How much are the annual dues and when are they due?
Annual dues are established each year with the approval of the budget, first by the Board of Directors and then at the annual Community Meeting. For 2010 the "general" annual dues are $493.00, plus an additional $457.00 surcharge for residents of the townhouse community. Bills are sent twice a year, in late December and late June. If you do not receive a bill you should contact Community Association Services (CAS).
What do my annual dues pay for?
Annual dues cover landscaping and maintenance of the common areas, including lawn service, tree and debris removal, natural areas, insurance, administrative fees, collection, legal and accounting expenses, County fees, townhouse sidewalk and parking area repair, townhouse streetlights, townhouse snow removal, and signage.
Why do townhouse residents pay additional dues?
The townhouse area includes private roads, curb and gutter, sidewalks, and streetlights – all of which Fallsreach is responsible for the upkeep. In contrast, the single family area is comprised entirely of public streets and streetlights for which the County is responsible. Accordingly, the original developer put in place a supplementary set of declarations for the townhouses setting forth additional fees to establish reserves and operating funds to address these requirements.
What are the responsibilities of the Homeowners Association?
All the homes in Fallsreach are subject to recorded covenants and restrictions which establish controls and responsibilities for the upkeep of common areas, aesthetic controls over changes to the exterior of homes, and controls over occupancy, land use, etc. Under these Covenants and Restrictions, and Bylaws, the structure was established for the election of members of a Board of Directors, the that Board’s election of officers of the Association. The FHOA oversees the maintenance of the public areas, provides approvals for changes to home exteriors to maintain neighborhood aesthetics and generally assures that homeowners are in compliance with the community Bylaws.
Can I attend a Homeowners Association Meeting?
Yes. Board meetings are open to all Fallsreach homeowners and attendance is encouraged. A sign is posted at the corner of Falls Chapel and Reach Roads in advance of each Board Meeting and the meeting location (usually the Potomac Community Center) date and time are posted to fallsreach.com.
How are Board Members elected and how long are the terms?
Board Members are on staggered three year terms with one-third of the Board up for election each year at the community’s annual meeting.
Who is Community Association Services (“CAS”) and what are their responsibilities?
CAS is the administrative agent for the Association. Their duties include the billing and collection of all dues, the referral to legal counsel delinquent accounts, and all account payables in connection with Association vendors and expenses. CAS, which also serves as a full service manager of other communities, is also an important resource to the Officers and Board members with respect to the identification of contractors, consultants, and advice with respect to procedural issues concerning late fees, reserves, and other matters.
What kind of work to my home requires approval from the Homeowners Association?
Any change to the exterior appearance of your home requires review by the Architectural Control Committee (AECC), a sub-committee of the Fallsreach Homeowners Association Board. Such changes would include, but are not limited to, paint color changes, siding changes, roof shingle changes, additions, fences, porch enclosures, decks, basketball hoops, swimming pools, tree removal, and structural landscaping changes that entail retaining walls, gazebos, or changes in grade. Repairs, which substantially maintain the same colors and materials, do not require approval by the Architectural Control Committee. Any decision of the AECC may be appealed in writing to the Board of Directors.
Where do I go for renovation approvals?
You can download an Application Form from the Forms Section of this website.
If I have ideas for improvements to the neighborhood, who do I talk to? Send an e-mail to susan.szajna@casinc.biz or call her at (301) 840-1800, extension 19.
If I want to report a streetlight out or a downed tree, who should I call?
If located within the Townhouse area, contact CAS; if in the single family area contact Montgomery County Department of Public Works at 240-777-2190. Montgomery County also has an extensive website for reporting streetlight outages.
What is the process if I have a complaint about a neighbor?
The Association encourages all residents to try to work out neighbor conflicts in a reasonable and mature manner. The Association has no police powers and, with the exception of certain enforcement procedures found in the Association's Bylaws and Declaration of Covenants, has no enforcement authority over resident behavior. For any sort of disturbance, you should contact the Montgomery County Police Department. For alleged violations of HOA Bylaws and Covenants, contact CAS, who will refer the matter to the appropriate officers of the Association. Unfortunately, with respect to complaints regarding a neighbor’s failure to maintain the exterior appearance of their home, the HOA has no specific authority to compel a resident to re-paint their home, re-side, or re-roof. There are, however, Montgomery County code requirements with respect to maintaining a yard free of excessively tall grass and weeds, and free of rodent producing infestations.
What public schools do neighborhood children attend?
Fallsreach families are fortunate to be part of some of the best public schools in the country. The neighborhood schools are Beverly Farms Elementary, Hebert Hoover Middle and Churchill High School.
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