Hunters Creek Architectural Review Processes

Exterior Alterations

The following exterior alterations require approval from the Architectural Review Committee (ARC):

  • Any construction, addition, or alteration to the exterior of a home or property.
  • Any change to the color of the exterior of a home or property.
  • Any change to the landscaping of a home or property.

ARC approval must be obtained before any construction, addition, or alteration begins. If there are any questions about the application process, they should be put in writing and sent to the ARC for resolution.

Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance on the exterior of a home or property that does not alter the appearance does not require approval from the ARC. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Mowing the lawn.
  • Trimming trees and shrubs.
  • Washing the exterior of the home.
  • Repairing minor damage to the exterior of the home.

Application Process

If you are not sure whether a proposed exterior alteration requires ARC approval, you should apply to the ARC. Applications can be submitted online at www.hunterscreek.org.

Once an application is received, the ARC will review it and decide on whether to approve or deny the application. The ARC will notify the applicant of its decision in writing.

Decisions on ARC Applications

Decisions on ARC applications are made at the next regularly scheduled ARC meeting. Applications must be submitted at least five business days prior to the meeting to be considered.

No ARC Meetings in July or December

For More Information

For more information on ARC procedures, please visit www.hunterscreek.org

Specific Projects Requiring / Not Requiring ARC Approval

Repainting and Residing

The following exterior alterations to a home in Hunters Creek require approval from the Architectural Review Committee (ARC):

  • Replacing the siding with a different style and color not approved by the HCHA.
  • Repainting the exterior stain color for contemporary wood-sided homes or exterior shutters, trim, and/or doors with a different color or a color not currently on an HCHA home.

The following exterior alterations to a home in Hunters Creek do not require ARC approval:

  • Replacing the siding with similar existing style and color, or with an approved color by the HCHA.
  • Repainting the exterior stain/paint on a contemporary wood-sided home with a similar earth-tone color, or with an approved color by the HCHA.
  • Repainting the exterior shutters, trim, and doors on a home with a similar existing color, or with an approved color by the HCHA.
  • For Mid-Century Modern and other Wood Sided (Board and Batten/Reverse Board and Batten) – Replacing wood with alternative building materials below (No ARC Application Required if the below are used) 
    • Approved Vinyl siding:
      • Westlake/Royal Building Products Crane board Solid Core vinyl siding in Board and Batten style in any manufactured color.
    • Engineered Panels:
      • Pre-finished:
        • LP Smartside Cedar Textured Vertical Siding WITH 1 1/2″ cedar textured batons installed to match existing spacing and look in any pre-finished color.
      • Unfinished:
        • James Hardee Sierra 8 painted to match an ARC approved color.
    • 100% of the house must be finished in the same material. No mixing or matching of materials.

Roof Replacement

The following roof replacements require ARC approval:

  • Replacing the roof with a different style or color.

The following roof replacements do not require ARC approval:

  • Replacing the roof with similar existing style and color shingles. A switch from “3-tab” to architectural shingles does not require approval.

Window Replacement

The following window replacements require ARC approval:

  • Replacing the windows with a different color.

The following window replacements do not require ARC approval:

  • Replacing existing windows with “energy efficient” permanent surface white or same color windows. Permanent surface is aluminum, vinyl clad, or PVC.

Sheds, Decks Patios, and Accessory Buildings

The following alterations to sheds, decks, patios, and accessory buildings require ARC approval:

  • All new decks and accessory structures, including storage sheds, greenhouses, and gazebos.
  • Sheds and accessory buildings may be up to 150 square feet, with a wall height of 8’6”. All accessory buildings must be placed at least 15 feet from the house, 1 foot from the rear and side property lines.
  • Any change of size, shape or location for an existing deck or accessory structure may require a DPW building permit.
  • No accessory structures are permitted in Hunters Creek. This includes, but is not limited to, accessory dwelling units, accessory garages, secondary buildings, and any other structures that are not part of the main house. This restriction is in place to protect the architectural integrity of the community.
  • A copy of all permits from the Town of Herndon must be provided to the Hunters Creek ARC.

The following alterations to sheds, decks, patios, and accessory buildings do not require ARC approval:

  • Repair, repaint or stain existing decks, patios, sheds, greenhouses, or gazebos if color is not changed. New ground level patio, without footers, constructed of concrete, block, stone, brick, etc., and entirely in the rear of the house.

Additions or Exterior Modification to the House

All additions or exterior modifications to a house in Hunters Creek require ARC approval and a Town of Herndon building permit from DPW.

Fences

The following alterations to fences require ARC approval:

  • All new or replaced fences on residential properties within Hunters Creek must be made of wood or synthetic wood (with ARC approval) and stained or treated to a natural color.
  • If any part of the fence crosses Town of Herndon, Hunters Creek Homes, or other common use spaces or land, a current plot survey from a Virginia licensed surveyor will be required as part of the submission.
  • If the fence does not cross any common use land, a signed agreement from all affected neighbors agreeing to and waiving a plot survey must be submitted.
  • Yard Guard Wire Fencing
    • An inner layer of “yard guard” wire fencing designed to be camouflaged from normal view for the purpose of helping ensure that children or pets remain in a yard and that the resident is thus permitted full enjoyment of the property.

Special Regulations for Wire Fencing

The repair of existing wire mesh or chain link fencing is very limited. The following rules must be followed:

  • If more than 30% of the length of the wire fence is being replaced, the entire wire fence run must be replaced with a wooden fence.
  • If any wire fence that is visible from the street or sidewalk is being replaced, the entire wire fence run must be replaced with a wooden fence, regardless of the length of this fence segment.

Driveways

  • Resurfacing of an existing driveway with the same material and area does not require ARC approval. However, if the material of the driveway is being changed, or if the size or area of the driveway is being increased, ARC approval is required.
  • All driveways and parking pads must be of the same material, such as asphalt or concrete. Only hard stabilized surfaces are permitted.
  • All driveway additions must be of the same material and a uniform single surface. Pavers will be allowed until the next resurfacing of the driveway, at which time the driveway must be changed to a single solid surface.
  • All driveways must meet Town of Herndon zoning setback requirements.

Sidewalks

  • Repair or replacement of existing private walkways and/or stoops using the same material, size, and area as the existing sidewalk does not require ARC approval. However, if the material of the walkway or stoop is being changed, or if the size or area of the walkway or stoop is being increased, ARC approval is required.
  • All sidewalks must be of a solid surface.

Landscaping and Tree Trimming

  • The following landscaping tasks do not require ARC approval:
    • Removal of dead trees, shrubs, and bushes.
    • Maintenance of lawns to a height of no more than 8 inches.
    • Trimming of trees to a height of at least 7 feet above public walkways and driveways.
    • Planting of new trees, shrubs, and bushes in a location that does not interfere with neighbors, safety, or line of sight at corners or other areas where visibility is important.
  • No landscaping shall encroach on sidewalks or driveways.

Swimming Pools

  • The construction of an above-ground swimming pool with a height greater than 36 inches requires ARC approval.
  • The construction of an in-ground swimming pool requires a building permit from the Town of Herndon.

Vehicles/Vehicle Storage

  • All vehicles parked in driveways must be in operational use and have visible license plates and inspection stickers. Vehicles may not be covered for an extended period.
  • A homeowner may have a vehicle stored temporarily on their property for restoration, provided that:
    • The vehicle is properly licensed.
    • The vehicle is covered with a commercial type of vehicle cover of a neutral color, so that only the wheels are visible.
    • There is no evidence of any vehicle parts or supplies visible on the premises.
    • The owner of the property has obtained approval from the Hunters Creek Architectural Review Committee (ARC).
    • The owner of the property submits a project timeline to the ARC.
  • The ARC will monitor the restoration to maintain the community’s interest.
  • No parking of commercial vehicles is permitted in Hunters Creek Homes. This includes all vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 10,000 pounds, all vehicles with ladders or utility racks, and vehicles with signs, lettering, or markings. A single taxicab or limo with markings can be parked per residence.

Trailers, boats, and recreational vehicles (RVs) may be parked in driveways for a period not to exceed 12 business days for the purpose of maintenance, repair, seasonal summarizing, and winterizing.

The following definitions apply:

  • Maintenance means any activity that is necessary to keep a trailer, boat, or RV in good working order.
  • Repair means any activity that is necessary to fix a trailer, boat, or RV that is not in good working order.
  • Seasonal summarizing means the process of preparing a trailer, boat, or RV for use during the summer season .
  • Winterizing means the process of preparing a trailer, boat, or RV for storage during the winter months.

**Trailers, boats, and RVs that are parked in driveways for maintenance, repair, seasonal summarizing, or winterizing must be:

  • Completely assembled and supported by inflated tires.
  • Not supported by blocks, jacks, or similar supports.
  • Owned or leased by the resident of the property.
  • Maintained in a clean and neat condition.
  • Not significantly damaged or continuously under repair.
  • Located entirely on the property and not encroaching on the public right-of-way.
  • Parked or stored in a residential driveway

Satellite Dishes and Digital TV Dishes

  • The Hunters Creek Homeowners Association (HCHA) does not require approval for the placement of satellite dishes for TV reception. However, the Town of Herndon requires a building permit from the Department of Public Works (DPW) for satellite dishes greater than 24 inches in diameter.
  • The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rules that preempt local regulations on satellite dishes. These rules state that any state or local zoning, land-use, building, or similar regulation that materially limits transmission or reception by satellite earth station antennas or imposes more than minimal costs on users of such antennas, is preempted unless the promulgating authority can demonstrate that such regulation is reasonable.
  • HCHA requires that homeowners remove all turned-down RF equipment. Satellite dishes and antennas may not be retired or abandoned in place and should be removed once service is terminated. As satellite TV services do not convey with ownership changes, homeowners will be required to remove all dishes at the time of sale of a property.