HOLLY HILL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Wildewood Community

Architectural Control - Rules

• Trees: While many people live in Wildewood and in our neighborhood because they love trees, trees require maintenance. Tree removal is governed by the Architectural Control Rules, which state (in part), "Removal of any tree that could imminently cause damage to any structure or harm persons or animals is permitted. ... Removal of all living trees greater than 6 inches in diameter, measured no greater than 4.5 feet (54 inches) from the natural surrounding ground level, must be approved before removal by the Architectural Control Committee (the 6-inch rule)." The practice has been to provide prompt verbal approval for trees that present an imminent danger. Experience has shown that homeowners contemplate tree removal for an extended time before making a decision. Engage an Architectural Committee member before cutting trees.

• Most tree removal petitions are approved, however, clear-cutting of trees is not permitted. Homeowners are strongly encouraged to contact a registered forester or licensed tree expert before removing trees. The Department of Natural Resources maintains an online list of licensed tree experts.  Some things to keep in mind: Groups of trees act together as wind barriers; removing trees can make surrounding trees susceptible to wind damage; a leaning tree is not necessarily a hazard; trees usually die from the top down-look up and see if your trees appear healthy. Homeowners are responsible for removing the remains of trees, including stumps. Planting of replacement trees is encouraged.

• Dead/dying trees: Dead and dying trees are hazardous. Homeowners are encouraged to survey their properties and trees on nearby properties to see if any are threatening to fall. Too many crowded trees stifle growth of smaller trees and shrubs. Look over your property. Look up. If you have dead or dying trees, remove them. A petition is not required to remove dead/dying trees. A dead or dying tree that falls on your house or car, or a neighbor's house or car-or on a person-may not be covered by insurance and may result in legal action.
   

• Leaves: the Board of Directors approved a site for disposing of leaves collected by Holly Hill residents. The site is at the east end of the green space across from the second mailbox shelter. This trial effort will be promptly discontinued if any of the following rules are violated:
   

• Due to the soft ground along the common area and near the disposal site, street vehicles (cars, trucks) may not be used to move leaves to the disposal site. Leaves only. Do not dispose tree limbs, trash, or anything other than leaves at the site. Do not leave trash bags or other containers or material at the site. Spread the leaves about; do not leave piles or heaps.
   

• Mold, mildew, and moss: Check your siding. Mold, mildew, and moss are unsightly and can cause permanent damage. If you have replaced your siding, your investment may be diminished by the growth mold, mildew, or moss. Clean it or have it cleaned.
   

• Sheds: storage sheds are among the most popular reasons for submitting a petition. Sheds must match the style and colors of your home, including trim, doors, and windows (if any). Most of the prefabricated sheds in our area have hip roofs, cross-buck doors, or colonial style features, which are not in keeping with the contemporary style of homes in our neighborhood. Sheds should be scaled to fit on your property. When submitting a petition for a shed, indicate the exact materials, color, style, and location on your lot. If you do not have a plat of your property, contact the undersigned.
   

• Deteriorating sheds: if you have a shed, make sure it is in good repair. Several in the neighborhood are in poor condition. Homeowners with poorly maintained sheds are subject to having the sheds repaired or removed by the association, with the cost assessed against the property.
   

• Boats, campers, trailers, disabled/unregistered vehicles: may not be parked on your property or on the streets in our neighborhood, with the exception of short stays of 10 days or less (or disabled/unregistered vehicles kept in garages).
   

• Maintaining close scrutiny of the costs of caring for the neighborhood, and the cost of shared expenses like trash pick-up and upkeep of the common areas.
   

• Ensuring compliance by homeowners to the By-Laws, Covenants, and Architectural Control rules. Exterior changes to homes require petitions - please review & obey the rules. Penalties apply for failure to adhere to these rules: $100 or 10% of the value of the project, whichever is greater.
   

• Ensuring a safe and aesthetic environment for our owners, renters, and their families.
   

• WCA (Wildewood Community Association): Holly Hill has not joined the WCA. After considerable involvement, discussion, and debate, the directors agreed that the negatives out-weigh the positives at this time. This is not to say the directors do not support the concept of the WCA; however, the legal documents that control the functioning of the WCA do not--in the view of the directors--represent a fair deal for the homeowners. The board of directors called for a discussion and vote on the WCA at the annual Holly Hill meeting in November 2005. WCA issues were discussed and the new Wildewood developer (Duball, Inc.) provided a brief and answered homeowner questions regarding WCA membership. A quorum was not present to vote on the issue. The directors again solicited a vote by the homeowners in June 2007 (via letters mailed to each homeowner). The results of that vote were: 42 Against joining WCA, 17 For. Additional information will be provided as it is received. Feel free to contact a board member if you wish to learn more of the history and the particulars.