WATERBROOK FALLS

Waterbrook Falls is a 260-unit development in northwestern Jacksonville, Florida near Interstate 295 and New Kings Rd.(US1). Convenient location is a big advantage of living in Waterbrook Falls with much of northeastern Florida within a one-hour drive. The I-295 loop around Jacksonville passes only a mile or so away. US1 is a major northwest/southeast highway with quick access to downtown and Nassau County.

Waterbrook Falls includes single-family homes ranging from 1,200 to over 4,000 sq. ft. Construction started in 2004 and Waterbrook Falls reached capacity in 2010. The three sections of Waterbrook Falls are accessible from Garden Street via Lancashire Drive, Quail Trace Lane and Timber Falls Lane.

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NEXT MEETING:   Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 9AM in the entrance park at Lancashire Dr. & Garden St.

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WATERBROOK FALLS WEBSITE

The official Waterbrook Falls website is   http://waterbrookfalls.com

This page will continue to provide additional information.   Contributions of items and articles from owners and residents are welcome.   See bottom of this page.

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WATERBROOK FALLS NEWS

KEEPING STREETS OPEN

PROHIBITED PARKING

DON'T FEED WILDLIFE

LAKES & DRAINAGE

BASIS & PURPOSE

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW

NUISANCE REPORTS

GARBAGE PICKUP

COVENANTS & RESTRICTIONS LINK


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WATERBROOK FALLS NEWS

November 2025

By Billy Williams

2026 ASSESSMENTS:  Invoices for 2026 assessments will be mailed to lot owners in December.   Deadline for payment is January 31st.   Extra charges apply for late payments.   For the upcoming year, annual assessments will decrease a few dollars to $280.   Assessments may be paid online by signing up and using HOA MESSENGER or by sending payment via postal mail to Waterbrook Falls HOA c/o Awakenings AMI; 4213 County Road 218 Suite 1; Middleburg FL 32068.

2026 BUDGET:   A large chunk of it goes to maintaining the Waterbrook Falls stormwater system.   We employ certified technicians to ensure that it is kept up to standards mandated in agreements with the St. Johns River Water Management District and Army Corps Of Engineers.   Potential problems such as algae, excessive vegetation, dead wildlife and bad smells are prevented or minimized through regular maintenance.   Landscaping costs for removing growth on easement areas near lakes to allow access by technicians add to the burden.   Our system does not receive outside funding.

All homes benefit from a properly functioning system.   It includes lakes that are connected above and under the ground to control rainfall and minimize flooding.   A series of small dams and other devices help maintain minimum levels in lakes, so none run dry.   Stormwater lakes are found in all three sections: Quail Trace, Central Lancashire Area and Timber Falls.   General water movement in Waterbrook Falls is from NW to SE.   The Quail Trace output goes toward town along an easement that starts near Iowa St. and Garden St.

In addition, Waterbrook Falls includes over 40 acres of conservation land which extends along the north side of Garden St. to the Norfolk Southern railroad track.   While this land costs all owners expenses to pay for removal of trash and invasive growth, we control it and do not have to fear possible future adverse development such as commercial intrusion next to our homes.

PRIVATE PROPERTY:   The shores of most lakes are private property and not common area.   Entering without direct approval of a lot owner is trespassing.   ATVs and other motorized vehicles are prohibited.   Those who trespass are subject to enforcement action by police and regulatory agencies.   Parents are responsible for underage children.   Please respect the rights of lakefront property owners.   No fishing is allowed per posted signs near lakes.   Owners of lakefront property should contact JSO to report unlawful ATV use, trespassing, etc.

AMENITIES:  Playgrounds, pools, expanded parks, etc. can be nice.   But improvements come with a price tag that includes initial construction costs, maintenance, insurance requirements, etc.   Through Vina's vigilance in negotiating contracts and collecting overdue assessments, your board has been able to keep annual assessments under $300 since 2010 when HOA control passed from the developer to owners & residents.  But 15 years of inflation and contractor increases have taken a toll and any additions will cause a corresponding increase in annual assessments.   Most owners seem to prefer keeping assessment costs low over adding amenities and services.

BUILDING BOOM:  The Jax City Council is considering a request for neighborhood commercial (CN) zoning for the SW corner of Garden St. and Old Kings Rd.   The Land Use & Zoning committee deferred action until January at request of the landowner who plans to construct a convenience store.

NEW WAWA GAS STATION NEAR I-295/US1:   According to plans filed with the city, the new station will go up on the present site of an auto repair shop located on the SW corner of Trout River Blvd. and US1.   It would be the fifth station near the busy I-295/US1 interchange.   More competition might lead to lower prices.

MAJOR NEW KINGS RD IMPROVEMENTS COMING:   The city plans upgrades between Trout River Blvd and Soutel Dr during the next several years through the KingSoutel Crossing Community Redevelopment Area project.   More sidewalks, upgraded medians, grants to start new businesses and other measures are included.

RECYCLE PICKUP DATES:   These are every other Tuesday in Waterbrook Falls. Projected recycle pickup dates for 2026 include Jan 13, Jan 27, Feb 10, Feb 24, Mar 10, Mar 24, Apr 7, Apr 21, May 5, May 19, Jun 2, Jun 16, Jun 30, Jul 14, Jul 28, Aug 11, Aug 25, Sep 8, Sep 22, Oct 6, Oct 20, Nov 3, Nov 17, Dec 1, Dec 15, Dec 29.   Collections start at 6AM.

Meridian Waste is the contractor.  Garbage pickup, bulk and yard waste collections are each Thursday.   For appliances and tire pickup, call 904-630-2489.

WEBSITE: The   Waterbrook Falls website is   http://waterbrookfalls.com

CRIME & CRASHES:   One report of a theft is shown in Waterbrook Falls between August 1st and mid-November on the Jax Crime Map.  Four vehicle crashes along Garden St.  Also, a crash in Timber Falls and another on Lancashire Dr. E.   None involved fatalities.

100 YEARS AGO:   It was a different world in November 1925 when Jacksonville's first permanent broadcast station started sending out signals.   Sources of news and entertainment were few with no cable TV, no CDs or VCRs, no satellites, no internet and no small handheld wireless telephones.

The Jacksonville Broadcasters Association released an excellent video to celebrate the start of broadcasting in Jacksonville.

SEASONS GREETINGS:  Along with Waterbrook Falls Directors Randy Williams, Kubi Keyes and Community Manager Vina Delcomyn, we wish everyone a joyful holiday season and a good 2026.

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KEEPING STREETS OPEN

To ensure safe street passage and emergency vehicle access, please allow sufficient space when parking in Waterbrook Falls (and elsewhere).

A ten-foot "fire lane" is recommended.   Width of most vehicles is 6 to 7 feet.   Streets are 18 to 20 feet wide.   So two vehicles parked opposite each other leave little room for street traffic.   Also increased probability of "fender benders" and "hit & runs."

Sec. 804.1004 of Jacksonville's ordinance code states

Parking not to obstruct traffic

(a) No person shall park a vehicle upon a street in such a manner or under such conditions as to leave available less than ten feet of the width of the roadway for free movement of vehicular traffic or in any portion of a traffic lane.

(b) Where streets are not completely paved or curbs provided, the parking of a car shall not usurp more than 12 inches of the paved portion of the street.

(c) Violation of this Section shall constitute a class A offense.

Street blockages should be reported using JSO's non-emergency phone number 630-0500.

If emergency vehicle access is potentially blocked, cite "dangerous illegal parking."   Photos may be helpful.


PROHIBITED PARKING: COMMERCIAL VEHICLES IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS

Section 656 of the city ordinance code prohibits parking of commercial vehicles in residential districts. Only short-term parking for loading, unloading, service work, etc. is permissible.

To report illegal parking, phone Jax Sheriffs Office at 630-0500.

Scroll down to the NUISANCE REPORTS section of this page for more on reporting ordinance violations.


DON'T FEED WILDLIFE

Feeding ducks, geese, racoons, etc. seems harmless but causes problems for neighbors when animals return and congregate.   Please do neighbors a favor and refrain from feeding wildlife.


WATERBROOK FALLS LAKES

Ten larger lakes in Waterbrook Falls form a complex stormwater management and drainage system.   These lakes are connected above and under the ground to control rainfall and minimize flooding.

A series of small dams and other devices help maintain minimum levels in lakes, so none run dry.

After heavy rains, most standing water on streets and lots should be gone within 12 to 18 hours.   Keeping storm drains on streets clear helps get rid of excess water quicker.

Stormwater lakes are found in all three sections: Quail Trace, Central Lancashire Area and Timber Falls.   General water movement in Waterbrook Falls is from NW to SE.   The Quail Trace output goes toward town along an easement that starts near Iowa St. and Garden St.

Our system does not receive outside funding.   Maintenance is paid by Waterbrook Falls HOA (and residents).  We employ certified technicians to ensure that our stormwater management system is kept up to standards mandated in agreements with the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and Army Corps Of Engineers (ACOE).

References

Waterbrook Falls Covenants & Restrictions, Section 10.26 & 10.27

Also Article XI for Conservation Easement Areas

SJRWMD File Number 4-031-85330-2

ACOE # 2002059000 (IP-W)


BASIS & PURPOSE

Often asked is why Waterbrook Falls HOA exists.   Why are annual assessments required?

In the 1990s, Florida's Legislature incentivized creation of HOAs so much that it is nearly impossible to own a home in any subdivision built since then without being subject to an HOA and assessments.

HOA participation is an encumbrance on each lot owners's deed.   By taking possession, a new owner agrees to pay assessments and abide by restrictions.   For rental properties, the owner is responsible for ensuring compliance.

Only those willing to live in older homes or build on outparcels not included in Planned Unit Developments (zoning language for subdivisions) can escape being part of an HOA along with the assessments and restrictions that accompany them.

Before construction starts, PUDs require approval of a site plan by local state and federal government.   Also a means to perpetually satisfy legal obligations such as complying with growth management rules, conservation easements and water management edicts.   Agencies demanding compliance include the St. Johns Water Management District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville planning and code enforcement authorities.

For the most part, government does not pay for installation or maintenance of drainage, associated retention ponds and water control devices.   As years pass, erosion and decay take a toll.   With our infrastructure nearing the 20-year mark, this is a growing concern.   Over the years, your Board has created an adequate reserve fund.   Otherwise, owners might pay extra assessments when failures occur.

Legislators love HOAs because they shift responsibility for infrastructure and maintenance over to subdivision lot owners who pay property tax and also annual assessments.   Some developments go even further when developers establish Community Development Districts (CDDs).  Residents pay an extra line on their annual property tax bills.   Fortunately, Waterbrook Falls is not a CDD though there are some in Duval and Nassau counties where residents pay HOA assessments, CDD tax plus regular property taxes.

Government planners and agencies required Waterbrook Falls developer, Kendale, to satisfy many stipulations before granting approval to begin construction here in the early 2000s.   The developer used loans to fund upfront costs of roads, drainage, sidewalks and other infrastructure.   The developer apportioned these costs into the selling price of each lot.

Lenders required Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions to protect their collateral.   When the developer left here in 2010, a resident-controlled Waterbrook Falls HOA assumed responsibility for the developer's commitments.

Today, agencies still expect drainage and conservation areas to be maintained to specific standards.   Code enforcement gets upset with lack of landscape maintenance.   If inspectors find violations, all residents are subject to fines and special assessments.   If an HOA becomes inactive, a "receiver" may take over.   Assessments go up and residents lose control.

The MAIN purpose of Waterbrook Falls HOA is to keep these agencies satisfied.   Your current volunteer directors--Randy Williams, Kubi Keyes and Billy Williams are happy to provide their time and service to benefit owners and residents.   Along with Community Manager Vina Delcomyn, our job is to "keep the doors open" by satisfying our obligations to SJRWMD, ACOE, Jax Code Enforcement, etc.   We also keep common areas insured, entrances looking presentable, non-private property mowed, electric and irrigation bills paid, etc.   Fortunately, the city does maintain roads.   If we had gates, lot owners would be responsible for road maintenance too.

As residents and owners volunteer their time and talents, activities can be added.   If you have an idea for a new project or activity, develop a plan, recruit volunteers to assist and present it to the board.



HOAs AND THE LAW

Florida Statutes Section 720.403 lists two purposes of home owner associations:

(1) Protecting structural and aesthetic elements of a residential community.

(2) Maintaining streets, easements, water & sewer systems, drainage, utilities, conservation & open areas, recreational amenities and common areas.

Mandatory home owner association membership for all Waterbrook Falls property owners was a condition attached by the developer to the deed of each land parcel in Waterbrook Falls.   Most subdivisions built since the 1990s include similar requirements.

The Waterbrook Falls Home Owners Assn. is chartered by the state and the IRS as a tax-exempt, non-profit corporation.   Until 2010, it was controlled by the developer.   It is now governed by directors who are residents.   Each lot owner has one vote to elect directors at annual meetings.   Owners who cannot attend may file proxies to cast their vote.

All owners participate in providing funds.   Liens may be placed on properties if owners are delinquent in paying annual assessments.   Liens prevent title transfer until satisfied.   Eventual foreclosure is permitted under Florida law to satisfy overdue assessments.   Liens also may prevent refinancing.

HOA funds may not be used for improvements on privately-owned lots within Waterbrook Falls.

HOW ASSESSMENT INCOME IS SPENT

**Expenditures mandated by local, state and federal regulations: conservation areas, drainage system, etc.

**Retention pond maintenance, algae control

**Park, common area and right-of-way landscaping & maintenance

**Entrance signage, Garden St. fencing and post maintenance

**Liability insurance

**Common area electricity, lighting, irrigation and water costs

**Management expenses

**Corporate registration fees, accountant & bank charges

**Costs to collect amounts owed and enforce covenants

RESERVE FUNDS

Likelihood of major expenses increases as time passes.   For example, drainage system components are critical for proper runoff and flood prevention.   These are very expensive to refurbish or replace.

Having adequate reserve funds prevents special assessments for each owner when infrastructure components fail.

A high priority over the past several years has been to build up our reserve funds.

HOW HOA FUNDS ARE NOT USED

**For improvements to individual lots and privately-owned areas.   Only common areas and rights-of-way are eligible for funding.

**To pay directors.   Waterbrook Falls HOA is governed by volunteer directors who reside here.



ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW

Section 6.1 of the Waterbrook Falls Covenants and Restrictions mandates that many external changes to homes and lots be approved by HOA architectural reviewers before these changes are made.

Prior approval is required for:

Significant landscape alterations/improvements.

Replacement of grass areas in yards with other material.

Fences

Patios

Structures including sheds, screens, enclosures, walls, etc.

Drainage components

Driveways

Large yard objects and devices

Home exterior color changes

Roof color or material changes (metal, etc.)

Other major external improvements

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At present, architectural review is NOT required for:

Temporary portable items that are removed in a timely manner

Shrub and flower beds

Small gardens

Normal landscaping procedures and minor improvements.

Doghouses, tables, chairs, childrens play items and other small backyard accessories

Repainting exterior with same color.

Roof replacement with same color & material.

Applying for architectural review is free and simple.   Request a form from Community Manager Vina Delcomyn (see contact details below).   Describe your proposed changes, attach a hand-drawn sketch or survey plat of your lot showing where a proposed fence, building, etc. will be located.   For structures, indicate the color and materials to be used.

**Please note that many properties include easements for utilities, access, etc. Fences and structures cannot block these easements.

**There are setback requirements, especially in front yards.

**No improvements may be made to areas designated as conservation, buffers, etc., even on private lots.   Your deed survey should indicate these areas (often shaded on survey plats).   There are heavy fines imposed by state and federal regulators for disturbing these areas under conservation easement.

**Most major improvements require application for and receipt of a building permit from Jacksonville building and zoning.   These requirements often change and when asked, B&Z representatives have given conflicting answers and opinions in the past.   Be sure to get answers and opinions in writing--or at least record the official's name along with time and date for future reference.

**The City of Jacksonville Ordinance Code is online via www.coj.net and can be used for reference.

**We will approve applications prior to a city building permit being applied for or issued.   But be sure to get one if required.

With Google Earth and other internet resources now available to regulators, you may get unfriendly visits from government officials if you make "undocumented" improvements.


NUISANCE REPORTS

***Loud noise, illegal parking, street obstructions, disturbances, etc.: Jacksonville Sheriffs Office non-emergency 904-630-0500

***Zoning & Code Violations, Commercial Vehicle Parking Violations: Jacksonville Municipal Code Enforcement

https://www.coj.net/departments/neighborhoods/municipal-code-compliance%EF%BB%BF

http://www.coj.net/departments/neighborhoods/municipal-code-compliance/what-we-enforce---

***Disabled/Abandoned vehicles, unsatisfactory/unsafe conditions on streets & other city-owned property, garbage problems, etc:

http://630city.coj.net or phone 904-630-CITY (630-2489).

***Streetlights, JEA matters 904-665-6000 or jea.com and look for View Current Outages Or Report An Issue


GARBAGE PICKUP

Have garbage out by 6AM.

Yard waste pickup is Thursday.   Limbs must be under 5ft long.

Regular garbage collection day is Thursday.   Residents provide their own cans.

Recycle pickup is every other Tuesday using carts provided.

OK for Recycle:

**Paper (mail, newspapers, magazines, paperback books, phone books, Brown paper bags, cardboard 2' x 3' or smaller, catalogs)

**Metal (aluminum cans & baking pans, steel food containers)

**Plastics (numbered 1,2,3,5,7; detergent bottles; cleaning solution bottles; food & beverage containers)

**Cartons (milk, juice boxes, soup)

**Glass (green, brown, clear bottles and jars.) No lids

Do Not Recycle:

Batteries, Styrofoam, Needles, Aerosol Cans, Propane Tanks, Plastic Bags

For TVs and other large electronic items, appliances, tires....call 630-2489 to request pickup.


WATERBROOK FALLS COVENANTS & RESTRICTIONS

Click here to read.

An email to n4uf@jaxradio.net will get you a copy in reply, if link doesn't work.

Waterbrook Falls covenants and restrictions are posted on the Duval County Clerk website duvalclerk.com

Choose Online Records in the upper left part of the main page.   Then choose "Acclaim Official Records"

Then choose "Name" under "Official Records Search"

Put "Waterbrook Falls LLC" in the Name box.   The document type is Restrictions (RST).

Waterbrook Falls LLC is the developer's corporation.   The basic documents are dated 2/4/2004.   The developer made subsequent modifications that can be viewed using an advanced search but the thrust is spelled out in the 2/4/2004 filings.

PLATS

Plats are diagrams of lots and structures.   Your deed usually contains a plat which includes measurements of your lot along with utility easements. conservation areas, etc.   These are important if you desire to make improvements.

The developer filed plats of the entire Waterbrook Falls subdivision.

Unit One, filed in January 2004, includes the central area along Lancashire Dr. and adjacent streets. Unit Two (June 2005) includes most of the remainder of the large central part of Waterbrook Falls.

Unit Three (July 2006) includes the Timber Falls and Quail Trace areas along with the westernmost portion of the central part.

To view plats, access Waterbrook Falls LLC (as shown above).   Choose PLAT as document type.

Several versions of purported Waterbrook Falls CCRs have been circulated.   The only version with legal standing is posted on Duval County Clerk of Courts website.


Waterbrook Falls HOA Officers/Directors

Billy Williams--------President
Randy Williams----Vice President
Kubi Keyes--------Director

Community Manager

Vina Delcomyn
Awakenings AMI
904-291-9598
Vina.Delcomyn@AwakeningsAMI.com

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JaxRadio.net Editor--------Billy Williams
n4uf@JaxRadio.net
Opinions expressed on JaxRadio.net solely reflect those of article authors and the editor.   Please send items--in the body of an e-mail, no attachments--to the editor for possible inclusion on this site.