Who manages the Ruby Forest Homeowners’ Association, Inc.?
Accounts receivable, accounts payable, membership related matters, covenants inspections, covenants enforcement and improvement applications, are managed by Atlanta Community Services, Inc. ("ACS"). ACS may be contacted by mail at 4485 Tench Road, Suite 2511, Suwanee, GA 30024, by phone: 770-904-5270, or via their website at www.atlantacommunityservices.com.
The HOA is governed by a Board of Directors which is elected by the residents of Ruby Forest at an annual meeting of members held each year during the month of May. All homes that are either civic or full members of the HOA and are in good standing have the right to vote in the annual election of the Board.
The Board consists of seven (7) members that are residents of Ruby Forest who volunteer their time and services for the community. Once the Board is elected it internally selects the persons that will serve as President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. Every major decision by the Board requires a majority vote of the Board members.
The Board is assisted by volunteers that serve on various committees, including but not limited to, a welcome committee, covenants committee, events committee, clubhouse committee, membership committee, grounds committee, and tennis committee. No Board or committee member is paid for the services performed on behalf of the HOA and there is no discount in membership dues.
Serving on the Board or a committee is a great way to meet your neighbors, get involved in the community, and make a positive contribution to the betterment of Ruby Forest. If you are interested in placing your name on the ballot for the annual election in May or if you are interested in serving on a committee, please speak to a current Board member or contact the Board via email at board@rubyforest.net.
Who are the current Board of Directors of the Ruby Forest HOA?
The following are the 2023-2024 members of the Board of Directors:
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President: Kevin Maguire
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Vice President: Blake King
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Treasurer: Micah Seehorn
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Secretary: Cindy Powell
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Members at large: Joseph Hinton, Jamey Waters and Sally Watson
How do I contact the Ruby Forest HOA?
You may contact the Ruby Forest Homeowners’ Association, Inc. in any of the following manners:
By Mail: P.O. Box 367, Suwanee, GA 30024
By Email: HOA Board - board@rubyforest.net
HOA President - president@rubyforest.net
HOA Treasurer -treasurer@rubyforest.net
HOA Clubhouse - clubhouse@rubyforest.net
HOA Covenants Committee - covenants@rubyforest.net
HOA Membership - membership@rubyforest.net
HOA Pool -pool@rubyforest.net
HOA Tennis - tennis@rubyforest.net
Webmaster- -webmaster@rubyforest.net
By phone: (678) 310-7829
What types of memberships are available?
The Ruby Forest Homeowners’ Association, Inc. currently consists of two levels of membership for residents of Ruby Forest:
Full Membership
Only full members in good standing and their children and accompanied guests may use the pool and tennis courts and attend social events at the pool that are financially supported by the HOA. Please note that non-member residents of Ruby Forest are not permitted to be “guests” of a member for use of the facilities or attending social events.
Full members in good standing receive discounted rates for rental of the clubhouse for private events such as family gatherings, wedding receptions, and other special occasions.
Full members in good standing are eligible to serve on the Board of Directors that is elected annually by members of the HOA with voting rights.
Full members in good standing have a “voting voice” in the selection of the Board of Directors and amendments to the governing documents of Ruby Forest (i.e. Declaration of Covenants etc.)
Civic Membership
Civic members do not have use of the pool or tennis courts and may not attend social events at the pool that are financially supported by the HOA.
Civic members in good standing receive discounted rates for rental of the clubhouse for private events such as family gatherings, wedding receptions, and other special occasions.
A maximum of two civic members in good standing are eligible to serve on the Board of Directors that is elected annually by members of the HOA with voting rights.
Civic members have a “voting voice” in the selection of the Board of Directors and amendments to the governing documents of Ruby Forest (i.e. Declaration of Covenants etc.)
The HOA is responsible for maintaining all of the common areas and facilities of our community. Therefore, your financial support provides Ruby Forest with the means to maintain a community that preserves your property values, enhances your neighborhood, and creates a place that we can all be proud to call home.
The items supported by membership dues include, but are not limited to:
Mowing, edging, fertilizing, and mulching, the lawn areas at the front entrance, clubhouse, playground, tennis courts, and pool area.
Planting summer and winter annuals at the front entrance and clubhouse area.
Lighting the front entrance.
Maintaining and lighting the playground.
Painting of street signs and street lights.
Replacement of light poles as needed.
Maintaining, lighting, heating and cooling the clubhouse.
Maintaining and lighting the tennis courts.
Maintaining the pool and supplying lifeguard services.
By participating in either level of membership you will be protecting the investment you have made in your home and fulfilling an obligation to maintain the common areas of your neighborhood, while enjoying the many benefits of membership.
Initiation Fee: For any property that is not a member of the HOA (either Full or Civic) as of 3/1/14, a $1,500 initiation fee is required in order to join the HOA.
HOA Dues: The due date for payment of annual HOA membership dues is May 1st of each year.
If you are a resident of Ruby Forest (or a prospective purchaser of a home in Ruby Forest) and are interested in membership, please contact membership@rubyforest.net.
How Do I Pay Annual Dues?
The dues since 2017 have been: $140 Civic Members and $500 Full Members. Invoices are mailed the first week of April and payment is due by May 1. Payments made after May 7, accrue interest and late fees and the pool/tennis access fobs will be deactivated for Full Members that are not in good standing, including covenant violations. ALL PAYMENTS ARE TO BE MADE DIRECTLY TO ATLANTA COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC. by mail or online at www.atlantacommunityservices.com. If you have any questions, call ACS at 770-904-5270 or send an email to membership@rubyforest.net.
How do I access the pool or tennis courts?
Access to the pool and tennis courts is controlled by a key fob system and is restricted to full members in good standing. Please note the following:
Only one key fob is issued per property address.
Sharing key fobs among multiple properties or with non-members is strictly prohibited.
Usage of key fobs at the pool and tennis courts is recorded for security reasons.
Key fobs are remotely activated and deactivated by the Membership Coordinator.
The fee for replacement of a key fob is $50.00.
If you are a full member in good standing and have a question regarding key fobs, please contact membership@rubyforest.net.
My key fob is lost or does not work. How do I get a new key fob?
There is a $50.00 fee for replacement of a key fob. If you are a full member in good standing and need a replacement fob, please contact membership@rubyforest.net.
Please note the following:
Only one key fob is issued per property address.
Sharing key fobs among multiple properties or with non-members is strictly prohibited.
Usage of key fobs at the pool and tennis courts is recorded for security reasons.
Key fobs are remotely activated and deactivated by the Membership Coordinator.
I am a realtor involved in the sale of a property in Ruby Forest. Who do I contact for a closing letter?
To obtain a closing letter for a home in Ruby Forest, please contact membership@rubyforest.net.
Who may use the pool at Ruby Forest?
The use of the pool is restricted to full HOA members and their accompanied guests and children. In order to exercise pool privileges members must be in good standing (dues paid current and no outstanding covenants’ violations or fees). Guests may use the pool only at a members’ invitation and must be accompanied by the member at all times.
Persons entering the pool area in violation of these rules, will be trespassing and subject to prosecution and/or fines or suspension/revocation of membership at the sole discretion of the HOA Board.
Each household is limited to a maximum of six (6) guests per day. The HOA Board, at its discretion, reserves the right to further limit this number during times of peak pool usage. Guests must abide by the same rules and regulations as members.
Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult age 18 or older, at all times. At the discretion of parents, children age 14 to 17 are not required to be accompanied by an adult IF a lifeguard is on duty. If a lifeguard is not on duty, all persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older. At the end of a lifeguard shift, any person under the age of 18 that is not accompanied by an adult age 18 or older, must leave the pool premises.
Members are responsible for the conduct of their children and their guests at all times. Disruptive guests or violation of pool rules by guests, could subject members to suspension or revocation of pool privileges.
No resident of Ruby Forest (or anyone in their household) that is not a full member in good standing with the HOA may be a guest of a member. It is not fair to paying members for any non- paying residents to use the pool facility without contributing to its support. This includes children of families who are non-members.
Please refer to our POOL RULES for further information.
If you have any questions regarding the pool please contact pool@rubyforest.net or board@rubyforest.net.
When is the pool open? Do you have a lifeguard?
Pool hours are 6:00 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Lifeguard hours are 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
(Lifeguard hours commence on the date that the pool is opened by the Board for the swim season and continuing on weekends only until school is discharged for the summer by Gwinnett County. After school has been discharged for the summer, a lifeguard will be on duty daily through the first day that Gwinnett County returns to school in the fall. After school resumes, a lifeguard will be on duty on weekends only through Labor Day.) At all other times, it is “swim at your own risk”.
Persons entering or remaining in the pool before or after the hours set forth above, will be trespassing and subject to prosecution and/or fines or suspension/revocation of membership at the sole discretion of the HOA Board.
The wading pool is not monitored by the lifeguard and is “swim at your own risk” at all times.
The lifeguard will take 15 minute “safety breaks” each hour to allow the lifeguard to check pool equipment and test water quality. During the “safety breaks”, no person under the age of 18 is allowed in the main pool or sitting on the edge of the pool.
Please refer to our POOL RULES for further information.
If you have any questions regarding the pool please contact pool@rubyforest.net or board@rubyforest.net.
Can my child use the pool without being accompanied by an adult?
Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult age 18 or older, at all times. At the discretion of parents, children age 14 to 17 are not required to be accompanied by an adult IF a lifeguard is on duty. However, a child age 14 to 17 is not allowed to bring younger siblings or friends to the pool without adult supervision (a person must be age 18 or older to serve as the adult supervisor for younger children). If a lifeguard is not on duty, all persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older. At the end of a lifeguard shift, any person under the age of 18 that is not accompanied by an adult age 18 or older, must leave the pool premises.
Please refer to our POOL RULES for further information.
If you have any questions regarding the pool please contact pool@rubyforest.net or board@rubyforest.net.
Do you offer swim lessons?
For safety and liability reasons, no “for pay” swim instruction is allowed at the pool at any time, except as may be provided by the Pool Management Company.
Please refer to our POOL RULES for further information.
If you have any questions regarding the pool please contact pool@rubyforest.net or board@rubyforest.net.
Where can I find the pool rules?
The following is a link to our POOL RULES.
These rules and regulations are provided for the enjoyment and protection of all members of the HOA with pool privileges and their invited guests. This is a family environment and the Board of Directors and the Pool Management Company have full authority to interpret and enforce all rules and regulations, and may modify these rules at any time. It is the responsibility of all members with pool privileges to know the rules and regulations and cooperate with the Board of Directors and the Pool Management Company in their enforcement. These rules and regulations are effective beginning May 1, 2013.
Guests must abide by the same rules and regulations as members. Members are responsible for the conduct of their children and guests at all times.
The Pool Management Company and the HOA Board have absolute authority in enforcement of all rules and regulations. However, the Board is not responsible for “policing” the use of the pool. If you see a violation, point it out to the member. If the violation is serious or continues, please report it to the Board.
Members who violate (and members’ whose children or guests violate) the pool rules are responsible for payment of all damages and expenses resulting from or associated with any violation of said rules and may, at the discretion of the HOA Board, be subject to fines and/or suspension of pool privileges for up to 30 days per incident without reimbursement of dues.
PLEASE NOTE THAT NO GLASS CONTAINERS OF ANY KIND are permitted inside the fenced area of the pool at any time. Violation of this rule will subject the member to an automatic $500 fine and a 30 day suspension of pool privileges. For safety reasons the Board has adopted a zero tolerance policy for violations of this rule.
PAYMENT OF MEMBERSHIP DUES AND USE OF AN HOA KEY FOB TO ACCESS THE POOL CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF AND AGREEMENT TO FOLLOW ALL POOL RULES AND REGULATIONS.
If you have any questions regarding the pool please contact pool@rubyforest.net or board@rubyforest.net.
How do I rent the clubhouse?
The address of the clubhouse is 4175 Cherry Ridge Walk, Suwanee, Georgia 30024.
If you are interested in renting our clubhouse please contact clubhouse@rubyforest.net.
For information regarding rental rates, clubhouse rules, capacity, tables, chairs, and general clubhouse information, please refer to the Clubhouse Documents.
*Please note that mail is NOT delivered to the clubhouse. Mail addressed to the HOA should be sent to P.O. Box 367, Suwanee, Georgia 30024.
WHAT UTILITIES SERVE OUR COMMUNITY?
There are a number of important utilities that serve our Ruby Forest community. While these will change from time to time, at present the core services are as follows:
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Electricity: Georgia Power
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Water: Gwinnett County Water Resources
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Natural Gas: Various suppliers (official list)
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Trash: Red Oak or Republic Services
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Traditional Telephone: AT&T
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Internet: Charter Spectrum or AT&T Fiber
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VOIP and Cable TV: Charter Spectrum or Uverse through AT&T Fiber
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Pest Control: Various suppliers
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Lawn Chemicals: Various suppliers
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Property Management Company: Atlanta Community Services
How do I connect with Ruby Forest on Social Media?
Ruby Forest maintains a number of accounts on social media sites to share information about the community. Link with Ruby Forest on these sites to see the latest news in and around our neighborhood. Here is a current list:
What about Covenants?
Where can I get a copy of the Covenants document?
The covenants document as well as many others is available under the Documents tab on our home page.
Who is required to follow the covenants?
All homeowners are required to abide by the covenants, regardless of membership status. If a homeowner is renting out their house, the tenants are also required to abide by the covenants. If the tenants are in violation, the homeowner is liable for any fines.
I would like to put up a fence/paint my house/cut down a tree/build a shed. Do I need approval and how do I get it?
Any exterior changes, including painting, fences, tree removal, porches and sheds, to name a few, must be approved by the covenants committee and the HOA Board prior to beginning the project. This applies to all homeowners, not just HOA members. The application can be found on the documents page. Please allow at least 7-10 business days for the committee and Board to review your application before starting work.
How long does it take to get approval for my Exterior Improvement?
Once the Covenants Committee has received a complete application, the process typically takes 7-10 business days. You must allow sufficient time for the committee to review the application and for the Board to approve it. Do not schedule any work until you have received the necessary approval.
I want to paint my house the same color, do I still need approval?
You must submit an Exterior Improvement Application, even though there will not be a color change. Please note that you are not guaranteed an approval.
I need to replace my roof, what kinds of roofs are allowed?
Architectural and 3 tab asphalt shingles are the only roofing materials permitted. Black, charcoal grey, and some shades of brown are approved colors, but you must submit an application with the color choice prior to scheduling the work.
I am replacing my windows, do I need approval?
If you are replacing your windows with the same size, style, in white, you do not need approval. If you will be changing the color, size, or configuration of any of the windows, you must submit an Exterior Improvement application. Adding or removing the dividers between the glass does not require approval.
I need to replace my mailbox. How do I get a new one?
Both Home Depot and Lowes sell replacement boxes. The address plaques will need to be removed from the old box and re-attached to the new one. Email board@rubyforest.net to request paint color guidance for the new mailbox.
For more details on mailbox and mailbox post, you can review this document: Mailbox Replacement
Can I park my vehicles in the street?
Parking on any street in Ruby Forest overnight (11 p.m. - 6 a.m.) is prohibited. Parking on the street facing the wrong way at any time is illegal and Suwanee Police could issue a citation for it.
Where should I keep my trash can and recycling bin?
All trash cans and recycling bins must be stored behind a fence or lattice type screening or in your garage. They cannot be visible from the street or from your neighbor's house. Storing them behind the chimney is not acceptable. If Red Oak is your trash provider, they have several different sizes of bins available that could make storing them easier.
Am I allowed to store my boat or RV on my property?
Boats, utility trailers, and RV's can be stored on your property if they are parked behind the back of the house, on a solid surface, and screened from view. You can also store them in your garage if you can close the door completely. Please contact covenants@rubyforest.net for further clarification for your particular situation.
Am I allowed to rent out my house?
Rental properties are permitted in Ruby Forest at this time. You must inform the HOA that your house is rented, and provide the names of your tenants and provide us with your contact information.
Please note that your tenants are required to follow all neighborhood covenants, and any fines that are levied due to covenants violations are the homeowners responsibility.
My neighbors dog barks constantly, disturbing my day. Can the covenants committee do something about it?
The covenants do not restrict dog barking and therefore cannot intervene. If you believe the animal is being mistreated, please contact Gwinnett County Animal control.
I am new to the neighborhood. How do I find out about the Covenants?
Email the committee at covenants@rubyforest.net with your address, and the volunteer assigned to your street will contact you to answer any questions you may have.
I want to help keep Ruby Forest a great place to call home, how I can help?
Ruby Forest is a volunteer managed community, we always welcome more help. Email the Covenants committee at covenants@rubyforest.net with your contact information and someone will be in touch.