Frequently Asked Questions

How large is The Highlands?

The Highlands consists of 722 total acres spanning the cities of Chelsea and Pelham.  This includes 217 acres of untouched woodlands encompassing miles of nature trails and 2 stocked lakes.

How many homes are planned for the community? 

There are currently 250 homesites planned on over 700 acres.  This is a low density community planned for the enjoyment of nature. 

What governmental entities have jurisdiction over the property?

Although The Highlands has a Chelsea address, the development is divided into two sections.  Each section falls under a different jurisdiction; however, the municipalities have a mutual aid agreement.

Post Office:  Chelsea Post Office | 6738 Highway 280 | Chelsea, AL 35043 | 205-678-7915 | Joyce A Robinson, Postmaster

West entrance next to Chelsea High School

City/County government:  City of Pelham, Shelby County

Police Jurisdiction: Pelham Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff's Department

Fire District: Station #3 | 1297 Highway 52 | Pelham, AL 35124

School District:   Pelham City Schools

Pelham Ridge Elementary School
Pelham Park Middle School
Pelham High School

East entrance next to Morningstar UMC Church

City/County government: City of Chelsea, Shelby County

Police Jurisdiction: Chelsea Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff's Department

Fire District: Station #31 | 160 Chesser Drive | Chelsea, AL 35043

School District:   Shelby County Schools

Forest Park Elementary School
Chelsea Middle School
Chelsea High School

What are the highlights of The Highland’s Declaration of Protective Covenants and Agreements?

Minimum home size is 2,600 square feet.

An Architectural Review Board (ARB) has been established to encourage the development of architecturally designed houses (e.g. Craftsman, Arts and Crafts, French Provincial, French Country, Tudor Revival or traditional design consistent with the neighborhood.  All structures are subject to final approval by the ARB.

Exterior design of the structures within The Highlands shall include painted or mortar-washed brick, stone, stained, cement board or painted wood.  A house may not have more than 30% of its exterior in unpainted conventional red brick.

Roofs on all structures must have a minimum 8/12 pitch.

All fences must be approved by the ARB.

Trees having diameters of greater than 10 inches must be plotted and submitted to the ARB prior to any construction or clearing activity.

Lot owners have one (1) year from date of conveyance to begin building and two (2) years to finish.

Motorized vehicles are not permitted on community walking trails except for the community maintenance staff as required to maintain the trail system.

How can the lakes at The Highlands be used?

The lakes within The Highlands are for the use of all residents of The Highlands.  All guests must be accompanied by a lot owner. 

No gas-powered boats are allowed. 

Swimming is not permitted.

Fishing is permitted but catch and release is required except when posted otherwise.

May I use any builder or is there a list of approved builders?

At this time, all builders are welcome; but, must be approved through the Architectural Review Board.

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