Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Any exterior modification — including roofing, paint, driveways, fencing, landscaping changes, pools, and additions — requires prior written approval from the HOA board before work begins. Submit an Architectural Change Request through our contact form or download the form from the Rules & Documents page.

The standard architectural review window is 14 to 30 days. Complex submissions may take longer. If additional information is requested, the review clock is paused until the homeowner provides it. Plan ahead — submit requests well before any planned start date.

Acceptable roofing materials are asphalt shingles, cement tiles, and metal panels. All roofing construction must be pre-approved by the HOA via Architectural Change Request, AND approved by the Town of Lake Clarke Shores through the town's online permitting process. Both approvals are required before work begins.

Yes. Exterior paint colors must be pre-approved by the Architectural and Landscape Review Committee if the new color is substantially different from the existing color. New colors must conform with existing home colors in the neighborhood — neutral colors, light pastels, and light earthtones are acceptable. Bright, neon, or overly bold colors are not permitted.

No new chain-link fencing is permitted in the community. Existing chain-link fencing installed before the rule change is allowed to remain, provided it is maintained in good condition. Other fence materials require architectural review and approval before installation.

The ELCS HOA Board meets quarterly via Zoom at 7:00 PM on the second Thursday following the close of each quarter. All residents are welcome to attend. Zoom links are shared with subscribers about a week before each meeting — sign up for the newsletter to receive them.

Through annual assessments paid by homeowners, as outlined in our governing documents. Special assessments may be levied for capital projects with appropriate board approval and, when required, member vote.

See our Board page for the current 2026 roster. Board members are volunteer residents elected annually.

Unauthorized exterior modifications are a covenant violation. The HOA follows a structured enforcement process: a courtesy notice, then a formal violation notice, then board review, and if necessary a fine committee hearing. Per Florida Statute 720.305, the maximum fine is $100 per violation. The HOA may require unauthorized work to be modified or removed at the homeowner's expense.

ELCS uses Truist Online Payment Service for assessment payments. You can make one-time payments online or enroll in automatic recurring payments through Truist Association Pay. To pay online, visit https://onlinepayments.truist.com/paymentservices/start.aspx and enter the payment details from the label on your assessment notice. If you don't have your payment details handy, contact the board.

To enroll in automatic ACH payments through Truist Association Pay: (1) Go to https://onlinepayments.truist.com/paymentservices/start.aspx. (2) Enter your payment information using the details provided on your assessment notice. Note that your Serial Account Number and Unit Number are the same value. (3) Select the "Association Pay Online Enrollment" option. (4) Check the Enroll box, click Continue, and follow the instructions to complete the authorization process.

Automatic payments are debited on the 3rd of each month. If the 3rd falls on a weekend or holiday, your account is debited on the next business day.

There is no convenience fee for enrolling in Association Pay (recurring ACH). One-time online payments may carry a convenience fee — refer to the Truist payment portal for current fees.

These are personalized account numbers tied to your specific property. They appear on your assessment notice. If you don't have your notice or need a replacement, contact the board at EstatesofLCS@gmail.com and we will provide your information securely.

If a payment fails (insufficient funds, expired card, closed account), Truist will notify you. The HOA board will also be informed of the missed payment. Contact the board promptly at EstatesofLCS@gmail.com to make alternate arrangements and avoid late fees as outlined in our governing documents.

Yes. Mail checks payable to "Estates of Lake Clarke Shores HOA, Inc." to: P.O. Box 20555, West Palm Beach, FL 33416. Online payment via Truist is encouraged for faster processing and to reduce administrative overhead.

Annual assessment amounts and any special assessments are set by the board based on the approved annual budget. The current 2026 special assessment document is available on the Rules & Documents page. Contact the board for questions about your specific account balance.

No. Per Article III of our Declaration, dogs, cats, and pet birds are permitted in reasonable numbers. Roosters, guinea hens, pigeons, and other noisy fowl are prohibited. Hogs, cattle, goats, sheep, horses, and other livestock are not permitted on any lot. Pets must not be kept for commercial purposes.

When outdoors, dogs and cats must be leashed or kept in fenced areas. Owners must clean up after their pets and dispose of waste in their own garbage.

Trailers, campers, boats, trucks, and commercial vehicles cannot be kept or stored on any lot for more than 24 hours, except inside an enclosed garage or adequately screened from view from the street and behind the front building setback lines. Commercial vehicles are defined per Florida Statute §320.01(25). Overnight parking in common areas is prohibited; occasional exceptions can be requested by emailing EstatesofLCS@gmail.com.

Yes. All leases must be for a period of at least six (6) months, and all rentals must be approved by the HOA. Owners must also register rental properties with the Town of Lake Clarke Shores by October 1 of each year, per town ordinance Section 26-333. Failure to register can result in penalties.

Home-based businesses are permitted, provided customers do not regularly or routinely visit the residence and the business is properly registered with the Town of Lake Clarke Shores. Use of a lot as a "Congregant Living Facility" — including assisted living, sober homes, group homes, and similar uses — is prohibited.

Signs and advertising are restricted. One sign of no more than five (5) square feet is permitted to advertise the property for sale or rent. Political signage is not permitted anywhere on the lot or residence if visible from the street, another lot, or the common area. Celebratory and seasonal decorations are permitted but must be removed at the end of the occasion. Flag displays must follow local and state ordinances.

ELCS residents have key access to tennis and pickleball courts located at the community entrance. The courts are owned and maintained by the Town of Lake Clarke Shores. The pickleball courts are a recent addition. Beyond the courts, residents enjoy the broader Town of Lake Clarke Shores amenities — including Lake Clarke itself, town parks, and walking paths. New residents receive court keys as part of the welcome process; contact the board if you need a replacement.

LCS Police Dispatch: (561) 964-1114. For emergencies always call 911.

The Town of Lake Clarke Shores Utility Department. 24-hour contact: (561) 642-7870.

Use our contact form and select "Complaint or concern" as the reason. Board members review submissions regularly.