Homeowners Association
San Antonio, Texas
one of San Antonio's most admired and desired communities for over 50 years.
Alleyways
Some paved areas behind subdivision homes are public alleyways, but others are private driveways which may have easements allowing usage by nearby neighbors. Distinguishing between the two within Whispering Oaks is simple.
On the west side of the subdivision public alleyways connect to Whisper Dew, Whisper Trail, Whisper Bow, Whisper Forest or Whisper Green. On the east side, only those which connect to Lockhill-Selma or its frontage road are public alleyways. All asphalt extending behind townhomes along Whisper Valley are shared private driveways, not public alleyways.
The distinction between public and private determines who is responsible for maintenance of the asphalt. City crews do not maintain shared private driveways along Whisper Valley. And while the City maintains its public alleyways elsewhere in the subdivision, some responsibilities still fall upon owners of abutting properties, including removal of encroaching vegetation, litter collection, and graffiti removal. Dial 311 for clarification.
Regarding land beneath the shared driveways connecting to Whisper Valley, property records confirm each homeowner owns the paved land directly behind each residence. 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 at 1901 South Alamo St.
Easements
Many suburban properties have some type of easement which allows others to obtain legal access and use of a designated area. A common type of easement in Whispering Oaks is for utilities, and occasionally utility vendors will be granted access by CoSA to maintain or install equipment such as cables within these easements. Utility easements typically 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 a designated easement. Some properties owners are dismayed to find that utility work could legally disrupt pristine 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). Staff can also clarify a property owner's rights when access is granted and how to minimize disruption.
