QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain answers to the questions we hear most from neighbors.
Why am I part of an HOA?
An HOA helps protect and maintain home values by keeping community standards consistent across all 213 homes. It also takes care of the shared common areas so the whole neighborhood stays pleasant for everyone. Think of it as a shared investment in where we all live.
Why do we have common areas?
The community's developer set aside shared green spaces during construction, working with the City of Delaware. Willowbrook's common areas are modest compared to many neighborhoods, and we share access roads with neighboring communities too. Keeping them well maintained benefits the whole area and helps protect property values for everyone.
What does my HOA fee cover?
Your fees go toward three main things. First, the upkeep of our two common areas, which cover nearly 2 acres and include roughly 26 mowings per year plus care for more than 20 trees. Second, the management company (CPS) that handles dues collection, mailings, design review processing, and yearly accounting. Third, a reserve fund set aside for larger future costs like tree replacement or path repair. The board itself is 100 percent volunteer, so no dues go toward board compensation.
How are HOA fees determined?
Each year the board reviews the prior year's finances with the management company and sets a budget, then divides the needed amount among homeowners. Now that the community is complete (as of 2024) and the reserve fund is established, fees are expected to stay more stable from year to year.
Can I attend board meetings?
Yes, we welcome the interest. The board meets several times a year. Not every meeting is formally open to the full community due to space and scheduling, but you are always welcome to let a board member know you would like to attend. We also hold larger community meetings when we are gathering broad feedback. Meeting notes are recorded and kept on file with our records.
What are the community rules?
Community standards come from our governing documents, the Declarations and Bylaws, which you can find on the Documents page. For day-to-day questions about rules and enforcement, our management company CPS is the best resource. You can reach them through the resident portal at portal.cpscolumbus.com.
Can I make changes to my property without approval?
Many exterior changes require design review approval before you start. Fences, sheds, decks, patios, and any planting beyond basic landscaping all typically need a review. Before you begin any project like that, please check the Design Review page and submit a request through the CPS resident portal. Getting approval first protects you and keeps the process straightforward.
Why is there a fee to submit a design request?
Our annual dues do not include unlimited design reviews for more than 200 homes. Bundling that in would raise everyone's fees. Willowbrook uses a pay-as-you-go model so the cost of a review is paid by the homeowner making the request, keeping fees fair for neighbors who are not building anything. The fee is $25 per application and goes to CPS, who processes each request.
How do I report tall grass, weeds, or a vehicle parked on a lawn?
These are enforced by the City of Delaware under its codified ordinances, not by the HOA. The City inspects, notifies the owner, and can have the issue corrected and bill the owner if it is not addressed. The board worked directly with the City's Code Enforcement office to get you the exact codes and the fastest way to report:
- Tall grass and weeds: code 905.01 (in Chapter 905). The City is updating the height limit to 10 inches.
- A vehicle parked on the grass: code 1121.03(e).
To report a property, use the City's Del-AWARE reporting tool. You can submit the address and the issue right from your phone, and it routes straight to City staff.
To look up any City code yourself, go to the City of Delaware website, choose Government, then under City Hall open "City Codified Ordinances" and search a term like grass, trees, or cars. We point homeowners to the City because it can enforce these directly, while HOA enforcement would run through the courts and take far longer.
How do I log into the CPS resident portal?
Go to portal.cpscolumbus.com. Your account uses the email address CPS has on file for your home. If this is your first time, look for the "Forgot Password" or account-request option to set up your password.
A couple of neighbors have hit login snags, so if you get locked out, cannot find a help link, or do not have an account yet, just reach out to community manager Derek Shank at CPS directly. That is a completely normal next step. You can call 614-481-4411 and they will get you sorted out quickly.
Where do I find my property or account number?
Your account number is printed on your annual dues statement from CPS. It also appears in your account profile once you are logged in to the resident portal. If you cannot track it down, call CPS at 614-481-4411 with your property address and they will look it up for you right away.
How do I pay my annual dues?
The payment process is not the most intuitive, so here is the exact path. You pay through the CPS portal, which hands you off to the bank's payment site to enter your card:
- Log in to the CPS resident portal at portal.cpscolumbus.com.
- Click Make a Payment, then choose Credit Card. This sends you to the bank's secure payment page (aafspayments.com, run by Western Alliance Bank).
- The bank's form asks for three things. Enter the values below.
- Add your email, check "I'm not a robot," and submit.
Tip: submit your payment at least four business days before the due date so it posts in time and you avoid any late charges.
Still have a question? Reach us through the Contact page.