Garage Smarts at The Pointe: Storage, Safety, Rules

Do you know what you can keep in your garage at The Pointe, who enforces the rules, and how to stay safe during storm season? In a condo setting, small choices in your garage can impact safety, compliance, and even insurance. This quick guide gives you the essentials on storage, safety, and community rules so you can avoid surprises and feel confident at home. Let’s dive in.

Know who sets the rules

Your garage use is guided by The Pointe Condominium Association and the Pelican Landing master community. For official answers, start with the recorded Declaration, Bylaws, and the association’s Rules and Regulations. You can request documents and manager contacts through the association listing for Pelican Landing and The Pointe on the condo association contact page.

Florida condominium law allows associations to regulate common and limited common elements, which often include assigned garages and parking spaces. You will find the governing authority and responsibilities outlined in Florida Statute 718.113. If something also involves permits or code, Lee County Community Development and the City of Bonita Springs may be involved.

What you can store

Exact language lives in The Pointe’s recorded documents. That said, similar Southwest Florida condo communities often include provisions like these:

• Parking first. Garages are primarily for vehicles, with storage allowed only if parking is not blocked.
• Doors closed. Keep garage doors closed except for entry, exit, or brief tasks.
• No conversions without approval. Turning garage space into living area generally requires board approval and permits.
• Visible items limited. Items like bikes or equipment may need to be stored out of view.

Always quote the specific section from The Pointe’s documents when you need to confirm a rule. If a garage is a limited common element assigned to your unit, the right to use it usually runs with the unit. Some communities allow transfers and some do not, so confirm before assuming you can sell or reassign a space. For background on transferability concepts, see this overview of assigned condo parking rights.

Safety musts in garages

Flammables and propane

Local fire guidance typically limits how and where you store gasoline, solvents, and propane. Multi‑family buildings often have stricter rules, and your association may prohibit certain fuels in garages. Review The Pointe’s rules and consult local guidance like the fire safety FAQs for safe quantities and approved containers.

Preventing garage fires

Simple habits lower risk in Southwest Florida’s heat:

• Keep cardboard, rags, and solvents off the floor and away from heat sources.
• Store flammables only in approved containers and only where permitted by code and HOA rules.
• Maintain clear access to electric panels and shared utility equipment.
• Install and test smoke and CO alarms as required. For a helpful overview, see these garage fire safety tips.

EV chargers and home batteries

Energy storage systems can be installed in garages when they meet national standards and local permitting. Standards like NFPA 855 and UL 9540 govern siting, fire protection, and detection, and many installations require heat detection or specific wall finishes. For a plain‑English update on code expectations, review this energy storage system briefing. In a condo, always obtain association approval and the required permits before installing an EV charger or home battery.

Carbon monoxide awareness

Never run a vehicle in a closed garage. If there is interior access from the garage, make sure the door is properly sealed and add code‑compliant CO detectors in the home. Fixed EV chargers add electrical load, so plan installations with licensed contractors who can pull permits and meet your association’s requirements.

Hurricanes and flooding

Know your flood zone

Parts of Pelican Landing sit at low elevations, so it pays to confirm the flood zone for your specific building and garage. Use Lee County Community Development resources to look up your property’s FEMA map and base flood elevation. Start with Lee County Community Development and the Pelican Landing CDD site for stormwater context at Pelican Landing CDDs.

Storm prep for the garage

When a storm approaches, make your garage part of the plan:

• Brace or lock the garage door and follow your association’s shutter guidance.
• Move valuables and chemicals off the floor and above expected water levels.
• Bring loose outdoor items inside and secure bikes or equipment.
• Park vehicles away from garage door tracks and avoid blocking drainage.

Florida law and many declarations include hurricane protection procedures, so review your community’s requirements before the season begins.

Boats, RVs, and trailers

Master and sub‑association rules often limit exterior storage and overnight parking for boats, RVs, and trailers. Some allow short‑term loading or unloading, while others do not. Check The Pointe’s rules and the master association guidance via the association contact page before you make plans.

Buyer and owner checklist

Use this quick list when you request documents or plan updates:

1. Request the Declaration, Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, and any parking or garage addenda. Confirm how your garage or space is legally described. Start with the association contact page.
2. Confirm whether your garage or space is a limited common element and whether it can be transferred. For background on transfer issues, see assigned condo parking rights.
3. Ask if there are explicit bans on gasoline, propane, or hazardous materials in garages, and get the exact rule citation. Reference the association contact page for who to contact.
4. For EV chargers or home batteries, request the association’s approval process and typical permit steps. Share this energy storage system briefing with your installer.
5. Learn who enforces violations, the fine process, and typical compliance timelines. The authority to regulate common and limited common elements appears in Florida Statute 718.113.
6. Verify your flood zone and whether your garage sits in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Start with Lee County Community Development for map tools and guidance.

A well‑organized, compliant garage keeps life simple and safe at The Pointe. If you are thinking about buying or selling in Pelican Landing and want neighborhood‑specific guidance, reach out to Angela Graziano for local insight and a streamlined plan.

FAQs

Can The Pointe limit what I store in my garage?

• Yes. The association can regulate uses of common and limited common elements under the Declaration and Florida law, so always check the exact rule language for your building. See Florida Statute 718.113.

Are gasoline, propane, or batteries restricted in condo garages?

• Typically yes. Fire code and local guidance limit flammable liquid storage, and battery systems have location and safety requirements. Your association can be stricter. Review local guidance like the fire safety FAQs and obtain approvals and permits first.

Can I add an EV charger or a home battery at The Pointe?

• Often possible with board approval and permits. Installations must follow standards like NFPA 855 and UL 9540, which are summarized in this energy storage system briefing.

Who is responsible for garage door repairs in a condo?

• It depends on your Declaration. Some communities assign structure to the association and operable parts to owners, while others make owners responsible for all components. Check your recorded documents and Florida Statute 718.113.

Can I park a boat or RV in my driveway at The Pointe?

• Check the sub‑association and master rules first. Many communities restrict overnight or long‑term exterior parking for boats, RVs, and trailers. Start with the association contact page for current guidance.