Homeowners Association
San Antonio, Texas
Celebrating over 50 years as one of San Antonio's most admired and desired communities.
Alleyways
Some paved areas behind subdivision homes are public alleyways, but others are private driveways which may have easements allowing usage by nearby neighbors. Some property owners are confused about the designation of the asphalt behind their homes.
All public alleyways within the subdivision are located on the west side connecting to Whisper Dew, Whisper Trail, Whisper Bow, Whisper Forest or Whisper Green. Conversely, all shared private driveways are on the east side connecting to Whisper Valley.
While the City maintains public alleyways, some responsibilities still fall upon owners of abutting properties. For example, the City will repair or replace its asphalt, but removal of encroaching vegetation, litter collection, and graffiti removal along the alleyway are homeowner responsibilities. Dial 311 for clarification. The city will not maintain asphalt of private driveways and all related upkeep falls upon the property owner.
Regarding the shared driveways connecting to Whisper Valley, documentation confirms each property owns the paved land directly behind the home. One homeowner also owns the paved land which connects to the street. Each corresponding deed likely includes an easement clause allowing the various property owners to cross each others land. These deeds may also contain provisions for the collective upkeep. For more information, consult Bexar County Property Records or the City Zoning Desk.
Easements
Many suburban properties have some type of easement which allows others to obtain legal access and use of the designated area. A common type of easement in Whispering Oaks is for utilities, and occasionally utility companies will be granted access by CoSA to maintain or install equipment such as cables within these easements. Utility easements often fall on land within several feet of curbs or alongside fences separating two properties.
Be aware that local ordinances limit what a property owner can build or install upon land with an easement. Some properties owners are dismayed to find that utility work could legally disrupt landscaping or cause the removal of a shed.
Utility easements and similar Rights of Way are usually visible on a property's land survey, which may be on file with the CoSA Zoning Department (1901 South Alamo St). Zoning staff can also clarify a property owner's rights when access is granted and how to minimize disruption.
