Community Info and FAQ's

These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) are reviewed and updated on a regular basis.

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When are HOA Board Meetings, and can I attend?

Board of Directors meetings are usually held the second Monday of every month* at the home of one of the Board. All members of Forest Park Estates are welcome to attend. Due to limited space at the host homes we ask that you notify the current Board President ahead of time if you are interested in attending.

* The November Board Meeting is combined with our Annual Meeting

* Typically there is no Board Meeting in December
What is the Speed Limit in Forest Park Estates?

The speed limit in our neighborhood is no more than 20 miles per hour on most streets.

Complaints have been received throughout the year regarding excessive speeding. Please slow down and be careful as we have many children living and playing in our neighborhood.
What do I need permission from the Architectural Committee for?
Be sure to notify the Architectural Committee of any exterior changes to your home (paint color, roofing, any additions or changes to the exterior of your home) and complete an Architectural Modification Request form.

To allow adequate review time (per the regulations, up to 45 days) we ask that you contact the Architectural Committee with your request PRIOR TO committing to services, purchasing materials, and starting work.

Please read the resources provided here for more detailed information.

However, definitely contact the Architectural Committee and use the Architectural Modification Request form for any plans including (new, repairs, or replacement of):
- Swimming pools (no above ground pools allowed)
- Roof replacements
- Exterior painting or siding
- Driveways
- Basketball goal installation (backboards must be transparent)
- Arbors, decks, and patios
- Fences (no chain link fences: all fencing shall be made of cedar wood, wrought iron, or aluminum equivalent, and be no more than 6 feet in height)
- Room or home additions
Additionally, some Do’s and Don’ts:
- Don't install tanks for storage of fuel or other fluids on any portion of your property, either above or below ground.
- Don't install exterior clotheslines or poles anywhere on your property.
- Don't install radio or television aerial wire, antennas, or antenna towers.
- Don't install satellite dishes in excess of 18" inches diameter. The Architectural Committee shall have the right to impose and enforce requirements concerning location, height, and screening, as a condition to approving installation or maintenance of any satellite dish.
- Don't install freestanding storage, workshop, or garage buildings, or sheds on your property.
- Do only replace driveways with concrete, not asphalt or crushed rock.
- Do only install roof materials / products in accordance with the specifications of the Declaration of Restrictions. Have all new and replacement roofs approved by the Architectural Committee before installation.
- Do have the Architectural Committee approve the exterior paint colors or your home before your home is painted. Earth tones or neutral color palates are preferred. No pastel or checkerboard type scenarios will be accepted.
These rules are reviewed on a regular basis by our Board of Directors based on resident input to ensure Forest Park Estates continues to be a great place to live.

Please contact the architectural committee with any questions.
What are the Parking Rules in Forest Park Estates?

As a courtesy, please do not park vehicles in the street overnight or for long periods of time. Please use your driveway.

When you or your guests park a car on an inclined street, please remember to set the emergency brake (or leave the car in gear if it is a manual transmission), and turn wheels into or away from the curb (whether downhill or uphill) to avoid a runaway car.
What are the Rules and Restrictions within Forest Park Estates?
Please refer to the full set of rules and restrictions posted here.

Some additional Do’s and Don’ts:
- Don't keep more than three dogs, three cats, or three other household pets at your home as it is a violation of Shawnee City Code.
- Don't allow livestock, poultry or other non-domestic animals on your lot. Check Shawnee codes for regulations on the types of animals allowed in residential areas.
- Do clean up after your pet. Be considerate of your neighbor's property, as well as the parks and common areas that everyone shares. Poop bag dispensers are situated along the Forest Park Estates trails and are refilled regularly.
- Do keep your yard and trees trimmed and free of trash and debris.
- Don't install holiday lighting or decorations except during the 60 day period between November 15th and January 15th. Weather permitting, all holiday lighting should be taken down by February 1st.
- Don't conduct noxious or offensive trade that may become an annoyance or nuisance to the neighborhood.
- Don't park cars, buses, boats, RV's, semi-trucks, campers, tractors, trucks, trailers or any other vehicles that are not in operating condition or whose presence might create an unsightly appearance, nuisance or be hazardous to be parked in the street or driveway. Such behavior is against both Forest Park Estates regulations as well as Shawnee Civic Ordinances.
- Don't install vehicles or campers in the street for more than a 24-hour period.
Are home rentals allowed in Forest Park Estates?

No. Deed restrictions prevent any homes in Forest Park Estates being used as rental properties.
Is there a transfer fee when buying a property in Forest Park Estates?

There is a transfer fee for new homeowners (currently $100).

Payment can be issued via mailed check as part of closing to Forest Park Estates Homes Association at 7556 Bell Road, Shawnee, KS 66217.
What are the Swimming Pool rules?
Please refer to the full set of Swimming Pool rules posted here.

Some additional Do’s and Don’ts:
- Do pick up after yourself and your family when using the swimming pool, tennis court, and park areas. Your fellow neighbors on a volunteer basis maintain these areas. Help keep the recreational areas neat and orderly.
- Do post a notice at the pool if you are planning to use the picnic area for a small social function, a little league team picnic or a family gathering. The area is always open to all residents and can't be reserved for private functions. You are responsible for cleaning up and taking all trash with you. There is no storage at the pool house for extra trash/debris. generated by group functions.
- Don't eat food in the pool area as it is prohibited by the Health Department. Use picnic tables adjacent to the pool area.
- Don't bring glass of any kind into the pool area. Broken glass will result in closing, draining, and refilling the pool at the guilty party's expense.
What is my Mailbox Number, and where do I get my Mailbox Key and Pool Access Card?

Try to ensure the previous homeowner informs you what your mailbox number is.

If this is not possible, contact the Shawnee Mission Post Office on Monticello and Shawnee Mission Parkway, or better still, ask your immediate next door neighbor what their number is (and see if your mailbox is one above or below theirs).

Mailbox keys should be given to you by the previous homeowner (with the house keys). If you would like to replace the key / change the lock on your mailbox, this can be done relatively inexpensively ($5 to $10) by yourself (all locksmiths sell these types of keys / locks) as long as you already have access to your mailbox.

If you cannot access your mailbox (e.g., do not have a key), you will either have to have the lock drilled out by a locksmith, or contact the Shawnee Mission Post Office on Monticello and Shawnee Mission Parkway to request a time when they can give you access to your mailbox (to facilitate lock replacement).

Your Pool access card should be given to you by the previous homeowner (with the house keys). If you do not have a Pool access card / need a replacement, or would like one additional card (two maximum per household), please contact the Pool Committee by emailing forestparkestates@live.com. There will be a charge for lost / replacement and additional cards.