JUNE 2023
Hunters Creek Homes
417 Queens Row St
Herndon, VA 20170
[email protected]
Chapter 1. Introduction
The Hunters Creek Homes Association (HCHA) Board of Directors and Architectural Review Committee (ARC) have developed this edition of the Hunters Creek Community Handbook, published and effective as of June 18, 2023.
Each property owner in Hunters Creek is a member of the HCHA. All homeowners and tenants should be aware of their rights and responsibilities set forth in the following documents:
- Covenants and Restrictions of the Hunters Creek Deed of Declaration
- Amended By-Laws
- Articles of Incorporation
- Rules and Regulations of the current version of the Community Handbook
Regulations
The Town of Herndon regulates structures, additions, storage/utility buildings, fences, satellite dishes, and other pertinent exterior items through the Department of Public Works (DPW). The DPW issues building permits and performs inspections (for instance for additions, decks, storage/utility buildings, and satellite dishes). The Department of Community Development (DCD) is the Zoning Ordinance compliance body for the Town of Herndon. The DCD formulates and enforces regulations for fences, storage shed placement, locations of decks, and other exterior structures.
Purpose
The Board of Directors of the HCHA hopes that this handbook will be helpful in informing each homeowner and tenant of the rules and regulations that affect our community. The overall goal of the handbook is to keep our community well maintained and attractive to better protect all our property values.
For New Residents: Welcome to Hunters Creek!
Welcome to Hunters Creek, new residents! We’re excited to have you as part of our community.
To help you get settled in, we’ve compiled some helpful information. Please feel free to contact any member of the board or your neighbors if you have any questions.
Revisions made to initial governing documents have been made for grammar, spelling and punctuation but not changing or altering the content of the original documents tied to the deed of the property.
History
Hunters Creek was built in 1973 by the developers Miller& Smith, and Ryan on what used to be the Bicksler Farm property. There are 273 single-family homes in the neighborhood.
Garbage and Recycling
Garbage is collected from the curb on Wednesdays, except on holidays, when it is collected on the following day. Garbage must be placed in town-provided covered plastic cans (not plastic bags). Please do not place your garbage out before the afternoon of the day before collection and keep your cans out of sight in the back of your house during the week. Recycling is collected on Mondays. Please verify trash collection with the Town of Herndon as it is subject to change.
Yard Maintenance and Home Improvement
All property in Hunters Creek must be maintained in a neat and safe manner. Branches hanging over the sidewalk and bushes protruding into the sidewalk must be cut back to allow people to walk by freely. Grass must be cut regularly and cannot be longer than 8 inches. Any broken shutters, windows, doors, etc. must be repaired in a timely fashion.
Before making any major changes to your property, such as a new deck or siding, you must contact the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) and the Town of Herndon (703-435-6804) to ensure that the changes meet neighborhood and town requirements. The ARC will conduct an annual inspection of all homes in Hunters Creek to ensure that they are being maintained properly. If there are any problems with your property, you will receive a letter with a list of required changes.
Swim and Racquet Club
The Hunters Creek Swim and Racquet Club is open to Hunters Creek residents and others who buy a membership and pay an annual fee. It is located across Herndon Parkway. For more information, go to About Hunters Creek, Hunters Creek Swim and Racquet Club.
Board of Directors
The Hunters Creek Community Association is managed by a volunteer board of directors, who are elected on a rotating basis every year. The board is responsible for developing the budget, overseeing the maintenance of common areas, and resolving any disputes that may arise within the community. The board meets once a year in October to discuss important issues affecting the community.
Property Sale in Hunters Creek
When a property in Hunters Creek is sold, the seller is required by law to provide the buyer with an association disclosure packet. The packet must disclose the following information:
- Whether all assessments and other charges have been paid to the association.
- Whether the property follows all architectural or other regulations or covenants of the association.
- The financial condition of the association.
- The covenants and other documents recorded among the land records of Fairfax County.
- The association’s articles of incorporation and bylaws.
- Any rules and regulations or architectural guidelines adopted by the association.
The buyer is also entitled to request information about the status of any assessments or liens against the property. This information can be obtained from the seller, the association, or the settlement agent.
The Intent of the Legal Requirement
The intent of the legal requirement is to protect both buyers and sellers. The disclosure packet provides buyers with important information about the property, such as whether all assessments have been paid and whether the property follows all applicable regulations. The packet also protects sellers by providing official certification that the property complies.
The Process
The association’s provider will prepare and certify the disclosure packet within several days, if there are no violations or other complications.
Assessment and Lien Status of the Property
The settlement agent or title company will need to confirm the status of the property’s annual assessment payment and any other assessments or liens against the property by the association. This information can be obtained from the seller, the association, or the title company.
Third-Party Processing
The HOA utilizes a third-party company that specializes in providing association disclosure packets for homeowner’s associations. They have a team of experienced professionals who can quickly and efficiently prepare a disclosure packet that meets all legal requirements.
Please visit our website for more information
Important Note
The information in this document is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. If you have any questions about the legal requirements for selling a property in Hunters Creek, you should consult with an attorney.