, Year]
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Exhibit A
Property
LOT 1A, BLOCK 3 OF THE PT LAND PHASE 2 SUBDIVISION (PLAT J-
498B), LOCATED WITHIN THE NORTHWEST ONE QUARTER OF SECTION
7, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 6 EAST, CITY OF BOZEMAN, GALLATIN
COUNTY, MONTANA, ACCORDING TO THE OFFICIAL PLAT THEREOF
ON FILE AND OF RECORD IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK AND
RECORDER OF GALLATIN COUNTY, MONTANA.
and
LOT 2A, BLOCK 3 OF THE PT LAND PHASE 2 SUBDIVISION (PLAT J-
498B), LOCATED WITHIN THE NORTHWEST ONE QUARTER OF SECTION
7, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 6 EAST, CITY OF BOZEMAN, GALLATIN
COUNTY, MONTANA, ACCORDING TO THE OFFICIAL PLAT THEREOF
ON FILE AND OF RECORD IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK AND
RECORDER OF GALLATIN COUNTY, MONTANA.
20
Exhibit B
Owner Percentage
The Owner Percentage for each Lot shall be a percentage calculated by the Board or its advisors
as follows: (i) the total square footage of the residential and commercial space in buildings located
on the Lot (not including Common Areas), divided by the total square footage of the residential
and commercial space in buildings located on all Lots (not including Common Areas), (ii)
multiplied by one hundred (100).
The method of determining residential and commercial square footage shall be determined by the
Board in a manner deemed reasonable by the Board and may be modified by the Board from time
to time. Such method may include, without limitation, reference to information used by the
Montana Department of Revenue for property tax assessment purposes. Each Owner will
reasonably cooperate with the Board in the Board’s determination of residential and commercial
square footage of buildings on the Lots.
Upon request from any Owner, but not more than once annually with respect to any Owner, the
Board shall provide a reasonably detailed description of the determination of residential and
commercial square footage in the buildings located on each Lot and the resulting Owner
Percentages with respect to each Lot. The decision of the Board with respect to residential and
commercial square footage in buildings located on any Lot and calculation of the Owner
Percentages of the Lots shall be final and binding on all other parties, including the Owners.
21
Exhibit C
Lumberyard Flats Master Plan
See attached.