My second lot has a house on it — is it assessed differently?

Yes. The covenants have a specific rule for this.

A lot classed as secondary is assessed at the lower rate. But if that lot has its own separate residential structure on it with a Certificate of Occupancy, it is assessed at the primary rate instead.

The trigger is the Certificate of Occupancy. The covenants say a secondary lot with a separate residence on it is assessed as a primary lot **once a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued** for that structure. The Certificate of Occupancy comes from the township or county, not from the Association.

So the rate change is not tied to when you start building, or when the building looks finished. It is tied to that document being issued.

Note the wording — a *separate residential structure*. A garage, shed, boathouse or pole barn on a second lot is not a separate residence. This rule is about a second place to live.

If you are planning to build on a second lot, two things are worth doing early. Talk to the office so you understand how and when your assessment will change. And get your plans approved by the Architectural Committee before you start any work, including clearing the site.

*Source: Restrictive Covenants, Article V, Section 3.*