FAQ

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Are above ground pools allowed in Lake Bella Vista?

Yes, but with certain restrictions and required approval from the Architectural committee. Please contact the office for Resolution #88-05 and #22-05 for more information as well as an architectural application with submittal instructions.
Can I install a fence?

No. The only fencing allowed in Lake Bella Vista is decorative fencing in conjunction with landscaping. There are limits to the size, type, and length of the fencing. You must apply for architectural approval before installing fencing. No wire-type fencing, shadow box fencing, board on board fencing, or chain-link fencing is allowed.
Do I need Architectural Approval for landscaping?

The LBV Architectural Control Committee does not review landscaping plans, unless the plans include man-made structures (i.e. decorative fencing, retaining walls, etc.) There is no approval needed for just planting trees, shrubs, flowers, etc.
How do I get a boat launch gate key?

Lake Bella Vista is a private lake and not open to the general public. There is only one boat launch for the lake. Card Keys are issued only to residents who own a watercraft. You must register your watercraft with the LBV Office and purchase the $10 non-refundable card-key. The watercraft must be owned and registered to the resident – no watercraft owned by others (i.e. friends, family, etc) are allowed on Lake Bella Vista. You must also be able to provide proof of residency. Tenants must provide a copy of their lease.
How do I get a key for the Tennis Courts?

You can purchase a key from the LBV office. You must be able to prove residency. There is a refundable $10 fee for the key.
I want to put an addition onto my house – what do I need to do?

You must provide plans to the LBV Architectural Control Committee for approval prior to submitting to Cannon Township for a building permit. The plans must include a site plan indicating the size and elevation of the addition and the distance from the property set-back lines. The addition must match the existing siding and roofing.
The storm sewer drain is plugged?

Call the Kent County Drain Commission at (616)336-3688.
What do association dues cover?
The Association dues cover the expenses of the Association. The following is a partial list of Association expenses:
- Maintenance of the two lakes: Lake Bella Vista & North Lake Bella Vista (electricity & maintenance for irrigation wells, Lake Management Engineering, chemical weed/algae treatment and harvesting of lakes, etc.)
- Maintenance of the Dam located at the west end of Lake Bella Vista (annual inspections and yearly maintenance)
- Maintenance of 21 Lake Bella Vista Parks (lawn mowing, beach cleaning, upkeep and improvement on park amenities, etc.)
- Community Spring yard waste pickup & Fall leaf pickup, street sweeping in the Spring & Fall, Community Spring Yard Sales advertising & promotion, Halloween patrols by the Kent County Sheriff’s Dept., etc.
- Half of the cost of the salaries & expenses of the Lake Bella Vista Improvement Assoc. office (the remaining half paid from Water billings)
- Special projects as determined by the Board of Directors (example: we added playground equipment to Vista De Oro Park in the Spring of 2004)
- Enforcement of the Covenants & Deed Restrictions
  
  A portion of the Dues is also set aside each year for the Asset Replacement Program. This program is designed to save for future replacement of the major assets of the Association. For example, in the summer of 2008, the Tennis Courts were refurbished and the motor of the large lake irrigation well at the Dam was replaced from Asset funds and no additional costs were assessed from the property owners.
Where does my water come from?

Lake Bella Vista has its own private water system. The water comes from three potable wells. It is treated with chemicals, including fluoride, similar to other municipal water systems. Tests are done on a regular basis and the water system is maintained in compliance with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as mandated by the Federal Drinking Water Act.
Who do I call regarding dogs/cats running loose or barking dogs?

Call the Kent County Sheriff's non-emergency number at 616-632-6100.
Who do I call regarding speeding traffic, illegal parking, abandoned or unlicensed cars?

Call the Kent County Sheriff's Department at 616-632-6100. LBV is not able to enforce traffic/parking infractions on the Kent County Roadways.
Who do I contact regarding a broken or malfunctioning street light?

Consumers energy can be contacted at 1-800-477-5050 or you can identify the streetlight outage directly by going to the website https://streetlights.consumersenergy.com/
Who maintains the streets in Lake Bella Vista?

The streets are under the jurisdiction of the Kent County Road Commission. They are responsible for snow plowing in the winter and repairing and repaving as needed. Please note that KCRC often hires out our Cul-de-Sac plowing to third party businesses in the area. Their number is (616)242-6900.