FAQ'S
ACCOUNTING & PAYMENTS
Q: How do I pay my annual dues?
A: Annual dues can be paid through www.lakegastonestates.com using the PayHOA portal. We also accept checks via mail or drop-off in the POA mailbox. Please ensure your lot number is included with all payments.
Q: Can I pay with Venmo or Zelle?
A: Yes. Payments via Venmo and Zelle are accepted. Details and instructions are listed inside the member portal under Accounting → Payment Options. (coming soon)
Q: Can I see how my dues are being used?
A: Yes. Members can log in to the portal to view Budget vs. Actual financial reports, which are updated regularly for transparency.
Q: I mailed a check — how can I confirm it’s been posted?
A: Log into the member PayHoa portal via www.lakegastonestates.com and review your account ledger found in your dashboard. If your payment does not appear within 10 business days of mailing, contact the Treasurer.
VOTING & MEETINGS
VOTING & MEETINGS
Q: How will I know when there’s a community vote?
A: All voting announcements are sent via email, posted on the member portal, and (when applicable) mailed to members without portal access.
Q: Can I vote online?
A: Yes. Voting is done through the secure PayHOA platform. Instructions are provided with each vote announcement.
Q: When are Board meetings held?
A: Meeting dates and times are posted in the member portal under the Interactive Calendar
RULES, VIOLATIONS & ENFORCEMENT
Q: How do I report a violation?
A: Log in to the PayHoa portal and submit a Covenant Violation Submission report found under “Requests” with photos, if applicable. Your name will remain confidential.
Q: What happens after I receive a violation notice?
A: You will receive a written notice outlining the issue, the applicable rule, and the corrective action needed. If you believe the notice was issued in error, you may appeal in writing within 4 workdays.
NEW CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY CHANGES
Q: I’m planning to build a home or add a structure. What’s the process?
A: All new construction and major exterior changes must be reviewed and approved by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) before work begins.
Q: Where can I find the building requirements?
A: The Covenants and Architectural Guidelines are posted in the member portal under Association Documents → Covenants & Policies.
Q: Do I need approval for smaller projects like fences or sheds?
A: No. Check the guidelines or contact the ARC Chair for clarification. Is it a zoning requirement? You may want to reach out to the Warren County Planning and zoning to make sure you’re not in violation.
Q: How do I submit my construction plans?
A: Complete the ARC Request Form available in the member portal and upload your plans, specifications, and site layout. The ARC will review and respond within 15 workdays. (coming soon).
GOVERNANCE & BOARD ROLES
Q: Who manages the POA?
A: The Lake Gaston Estates POA is governed by an elected Board of Directors made up of property owners in good standing. The Board oversees budgeting, rule enforcement, amenities, and community planning.
Q: How are Board members chosen?
A: Board members are elected by the membership during the Annual Meeting. Candidate information and election dates are posted in the member portal.
Q: How long do board members serve?
A: There are Seven members on the BOD. Each position is a three year position unless a position has been vacated. If that happens, that position can be appointed and can only be done so for the remaining year until the following Annual meeting. Members rotate out on a three year basis and alternate every year. Meaning that at least two members are elected per year for a term of three years or the remainder of that particular term if a voted appointment is to be filled.
Q: Where can I see the governing documents?
A: The Bylaws, Covenants, and Board Policies are all available in the member portal under Association Documents → Governance.
Q: Can members attend Board meetings?
A: Yes. Board meetings are open to all members, except for closed executive sessions.
AMENITIES & ACCESS
Q: How do I get a key fob for the boat ramp or pavilion?
A: Contact the POA director of parks, (park@lakegastonestates.com) through the member portal’s Key Fob Request Form. Replacement fees may apply.
Q: Can I get a code to the box instead?
A: NO. Codes are not issued to any of the gated areas. Key fobs must be used to enter the parks.
Q: When will my gravel road be Paved?
A: They won’t. The requirement for our gravel roads to be turned into asphalt requires an environmental assessment that would determine water run-off and affect our permeable surfaces. That must be done for the entire neighborhood. Drainage and bringing the roads to NC State statute would require engineering, widening, compaction, and egress issues in some area. The overall cost has been determined at Four to Five Million to complete the process for the neighborhood.
Q: Can I bring guests to the pavilion or boat ramp?
A: Yes. Guests of members are allowed; however, guests of guests are not allowed. Members will lose access to all amenities for a period not to exceed one year for violating policies. Members are responsible for their guests’ and their guests’ conduct.
Q: What should I do if my fob stops working?
A: Contact the Parks Director, park@lakegastonestates.com. We’ll troubleshoot the issue and, if necessary, issue a replacement.
COMMUNICATION & WEBSITE
Q: How do I access the member portal?
A: Go to www.lakegastonestates.com and click Member Login. Use your registered email and password.
Q: I forgot my password — what should I do?
A: Use the Forgot Password link on the login page. If you continue to have trouble, contact the webmaster using the form at the bottom of the FAQ page.
Q: Can I suggest a new FAQ question or website improvement?
A: Absolutely! Please use the Submit a Question form below to send your comments directly to the webmaster.
📖 New FAQ Page – Your Questions, Answered!
We’re excited to share that Lake Gaston Estates now has a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page to make it easier for members to find quick answers.
👉 How to use it:
The page is organized by topic (Accounting & Payments, Meetings, Amenities, Rules, and more).
Use the search bar at the top to quickly find answers by typing in a keyword (example: “dues,” “fob,” or “pavilion”).
Expand each question by clicking on it to view the answer.
👉 Don’t see your question listed?
At the bottom of the page, you’ll find a Submit a Question form. Just fill it out and send it in — we’ll reply directly and may also add your question to the FAQ so it can help other members in the future.
This page will be updated regularly, so we encourage you to check back often for the latest information.
We hope this becomes a helpful resource for all members — thank you for being an active part of our community!
CONTACT & SUPPORT
- Mailing Address: 161 Recreation Lane
- Email: Admin@lakegastonestates.com
- Emergency (Non-911) Issues: 252-204-3491
Have a question that’s not listed here?
Use the form below to send it directly to the webmaster. We’ll respond and may add it to this page to help other members.