Welcome to Sawgrass!
Your quick-reference guide to living in Sawgrass Subdivision, Champaign, IL
Welcome to Sawgrass Subdivision!
To help you settle in, we have summarized the key guidelines and expectations that keep our community looking great and running smoothly. Please review the full governing documents for complete details, but this quick-reference guide covers the day-to-day essentials.
When you are ready, please sign your official Welcome Letter using the button below. It confirms you have received and reviewed the community guidelines.
Architectural Committee (SSAC)
Any exterior changes to your property require approval from the Sawgrass Subdivision Architectural Committee (SSAC) before any work begins. Approvals automatically expire 6 months from the date they are issued.
- Fences: Maximum 4’ height on lake lots, 6’ on non-lake lots. Wooden fences must have framework on the inside with panels facing the public. Temporary and chain-link fences are prohibited.
- Sheds: Must be in the rear yard. Siding and roofing must match your existing dwelling. Plastic sheds are strictly prohibited. Maximum dimensions: 16’ × 20’ × 12’ eave height.
- Yard Post Lights: All homes must maintain a working front yard post light with a photo-electric cell. Bulbs must be white/neutral (except during official city holidays) and produce between 1190 and 1600 lumens. Solar-powered lights are not permitted.
- Pools: Above-ground pools are not allowed except for kiddie pools under 300-gallon capacity. In-ground pools require a fence, a city permit, and SSAC approval.
- Gardens: One vegetable garden permitted in the rear yard, maximum 100 square feet, must be properly maintained. No vegetable gardening on the commons.
Maintenance & Lot Standards
- General Upkeep: Homeowners are individually responsible for lawn maintenance, snow removal, and trash removal. All exterior structures, fences, sheds, and playground equipment must be properly maintained.
- Recreational Vehicles & Storage: Any recreational vehicles, boats, boat trailers, or lake vehicles must be stored inside an enclosed garage. Operating motorized vehicles like ATVs within the subdivision is not allowed.
- Lakes & Commons: The Sawgrass lakes are strictly catch-and-release only. Swimming and gas-powered boats are not allowed. Only oar, paddle, or pedal-powered boats under 12 feet are permitted, and all watercraft must display a required HOA registration number. Residents must clean up all dog feces in common areas without exception.
Violation Assessments & Payment Policies
The Board and SSAC follow structured timelines for resolving issues to ensure fairness across the neighborhood.
- General Violations: A first notice gives 14 days to respond with a full correction or corrective action plan. If unresolved after 21 days, the board initiates fines — $200/month for the first three months, then $400/month ongoing.
- Yard Light Violations: A postcard notification is followed by a 30-day grace period. If unresolved, a first letter is mailed with a $50 fine. Fines increase by $50 every 30 days until photographic proof of compliance is emailed to the SSAC at architecture@sawgrasshoa.com.
- Fence Maintenance Violations: A 60-day “Notice of Intent to Fine” is issued. Resolve by emailing photographic proof of repair, a signed contractor agreement, or proof of fence removal. After 60 days an initial $50 fine is assessed, increasing $50/month for eight months, then $400/month ongoing.
- HOA Assessments: Annual dues are due January 1 and become delinquent after 30 days. A $30 late fee applies at 45 days, $60 at 90 days. Lien proceedings begin at 180 days past due.