Heather Ridge Estates Community Details

School District :	Plano ISD
Parks/Recreation :	Breckinridge Park Sherrill Park Crowley Park Huffhines Recreation Center Richardson Department of Recreation
Golf Courses :	Firewheel Pecan Hollow
Entertainment/Culture :	ArtCentre, Southfork Ranch, Fairview Farms, Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, Heritage Farmstead, Interurban Railway Station Museum
Medical :	Baylor Medical Center Columbia Medical Center of Plano
Shopping :	Fire Wheel Mall Collin Creek Mall Plano Market Center Stonebriar Mall Allen Outlet Mall
Churches :	First Presbyterian Church of Christ Heights Baptist St. Joseph Catholic
Nearby Freeways :	George Bush Turnpike (190) Hwy 75, I-635
Direction / Map :	From 75/Central, go east on Renner Road, south on Northstar, and left onto Heather Ridge Drive.  Mapsco 9A-J

 Sales Taxes (enter Richardson, Collin)

Local Schools

The following list contains schools that are utilized by students from our neighborhood as well as the local colleges. For a complete list of schools in our district please visit the Plano Independent School District website at http://www.pisd.edu 

Stinson Elementary School (--5th)
(Grades Kindergarten – 5th)
4201 Greenfield Drive
Richardson, TX  75082
(469) 752-3400

Murphy Middle School (6th-8th)
620 N. Murphy Rd.
Murphy, TX  75094
(469) 752-7000 

Williams High School (9th-10th)
1717 17th Street
Plano, TX 75074
(469) 752-8300

Plano East Senior High School (11th-12th)
3000 Los Rios Boulevard
Plano, TX  75074
(469) 752-9000  

Builders:

- Sutherby Home
- Sovereign Homes
- Huntington

Number of homes:
154 - build-out completed 2000
Map of Neighborhood

General Home Requirements:
Floor Area - minimun 1800sqft
Brick - minimum 75%
Mailboxes - Standard approved construction
Trees - minimum two (2) two-inch trees, 8 shrubs

If you are an original home owner and have Builder marketing materials we can borrow to complete this area, please contact the webmaster@heatherridgeestates.org.   Thanks.

Yes!  Here are some things you can do....block by block… resident by resident

Maintain a visible presence; keep watch on homes, and those walking or driving through neighborhood.

• Walk and/or bike the neighborhood

• Sit in your front yard

• Do things outside in the yard

• Keep in touch with neighbors and watch each others homes and kids

• Call police at sign of any suspicious person, vehicle, activity or concern (dispatch keeps history)

Improve Home Exterior/Interior

• Keep front outside lights on at night (on/off sensor may be used)

• Turn some interior lights on at night when not home (timer if needed)

• Keep garage door(s) closed/locked (when not in garage) Keep fence and shed gates closed/locked and repaired

• Keep vehicle doors, windows, and trunks closed and locked

• Put vehicles in garage if possible Keep all home doors/windows closed/locked, especially when not home (install window/sliding door locks/pins and fix broken windows/screens/shutters)

• Keep yard, driveway, sidewalk, and porch well-kept

• Do not leave property outside such as tools, bikes, toys, etc.

• Keep yards mowed, bushes trimmed, trees trimmed, homes well painted, and fences repaired

• Do a home security survey and do what it recommends (allows for insurance discount)A home/block with well-kept exterior/landscaping, adequate lighting, fencing, and guard dogs are all crime prevention tools that make a difference.

Lighting is a cheap way to not have any dark spaces in front of a home. Trees should be trimmed so you can walk under them and for any home to be able to be seen from one end of the block to the other. Home itself should be able to be seen from street and not hidden by landscaping. Bushes near windows and doors should not allow someone to hide behind them to get in windows, doors, and fences.

There are several multi-use trails – the major trails are:

1.  Breckinridge Trail
2.  Spring Creek Trail at Spring Creek Nature Area
3.  List of ALL Park Trails & description

The Richardson Parks & Recreation Department has created a handy, pocket-size guide to the City's 40-plus mile trail system.   The guide includes the master plan map of existing and planned trails.    Maps are available in the Water Customer Service room at City Hall, and at Heights and Huffhines Recreation center.

The existing multi-use trails are 8 to 12 feet wide and can accommodate walkers and bicyclers, but are not always suited for fast bicycling.  Remember to stay to the right and be courteous to others enjoying the trail system. 

You can also download the map HERE.

It was determined that a website providing information to residents with Internet access was essential to communicating in a timely manner.  The website gives you a place to know what is going on as it happens.

The website is also a place where prospective homeowners can learn more about our community and why we’re so proud to live here!

After you find your street addrees & Area you are located in the table below, CLICK HERE to find your Block Captain

There are many changes you can make to your property and home that will require authorization from the Architecture Control Committee (ACC). These include:

• Painting the exterior of your home (same color does not require approval)
• Addition to your home
• Fences
• Permanent planting or landscaping having a significant visual impact (annual flowers do not require authorization)
• Deck, patio, any concrete flatwork on the exterior of your home or on your property
• Roof or overhead structure of any type, including arbors and car ports
• Large Ponds deeper than 18"
• Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs, whether in-ground or above ground.

Please use the ARC Form located in the Documents section of this site.

Yes. Approval from the city does not constitute approval from the ACC. The committee still requires that your plans be submitted in writing for review

According to the Declaration, the ACC bases its decision on:

Quality of workmanship, materials, and structural design;

The conformity and harmony of the external design, color, type and appearance of exterior surfaces and landscaping in relation to the various parts of the proposed improvements and in relation to improvements on other lots;  

The other standards set forth within the Declaration and Design Guidelines.

No.  Each property and project is different. Applications are reviewed based on the individual characteristics and circumstances for each property.  Always get ACC approval before making changes to your property.

Generally, replacement of existing bushes, plants or trees do not need applications. However major re-designs of landscape themes, changes to the grading of your yard, retaining walls, French drains, etc will require permits.

Yes, however these cannot be visible from the front or exposed side of the house in any way. (Exception - cases where the shed covers unsightly pool or water filtering equipment that would otherwise be visible from the street.) Sheds must be of high quality construction and should sit on a concrete pad. It is preferred that sheds are constructed only in yards with 8' fences. The shed should be painted to match the house trim or the fence.

Typically it only takes a few days. Remember, these are volunteers in the neighborhood that are working to maintain the integrity of the CC&R's. If you have a job that is going to start soon, contact the Architecture committee directly to discuss an instant authorization.

Highly reflective finishes (mirror or shiny), limo dark (or blackout) or window film that will turn purple and bubble after a few years in not acceptable.  As a home owner you can appreciate why no one would want that. Only clear, neutral (smoke or grey) window film with light transmittance values of 20% or higher will be approved. Window film used on the front of the home must have a light transmittance value of 30% or higher and reflectivity less that 30% and must be professionally installed. Window tinting meeting these criteria do not require the approval of the ACC.  All other colors must be approved by providing a sample of the window film to the ACC with your application form.

Note:  Window tinting may void your warranty.

What is the new ordinance that addresses residential property landscape?

The Richardson City Council recently passed an ordinance that addresses overgrown/unkempt landscape and vegetation at residential properties. The Neighborhood Integrity Office receives a growing number of complaints regarding the unsafe, unhealthy and/or unsightly landscaping at residences. Multi-family homes, office and retail properties are currently held accountable through the City's Code of Ordinances, but similar codes or ordinances don't exist for single-family properties until now. As a result of the lack of an ordinance, some property owners have allowed their landscaping to remain in a dead, dying or uncultivated state without being cited by Neighborhood Integrity. "This ordinance provides the legal basis by which Neighborhood Integrity can require owners to bring their properties into compliance," Don Magner, Assistant Building Official-Field Operations, said. The ordinance is aimed at properties that are continuously left in a poor state of maintenance. The Neighborhood Integrity staff will attempt to provide volunteer assistance to owners who because of age, disability or other hardship cannot adequately maintain their property. Contact the Neighborhood Integrity Office at 972-744-4166 to report a home that may not comply with this new ordinance.

Ordinance Provisions
An owner, occupant, or person in charge of any private premises commits an offense if the person:

(a) fails to maintain the landscaping and any vegetation, including, but not limited to trees, grass, shrubbery, bushes, and vines on the premises, in a neat and orderly manner, and healthy condition;

(b) allows the landscaping and any vegetation, including but not limited to trees, shrubbery, bushes and vines to grow on the premises so as to physically obstruct the doors or windows of any structure on the premises so as to prevent ingress or egress from the structure(s) or to project across or obstruct any sidewalk, driveway, alley or street;

(c) fails to mow, edge, prune, fertilize, water, weed and conduct other such activities common to the maintenance of landscaping in a neat, orderly manner and healthy condition;

(d) fails to keep landscaped areas free of trash, litter, weeds and other such material or plants not a part of the landscaping;

(e) fails to maintain plant materials in a healthy and growing condition as is appropriate for the season of the year; or

(f) fails to replace or remove plant materials which die.

Neighborhood Integrity Program - What every Heather Ridge Estate’s resident needs to know

The City of Richardson Neighborhood Integrity Program was created to help maintain property values and neighborhood desirability and to encourage revitalization. This takes a concerted effort from all of Heather Ridge Estates (HRE) residents. By working together, we can help keep HRE an attractive, healthy, and safe place to live.  Over the years, minimum property maintenance standards have been established to help realize this goal.

A Guide to Common Code Violations

Ordinance on Oversized Vehicles & Trailers
Under the new rules, motor vehicles, vans, buses, trucks and there similar vehicles are prohibited in residential neighborhoods if they are greater than 23 feet in length, eight feet in width or 10 feet in height.   Tow-trucks, dump trucks, concrete mixing trucks,semi-tractors and other similar vehicles are prohibited entirely, regardless of size. The new rules do not apply to vehicles that are in a neighborhood for loading or unloading passengers, freight or merchandise; permitted recreational vehicles; or vehicles used in the operation of a school, childcare center, assisted living center, etc. 

Trailers

The new rules permit trailers to be parked in residential neighborhoods so long as they are screened from adjacent streets. The rules prohibit, however, the parking of trailers on vacant property, within the front yard between any front building wall and the street, or in the side yard between the side building wall and the street on corner lots. Trailers may be parked in a side or rear yard of a residence as long as they are screened from the adjacent street by a six-foot wooden fence or a landscaping screen wall. Once again, the new rules do not apply to vehicles loading or unloading passengers, freight or merchandise; permitted recreational vehicles; or vehicles used in the operation of a school, childcare center, assisted living facility, etc. For detailed information on each of these new ordinances, please contact Neighborhood Services at 972-744-4166

Address Numbers
To enable the Police and Fire Departments to respond quickly to emergency calls, address numbers must be posted so that they are clearly visible from the street and alley. Numbers must be posted on the curb or curbside mailbox and on the front and back of a residence on the home, garage, fence, or other structure between 3 and 10 feet off the ground. Address numbers must be a minimum of 3 inches high so that they are easily seen.

High Grass and Weeds
Residents are responsible for maintaining the grass and weeds at their property, including all adjacent parkways and alley easements. Grass and weeds are in violation when they reach a height of 12 inches.

Vegetation
Trees, bushes and other vegetation must be kept trimmed 7 feet above sidewalks, 14 feet above streets and alleys, and 1 foot back from the alley pavement. All vegetation should also be kept trimmed so that it does not obstruct the view of motorists or pedestrians using public streets and alleys.

Fences
Residents are responsible for maintaining the fence around their property. Fences should be maintained so that they do not lean severely and are not missing slats or sections. New fences or significant replacement of existing fences require a permit. Call the Building Inspection Department at 972-744-4180 for more information.

Open Storage
Open storage is defined as the placement of an item that is not customarily used or stored outside, or that is made of a material that is not weather resistant in an unenclosed outdoor area for more than 24 continuous hours.

Open storage is prohibited in the front yard, on a front porch, under a carport, or any other unenclosed area. All items stored outdoors must be screened from adjacent properties, streets and alleys by a 6-foot, solid wooden fence. Outside storage is limited to one percent of a residential lot.

Trash and Debris
Residents are responsible for ensuring their property, including all adjacent parkways and alley easements, is free of litter and debris. This includes not placing trash out for collection on non-collection days. To ensure timely collection, trash should be placed out before 7:00 am on collection days only.

Brush and Bulky Item Collection
Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC) is a free service offered to Richardson residents. The service is designed to help residents dispose of large amounts of brush and oversized items like unwanted appliances and furniture that cannot be placed out for regular trash collection. Residents must request BABIC service prior to placing an item on the parkway for collection.

Requests for brush or bulky item collection service can be made 24-hours a day, 7-days a week by leaving a voice-mail message at (972) 744-4111 or by Clicking Here to request form.

If you wish to dispose of (rather than recycle) small bundles of branches, they should be cut to 3-foot lengths and placed out for regular trash collection.

Minimum Property Standards
Residents are responsible for maintaining homes and businesses by keeping the exterior (brick, wood, siding, roof, windows, doors, etc.) free of holes and other defects. All wood surfaces must be painted and in good condition.

Home Occupations/Garage Sales
Home businesses are permitted in Richardson so long as they are incidental to the primary use of the premises. If you want to operate a business from your home, please contact Neighborhood Services to ensure your business does not violate the home occupation ordinance.

A residence may conduct up to three garage sales per year. Each sale may last no longer than three consecutive days.

Yard Parking
Residents may not park vehicles on grass between a front building wall and the street, or between a side building wall and the street on corner lots. In addition, vehicles may not be parked on vacant or unimproved lots.

Junk Vehicles
Junked vehicles, which are vehicles that are wrecked, dismantled or inoperable and do not have a current registration or safety inspection sticker, cannot be parked in public view.

Graffiti
The City of Richardson works with concerned residents and business-owners to locate, report and remove graffiti from public and private property. Through the Graffiti Abatement Program graffiti is promptly and persistently removed at no cost to the resident or business owner. To learn more about this free program please click on the link above or call 972-744-4166.

How you can help
Neighborhood Services is committed to working closely with residents to keep neighborhoods looking their best! In addition to code enforcement, Neighborhood Services has programs designed to get residents involved and keep them informed.

Volunteer Assistance Program
The purpose of the Volunteer Assistance Program is to unite owners who cannot properly maintain their property due to age, finance or disability with volunteer groups who wish to provide assistance. Neighborhood Services provides the expertise and experience needed during planning, implementing and evaluating stages of each volunteer project.

If you are interested in volunteering or know someone who would benefit from this service, please contact Neighborhood Services by Clicking Here or calling the 972-744-4166.

Email Update Program
The purpose of the Email Update Program is to encourage communication between residents and Neighborhood Services so that information about ongoing code enforcement activity can be shared on a regular basis. Residents who register for the program receive an email every other week detailing code enforcement activity in their neighborhood. Residents are encouraged to contact staff with questions and to report possible violations that are not listed.

To join an existing Email Update Program or to start a program in your neighborhood, please contact Neighborhood Services by Clicking Here or calling the 972-744-4166.

What You Can Do – we need your help!
With the help and cooperation of HRE residents, we can maintain attractive, healthy, and safe neighborhood and ensure that HRE remains a community in which we are proud to live.

·        Take pride in your neighborhood.

·        Get involved and get to know your neighbors.

·        Lead by example and keep your property violation free.

·        Report violations to Neighborhood Services

Neighborhood Services Purpose

The mission of Neighborhood Services is to protect the vitality and integrity of Richardson by creating healthy neighborhoods through proactive yet fair and reasonable enforcement of codes and ordinances, by providing support and resources to residents’ efforts to organize and positively affect their community, and by partnering with residents to put into action enhancement strategies that help realize a shared community vision.

Questions

If you have any questions or comments, please call Neighborhood Integrity at 972-744-4166. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Residents want to keep our neighborhood nice and our property value rising.  The HOA Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restriction (located in the Documents area) helps provide the legal enforcement if someone fails to comply with these restrictions.

Here a quick guide to common HOA restrictions.  

• Single Family Use only – your property may be occupied by on one family related by blood, adoption or marriage (Article IV-a).
• No boats, RV, campers, etc may be parked for storage around your property (Article IV-b).
• No 1.5 ton commercial vehicles are permitted to park overnight around your property (Article IV-c).
• No antennas, satellite dishes, etc are permitted without ACC approval (Article IV-n).
• No fence or plants should obstruct the line of sight around corner lots for safety (Article IV-p).

If you have any questions about our properties, please contact the Board.

Many people do not mind solicitors posting flyers about services on there door. Door-to-door solicitors have the right to do so as long as they follow the City of Richardson ordinance properly

1. Businesses are required to obtain a permit, which must be displayed at all times during solicitation.
2. Schools and charitable organizations are also required to have permits.
3. Permit holder may solicit door to door Mon-Sat from 9AM to ½ hour before sunset.
4. Permit holder can only attach hand-bills to door using a rubber band. (Tape of any kind is not allowed.)
5. The name of the commercial handbill distributor must be clearly printed on the flyer.

If you do not want to be solicited, Post a “No Solicitations” sign near the front entry.

Please report violations immediately to – 972-744-4800

Additional FAQ information below:

Do I need a permit to distribute handbills/flyers?
Yes.  Effective June 1, 2006 Ordinance No. 3544 (Solicitation Ordinance) now includes the requirement to obtain a permit to distribute handbills, flyers or other advertisement.

What is the fee for a solicitors or handbill distribution permit?
Permits fees are a $35 non-refundable application fee plus $10 per person. Approved applicants will receive a permit card that must be displayed at all times during the solicitation.

Where do I go to get a permit?
Permits can be obtained from the Richardson Police Department,

Leaving un-mailed flyers in mailboxes or attached to mailboxes  is illegal and should be reported to the US Post Office Postmaster immediately.  Violators can face fines, liability on postage and could also be implemented on mail tampering charges.  Postal Inspectors recommend these actions to protect your mailbox and any mail that may be inside it:

• Immediately report theft, tampering or destruction of mail or mailboxes to your postmaster. You’ll be asked to complete PS Form 1510, Mail Loss and Rifling Report, or PS Form 2016, Mail Theft and Vandalism Complaint. The forms help the Postal Inspection Service determine whether your problem is isolated, or one frequently experienced in your neighborhood.
• Use this form to report Mail Tampering/Vandalium
• Use this form to report Mail Fraud
  

How to Protect Your Mail from Thieves
If you believe your mail was stolen, report it immediately to your local postmaster or nearest Postal Inspector. You'll be asked to file a formal complaint using PS Form 2016, Mail Theft and Vandalism Complaint. By analyzing information collected from the form, Postal Inspectors may determine whether your problem is isolated or part of a larger mail theft problem in your neighborhood--and it may help Inspectors locate and apprehend the thieves.

Protecting Yourself from Mailbox Vandalism
Mailboxes are considered federal property, and federal law (Title 18, United States Code, Section 1705), makes it a crime to vandalize them (or to injure, deface or destroy any mail deposited in them). Violators can be fined up to $250,000, or imprisoned for up to three years, for each act of vandalism.

Background Information:

P010 General Standards private mail receptacles

2.0 Mailable Matter IN OR oN Private Mail Receptacles

2.1Penalty

Whoever knowingly and willfully deposits any mailable matter (such as statements of account, circulars, sale bills, or other like matter) on which no postage is paid, in any letterbox established, approved, or accepted by the Postmaster General for the receipt or delivery of mail matter on any route, with intent to avoid payment of lawful postage thereon, shall for each such offense be fined not more than $300 (18 USC 1725).

2.2Liability for Postage

Except for limited use by newspapers under D041, any mailable matter not bearing postage found in, upon, attached to, supported by, or hung from private mail receptacles described in D041 is subject to payment of the same postage if carried by mail.

2.3Partial Distribution

If there is a distribution of pieces to some, but not all, addresses on a route, pieces are returned to the delivery unit for use in computing the postage due. First-Class Mail rates are applied to matter that would require First-Class Mail postage if mailed. For other matter, if the piece weighs less than 16 ounces, the applicable single-piece First-Class Mail or Priority Mail rate based on the weight of the piece is applied, or an applicable Package Services rate is applied, whichever is lower. If the piece weighs 16 ounces or more, the Package Services rate is applied.

2.4Full Distribution

If there is a distribution of identical pieces to all or substantially all addresses on a route, only a representative number of pieces is returned to the delivery unit. Postage is computed as described in 2.3.

2.5Known Distributor

If there is reason to believe that a private delivery firm or an individual within the post office delivery area is responsible for the delivery, the local postmaster notifies that party of the number of pieces and the postage due. If, within 5 days after notice, the firm or individual agrees to pay the postage due, payment is accepted and the pieces are delivered to the addressees. The party paying the postage may choose to redeliver the pieces rather than have the USPS deliver them. If the pieces are found to have been removed from receptacles improperly, they are delivered without postage charge.

2.6Unknown Distributor

If the party responsible for delivery is not known or if the firm requested fails to pay the postage, the pieces are returned to the publisher or manufacturer, postage due and endorsed to show they were found in or on the addressee’s mailbox without postage. If a publisher or manufacturer gives the name and telephone number of a person to contact and guarantees postage payment, the pieces are redelivered to the addressees. If the publisher or manufacturer is unknown or refuses the pieces, the matter is treated as dead mail.

3.0 Collection of Postage Due

3.1Collected on Delivery

Customers must pay in cash for postage-due mail before the mail is delivered. If postage-due collections equal about $10 or more every 60 days, payment may be made by advance deposit of money in a postage due account. Postage on quantity mailings found in private mailboxes is subject to 1.5. Government agencies using penalty mail must pay postage due through an OMAS postage due account. Government agencies may no longer use penalty meter strips or penalty mail stamps to pay postage due.

3.2When Not Collected

When the cancellation impression shows that a postage stamp (or stamps) was wholly or partly lost, the piece is handled as if correct postage had been paid for the class and weight of the piece absent any evidence to the contrary.

3.3Advance Deposit Account

Mailers may choose to establish an advance deposit account(s) from which postage, per piece charges, and other fees are deducted. For certain special services, an advance deposit account is required. Mailers may use a single advance deposit account to pay postage due charges for more than one special service (e.g., business reply mail, merchandise return service, and bulk parcel return service).

3.4Annual Accounting Fee

Except for accounts used solely to pay postage due for shortpaid mail, address correction notices, and undeliverable-as-addressed pieces returned to sender (e.g., return service requested), mailers must pay a separate annual accounting fee for each special service paid through an advance deposit account. This fee covers the administrative cost of maintaining the account and provides the mailer with the accounting of all charges deducted from that account. The accounting fee is charged once each 12-month period on the anniversary date of the initial accounting fee payment. The fee may be paid in advance only for the next year and only during the last 60 days of the current service period. The fee charged is that which is in effect on the date of payment. 

Being Neighborhoodly

·        Welcome new neighbors with an introductory note, friendly chat or a plate of cookies! 

·        Respect the privacy of your neighbors.

·        Be conscientious about noises that might disturb your neighbors, such as LOUD music and barking dog 

·        End parties at a reasonable hour. While you're at it, invite your neighbors to come, too.

Neighborhood Security

·        Don’t leave your garage door open.  Let your neighbor know about it being open if you think they may not know.

·        Call the City of Richardson if your street lamp goes out – we want our neighborhood safely lit at night.

·        Make your home look lived in – turn your front lights on at night.  Use energy efficient florescent bulbs out front.

·        Keep your cars parked inside your garage.  You are only inviting crime by leaving your car outside at night.

·        Get to know your neighbors and report anything suspicious.

Around your Property

·        End parties at a reasonable hour. While you're at it, invite your neighbors to come, too.

·        Keep your home maintained, painted and in good repair.

·        Do not let shrubs or trees protrude into the city walk ways.

·        Do not leave your garage bags out all week.  This will only attract rodents.

·        Manage your pets so they do not annoy your neighbors. Do not let your animals run free, and do not allow your animals to "do their business" in a neighbor's yard.

·        Don’t embarrass the neighbors by leaving your out-of-season decorations up. Have you ever seen Christmas lights up on bushes in March?

A: Yes. Notice of the time and place of any regular board meeting will be noted in the Heather Ridge Herald or accessed online on the Calendar page.

Q: What is a "management company," what do they do, and how do I reach them?

A: A management company is contracted by the Board of Directors to provide such services as: Collection of assessments, supervision of subcontractors, obtaining bids for subcontracted services, providing financial statements and collection reports, as well as a general clearing house for problem solving, communications with homeowners and the Board of Directors and to serve in an advisor capacity. The management company reports directly to the Board and all decisions are made by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. The management company may be reached online through the Management Office page on this website or by phone from the numbers listed on the Contact Us page on this site.

Q: What is a homeowner's association? 

A: It is a non-profit corporation registered with the State and managed by a duly elected Board of Directors. Its purpose is to maintain all common areas and to govern the community in accordance with the provision of the legal documents: CC&R's, Bylaws, and Articles of Incorporation. The governing legal documents for the association may be viewed online within the Documents area page of this site. The corporation is financially supported by all members of the homeowners association. Membership is both automatic and mandatory.

Q: What are the CC&R'S? 

A: The Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R's) are the governing legal documents that set up the guidelines for the operation of the planned community as a non-profit corporation. The CC&R's were recorded by the County recorder's office of the County in which the property is located and are included in the title to your property. Failure to abide by the CC&R's may result in a fine to a homeowner by the Association. The governing legal documents for the association may be viewed online within the Resource Center page of this site.

Q: What are the Bylaws? 

A: The Bylaws are the guidelines for the operation of the non-profit corporation. The Bylaws define the duties of the various offices of the Board of Directors, the terms of the Directors, the membership's voting rights, required meetings and notices of meetings, and the principal office of the Association, as well as other specific items that are necessary to run the Association as a business. The Bylaws for the association may be viewed online within the Resource Center page of this site.

Q: What is the Board of Directors? 

A: The Homeowner's Association again is a corporation and therefore a governing body that is required to oversee its business. The Board of Directors is elected by the homeowners, or as otherwise specified in the bylaws. The limitation and restrictions of the powers of the Board of Directors is outlined in the Association governing documents found within the Resource Center page of this site.

Q: Are there any other rules? 

A: Most associations have developed Rules and Regulations as provided for in the CC&R's and adopted by the Board of Directors. Rules are established to provide direction to the homeowners for common courtesies with regard to parking, vehicles, pets, etc. In addition, your Association will adopt Architectural Guidelines with procedures for submitting requests to make exterior changes to your home. Such changes may include patio covers, decks, landscaping, exterior color changes or extensive interior changes and additions. These rules and guidelines are set up to maintain the aesthetic value and integrity of the community on behalf of all owners, and hopefully protect the market value of your investment as well. Violations of these rules may result in action by the Board of Directors and a fine. In addition, if you proceed with an exterior improvement or change, without written approval of the Board of Directors, or Architectural Committee, as applicable, you will be required to remove or correct the alteration and/or be fined for the violation. For more information about this topic visit the Resource Center page of this site.

A: The Committees page of this website will inform you of the status of current committees and committee contact information. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the committee chair person.

HRE is a mandatory homeowners assocation.

What's the difference?

A voluntary homeowners association, also sometimes known as a neighborhood association, is a group of homeowners, tenants, local businesses, churches and schools that work together to achieve neighborhood goals and build community spirit. Participation is not mandatory, and membership is open to all residents within the boundaries of the neighborhood.

A mandatory homeowners association, on the other hand, is a group of homeowners who live in an area built by the same developer; formed for the purpose of improving and maintaining the quality of the area. Mandatory homeowner associations usually have a formally elected body and are governed by covenant or deed restrictions—a set of rules that the buyer agreed to when they purchased the home.

Q: What are my Home Owners Dues?
A: The Dues is the annual amount due from each homeowner to cover the operating expenses of the common area and provide for reserve funds for replacement of common facilities in future years. Your Dues are due on the first month of each year. Statements will be sent for assessments as a reminder of the amount due.

Q: When are the annual Dues collected?
A: The Heather Ridge Homeowners Association dues are collected in January and due by January 1st each year. The assessments are considered past due if received after the last day of January.  The current dues are $260/year.

Many of the documents that we offer to our residents are considered private to the Heather Ridge Estates HOA. Therefore, we feel the short amount of time it takes you to register is worth the effort in gaining access to those documents. Further, to participate in any of the forum threads, comment on articles that are posted, or create your own events to notify residents - you must be a member of the site.

It takes less than 2 minutes to get registered. In fact, depending on the speed of the Internet, you verification email could be in your inbox quicker than you might expect!

There is a number of ways to participate in the business process of the HOA Board. If you would like to be on the meeting agenda, please contact the HOA President to explain the nature of the business. The HOA President sets the agenda and will inform you of a decision to hear your business at the next HOA Board Meeting.

You may also attend any HOA Board meeting to observe the meeting. The HOA Board is an open group, and welcomes comments during the regular business meeting.
 

They are putting down pre-emergent weed preventer during the proper months of the year.  Try this pre-emergent schedule:

WEED CONTROL SCHEDULE - 3 times a year

*Notes:

• A pre-emergent herbicide controls weeds before they germinate (start growing).
• A post-emergent herbicide, like Weed and Feed, kills weeds after they germinate.
• Grassy Weeds are weeds that look like grass (like crabgrass)
• Broadleaf Weeds are weeds that do not look like grass (like clovers and dandelions)

For a complete Pre-emergent and Fertilization schedule, visit HERE.

Homeowners are responsible for keeping their alleyways mowed, tree trimmed and clear of litter.

Near the bottom of My Profile page, check the email notification boxes so you will get automatic email notifications:

1. Notify me when new News stories are posted

2. Notify me when new Calendar events are posted

Discussion Area

1. Notify me of replies to my posts on any board

2. Notify me of any post on any board

3. Notify me of any post to the following board

You can retrieve your user name and password by clicking on the Login link on the menu on the left. On the login screen, click on the reminder link below the login fields at the bottom of the login box. If you've forgotton your user name, you can still retrieve your information by entering your email address in the field provided. Note:  User IDs for HRE residents is your home’s street # + address.  For example, 4500 Copper Mountain Lane User ID is  "4500Copper" (Case sensitive) .

Most digital cameras capture your pictures at a size large enough for quality printing. But when posting pictures on the web, it's important to reduce the size of your pictures so they transfer faster and are more viewable on the recipients screen. Windows XP has an automated function that will resize, optimize without altering your originals.  The best way to do this is to use the build-in email function and send the files to yourself.

The simplest and quickest way to compress and email the photo is to:

1. Navigate to the photo you want to convert
2. Right mouse button click on the picture and Send To > Mail Recipient

   Here are some additional instructions from Microsoft if you have lots of photos to convert, but it’s still very easy to do:
   Share your digital photos instantly

We take seriously the issue of identity theft, spam, etc., and are taking whatever security measures we can to protect member's privacy.

First, please note you must register (providing first and last name, full address and phone number, and valid email address).  You will receive an automatic email stating your registration is acknowledged, but you must respond to that first email to confirm you were actually the one that registered, giving the email address used.  After you confirm, an administrator will match your registration data to the official Heather Ridge Estates Listing and phone directory.  You may receive a phone call to confirm data if there is some question.  Then you will be approved to login and navigate and participate in the website.  That is the first privacy/security defensive step we have taken.

There is a strict UserID format we allow – your home’s street number plus the first name in your address.  For example, if you live at

Only HRE residents and the Community Manager are allowed access to the website. However, we cannot guarantee that some homeowner will not share their user ID and password with some outside party.

Only the webmaster(s) has access to your email address and other data, unless you happen to post such data in a Discussions Board posting or in a Classified Ad. The webmaster(s) will keep confidential and never share, distribute or sell any personal information provided by you to this website.

This is your website and the HOA Board is responsible for its content and operation. If you feel there is a need for further security considerations, please contact the Board.

Next, there are Rules posted concerning the use/release of your email address and other data should you display it in either a Classified Ad or in a Discussions Board posting.  Please read the Rules and do your part by adhering to them.

Finally, although the website is administered and maintained by HOA members, the website is hosted by a third party, HOASpace.com. The URL for their Privacy Policy is:

http://www.hoaspace.com/privacy.htm. Please read their policy.

Caveat: There is no such thing as a totally secure website. The SANS Institute (SysAdmin, Audit, Network, Security) has found that already 600 new internet security holes have surfaced in 2005. We continue to take measures to mitigate the security vulnerabilities.

For further questions/comments, please do not hesitate to contact the webmaster. 

Note:  there is no blank space between "####"  and "Street".  For example, the User ID for "4500 Copper Mountain Lane" is ”4500Copper" (case-sensitive).