Frequently Asked Questions
What utilities serve Forest Lake?
The east portion of Forest Lake is served by Alliant Energy; the rest of Forest Lake is served by Access Energy Rural Electric Cooperative. Water is supplied to each lot by Wapello Rural Water, though wells and cisterns are permitted and many residents have these. Sewage disposal is by individual septic systems. All utility runs are underground to maintain our community’s natural setting.
Most of us drop off our garbage and recycling at Connelly Recycling, which is located just a mile from Forest Lake, conveniently on your way into town. Waste Management in Fairfield will do home pickup for you if you prefer.
Natel has run 1 GB fiber-optic internet service to part of Forest Lake and will extend it to more lots at customer request.
May I do organic farming?
Yes! In fact, Forest Lake was founded to encourage small, organic family farms.
May I install solar photovoltaic panels?
Yes, we encourage PV panels — several homes have them, and one is even completely off the grid.
May I build multiple homes on my lot?
No. Our community permits just one house per lot, but you are permitted to have an apartment inside the house. It may be offered to a caretaker or relative of the occupant of the primary residence, or, if the home is owner-occupied, the apartment may be rented for a minimum of one year at a time (i.e., no short-term rentals). An apartment above an unattached garage is not an option.
Is Airbnb allowed?
To maintain the beauty and serenity of Forest Lake, short-term rentals, including Airbnb, are not allowed.
Does Forest Lake have minimum or maximum house sizes?
The eastern portion of Forest Lake has no minimum house size. (See maps.) The western two thirds of Forest Lake has a minimum of 1000 square feet on the first floor with a minimum of 1200 square feet in total. There is no maximum house size.
Are there any other restrictions on my home?
Yes. We’ve noted the restrictions that seem to come up most often, but we strongly recommend that you read the full recorded CC&Rs. If you are about to purchase or build this will help facilitate a very smooth process for you.
Homes must be built according to the system of Maharishi Vastu (Maharishi Sthapatya Veda) design, and clad in brick, rock, concrete- or fiber-cement panels, or wood. We encourage you to use rough-sawn wood siding, and similar materials that will blend harmoniously with the site and other houses.
Before you start construction, you will submit your preliminary (and later, final) design in a digital format to the Forest Lake Design Review Committee for review and approval. Prior to construction you will make a payment to cover wear and tear incurred on the community’s roads by your construction vehicles.
How can I learn more about what is permitted in the Forest Lake community?
Please consult the full recorded CC&Rs, and contact us if you have questions.