This petition is an initial assessment to gauge the interest among Apple Creek residents in amending our HOA covenants to allow for the construction of single-story storage sheds.

⚠️ Please note: This is not a binding vote.
We are simply trying to determine whether there is strong community interest before investing HOA funds into legal services for a formal covenant amendment.
 
Background:
As average Apple Creek families, many of us face a common issue: insufficient storage space. Bicycles, seasonal decorations, lawn equipment, and other household items clutter our garages, often leaving no room to park vehicles and diminishing curb appeal.

A logical solution is a modest storage shed. However, under the current HOA covenants, homeowners are prohibited from building a shed unless they also have an in-ground pool — a requirement that is both cost-prohibitive and unnecessary for many families.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 1 in 4 American garages is so cluttered that vehicles can’t fit inside. For many, a storage shed would be a far more affordable and practical solution than installing and maintaining a pool.

 
Proposed Amendment Outline:
We propose the covenants be updated to allow single-story wooden sheds up to 200 square feet, under the following conditions:

Size Limit:
Maximum size of 200 square feet.
Design Requirements:
Sheds must match the primary color of the home.
Construction Materials:
Only wooden sheds are allowed. No metal siding.
Roofing:
Roofs must be shingled, consistent with the home’s aesthetic.
This proposal strikes a balance between maintaining the neighborhood's visual integrity and giving homeowners the flexibility to improve their properties.

 
Supporting Zoning Reference:
Per the Hendricks County Zoning Ordinance 7.12 Accessory Use and Structure Standards (Amended Ordinance 2009-19):

19. Residential Accessory Structures.
For residential accessory structures including, but not limited to, small greenhouses, mini-barns, and gazebos, less than two hundred (200) square feet are exempt from obtaining an Improvement Location Permit but are not exempt from the maximum lot coverage standard or the minimum setback requirements of the applicable zoning district.
A. General Provisions. The following standards shall apply within all zoning districts:

Order of Establishment – No accessory use or structure shall be located on any lot prior to a permit being issued for a principal structure.
Incidental to Principal – Accessory uses must be incidental and subordinate in height, bulk, and purpose to the principal structure.
Setback – Must not be closer to the front lot line than the front façade of the home.
 - Exception: In AGR zoning districts, location is flexible with compliance to other rules.
Separation – Must be at least:
 a. 5 feet from any structure in residential districts.
 b. 10 feet from any structure in non-residential districts.
Height – Must follow residential and non-residential lot standard tables unless otherwise exempt.
Placement – Must not encroach on required buffer yards, easements, or septic fields.
Design Compatibility – Must be compatible in design and materials with the principal home.
This zoning ordinance provides a strong legal foundation to support our proposed amendment.

 
Next Steps:
If there is sufficient interest, the HOA board would need to:

Vote internally to approve pursuit of an amendment.
Hire an attorney to draft formal language.
Per Section 41 of the current Apple Creek Section II Restrictive Covenants:
“These covenants... shall be automatically extended for successive ten (10) year periods unless, at any time, an agreement signed by at least three-fourths (3/4) of the then owners of the lots has been recorded agreeing to change the covenants in whole or in part.”
 
What We’re Asking:
If you support the idea of allowing storage sheds without the requirement of an in-ground pool, please sign this petition to show your interest.

Let’s modernize our community rules to reflect the real, practical needs of our families—while still protecting the beauty and harmony of Apple Creek.