FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Your first point of contact for tree removal in The Brooks is CAM. The HOA is responsible for the cost of tree removal. On May 19, 2016 CAM is arranging for an arborist who has done work in The Brooks, to come out and take a look at some of the reported concerns. If you have concerns with trees in a common area near your home, please contact CAM; see their contact information in that section of our website. You can also use their portal to report issues.  You will need to login to access the CAM Portal.

In Columbia, MO, pet owners must clean up after their dogs immediately if they poop on private property they don’t own or rent. Section 5-67 of the City of Columbia Code of Ordinances requires this.

Here are the main facts and rules you should know:

• Dog owners can’t let their dogs go to the bathroom on someone else’s private property. 

• Exceptions: owners who clean up immediately, or owners with certified service animals who can’t clean up due to disability. 

• Dog waste can damage lawns and spread harmful bacteria like E. coli.

You can report violations to Columbia Animal Control, but fines are only issued if:

1. An Animal Control Officer witnesses the violation.

2. A witness is willing to testify in Municipal Court.

To report a problem, contact Columbia Animal Control at 573-874-CITY or use the city’s online reporting tool.

Yes, you need HOA approval before installing your fence.  See page 56 of the covenants linked under "Documents" on this website. There are specific guidelines regarding both the height and materials. Some fencing companies will handle the HOA approval process for you, so you may want to ask your chosen company if they offer this service.

The best way to request approval from the HOA yourself is by submitting the form on the CAM website. If you have used their portal before, you can access it here. Once logged in, look for the link labeled "Architectural Requests" to begin your application.

If you have not used the portal before, you can contact CAM directly by phone or email. All their contact information is available on our website.

Contrary to popular belief, empty lots are not scheduled for monthly mowing. The lot owner is responsible for mowing undeveloped lots. It is standard operating procedure in The Brooks for undeveloped lots to be mowed up to two times annually: once in early summer and again in the fall. The early summer mowing schedule depends on the ground not being saturated by rain and on the mowers being able to safely access the areas to be mown. Growth in empty lots during the hot summer months is minimal.

If you notice an overgrown empty lot in The Brooks, please contact CAM first. Please see their contact information in that section of our website. You can also use their portal to report issues.  You will need to login to access the CAM Portal. 

Some concerns were raised about the ADA compliance of the mailbox clusters as well as maintenance and repair. Repair and maintenance of the cluster mailboxes is the responsibility of the HOA. The USPS allows an exception called "door delivery" for handicapped individuals who cannot access a neighborhood cluster box.  (See additional information about the Mailbox Clusters in the navigation of this website.)

In Columbia, Missouri, the restriction of signs in public spaces and public rights-of-way is governed by Chapter 23 (Article I - In General) and the Unified Development Code (Chapter 29) of the City of Columbia Code of Ordinances. Signage at the entrance and at common areas of The Brooks is not permitted. Please see the covenants for signage on your personal property. 

The City of Columbia is responsible for maintenance of storm drains in The Brooks Subdivision.  To report a non-emergency issue in Columbia, Missouri using SeeClickFix, either visit the Columbia, MO SeeClickFix Portal or use the City's official MyCoMo app.