Every property within Whispering Oaks is contractually bound to Restrictive Covenants (aka Community Covenants) which are limitations and rules attached to the deed of every property. These neighborhood-specific rules were established by our subdivision's original developers circa 1968 and automatically transfer to new homeowners in perpetuity.

 

No property or inhabitant is exempt from these restrictions and WOHA membership status is not a factor. To be clear, the Covenants are not WOHA rules, however the organization may assist in their enforcement.

​​

The Covenants are multi-party private contracts intended to safeguard Whispering Oaks property values, maintain neighborhood integrity, and reduce conflict among residents. They are supplemental to local ordinances and take precedent unless prohibited by law. The Covenants regulate:

​

Dwelling

• Quantity: limit one single-family dwelling per lot

• Minimum Square Footage: varies by Unit

• Setback: varies by Unit

• Exterior Materials: 75% masonry required on main level

• Pre-Fabricated Structures: not allowed

• Garage / Carport: must maintain two-vehicle containment

​

Lot

• Tidiness: yard debris removed, stored items concealed (most Units)

• Lawn: grass 10" max, weeds deterred (most Units)

• Dead / Dying Tree: must remove and grind stump (most Units)

• Oak Trimming: see Oak Wilt page

• Trailer / Camper / Equipment: no parking on driveway or front yard

• Inoperable Vehicle: no parking on driveway (most Units)

• Driveway Material: non-permeable required

• Fencing: must be maintained; not extend past home facade

• Tents / Temporary Structures: habitation not allowed

• Signage: 1 sq ft max, some exceptions - see box

• Rainwater Cisterns: placed behind fence (most Units)

• Motorist Visibility: no obstructions at intersections

​​

Nuisances

• Annoyance to Neighbors / Noxious or Offensive Activity: not allowed

• Pets: only dog or cat allowed, no livestock or poultry in yard

• Rental of Dwelling: see below

​​​​

Recent Amendments

 

In 2025, 97% of properties acquired at least one additional safeguard via amendments to the Covenants. WOHA initiated a community-wide ballot campaign featuring 7 new protections addressing common concerns. Ratification within a Unit required simple majority approval among the respective property owners.

 

Campaign results were tallied by Unit and approved amendments were filed with Bexar County Property Records with supporting documentation. Topline results:

​

• Short Term Rental Businesses. 96% of properties now restrict rentals of 30 consecutive days or less. Existing permit holders notified via letter in June 2025.

• Accessory Dwelling Units. Property owners reaffirmed that subdivision lots are limited to one single-family dwelling. All types of supplemental dwellings are prohibited regardless of City zoning policy.

• Oak Wilt Mitigation. 97% of properties enacted simple safeguards to mitigate the threat of costly Oak Wilt (see Oak Wilt page)

• Lot Maintenance. 95% of properties enacted yard upkeep standards similar to those in nearby subdivisions which intentionally overlap local ordinances and thereby reduce reliance upon City staff for enforcement.

• Inoperable Vehicle Parking. 95% of properties now restrict parking of inoperable or improperly registered vehicles in driveways.

• Common Area Fund. 85% of households must contribute a nominal annual amount to a new community fund ensuring basic on-going upkeep of subdivision entrances and perimeter. First invoices will be mailed in Spring 2026.

• Covenant Enforcement. 68% of properties extended Covenant enforcement rights to WOHA. The organization is not obligated to pursue violations and homeowners retained their right to act independently.

 

Approved Covenants became effective upon the filing date and apply to all households within the Unit. See below for common questions about these amendments.​

​

Understanding Units. The subdivision's developers sold properties over a period of nearly a decade and registered them with Bexar County in 27 groupings known as 'Units'. Some Units contain dozens of properties while others very few. The Covenants vary somewhat between the Units. To determine a property's Unit click here, or to view a particular property deed and its corresponding Covenants visit Bexar County Property Records.​​

​

Covenant Enforcement. Please visit the Violations & Disputes page.