FAQs

What are the covenants?

The Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), Articles of Incorporation, and Bylaws are the governing documents of the Association. They are the legal and binding documents between the Association and each owner/member by which all parties must abide. Our covenants assure our owners of certain minimum standards for land use, architectural design and property maintenance throughout the community. They also provide for membership in the Homes Association of Cedar Hills (HACH) and establish a mechanism for the operation of the Association on a daily basis.

The covenants “run with the land” as part of the deed of ownership and are a contractual obligation between the owner and the Association; every owner is obligated to abide by them. It is our hope and intent to help you in every way to obtain the fullest enjoyment your private property and the commonly owned property consistent with your obligations to the other owners and the Association.

What do I do if a streetlight needs repair?

To report a street light outage or problem, please send an email containing the pole number and address closest to the light for the street light you wish to report to streetlights@cedarhillshoa.org.

Where can I store my RV?

HACH owns and operates an RV storage facility adjacent to the community. The CC&R's prohibit boats, campers, trailers, and the like from being stored on individual properties except within a completely enclosed garage. As a service to the community, HACH provides owners with the opportunity to store such prohibited vehicles at below market rental rates. Contact the office for more information.

Can I make changes to my property?

Of course! So long as you changes you wish to make are in line with our CC&Rs and written policies, HACH is amenable to many home modifications. Be sure to follow the permit process. A quick reference is available at the bottom of this page for some of the more common alteration requests.

How does the permit process work?

The permit process involves submission, review, and approval of an application and is required for all exterior alterations. Approval is subject to compliance with the restrictions, association policies, and Washington County building codes. An application can be obtained from the association office or here. Construction of any exterior alteration cannot begin until the application has been submitted to and approved by the association. Owners who proceed with construction or alterations prior to receiving written approval by the association do so at their own risk.

When constructing, building/rebuilding, or installing improvements requiring a building permit - such as but not limited to, decks, fences, play structure, sheds, pools etc., - owners must enclose a copy of the jurisdictional building permit (if applicable), as well as detailed drawings and specifications of the alteration. An application submitted without a complete description, full dimensions, specifications, and drawings, may not be accepted and may be returned to the applicant for completion.

Owners have the sole responsibility for compliance with Washington County codes and regulations and it is the owner’s responsibility to apply for and obtain all permits required by the county. Nonetheless, an application to the association is required for all improvements.

Construction within easement areas is expressly prohibited. Construction in an easement area is at the owner’s sole risk and the association assumes no liability. For example, despite “approval,” if the owner’s improvement disrupts drainage, the owner may be required to remove the improvement and the association bears no responsibility for removal of the improvement.

We commit to reviewing all applications promptly and providing you with the feedback needed to move forward with your project within 30 calendar days of receiving an application.

There can be no substantial deviation from the plans and specifications as originally approved without prior written consent from the Association. If the alterations are subsequently found to be in conflict with the original approved permit, the owner is solely responsible for bringing the alteration into compliance.

How do I determine my property lines?

If you are unable to locate the boundary markers, you may want to consider contacting a surveying company. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that the property installations of all exterior alterations on a lot are within the property line boundaries.

Is there a Neighborhood Watch program?

HACH is not organized to provide security. Our primary functions are in managing and enforcing the CC&Rs as well as maintaining common areas and administering the community budget. As a resident, you should voice any concerns and suggestions in the proper venue. Please be aware that HACH is unable to take significant measures with security but your immediate neighborhood might have a Neighborhood Watch program. Ask your closest neighbors if there’s one near you. If your neighborhood does not already have a watch group, you can also find the Washington County Neighborhood Watch program information here.

Are routine inspections done in the community?

The Association, Board of Directors, and their designee, make periodic street-level inspections of the properties in the community. These inspections are required to maintain the architectural integrity of the entire community and, in turn, serve to preserve and protect the value of your home.

If there is a violation at a property, a notice will be mailed to the owner. Compliance should be made within the time frame noted in the letter. If you have a legitimate reason for not being able to comply with a notice of violation within the specified time frame, you must advise the Board of Directors in writing within the time frame given. The Board will review your request and will reply within 30 calendar days. If you do not respond within the specified time frame, it will be assumed that you agree with the violation and will take corrective action. Please note that failure either to respond or to correct the violation may result in a fine or other sanction. Any legal expenses incurred as a result of enforcing the CC&Rs or policies is the responsibility of the owner.

What will happen if I incur a fine?

You will be given notice prior to the levying of any fine as well the opportunity to address the Board of Directors at a monthly open meeting to discuss why you should not be fined. After the meeting, you will be notified of the Board’s decision. The Board’s decision is final. If you do not attend the meeting, it will be assumed that you agree with the alleged violation and you may be fined accordingly.

What is a waiver clause?

For a variety of reasons, there may be some alterations in existence which do not conform and are not in compliance with the policies but which were applied for and previously approved (perhaps by a prior Board). However, the policies may have changed and that improvement would be no longer approved. In these cases, the Board reserves the right to grant a temporary waiver for the improvement. This waiver shall last no longer than the current life of the improvement or upon sale and shall not extend to replacement of the improvement. This waiver does not include exterior alterations/improvements not approved through the permit process.

The granting of a waiver in one case shall in no way constitute a waiver in any other case.

What about requests for accommodations?

If an owner requires a reasonable accommodation to the policies or the restrictions or a modification to the owner’s property to accommodate a disability, the owner is requested to submit a detailed application to the Board of Directors so that the request may be properly evaluated and accommodated.

What are easements?

Easements are permissive rights over a property for the benefit of another entity such as the Association, the county, or a utility company. All homes in our community have an Association easement on the sides and rear which is 5 feet. Some homes in our community also have drainage easements. No structures should be installed in these easements. If the owner does so, they may require removal at the owner’s expense. Additionally, the easement shall not be altered such that the natural or man-made drainage is affected.

What are setbacks?

A setback is the required distance that a building must be located away from the street. The size of a setback is largely dependent on the zoning of the property. All homes in our community have an Association setback as well as a Washington County Right-of-Way. No structures should be installed in these areas. If the owner does so, they may require removal at the owner’s expense. Additionally, the setback shall not be altered such that the natural or man-made drainage is affected.

What if I have a complaint or concern about a property within the association?

HACH has determined that it will only investigate or follow-up on written and properly submitted reports of possible violations of the CC&Rs.  The Board will not respond to phone calls or anonymous reports. It is the Board’s intention that these reports are deemed confidential. The information provided (and your name) will not be disclosed except as required by law, if applicable. The board will review this information and determine, in its discretion, whether or not a violation exists. A downloadable complaint form can be found here. The Association intends to enforce the CC&Rs to keep HACH a desirable community.

When will I  receive my annual statement for association dues?

Each year, annual assessments (dues) are billed and mailed out during the first part of July. Annual assessment fees are subject to change each June.

When is my annual assessment due?

Assessments are not considered delinquent until after November 15th of each year.

What does my annual assessment cover?

The annual assessments cover a spring and fall cleanup, enforcement of the restrictions, and, if applicable, street light maintenance.

Home Maintenance/Modification Quick Reference

Accessory Buildings

All accessory buildings require written approval from the Association. Accessory buildings (such as sheds, garages, studios, etc.) may be either custom built or pre-fabricated and cannot exceed 200 square feet in total. Buildings with dimensions 8 feet x 10 feet x 8 feet or less may be reviewed and approved by a single Director. Anything larger than that must be reviewed and approved by a two unanimous directors or a quorum if the two are not in agreement.

Appearance and size:

• Small buildings - those no larger than 8ft x 10ft x 8ft - may be proposed to be constructed of wood or of a pre-fabricated material and your choice of any harmonious color.

• Wooden buildings up to 80 square feet and/or less than 8 feet in height must match the house in color scheme and be placed not less than 5 feet from the side and/or rear property line(s).

• Buildings between 81-119 square feet and/or those standing over 8 feet in height must match the house in exterior finish - including trim, roofing material, paint scheme, etc. - and be situated not less than 5 feet from the side and/or rear property line(s).

• Buildings measuring 120 square feet to a maximum of 200 square feet and/or those standing over 10 feet in height must be constructed and installed on a permanent foundation.  The building also must match the house in design - including roof design, roof pitch, roofing material and color, gutters and fascia board, soffit detailing, siding, windows, and paint scheme. The Building can not be located less than 5 feet from the side property line and not less that 15 feet from the rear property line.

Placement:

Buildings may be placed in rear yards outside the Association’s five foot easement. If the building is larger than 120 square feet then it must be placed outside Washington County’s rear setback of 15 feet.

Maintenance:

Accessory buildings must be maintained in neat, sightly, and sound structural condition at all times. Gray weathering of wood or peeling paint is not allowed.

See Accessory Building Policy.

Car Covers

Car covers are allowed as long as they are fitted, of a muted color, and in good clean condition (free of tears and tatters).

An acceptable car cover cannot cover a violation of the restrictions (i.e. expired tags, commercial vehicle, etc).

A tarp of any color is considered unattractive and cannot be visible from the street.

See Car Cover Policy.

Common Areas

There are several landscaped areas owned and maintained by the Association. There shall be no unauthorized plantings or construction by any owner upon these areas without written permission from the Association or the Board of Directors.

No dumping of trash or debris is allowed on commons areas.

No recreational equipment (i.e. basketball hoops) is allowed on commons areas.

Compost

Composts containers are allowed but must not be visible from the street.

See Garbage Container and Wood Pile Screening Policy.

Decks & Gazebos

Written approval from the Association is required for decks and gazebos.

Material: Decks and Gazebos may be constructed of pressure treated lumber, redwood, cedar, or composite with written approval.

Finish: If constructed of wood, a clear finish may be applied or a stain containing color pigment or paint can be used with written approval.

Railing: Decks 30 inches or more off the ground must have railings no lower than 3 feet. Style may vary with written approval

Placement: A completed application - including scale drawings of size, shape, and placement - is required before consideration.

Condition: All decks and gazebos must be maintained in sound structural condition at all times. No rotting of wood or peeling paint is allowed.

Dog Runs

Allowed with written approval from the Association.

See Dog Run and Kennel Policy.

Fences

Written approval from the Association is required for all fences. All fences must be maintained in a sightly and structurally sound condition at all times.  No rotting of wood or peeling paint is allowed.

Front Fences

Style: Fencing styles may be split rail or picket or an alternate style with written approval. The style must contain at least 50% open space.

Finish: A clear finish may be applied or a stain containing color pigment or paint can be used with written approval.

Placement: Fences must be placed on owner’s property and may not extend forward into the County Right-of-Way.

Construction: All vertical and horizontal fence boards must be straight, level, and plumb.

Height: The maximum allowable height is 3 feet or less, measured from ground grade.

Gates: Gates are allowable subject to written approval of style and dimensions. All gates must match the fence in materials, height, and finish.

See Fence Policy.

Garden Boxes

Front yard garden boxes are permissible with written approval from the Association.

See Garden Box Policy.

Home Exterior

All exterior improvements require approval via the permit process and all components of the home’s exterior must be maintained in neat, sightly, and sound structural condition at all times.

Siding:
Any proposed siding must be harmonious with the surrounding neighborhood. Written approval from the Association is required.

Roofs:
Any proposed roofing material must be harmonious with the surrounding neighborhood. Written approval from the Association is required only if replacing with a different type of product and/or color. If replacing exact like-for-like, no permit is necessary, just a phone call or email to the office with the information.

Color Scheme:
All color schemes require written approval from the Association. Body paint must have a flat, velvet, or satin finish. Trim, accent, and door paint can have a semi-gloss finish. If the property already has an approved permit on file for the current color scheme, an additional permit for painting exact like-for-like is not necessary. If the property does not have an approved permit on file for the current color scheme, the Association asks for a permit application as a starting point for re-painting .

Skylights & Solar Panels:
All proposed skylights and solar panels require written approval from the Association.

See Solar Panel Policy.

Landscaping

All yards will have acceptable landscape at all times and be maintained in neat and attractive condition.

Any major change in landscape or hardscape must be approved in writing prior to making such alteration.

See Landscaping Policy.

Mailboxes

Mailboxes are to be consistent with the surrounding neighborhood (i.e. no curb box where house boxes are). With written approval, decorative mailboxes may be proposed out of brick, stone, or wood.

Patios

Allowed with written approval from the Association.

See Ground Slab and Deck Policy.

Play Structures

May be constructed out of your choice of material added with written approval. All surrounding neighbors must sign off on the permit application. Approval will be subject to the “nuisance restriction” which may require modifications for sound and/or visual appearance if so noted by the surrounding neighbors. Applications for a play structure must be reviewed at a regular monthly board meeting.

Placement:

Play structures must be placed at the rear of the property. Exceptions to this placement, due to topography and/or grade restriction, must be submitted for approval prior to installation. Placement must be outside of the side and rear Association easement of 5 feet.

Size:

The maximum height for any play structure constructed is 13 feet from grade.

Maintenance:

Play structures must be maintained so that no deterioration is noticeable. Play structures not maintained as required must be removed within 30 calendar days of the owner receiving such notice in writing.

Pools & Ponds

Construction of a pool or pond is at the owner’s sole risk and requires approval via permit process. The association assumes no liability for the safety of any pool or pond upon the approval of a permit application or otherwise. The use and maintenance of any pool or pond is at the owner’s/user’s sole risk.

Above ground pools:

Pools constructed with metal or plastic frames are allowed with written approval and are subject to the “nuisance restriction.”

Pools require a fence to be built (if not pre-existing) as a mandatory safety measure.

See Fence Policy.

In-ground pools:

In ground pools require written approval from both the Association and the county.

Pools also require a fence to be built (if not existing) as a mandatory safety measure.

Ponds:

Ponds installed for aquatic life may be permitted with written approval. Upon approval, a fence shall be required to be installed. No pond shall extend forward of a rear foundation.

Recreational Equipment

Basketball hoops:

Permanent basketball hoops may be added with written permission and only allowed outside of the County Right-of-Way.

Portable/freestanding basketball hoops are allowed and must be pulled away from the street after play.

See Basketball Structure Policy.

Satellite Dishes

Satellite dishes are allowed. The preferred installed location is to the rear of the property, not mounted on the roof. The location is also to be in the most inconspicuous location at the property while not interfering with signal strength.

Short-term Courtesy & 3-Day Permits

A short-term courtesy is afforded to members who request such - verbally or in writing - for up to 24 hours for the purposes of loading/unloading restricted vehicles (such as utility trailers, travel trailers, RVs, etc.) at their property. This courtesy maybe be revoked at any time if it becomes habitual.

A 3-day permit is offered to residents who need an extended amount of time (up to 3 days) to have restricted vehicles (such as utility trailers, travel trailers, RVs, etc.) at their property. The permit applications can be brought into the office during regular business hours to be processed immediately and a permit be issued. Please note that neighbor sign-offs are a requirement.

Restricted items at the property, without following either of these procedures, are considered violations of the restrictions.

Temporary or Portable Structures

No structure of a temporary nature shall be constructed or maintained on any lot at any time.

Temporary, portable, on-demand storage (i.e. PODs) may be allowed for up to 14 days with approval.

Dumpsters are allowed for short term.

Permanent accessory buildings are allowed with written approval by the Association.

See Accessory Building Policy.

Tree Removal

Trees can be removed from both front and back yards without association approval.

Trees within the parking strip, or “Street Trees,” (where applicable) must have written permission from the Association to be removed and must also be replaced by an approved tree.

Tree stumps must be either completely removed or cut low to ground level and have appropriate landscape placed over the area that was affected.

See Street Tree Policy.

Window Coverings

Bed sheets, plastic coverings, newspaper, and other similar window coverings are not considered neat and attractive and are therefore not permissible.

Is your desired modification not covered in this list?

Any exterior alteration to the actual dwelling or within the property boundary lines that is not addressed in this document would require a completed application to be submitted. This application must be reviewed and approval granted prior to beginning the requested construction or alteration.