The rules every owner agrees to, in plain language, with the official documents.
Chesapeake Isle is a private community. Its roads, beach, harbor and woodlands belong to CICA and are kept up by every owner. These rules keep the Isle safe, neighborly and the way owners want it. Owners are responsible for their guests and renters following them too.
Which rules come first
If two documents disagree, this order wins: the Articles of Incorporation, then the Restrictive Covenants, then the Bylaws, then the Rules & Regulations. The Restrictive Covenants are recorded with every deed and can be changed only by a court.
Your home and lot
- Lawns: keep grass and weeds 6 inches or shorter, on built and vacant lots alike. If a lawn isn’t mowed after two written notices, CICA mows it and bills the owner the cost plus a $40 fee ($80 for repeats in the same year). Members with vacant lots can sign up for CICA’s seasonal mowing service.
- Building and changes: any outside change, including fences, sheds and driveways, needs Architectural Review approval first. See Building & changes to your home.
- One single-family home per lot. No trailers, mobile homes, tents or temporary buildings. No poultry or livestock.
- Trash: never dump or bury trash anywhere on the Isle, and don’t bring household trash to the beach or harbor bins.
- Septic systems must meet Cecil County Health Department rules.
- Home businesses need the Board’s written OK first and must keep the home looking residential: no outside storage, signs or advertising, no employees who don’t live there, and no extra traffic, noise or odors. See the Home Business Guidelines below.
Roads and shoulders
- The speed limit on every Isle road is 15 mph. Watch for children, walkers and bikes.
- CICA owns each road and the 15-foot shoulder on each side. Don’t park on the road, store vehicles, boats or trailers on the shoulder long-term, or leave dumpsters or building materials there. Move everything off before a snowstorm so the plows can get through.
- The shoulders are built to drain the roads. Don’t change them, for example by widening a driveway or filling a ditch, without Architectural Review approval. CICA can require it to be put back.
- Only licensed drivers on the roads. Dirt bikes and ATVs aren’t allowed on roads or any community property.
The beach, harbor and woodlands
- The beach, pavilion, harbor and piers are for owners, residents and their guests. Every car and boat trailer parked there needs a CICA decal or guest pass.
- Beach: no pets, no glass, and no boats, kayaks, paddleboards or fishing in the roped swim area. Fires only in the grills and firepit. Fireworks are illegal. Lock the bathhouse after use. Swim at your own risk, and supervise children under 12.
- Harbor: a no-wake zone that closes at 11 pm. Dogs on a leash are welcome. See Harbor & boating for pier, ramp and fishing rules.
- Woodlands: walking only. No vehicles, no new trails, and no cutting trees or plants on CICA land without the Board’s permission.
- No hunting anywhere on the Isle.
- Community property can’t be used for business or personal profit.
Pets
Cecil County pet laws apply. Keep dogs from roaming off your property, pick up after them, and quiet barking promptly. Pets aren’t allowed anywhere in the beach area.
Your fees
Every owner pays the yearly Community Maintenance fee. See Dues & annual invoice.
Questions or concerns
Email [email protected] or bring it to a Board meeting, held on Zoom the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm, with time set aside for owners. Please don’t approach Board members at home about community business.
Official documents
- Friendly Reminder: A Private CommunityWho may use the roads, beach, harbor and other common areas.Current
- Current
- Current
- Current
- Lawn Height RequirementsHow the lawn-height covenant is enforced.Current
- Current
- Bylaws2022 Bylaws with the 2025 amendment, the cover letter and the organizational chart.Current
- Restrictive CovenantsWith explanatory notes.Current
- Current