HOW WE PROTECT RIVER TRAILS TOGETHER

River Trails was built on a simple idea: that the right land, protected the right way, becomes more valuable over time.

The covenants below exist because everyone who buys here shares that belief. We've summarized the key points in plain language, and the full recorded document is available to download.

Community Standards
+ Covenants

What makes River Trails worth investing in is the same thing that keeps it worth living in. These shared standards are how we protect both.

Size and Design

The principal residence may have up to 2,500 square feet of footprint and up to 4,500 square feet of total heated area. Garages max out at 900 square feet. Guest houses at 1,000 square feet. One additional outbuilding could include a sauna, studio, greenhouse, and garden shed, may total up to 400 square feet collectively. All structures must match the design of the principal residence.

Permitted siding materials include wood, manufactured siding, stucco, metal, stone, and brick. Vinyl siding is excluded. Roofing options include metal, composite shingles, and solar roof.

The Land Around You

A portion of each homesite must remain in its natural state. Lawns may not extend closer than 20 feet to any property line except along the main access road. Lot lines should feature natural plantings including taller grasses, shrubs, and trees.

Healthy trees may only be removed as reasonably necessary for construction, yard space, road access, or a reasonable view. Dead or unhealthy trees may be removed at any time.

Naturally sourced fertilizers are welcome. Synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers are prohibited.

Vehicles

One passenger vehicle may be parked outside within 25 feet of the principal structure. Recreational vehicles, boats, campers, tractors and trailers must be stored indoors. Snowmobiles and ATVs may only be used for trail grooming and maintenance.

Your Home

Homesites are for single-family residential living. Each lot may include a principal residence, a guest house, and a connected garage. Home offices are welcome as long as they don't generate outside traffic. Home-based occupations are supported with guidelines.

Renting Your Home

The guest home can be rented short term or long term. The principal residence can also be rented short term or long term, but rentals of the principal residence are limited to a combined total of 30 days per year.

Lighting

Exterior lighting should not impact neighboring properties. Downlighting is permitted. Vapor lights and dusk-to-dawn fixtures that remain on through the night are not permitted.

Pets

Common household pets are welcome, including dogs, cats, fish, hamsters, guinea pigs, and birds. Pets must be leashed or contained and may not be bred commercially. Service animals and emotional support animals are always permitted.

Fishing and the River

Fishing is permitted in the Pilgrim River in accordance with DNR regulations. Hunting and trapping are not permitted on the homesites.