Waterview Cluster Association
Reston, Virginia
Handbook for Homeowners and Residents
Revised March 21, 2018, Version 4
Table of Contents
II. A History of Waterview Cluster
A. Exterior Maintenance and Alteration
B. Reston Lake Anne Air-Conditioning Corporation
I. Introduction
The purpose of this handbook is to give a brief history of Waterview and an overview of important information pertaining to the cluster. Included are details about cluster governance, rules that affect homeowners and residents, an explanation of covenants and standards, and general information about services and amenities.
Waterview is a beautiful, well-established neighborhood of ninety homes where people of diverse backgrounds, interests and ages share ownership and common ground. As in any community, living here requires cooperation, understanding and the recognition that with joint ownership comes joint responsibility. Waterview is dependent on a host of volunteers to ensure that our cluster is financially stable, governed properly and well maintained, for the benefit of us all. From serving on the Board of Directors or a committee, to pitching in during a cluster workday, there are many rewarding ways to help. We rely heavily on our volunteers, and welcome and encourage residents to get involved.
Waterview always has been a great place to live. In addition to its architectural and natural beauty, its proximity to Lake Anne, schools, shops, restaurants, recreational facilities and public transportation is to be envied. With commitment and careful stewardship, we can ensure that Waterview continues to be a desirable, peaceful neighborhood amid our ever-changing surroundings.
II.A History of Waterview Cluster
Waterview Cluster originated in the overall concept for Reston, and more locally, the Lake Anne community. In the early 1960s, Reston founder Robert E. Simon planned the Lake Anne area with a zoning and land use concept still evident today. Since 1964, when the first occupants moved in, Waterview has evolved into a mature cluster within Reston. Great credit must be given to Simon and famed architect Chloethiel Smith for creating an environment that has stood the test of time.
Mr. Simon realized that suburban sprawl results in wasted space, added road networks, lack of public areas, and loss of a sense of community. His Residential Planned Community (RPC) zoning allowed for the elimination of side yard requirements, enabling townhouse clusters like Waterview to conserve land for common use open space, such as walking paths, playgrounds and wooded areas. In addition, RPC zoning stressed mixed uses and reduced distances between homes and offices, shops, community facilities, and recreation areas. It also provided for day and night use of the same spaces and facilities. Waterview Cluster’s proximity to Lake Anne Village Center embodies this concept.
In 1962, following the adoption of RPC zoning by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Simon moved forward with the development of Lake Anne Village Center, Heron House, Hickory Cluster and Waterview Cluster. To create a universe within itself, Mr. Simon constructed all four projects at the same time. Although doing so was risky, the offering of choice, variety and amenities was deemed to be worth the gamble. In fact, fifty-six lenders had to be contacted prior to successful placement of development financing.
Design was critical to making the Lake Anne community and Waterview Cluster unique and desirable. Simon derived the two-story idea for the Lake Anne Village Center from Stevenage, a planned community in England, and designed Heron House as a high-rise based on architecture from the new town of Tapiola, Finland. Chloethiel Smith wanted to make her design for Waterview “comfortable with the land” and prioritized saving as many trees as possible in her plans.
Waterview was built on a hillside of twenty-eight acres with a ratio of six homes per developable acre, resulting in ninety townhouses on fifteen acres suitable for building. The land itself presented three unique challenges: sloping topography, a flood plain and access to water views. Smith stepped the houses and drives down the hillside, preserved the flood plain as open area and sited the homes to maximize their lake views. Roof design was also of special importance. Smith wanted to create a pleasing view from higher ground, including the Heron House condominiums, and accomplished this with a variety of roof colors and contours.
To make the row houses visually interesting, Smith distinguished units from one another with distinct widths, heights, colors, window variations and balconies. In addition, she designed many different interior floor plans.
In keeping with Robert Simon’s vision of minimizing the impacts of automobile traffic and parking, Smith chose not to connect Waterview Cluster Drive to Orchard Lane and to screen parking spaces, which allowed for the creation of parkland within the cluster. To pull together Waterview’s elements of design, Smith centered the marina and boat landings as the focal point where open spaces, homes and water meet. Not surprisingly, the marina has always been a popular gathering place for recreation and social events.
From its earliest years, Waterview has had its own formal cluster association, led by a board of directors, which has worked with homeowners and residents to preserve, protect and enhance our surroundings. We have improved the lighting along our walkways, rebuilt the marina, replaced the roofs and gutters on our carports, updated site signage, built storm water drainage systems, enhanced our landscaping, developed a comprehensive, ongoing tree management program, replaced the playground equipment, and repaved our streets and parking areas. In the future, we will undoubtedly tackle many of these projects again and add new ones to the list, as we continue the work of maintaining and beautifying our aging cluster.
III. Board of Directors
Waterview Cluster Association (WCA) is a nonstock corporation subject to the Fair Housing Act, the Virginia Property Owners’ Association Act, the Virginia Nonstock Corporation Act, and the governing documents of the Reston Association (RA) -- including the amended Deed of Dedication, Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and rules and regulations -- as well as the cluster’s own Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and rules.
The cluster is governed by a Board of Directors, composed of five directors elected by cluster members at the annual membership meeting held in May. Directors of the board serve three-year terms. The board elects a president from its directors and appoints a secretary and a treasurer who need not be directors of the board. Terms of office are staggered so that normally no more than two new directors are elected each year.
The board president acts as the chief executive officer of the corporation, chairs both board and general membership meetings, and represents the cluster in contract negotiations and community affairs. The secretary maintains meeting minutes and cluster documents. The treasurer is responsible for financial matters and serves as a liaison between the board and the cluster’s management company. A homeowners’ association management company keeps financial and other records, handles accounts payable and receivable, and provides administrative support to members of the board. It also assists the board in its annual budget deliberations and provides financial reports.
The board is solely responsible for the creation and approval of the annual cluster budget. The board may increase house and carport assessments by up to 10 percent annually; a larger budget increase requires approval of the general membership. Upcoming budgets and forecasts are traditionally reviewed at a December meeting of the general membership. Should the need arise, the board has the power to levy special assessments, subject either to the provisions of Reston Association’s governing documents or the Virginia Property Owners’ Association Act. In practice, the membership has the right to approve any special assessment.
The board is legally bound by the Virginia Property Owners’ Association Act to conduct a formal reserve study at least every five years, and to review the study annually. The purpose of the study is to determine the amount of reserve funds needed to maintain or replace the cluster’s capital assets, including Waterview’s streets, carports, lights, marina, storm water management systems, paths, footbridges and sidewalks. The board uses the data from these studies to help set the annual budget and as a blueprint for planning and scheduling the repair and replacement of capital assets. Having adequate reserve savings helps to avoid the need for special assessments for large capital projects.
The board may appoint, at its discretion, committees to give appropriate
guidance and support to the board. Committees are chaired by a member of the
board. One such on-going group is the Landscape Committee, tasked with
assisting the board with the care and management of the cluster’s natural and
landscaped areas. Another is the Design Review and Covenants Committee, which
reviews and signs cluster and resident RA Design Review Board (DRB)
applications, proposes updates to cluster standards as needed, and represents
the cluster on DRB and RA Covenants Committee matters. The Capital Projects Committee
assists the board in planning and executing improvements to, or replacement of capital
assets. The committee also takes the lead on selecting an engineering firm to
update the cluster’s reserve study, and provides guidance, information and
oversight during the process.
Cluster governing documents and contact information for the board of directors, committees, and management company can be found on the cluster web site. (www.waterviewcluster.org)
Refer to the website for board meeting dates and minutes, details on how the board disseminates information to homeowners and residents, and for other details about intra-cluster communication.
IV. Cluster Rules
Waterview Cluster property owners and renters are bound by the Waterview Cluster Association Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and rules; by the Governing Documents of the Reston Association, including the Protective Covenants (Design Covenants and Use and Maintenance of property rules) contained in the Deed of Dedication; and by Fairfax County ordinances.
A. Cluster Assessments
The RA Deed of Dedication and the Waterview Bylaws authorize the board to assess an annual charge against each lot and each carport easement for the maintenance and operation of the cluster. Payment of the dues is mandatory. The assessments cover operating expenses such as trash collection, landscaping services, tree care, snow plowing and management company fees, as well as capital reserve expenses such as street repair and paving, sidewalk repair, carport repair, replacement of street light fixtures, construction of storm water management systems and other capital asset expenses. Assessments are billed quarterly and are due within 30 days. A late fee not to exceed 20 percent is assessed for payments not received by the cluster’s management company within 30 days of the due date. When deemed necessary, the board of directors may authorize the taking of legal action to collect unpaid assessments. The delinquent owner is responsible for all attorney’s fees and other costs associated with collecting overdue assessments.
B. Exterior Changes and Improvements
The RA Design Review Board must approve exterior changes to homes in Waterview. This applies to any modifications that affect the appearance of a property, including adding or altering fences, railings, enclosures, walls, patios, decks, windows and doors, solar panels and sky lights, as well as roof, brick and trim paint colors.
Refer to the Covenants and Standards section in this handbook and the cluster website for detailed information regarding our standards and the design review process. (www.waterviewcluster.org)
C. Cluster Streets and Sidewalks
The cluster association is responsible for repair and
maintenance of cluster streets, and for sidewalks that are not part of the
Reston pathway system. Proceed
with caution on cluster streets and watch for children at play. Comply with all
speed limit and No Parking signage.
D.
D. Parking
Waterview Cluster has slightly fewer than two parking spaces per house, so cooperation between neighbors is essential. If you have a carport, please use it. If your household has several cars, park one or two of them in a less crowded area so as not to squeeze out your neighbors. If you plan to host a large party, ask your guests to park outside the cluster or in less crowded areas. In addition, the following rules apply to both streets and carports:
1. Parking in the cluster is limited to residents, short-term guests and immediate family members living with residents. Residents may not authorize non-residents to park or store vehicles for extended periods.
2. Trailers, boats, recreational vehicles, and commercial vehicles with obtrusive signs, fittings, or equipment may not be parked overnight in the cluster. RA provides rental storage space for recreational vehicles, trailers and boats at its Sunset Hills lot. Call RA for details.
3. The cluster board,
at the owner’s expense, will tow and impound any vehicles that: a) are
inoperable; b) do not have current license and inspection stickers; c) are
abandoned or do not belong to a cluster resident; or d) otherwise violate
cluster rules. State and county laws require registration within 30 days of
establishing residence.
E. Carports
Waterview Cluster owns the seven carports in the cluster. Homeowners with a carport easement are assessed a fee for the upkeep of the carports. The rights to a carport easement may be transferred: see Article VIII of the Waterview Bylaws; for information and necessary paperwork, contact the board. Unless a carport is specifically excluded from the sale of a home, the carport easement is transferred to the new owner. Carports are to be used for parking only. The board has the authority to have a carport cleaned at the owner’s expense if the owner has failed to respond to a request to do so. Vehicles parked in carports must be operational. Abandoned cars or those that are inoperable and/or without current license or inspection will be towed away at the owner’s expense.
F. Use of Marina
The marina is for Waterview Cluster residents and their guests. Refer to the Waterview website for information on how to reserve the area for larger parties. Bag and remove all trash when hosting a function at the marina.
G. Fireworks
The Fairfax County Fire Prevention Code prohibits the use of any firework that explodes, emits a flame or sparks higher than 12 feet, or performs as a projectile. This includes firecrackers, cherry bombs and skyrockets that cannot be purchased legally in Fairfax County. Possession of unapproved fireworks is prohibited in Fairfax County and the person possessing them can be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor. Use of illegal fireworks on Waterview Cluster common area is prohibited.
H. Boats
Boats stored at the marina must belong to Waterview Cluster residents. There are boat racks on either side of the dock for use by residents. All watercraft stored on approved cluster common areas must be registered with Waterview Cluster Association and any craft used in Lake Anne must be registered with Reston Association. Boats not registered may be removed from cluster common areas at the expense of the owner, auctioned, donated, or destroyed.
Boats must be in good working order. Only small, durable, rigid construction watercraft (such as canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and small sailboats) that can be carried by one or two people may be stored out of the water at the cluster marina. Rafts, barges, floating docks, and pontoon boats are not permitted to be stored on cluster common area. Residents with waterfront homes may own pontoon boats which must be moored in the lake immediately adjacent to their property. Absolutely no watercraft of any size may be moored overnight at the Waterview Cluster marina. WCA assumes no liability for the damage, theft, or vandalism of watercraft or their contents. Remove or donate your boat should you move out of the cluster.
Refer to the website for specific information on how to register boats. Reston Association sets the rules and guidelines for the access and use of all lakes in Reston; refer to www.reston.org for a copy of its Boat Guide. There is a public boat launch ramp for Lake Anne near the corner of Wiehle Avenue and Inlet Court.
I. Dogs
Fairfax County has leash and “pooper scooper” laws. Waterview’s Bylaws (Article X) require that residents follow them. Do not allow dogs to roam free, keep dogs leashed in public areas and immediately remove pet waste. Residents of the cluster may have the leash law enforced on privately owned or cluster property by calling Fairfax County Animal Control.
J. Tree Removal
On private property, DRB approval is required for the removal of live trees, except for exotic invasive species. An application must be submitted to DRB for approval to remove any live ornamental tree, regardless of size, or any deciduous or evergreen tree whose trunk measures four inches or more in diameter, when measured four and a half feet above the ground. Refer to the DRB Cluster Housing Guidelines (Landscaping, Tree Removal) or call RA Covenants Administration for complete information on when and how an application should be filed.
V. Cluster Services
A variety of services, paid for by cluster assessments, are provided by private contractors hired by the board of directors.
A. Trash and Recycling Collection
Trash and recycling removal in Waterview is handled by a private contractor. Refer to the cluster website (www.waterviewcluster.org) for current, detailed information regarding pick-up days, holiday schedules, disposal of yard waste, special pick-ups for large items, recycling, etc. Refrain from putting trash and recyclable items at the curb before dark on the evening before scheduled pick-ups. Break down boxes prior to putting them into community recycle bins. Remove trash containers and any materials not collected by the evening of pick-up days. Sturdy plastic trash bins, cardboard cartons and sealable plastic garbage bags are acceptable for household garbage. Covered containers work best to keep animals out of trash. Paper bags are appropriate for recyclable items and yard waste. There are traditional locations throughout the cluster for the placement of garbage. Check with your immediate neighbors if you are new to the cluster.
B. Grounds Maintenance
A contractor mows the grass, trims the
hedges, collects leaves, spreads mulch, and provides other routine grounds
maintenance. The cluster is responsible for pruning and removing trees on
common areas only. Homeowners are responsible for trees on their property (see
Section IV Cluster Rules: (J) Tree Removal). Residents do a great deal of
additional work during the spring and fall workdays.
C. Snow Removal
The cluster’s snow removal contractor responds when ice and/or sleet are evident or when there is approximately one to two inches of snowfall. When a significant amount of snow is forecast, the board will notify residents of specific parking spaces that the contractor will use as deposit areas for excess snow; these areas will also be marked with cones. Do not park in these spaces. Please keep the sidewalk in front of your home shoveled and help neighbors who are unable to do so. Consider adopting a fire hydrant or storm drain and keeping it cleared of snow. Note that Reston Association is responsible for clearing its walkways, including the sidewalks in Waterview that run along the lake.
D. Disclosure Documents for Resale
The Virginia Property Owners’ Association Act requires Waterview home sellers to provide buyers with disclosure documents for both Reston Association and Waterview Cluster Association. The packets include information about the associations’ bylaws, rules, dues, finances, etc. Contact RA for information regarding its resale disclosure documents. Waterview Cluster Association disclosure packets are handled by our management company; refer to the cluster website for current contact information.
VI. Common Ground
Cluster living means sharing common areas: sharing their beauty, their maintenance, their protection, and their enjoyment. This section deals with items that are not rules, per se, but are understandings that enhance everyone’s enjoyment of our common areas.
A. Grounds Maintenance
To help control landscaping costs and to foster appreciation for our common areas, we share responsibility with professional contractors for their upkeep. On cluster property, a paid grounds crew maintains the grassy areas, trims hedges, spreads mulch, and removes leaves in the fall. The cluster hires professionally certified tree contractors to care for our trees; their work includes deadwood pruning, tree removal, storm damage cleanup and preventative health measures. Cluster residents volunteer to assist in other maintenance of the common area.
B. Workdays
Cluster workdays are held at least twice a year, spring and fall. The board or the Landscape Committee plans these workdays, with input from residents. Workdays are an opportunity to help with essential projects and to get to know your neighbors. The work accomplished during these organized work parties, or by volunteers at any time, saves money that would otherwise be paid to contractors. Residents are strongly encouraged to participate in cluster workdays.
C. Natural Areas
The natural growth on cluster property should not be disturbed except with board approval. Do not dump any materials -- including leaves, grass clippings, unwanted soil, plants and Christmas trees -- in these areas.
D. Grassy Areas
These areas may be used for informal activities. To protect the turf, refrain from heavy use of these areas when the ground is wet. Organized sports should be played on RA ball fields. See Section IX in this manual (Playing Fields and Organized Sports). Shoes with cleats should not be worn on grassy areas in the cluster.
E. Litter
Litter pick-up is everyone’s responsibility. There are two RA garbage cans located in the cluster, one at the marina and one at the wooden “Van Gogh” bridge. Bag and removal all litter when hosting an event on cluster property.
F. Yard Cuttings
Put plant debris and yard cuttings out for garbage collection -- do not dump in the natural areas of the cluster. Refer to the cluster website (www.waterviewcluster.org) for details on yard waste pick-up.
G. Storm Drains
Fairfax County maintains the system of storm drains throughout the cluster except for three drains on Waterview (near 11424, 11434 and 11485) which are solely the cluster’s responsibility. Although the county maintains the public storm drainage system, Waterview Cluster is responsible for clearing any obstructions -- including trash, yard waste, tree limbs and leaves -- that block the flow of water into any of the drains. Please keep in mind that the system drains into Lake Anne and the Chesapeake Bay watershed: never dump waste of any kind into the storm drains. Do not pile leaves in front of storm drains, including before scheduled leaf pick-ups. The manhole lids and cement pads of the system should never be obstructed.
H. Storm Water Management Systems
The cluster has an extensive and expanding system of storm water management features to help reduce erosion, slow the flow of water and minimize other impacts of storm water runoff. The systems are designed, constructed and maintained by professional contractors. Do not interfere with or alter these systems. Mitigating the impact of storm water runoff is an ongoing challenge for the cluster.
I. Lighting
The Board of Directors is responsible for the upkeep of the
light fixtures on cluster property. The Reston Association is responsible for
the lights along the RA pathways, including the path that follows Lake Anne
through Waterview Cluster. Dominion Energy is responsible for the underground
wiring leading to all the fixtures. The replacement parts and bulbs for these
unique lights are expensive, and repairs are difficult and time consuming; please
discourage any tampering with the fixtures, including bumping into or swinging on
the poles. Volunteers -- board members or appointees -- are responsible for
repairs and replacements. Immediately report any needed light maintenance to
the appropriate board member or appointee; contact information is on the
cluster website. The sooner an issue is reported, the sooner it can be resolved.
J. Lake Anne
The use of Lake Anne is governed by RA rules and regulations. Residents of Waterview can do our part to help keep the lake clean and healthy by ensuring that everyday pollutants, including detergents, antifreeze, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, motor oil, etc. are used sparingly and carefully to minimize runoff either through the storm drain system or directly into the lake. Note that RA rules prohibit the feeding of wildlife except song birds: please do not feed the ducks and geese.
K. Snow and Ice Melt Treatments
Consider using snow and ice melt treatments that are friendly to the environment and pets. Rock salt can be toxic to pets, wildlife and plants, and can corrode concrete. There are numerous non-toxic, “pet friendly” snow melt options commercially available. Note that there are several sand buckets placed throughout the cluster; feel free to use the sand on cluster and private walkways.
VII. Covenants and Standards
Waterview Cluster homeowners are responsible for the maintenance of the exterior of their homes and their yards, which must be in keeping with the Reston Association Deed of Dedication’s Protective Covenants, which state in part (Article VI, Section VI.1. Design Covenants: (c) Requirements):
1. Improvements. Unless and until
a plan of construction is submitted by the owner of any portion of the Property
or the Owner’s agent and approved by the DRB, no structure or appurtenance
thereto, whether of a temporary or permanent nature and whether or not affixed
to the ground, shall be commenced, erected, installed, added, or permitted to
remain on the Property. The plans for initial grading and landscaping of any
real property shall also require the prior approval of the DRB.
2. Alterations. Unless and until a plan of alteration is submitted by the owner of any portion of the Property or the Owner’s agent and approved by the DRB, no alteration, addition, or repair, including change in exterior color, shall be undertaken which affects the external appearance of any improvements to the Property or of any lake shoreline or which affects drainage patterns or topography.
3. Change in Use. No portion of the Property or building on the Property shall be used for a type of use other than that for which it was originally designed without the approval of the DRB.
4. Trees. Mature, live trees on the Property, as defined in the Design Guidelines, may not be cut down or removed without the prior approval of the DRB.
5. Natural Vegetation Areas. Those areas indicated as uncleared, undisturbed, tree save, or natural areas on DRB or Fairfax County approved development, site, and/or landscape plans for the Property shall be managed according to the Design Guidelines of the Property. Consistent with the Design Guidelines for the Property, the natural condition of these areas, including the trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and soils should be preserved and may not be disturbed, cut down, or removed without the prior approval of the DRB.
6. Signs. No signs shall be erected or installed on a portion of the Property, except: (a) signs approved by the DRB; or (b) signs which do not require DRB review as delineated in the Design Guidelines.
7. Antenna. No antenna shall be located in any area exposed to view, unless approved by the DRB, provided, however, that the Association shall not prevent access to telecommunications services in violation of applicable federal law.
In addition to the RA covenants and guidelines, Waterview Cluster has its own design standards which were established by the builder and the Reston Homeowners Association (now RA) when the cluster was first constructed. Waterview’s Design Review and Covenants Committee maintains the standards for the board of directors; Reston Association enforces them. The Waterview board and DRB must approve all modifications of the cluster standards.
There are Waterview standards for paint colors, windows, doors and storm doors, window and door trim, roofs, gutters and downspouts, patios, railings, decks, enclosures, mail boxes and outdoor lights, among others. While the standards have evolved over time as colors and products have been discontinued, the intent of the board has always been to maintain the consistency and continuity of the original architectural character of the cluster.
Refer to the cluster website or contact Waterview’s Design Review and Covenants Committee or the RA Covenant Advisor assigned to Waterview Cluster for a copy of the standards and color samples developed specifically for homes in Waterview.
Refer to the Reston Deed, Article VI Protective Covenants and Easements, for additional information on RA design covenants, the use and maintenance of property, the resale of property and easements. (www.reston.org)
A. Exterior Maintenance and Alteration
If you are planning an exterior change to your property, including tree
removal, contact the cluster Design Review and Covenants Committee or
Waterview’s RA Covenants Advisor to determine if that change needs to be
reviewed and approved by RA. All changes in house or roof colors must be approved by RA, even if the
change is simply choosing another color from the approved palette. Maintaining
or refurbishing an already approved exterior feature does not need review or
approval IF it retains its original DRB-approved design. While not all
changes require a formal application, all changes must conform to the RA
design guidelines and cluster standards. Note that DRB applications require both neighbor and board
member signatures. Contact the cluster Design Review and Covenants Committee
for a board signature.
Contact Waterview’s RA Covenant Advisor for information on how the review process works, what level of review is necessary for a specific project, what information is needed for an application and an estimate of how long the review process may take for a project.
Design review application forms are available on both the RA and Waterview websites.
There is no fee associated with filing an application.
B. Reston Lake Anne Air-Conditioning Corporation (RELAC)
All homeowners in Waterview Cluster are bound by the “Air-Conditioning
Covenant” of the Reston Deed -- Section VI.2 (b) (15) -- which states in full:
Air-Conditioning Units. In any residential Cluster in which central air-conditioning service is available to the Lot line, no individual air-conditioning units of any type shall be permitted. This covenant may only be amended or revoked by at least a two-thirds vote of the Category A Members of all residential Clusters on the service.
Homeowners in Waterview and several other clusters are required to use the cooling system known as RELAC. The system, installed in 1963 during the original phase of construction around Lake Anne, is maintained by a private utility and uses water from the lake to chill fluid that circulates to homes in the Lake Anne area. Refer to the cluster website for current information about RELAC.
For residents considering the temporary installation of an independent cooling unit, refer to RA’s Use and Maintenance Standards Resolution 15; Air-Conditioning Units/RELAC HVAC System. To be temporarily released from the prohibitions of the RELAC Covenant, homeowners who seek to install an independent cooling system must provide documentation to the RA Covenants Committee establishing that a resident of the home is eligible for an accommodation under the applicable fair housing laws and must obtain prior approval from the Design Review Board for any addition, alteration or improvement to their lot pursuant to Article VI, Section VI.1 (c ) (1) and (2) of the Amended Reston Deed. Homeowners requesting a temporary exemption from the prohibitions of the RELAC Covenant must agree, as a condition of approval, that RA will file a Notice of Violation on their lot and that the notice will be released when the supplemental cooling system is removed.
VIII. Landscape Standards
Waterview’s natural and landscaped areas enhance the beauty of our
surroundings, provide screening and shading, assist in erosion control and
drainage, support wildlife, manage foot traffic, and create opportunities for
active and passive recreation for residents. In the cluster we are lucky
to have everything from natural, wooded areas to turf fields, from entrance
gardens to Lake Anne shoreline, all of which present unique management
challenges and opportunities.
The Landscape Committee works to maintain and improve these areas with the help of hired professionals and volunteers. Tasks include participation in tree care management including pruning, removal, and healthcare; support for storm water management projects; oversight of landscape maintenance including turf maintenance, mulching, weeding, hedge trimming, and leaf removal; management of exotic invasive plant removals; common area shoreline plantings and new landscaping.
The cluster board and the Landscape Committee have developed the following guidelines for all residents:
1. Request board permission before proceeding with new plantings or before pruning or removing existing plants in common areas. For approval of new plantings, submit information on proposed plants, quantities, location and future maintenance. No one may prune or plant on cluster property without the approval of the board or the Landscape Committee.
2.
Consider planting recommended species
in private areas. Refer to both the Waterview Cluster and Reston Association
websites for up-to-date information on native and non-native plant
recommendations for Northern Virginia. (www.waterviewcluster.org and www.reston.org.)
3.
Follow the Reston Association
guidelines for plants to avoid using in your yard and garden. Consider
removing existing invasive plants as recommended; contact the board for
assistance in identifying them if needed. Bag all removed plants and put them
out for yard waste pick-up.
4.
Never dump any material on cluster
common areas. This includes leaves, grass clippings, Christmas trees, unwanted
soil, plants from private gardens, fireplace ashes, spent charcoal and yard
waste. Besides being unsightly, an excess of these materials can undermine the
health of plants and trees, affect drainage systems and impact the health of
Lake Anne.
5. Do not remove understory plants and naturally occurring organic debris in the woodlands. These materials are essential for a healthy ecosystem.
6.
Use natural pest controls, replace
pest-prone plants with naturally resistant ones, and use fertilizers sparingly
and in slow release forms. Avoid the use of toxic substances in proximity to
common areas and the lake.
7.
Ensure that any contractor you employ
does not dump construction debris or contaminated water on cluster property or
into storm drains. Refer to the website for cluster trash and recycling
policies to help determine how to properly dispose of these materials.
8.
Obtain board permission and guidance if
you are planning any construction project that might affect cluster common
areas due to vehicular/equipment access or staging of construction materials.
9. Do not encroach on cluster common areas for private use, such as storage of landscape supplies, firewood, etc.
IX. Recreational Amenities
A. Fairfax County
The Fairfax County Park Authority operates a park system throughout the county which includes teen, senior and rec centers, golf courses, athletic fields, trails, nature centers and campgrounds, as well as lakes, parks and nature and historic sites. The county sponsors organized activities and programs throughout the system.
The Reston Community Center, with facilities at Hunter’s Woods and Lake Anne village centers, offers residents of all ages cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities. The Hunter’s Woods location includes an indoor swimming pool, a performing arts theater, arts and crafts rooms, a photography lab, a woodworking shop, and meeting rooms.
The Lake Anne Center includes the JoAnne Rose Art Gallery, which can be rented as a large meeting room, and offers a variety of classes, including exercise and art. For program and fee information refer to www.restoncommunitycenter.com.
B. Reston Association
The Reston Association has a wide variety of facilities and programs for recreation, open to all Reston residents. The following are brief descriptions of some of the popular recreational amenities provided by RA; get detailed information at www.reston.org.
1. Lake Anne
All lakes in Reston, including Lake Anne, are maintained by RA. There is a public boat rental facility at Lake Anne Village Center. There is a boat launch ramp near the corner of Wiehle Avenue and Inlet Court for use by RA members and their guests. Residents of clusters surrounding the lake enjoy private access, principally by way of cluster-owned marinas. Boating and fishing are permitted on the lake; fishing requires a Virginia fishing license. Powerboats are not permitted, but small electric motors may be used to propel a boat or barge. Refer to RA’s website for a current guide to boating rules and regulations. Neither swimming nor ice-skating is sanctioned by RA. These activities are performed entirely at one’s own risk.
2. Pathways
There are 55 miles of paved and natural surface pathways in Reston. Trail maps are available at RA. The pathways are multi-use. Motorized vehicles are not allowed, except for maintenance vehicles and motorized wheelchairs.
3. Playing Fields and Organized Sports
There are RA playing fields for organizational sports at several locations. Nearest to Waterview is the Hook Road facility for baseball, softball, basketball, football, soccer, etc. Organized youth sport leagues are active in the appropriate seasons. Contact RA for information.
4. Swimming Pools and Tennis Courts
RA maintains swimming pools and tennis courts for use by Reston residents. Refer to RA for information on pool and tennis passes and fees, guest passes, pool and tennis court locations and schedules, and program guides.
C.
Waterview Cluster
Recreational facilities within Waterview Cluster are maintained and controlled by the cluster, independently of RA. These include the marina, playground, and basketball court.
1. Marina
The Waterview marina is owned and maintained by the cluster for the use of residents and their guests. The marina is used for storing and launching boats and as a place for relaxing, sunbathing, and socializing. On summer evenings and weekends, the marina is a focal point for cookouts, social gatherings and play.
2. Playground
The cluster maintains a playground for small children, located near the Orchard Lane side of the marina, next to the lakeside path. The playground is maintained by residents and contractors. Please supervise young children and be mindful of adjacent neighbors.
3. Basketball
There is a basketball goal located on the Waterview side of the cluster for informal play. RA maintains a regulation-size outdoor court near the Hook Road tennis courts.