HEATHER KNOLL CLUSTER ASSOCIATION
The
Heather Knoll Cluster Association shall employ a good neighbor policy for all
interactions between its members and as the guiding policy for all decisions
made by its board of directors.
Community living, by the nature of the close proximity of neighbors,
creates greater interaction between neighbors, which can lead to inadvertent
conflict. The intent of these rules and
regulations is to promote Heather Knoll cluster as a close-knit community by
mitigating potential areas of conflict between members.
Community
living also provides the opportunity to establish close personal relationships
with several neighbors. Get to know your
neighbor and ask when you can be of assistance; they may be able to help you
later. Please be considerate of your
neighbor, they may not tell you when your imposition offends them.
1. EXTERNAL APPEARANCE OF PROPERTY GUIDLINES
The
Reston Deed of Dedication includes protective Covenants designed to prevent the
deterioration of neighborhoods and property values by maintaining high
aesthetic standards, preserving design integrity, and encouraging environmental
excellence. These objectives are
accomplished through the design review system defined in the Deed and in Reston
Association’s Bylaws and procedures.
Property owners who want to change the external appearance of their
property must first obtain approval from the Design Review Board (DRB) of the
Reston Association.
The
Reston Association distributes a booklet called the User’s Guide to the Design
Guidelines and Design Review Process which details what types of external
changes are subject to the design review process. This booklet is part of the disclosure packet
provided by the Reston Association to all homebuyers. Copies may be obtained from the Reston
Association office at 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA (703-435-6530).
External changes fall into two categories, regular and EZ Specifications. Regular changes require that the homeowner’s application to the DRB contain the signature of two neighbors and a member of the Cluster Board of Directors. The DRB meets weekly to process applications and normally approves changes, which conform to the general architecture standards of the cluster. EZ Specifications are standards for typical changes, which are submitted for general approval by the cluster Board of directors to the DRB. An application that conforms to a cluster’s EZ specifications does not require signatures from the neighbors and cluster Board of Directors.
Contact
the Board of Directors or the Reston Association Member Relations staff for
assistance in preparing applications.
The
following is a partial list of projects requiring approval:
·
Decks*
·
Patios*
·
Sheds
·
Fences*
·
Attic fans or roof ventilators
·
Skylights
·
Changing color scheme of trim or doors
·
Installation of storm doors or windows
·
Replacement of exterior fixtures (lights, numbers)
* Including
alterations
In
addition to the Reston Association Design Guidelines, the following guidelines
apply to the Heather Knoll Cluster.
1.1
Grounds. The board of directors is
responsible for contracting services for the maintenance of
common grounds, including the parking lots, trees, lighting and
landscaping. The landscaping contract
generally includes:
·
Cut all lawns
·
Fertilize all lawns four (4) times per year
·
Provide for weed control, as required
·
Mulch trees and bedding in the common areas
·
Remove leaves two (2) times per fall
Homeowners
will be responsible for the maintenance, including mulching and weeding of the
bedding areas on their property.
1.2
Landscaping on Personal Property. Not
all trees and plantings are suitable for this area nor are they consistent with
the existing landscape plan. Plant
materials generally should be an appropriate size for the location and must not
be detrimental to neighborhood property when mature. The landscape committee has a list of
recommended trees and shrubs. Please
refer to the Reston Association guidelines with respect to tree removal.
1.3
Common Area Planting. Planting in common areas is not allowed without
Board approval. Contract the landscape
committee for further information.
1.4
Snow. The board of directors is responsible for
obtaining snow plowing services to clear cluster streets. Homeowners are responsible for shoveling the
sidewalks and driveways in front of their homes.
1.5
Homes. Townhouse siding, trim, fences, and decks must be well maintained and
homeowners must make all necessary repairs or replacements. Painted surfaces must be free of chipping or
extensive cracking. Houses are to be completely
painted and caukled at least every six years.
1.6
Outside Storage. Lawn equipment, ladders,
debris, or other unsightly matter should not be stored in plain sight or in
sight of a common area.
1.7
Window Treatment. No covering may be placed over
the exterior of any window. Glass door
or screen replacements should match the original door or screen.
1.8
Gutter Systems. Owners are responsible for
replacing missing gutters if damaged or lost within a reasonable period of
time.
1.9
Signs. Only one “for sale” or “for rent” sign may be
displayed on an individual homeowner’s property. Signs should not be placed on common grounds;
however, temporary open house signs are permitted at the entrance to the
cluster but should be removed after the open house is complete. All signs should be removed within one week
of a transaction’s completion. No sign
may be attached to posts, trees or other structures within the cluster, are and
no permanent signs of any kind permitted.
2. PARKING RULES
There
are a limited number of parking spaces in Heather Knoll Cluster. The rules in this section reflect residents
concern about space availability throughout the cluster.
2.1
Garages. Homeowner’s are expected to
utilize their garages for one car and park the second car in their
driveway. Do not park on any grass.
2.2
Unmarked Spaces. These spaces are not
reserved. They are for third cars and
guests. If a resident has many temporary
guests, the resident should ask them to park on Woodbrook Lane.
2.3
Curbside Parking. The entirety of Woodbrook Court
is a fire lane designated by the Fairfax County Fire Department. Parking vehicles along the yellow curbs is
illegal and violators are subject to ticketing by Fairfax County Police. Additionally, parking along the curb presents
a hazard for children and obstructs access for emergency vehicles.
2.4
Abandoned Vehicles. Inoperable vehicles or those
owned by non-residents shall not be stored on cluster property. Vehicles which do not have current tags,
inspection, and county stickers or those which have not been moved for three
weeks or more will be presumed to be inoperable and can be ticketed or
towed. Residents who plan to be away for
longer than three weeks should notify the board in writing of the dates. An e-mail to the board president is
acceptable.
2.5
Storage of Other Vehicles. Boats,
campers, trailers, and recreational vehicles must not be parked overnight on
cluster property; contact Reston Association for offsite parking information.
2.6
Vehicle Repairs. Repairs or routine maintenance
may be performed on cluster property if the project can be completed in 24
hours. Vehicles may not be left on
blocks unattended at any time. Used oil
must be contained and should be either recycled or disposed of properly (many
service stations accept used oil). To
save Reston’s lakes, no oil, antifreeze, or other lubricants may be drained
onto the parking lot (storm drains empty into the lake systems). Use of low phosphate detergents in washing
cars is encouraged.
3. DRIVING RULES
Woodbrook
Court is a limited access road. Children
often play in the streets of the cluster.
These rules are designed to protect the children and make the street
safer for all residents.
3.1
Speed Limits. The speed limit in the cluster
is 15 miles per hour. Those drivers who
consistently violate this rule should be reported to the board of directors.
3.2
Common Grounds. Vehicles should not be driven
or parked over curbs or on cluster common grounds. Public utility vehicles which are entitled to
right of ways are excluded from this rule.
Special exceptions to this rule should be cleared with the board of
directors.
3.3
Vehicles. Racing of vehicles, gunning of
engines, or purposely squealing tires in the cluster is not allowed.
4. CHILD SAFETY GUIDLINES
The
safety of children should be a primary concern of all adults who live in the
cluster. Parents are ultimately
responsible for the actions of their children, but other adults should not
hesitate to act where safety or detrimental behavior is a concern.
4.1
Property Damage. Children should be instructed
not to damage, destroy, or deface common or individually owned property.
4.2
Toy Storage. Children should be told not to
leave bikes or other toys in common areas, in streets, or on sidewalks. For appearance sake, bikes or other toys
should not be left overnight in plain sight or in sight of the common areas. This includes, but it not limited to,
basketball hoops, skate ramps, play gyms and the like.
4.3
Street Play. Children should be discouraged
from playing in the streets of the cluster, especially when traffic is heavy.
5. TRASH COLLECTION RULES
Trash
can be an unsightly problem. Crows and
other animals can tear open bags and spread trash around the cluster and individual
property. The problem can be avoided by
using proper covered containers.
5.1
Placement. Trash pickup days are Monday
and Thursday mornings. Trash should be
placed at curbside either after dark on the night before or the morning of the
pickup day. Do not place trash where it
is obscured from the view of the trash collector. Under no circumstances should trash be left
out longer than overnight.
5.2
Trash Cans. Trash cans with lids should be
used except for extraordinary or bulky waste.
If trash is spilled, residents should clean up the mess as soon as
possible.
5.3
Trash Can Removal. Trash cans should be removed
from curbside on the same day as trash collection.
5.4
Storage of Trash Cans. Trash cans
shall be stored in townhouse garages.
5.5
Recycling. All recyclables can be placed
in recycling bins available from the waste hauler. Newspapers should be in paper bags or tied in
bundles.
5.6
Christmas Trees. Under no circumstances should
trees be disposed of on cluster common grounds (this includes the woods). Recycling is strongly encouraged. Watch for cluster newsletter information
regarding tree pick up days or check local newspapers for ads or articles about
tree recycling.
6. PET CONTROL RULES
Pets
entail special responsibilities in a group living environment such as Heather
Knoll. Excrement left on individual
yards or common grounds is a health hazard to children and is inconsiderate to
the other residents of the cluster.
6.1
Leash Law. According to Fairfax County
leash laws, all dogs must be on a leash, cord, chain, or in a primary
enclosure, when off the property or premises of the owner or custodian.
6.2
Walking Pets. Dogs should be walked away from
individual yards and landscaped common grounds when the dog needs to urinate or
defecate. Dog owners or walkers are
required to clean up after their dogs.
7. RENTAL PROPERTY RULES
Tenants
of rental properties are expected to know and adhere to the rules and
regulations of the cluster. Owners are
responsible for the actions of their tenants and guests.
7.1
Lease Filing. All owners of leased property
must notify the Board of Directors within 15 days of ratification of a lease
contract.
7.2
Rules and Leases. All renters must be given a
complete and current set of both the Heather Knoll cluster rules and regulations
and the Reston Association rules and Design Guidelines.
These are available from the board of directors.
8. RULES FOR USE OF COMMON GROUNDS
Heather Knoll owns much of the land behind the cluster, slopes behind many of the homes, parking lot islands, and other common areas. Residents are encouraged to keep those areas free of litter.
8.1
Yard Sales. The common grounds must not be
used for yard sales or any other activity that could result in damage to lawns
of cluster property without prior approval of the board or directors. Individual residents may have yard sales on
their property, but must obey sign and parking rules as specified in this document.
8.2
Parties. Large gatherings or parties on
the common grounds without the approval of the board of directors are not
permitted.
9. ENFORCEMENT OF RULES AND REGULATIONS
9.1
Enforcement Policy. The Heather Knoll board of
directors is responsible for the enforcement of all cluster rules and regulations, however, design guidelines are also enforceable
by the Reston Association to which all homeowners belong.
9.2
Notification of Board of Directors. If a
resident wishes to notify the board of directors of a rules violation, please
write to a member of the board stating the offense. The resident should sign the letter so that
he or she can be notified of the action taken by the board.
9.3 Enforcement Authority. The Virginia Property Owner’s Association Act, effective July 1, 1991, title 55-513 B. states:
The board of directors of the association shall also
have the power, except where expressly prohibited
by the declaration, to assess
charges against any member for any violation or the declarations or rules
and regulations for which the
member or his family members, tenants, guests, or other invitees are
responsible. Before any such charges may be assessed, the
member shall be given an opportunity to
be heard and to be represented
by counsel before the board of directors or other tribunal specified in
the documents. Notice of a hearing shall be hand delivered
or mailed by registered or certified mail,
return receipt requested, to the
member at the address of record with the association at least fourteen
days prior to the hearing. The amount of any charges so assessed shall
not exceed fifty dollars for
a single offense or ten
dollars per day for an offense of a continuing nature and shall be treated as
an
assessment against the member’s lot for
the purposes of 55-516 [Lien for assessments]. (Rev 2002)