Recently in the Raspberry FAQ Category

The County has a specific law (ordinance) on neighborhood solicitors. Check out this link: County Ordinance: Solicitors and Peddlers. Know the law before you report incidents to the Sheriff's office.

The procedure, architectural guidelines and application forms for obtaining HOA approval for exterior property improvements and/or modifications are contained in the following documents:

• Procedures for Submitting an Exterior Modification Application.pdf
• RPF ARC Guidelines - Oct 2006[1].pdf
• ARCHITECTURAL MODIFICATION APPLICATION.pdf

Completed forms are mailed to:

Covenants Committee
Raspberry Falls Homeowners Association
C/o Armstrong Management Services, Inc.
3949 Pender Drive, Suite 205
Fairfax, Virginia 22030

NOTE: Community associations in Virginia are governed by the Virginia Property Owners Association Act.

If you are selling your Raspberry Falls home or property, the required resale package can be ordered via the internet at Armstrong's Resale Package Request Website. (Follow the links for Virginia reasale package and download the PDF request form.)

Note: By law (the Virginia Property Owners Association Act) you must supply the potential purchaser a resale package for review when you ratify a purchase contract and prior to settlement.

Weekly Schedule:

• All containers to curbside by 7:00 am on pickup days
• Trash pickup days: Monday and Thursday
• Recycling pickup: Thursday
• Yard waste pickup: Monday
• Bulk waste pickup: Thursday
• Christmas tree pickup: First two weeks in January

Holiday Schedule:

• Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years: No pickup
• Pickup after these holidays will be on the next scheduled pickup day (NOT the day after)

About Recycling:

• CSI uses a "Single-Stream" recycling process.
• Please see the attachment to the announcement mailed to all residents.

Containers:

• # of trash containers: One (1) per address (95 gallon tote)
• Extra containers: $75 (purchased by resident - contact CSI directly to order)
• # of recycling bins:  1 large single stream tote
  

Reminders:

• Trash containers must be kept out of sight at all times except on pickup days.
• Containers may be placed curbside after sundown the day before pickup but must be removed before sundown the day of pickup.

CSI contact: 703-444-3181

Everything you wanted to know about "single stream" recycling but were afraid to ask! CSI uses a process for recycling that allows for the mixing of recycle material. Here's the straight scoop on what can go into those new recycle bins:

The standard black, decorative mail box Van Metre has installed for all new homes is available from MailBoxes Plus in Centreville. Here is the contact information:

MailBoxes Plus, Inc.
14309 Compton Road
Centreville,  VA 20121
703-815-4777
www.mailboxesplusva.com

The model number is MP-510 priced at $400 plus tax installed
(check with MailBoxes Plus for current pricing)

We are receiving many inquiries about registering for residents only access. On or about February 11, 2008 a letter from the Board was mailed to all then current residents announcing the launch of the website. Instructions for registering are contained in the letter along with each resident's unique Authorization Code.

Don't have the letter? See About Resident Registrations. Instructions for new homeowners too!

There are several events that may occur that will trigger the transfer of control from the developer (Van Metre) to the homeowners. It is currently predicted to occur sometime in the future when the number of lots sold exceed 75% of the total build out. That number is approximately 153 lots (homes). The HOA board is currently comprised of 3 members designated by Van Metre and 2 elected by the homeowners.

On February 11, 2008 letters were sent to all current homeowners in Raspberry Falls containing the authorization code and instructions on how to register. Residents Only includes On The Vine and The Directory. Once the initial letters are sent, new home owners will be sent a similar letter as part of their HOA welcome packet.

Both entities occupy space in the community but there is no connection whatsoever! The Golf Club is a completely independent business that leases land from Van Metre. The homeowner community and the Golf Club have a symbiotic relationship. We add value to each other by making our community a unique showplace with outstanding homes and amenities and a first class public, country club for the day golf course. The Golf Club does offer resident discounts on yearly fee memberships. Check with the pro shop for current rates.