September 2023

Dear VI Property Owner:


Thank you to all those who voted on the 6 proposed revisions to the Deed Restrictions (“DRs”) and to all the volunteers who helped collect ballots from property owners over the past few months.

The following revisions to the Deed Restrictions (“DRs”) have been approved by more than 66.67% of VI property owners:

• DR-8:  Clarifies that tile is not required on flat roofs, and defines the types of tiles that can be used on sloped roofs;
• DR-9:  Makes the permitted height of structures consistent with the city’s building code, and permits flat roofs at the rear of dwellings;
• DR-30:  Clarifies that the prohibition of advertising signage on the property excludes “For Sale” signs and contractor signs related to construction.

The following DRs did not receive sufficient votes and will NOT be changed:

• DR-34:  Defines the word “overnight” used in the existing DR;
• DR-50:  Reduces the number of votes in favor of changing a DR or issuing a new DR from the present 348 to 315. 
• DR-51: Makes the number of “For” votes required for DR changes consistent with the requirement of DR-50.

The Deed Restriction Revision Committee (“DRRC”) will continue to advance additional DR’s to be updated or deleted to reflect the current needs and views of our community.  Information on the DR’s can be found on our website: http://www.ourvi.org/deed-restrictions.html. There is a video titled Deed Restriction Basics, as well as other info, that is a helpful reference for all property owners.


I’d like to address some comments that I have heard from Property Owners about certain properties in VI that are clearly in violation of one, or a number of, DR’s. There are numerous steps involved with remediating a DR violation, starting with a DR violation letter and follow-up phone call to determine a plan and timeline to resolve the issue, all the way up to legal action if there is still no compliance after multiple attempts at resolution.  Therefore, if you see a property within VI that has clearly been in violation of a DR for a significant period of time, it is likely involved in the legal process and awaiting hearings within the judiciary system.  This process can often take months or even years.  Although we dislike having to go to this step, it is the only way to seek resolution of a situation that clearly impacts adjacent property owners and often the entire community. Please be aware that the VIHA is working hard to address the longstanding DR violations; however, VIHA does NOT have the ability fine or assess property owners for DR violations and, in essence, relies upon their good faith efforts to address the issue.


 If you see something within VI that needs attention from the City, please call Saint Petersburg’s Service Center at 727-893-7111, report it on the See / Click / Fix App (available from the Apple & Android app stores) or visit the City’s See / Click / Fix website at https://seeclickfix.com/web_portal/ToSSvrAG97kMGQQjvyonSxZY/issues/map?lat=27.773177615866242&lng=-82.63980388641079&max_lat=27.787226149833668&max_lng=-82.61903285979947&min_lat=27.759127267590852&min_lng=-82.66057491302209&zoom=14


Please “save the date” for the following VI events next month:

• October 7: New Homeowner Reception (by invitation only.  We’re still catching up after COVID so please email admin@ourvi.org if you have moved in since 2020 and have not yet been invited to a reception).
• October 9: Board Meeting.  Please contact me if you’d like to attend or have something to bring to the Board’s attention.
• October 18: VIHA General Meeting at Lutheran Church of the Cross Fellowship Hall
  • Social hour starts at 6:30pm and the meeting starts at 7:00pm
  • Invited guests include:
    • Ed Montanari, VI’s City Councilman
    • Jim Fuchs, VI’s Community Policing Officer
• October 21 Oktoberfest, VI’s “signature event” and block party
  •  4:00-7:00 pm
  •  Kansas Ave. South
  • Fun and games for kids of all ages with music, brats, beer and more
  •  A great way to socialize with your neighbors in VI

The Nominations Period for VIHA’s 2024 Board opens October 15 and runs through November 30.  We encourage all residents to consider giving back to our community by running for a Board position.  Nomination Forms will be posted on the website no later than October 15.  If you have any questions about responsibilities, time commitment etc. please reach out to me or any other current Board Member.

While we were extremely fortunate compared to our neighbors in Shore Acres, VI experienced unprecedented flooding from Idalia.  Please continue to be vigilant in your preparations as we are not out of hurricane season yet.

The VIHA Board would love to hear of any ideas to improve the quality of life in VI.  Please let me know if you have any ideas via email at rscanlon@ourvi.org or727-560-3655.

Rich Scanlon
VIHA President