La Cantera
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you can search for and find a list of frequently asked questions from our residents.
ARCHITECTURAL REGULATIONS
Do I have to submit an application to make changes to my home or yard?
Yes, if the appearance of your home or yard will change, you must submit a complete application and receive approval from the association PRIOR to commencing work.
How do I get a copy of an architectural application?
Go to the "HOA Documents & Forms" Tab at the top of this web page. This application can be found under "Architectural Control Forms" section.
Do I have to submit an application to build a house?
YES! E-mail rancholacanterahoa@hotmail.com with your completed application, building plans, and all attached finishes. Ensure that paint and stone finishes are clearly labeled.
ASSESSMENTS
What are the options for paying my assessments?
You may pay your assessments by a mailed check, money order, phone or online at www.duespayment.com (Online Payments require a processing fee). Refer the Payments on the top of the homepage for full details.
Why do owners have to pay assessments?
Per each association's governing documents, owners are required to share in the expenses of the association to preserve and maintain the community's assets. Assessments are to be paid in full within 30 days from invoice date..
What address do I mail my payments to?
Rancho La Cantera Homeowners Association uses one PO BOX for payments. Please mail payments to PO BOX 344 Olmito, TX 78575.
Can I pay my assessments over the phone?
Yes! Rancho La Cantera Homeowners Association does accept payments by phone, however small processing fees do apply. Refer the Payments on the top of the homepage for full details.
Why did I get a late fee?
Each association has guidelines on payment due dates. When payment is not received, the association's collection policy dictates the amount of late fees applied to the account.
Rancho La Cantera Homeowners Association has a late policy that payments received after 30 days are subject to a $25 penalty with an additional $10 charge per month until the balance is paid in full.
Can you waive my late fee?
To request a late fee waiver, you may submit your request in writing with supporting documents and or information on why payment was late to the Board of Directors. Upon the review of the request a decision will be made.
Who decides how my assessment payments are used?
Your Board of Directors approves a budget each year to cover the operating expenses, reserve contributions and any other expected expenses for your association. Any expenses outside of the budget are approved by the Board of Directors.
Who do I make my assessment check payable to?
All checks should be made payable to your association (Rancho La Cantera Homeowners Association).
What happens if I don't pay my assessments?
Each association has a collection policy for unpaid assessments, which includes sending the account to the association's attorney for collection, which will incur additional fees for which you will be responsible. Refer to assocations collections policy that is in place.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
What does the Board of Directors do?
The Board of Directors governs the association and makes decisions in the best interest of the community. To see a full list of Board Members and terms go to the "HOA Board & Minutes" at the top of this web page.
How do I volunteer to be on the Board of Directors or a Committee?
You may contact a current Board Member or a committee member to express your interest. In addition, many associations send out applications for owners to volunteer when there are open positions.
Who attends Board Meetings from Rancho La Cantera Homeowners Association?
The elected Board Members will attend Board Meetings and may also be accompanied by the Architectural Control Committee if the board decides.
Why do I need to return a proxy?
If you are unable to attend an Annual or Special Meeting, the proxy will allow you to count towards quorum as well as have your vote cast at the meeting.
Can I attend a Board Meeting?
All Board Meetings are open for owners to attend, however please note that you are not allowed to participate in the meeting unless the board permits.
DOCUMENTS
Where can I get a copy of my association's governing documents?
Go to "HOA Documents & Forms" tab at the top of this webpage.
What are the CCR's?
The Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions document is the main governing document for single family homeowner associations. It lays the groundwork for assessments and conduct of the community. A copy of CCR's can be found under "HOA Documents & Forms" tab at the top of this webpage.
What are the Bylaws?
The Bylaws document describes how the association should function (Board Meetings, Annual Meetings, Board of Directors, etc.) In some cases, it provides information on assessments. A copy of Bylaws can be found under "HOA Documents & Forms" tab at the top of this webpage.
What are the Rules & Restrictions?
Is an additional governing document set by the board for single family homeowner associations. It provides the Rules & Restrictions on how the community should operate and also states the penalty fee schedule for when penalty's are access, A copy of Rules and Restrictions can be found under "HOA Documents & Forms" tab at the top of this webpage.
MAINTENANCE
How often is the grass within the common area of the subdivision mowed?
The association has contracted out a lawn care company that mows the grass along the front entrances of the subdivision and the medians within each street every three weeks.
What do I do if a street light is out?
Please note the number off of the metal plate on the pole and contact rancholacanterahoa@hotamil.com with that pole number. We will be happy to report this to the power company for you.
What do I do if I have an emergency?
If you have a medical or serious emergency, call 911.
How can I get a mailbox?
The association owns the cluster mailboxes within the community but is not allowed to hand out keys due to privacy acts and mail tampering laws. Contact the Brownsville USPS Office at 1535 E Los Ebanos Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78520 to request key.
What day is trash pick-up?
Within the community there is private trash pick-up every Tuesday. Please call 956-838-0000 or visit www.republicservices.com to find out the days scheduled for your street.
How do I get a trash can?
Contact Republic Services to arrange service 956-838-0000 or visit www.republicservices.com.
How do I get Water Service?
Contact Military Highway Water Supply to arrange service (956) 565-2491 or visit www.militaryhighwaywsc.org.
ENTRANCE GATES
Notice of Use of Entrance Gates:
Please note that Rancho La Cantera Homeowners Association is not responsible for any damage to ones vehicle and or injury from use of the gated entrances. Signs are posted on the entrance of each gates.
How can I get an access pin for gates and or a Remote Control Transmitter, etc.?
Contact the HOA at rancholacanterahoa@hotmail.com to obtain access codes and or purchases optional gate remote transmitter at a price of $35 each. Refer to the associations Gate Remote Transmitter Policy and Procedures located under the "HOA Documents & Forms" Tab at the top of the page.
What do I do if my gate access pin or remote transmitter stops working?
Please contact the HOA at rancholacanterahoa@hotmail.com to obtain a new access codes and or purchases an additional optional remote transmitter (Please check batteries first). Note that Remote Transmitters do not have warranties and are not required to access the community.
Can the association deactivate my gate remote transmitters?
Yes, According to the Gate Remote Transmitter Policy and Procedures the association has the right to deactivate any lot owners remotes due to non payment of any assessments, invoices, etc. Prior notification will be given to lot owner prior to deactivation. If for some reason remotes are deactivated due to past dues then a $10 reactivation fee will be charged per remote. Please contact the HOA at rancholacanterahoa@hotmail.com if you feel your remotes were deactivated.Note: Pin codes will never be deactivated due to past dues and this policy only applies to the gate remotes. Refer to the associations Gate Remote Transmitter Policy and Procedures located under the "HOA Documents & Forms" Tab at the top of the page.
How can safety personnel access subdivision in the event of an emergency?
The West side gate entrance is equipped with an SOS safety system. This SOS system allows emergency vehicles to gain access to the subdivision while using the "Yelp" siren allowing access once the system recognized if for 3 seconds. This system saves vital seconds in all emergencies with sirens triggering gate operators. Emergency responders get your gates open without accessing codes, keys, radio frequencies, or causing costly damage by ramming the gate doors. The Brownsville Police Department have been provided their own pin code to also use if needed.
Why are the gates left open during the day?
The Board of Directors voted with the members during a special assessment of the gates on the have an open gate policy during the day. The West side gate entrance is programmed to stay open Monday - Saturday from 6am- 6pm to allow access for construction workers and contractors while building residents homes. In doing this it saves on the wear and tear of the gates, reduces the electrical usage, and makes it easier for all. The Board will remove open gate access hours during periods of no construction and or when the subdivision has reached capacity.
How are Service Contractors (USPS, UPS,FedEX, AEP, Republic Services Trash, etc.) able to Access Subdivision?
The regular service providers such as USPS, AEP, Military Water Supply, Trash Services have all been given their own access codes to enter into the community. It is important that package services like UPS & FedEx that you contact them directly to see their polices on gated communities.
VENDORS
Do you have a list of preferred vendors?
No. Rancho La Cantera Homeowners Association solicits proposals from multiple vendors at the Board's request.
How are vendors selected?
The Board of Directors has the responsibility to choose the contractor they wish to perform the work as long as there is no conflicting interest.
VIOLATIONS
Why did I receive a violation letter?
Every association has guidelines that must be followed, which includes the association's governing documents, Rules and Regulations, etc. When those regulations are not followed, the Board of Directors has the responsibility to take steps to make owners become compliant.
How do I report a violation?
You may report a violation in writing to your Association at rancholacanterahoa@hotmail.com.
What happens if I don't pay my monetary violation penalties?
Delinquent accounts are sent to the attorney for collection. Please note that all delinquent amounts and collection/attorney fees will be the responsibility of the owner and must be paid before your account will be returned to normal status.
Last Revised: 1/14/2019