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1. How often does the Board of Directors meet?

Bi-monthly - The Board of Directors meets bi-monthly: January, March, May, July, September and November. Meetings begin at 7:00pm, convene into executive session (board members only) and open to the public at 8:00pm. Meetings are held at the Tall Oaks Community Center, 12298 Cotton Mill Drive.

2. How many members serve on the Board of Directors?

9 - The Board of Directors is composed of 9 volunteers who are elected to serve a 3-year term.  Every year, the term for 3 board members ends in February, and the positions are filled by newly elected candidates.

3. Must you be a Lake Ridge Association member to serve on the Board of Directors?

No - You do not need to be a Lake Ridge Association member to serve on the Board of Directors.  If you are a Lake Ridge Association member, you must be a member in good standing, which means that you must be current in your assessments and do not have any covenants violations on your property.  A Call for Candidates is announced to the community in October with an application deadline in late October/early November.

4. How do you advertise in Lake Ridge Today?

Imagery Print & Promotions - Advertising queries should be directed to Imagery Print & Promotions at 703-723-3400 or imageryads@aol.com or www.imageryprintandpromotions.com.

5. Does Lake Ridge Today accept articles and/or photos for publication from Homeowners and others in the community?

Yes - Lake Ridge Today welcomes article submissions as well as photos. Please submit articles and photos to Melissa Ferrone via email.

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1. What requires approval?

Any exterior change requires approval prior to the alteration. This includes alterations in the yard and window replacements as well as any other exterior alteration. Please refer to the Architectural Guidelines for more information.

2. What if I’m only replacing what I have?

If the replacement will exactly match the existing element in appearance, dimensions, color and material no approval is required.

3. Why should I go through the process of getting approval and not just do it?

The Association Declaration Article IV, Section 2(E) requires AC approval prior to any exterior alterations. You agreed to abide by these documents when you purchased your property. In many cases, it is easier to submit for approval prior to the exterior alteration than to ask for approval after the fact.

4. How do I apply for an exterior change?

Applications for exterior alterations should be submitted to the Covenants Department. An Exterior Alteration Application Form (PDF) must be completed and submitted with supporting documentation that explains the proposed alteration. Any color changes will require submission of a color sample and many alterations, such as fences, also require submission of a plat with the alteration clearly marked on the plat. The purpose of the documentation is to thoroughly explain your proposal. You must write what you are applying for on the form. 

The Association is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm, with the exception of holidays and closures due to weather. Your application and supporting documentation may be dropped off during that time. If samples are not required, you can submit via email or fax to 703-497-7145. Once an application is received, Covenants staff will inspect the property and take photos for use during the review of the proposed alteration.

5. When will I get the AC decision?

If the proposed alteration can be reviewed by Covenants staff and your submission includes all required information (dimensions, samples, plat, etc.), you will typically be sent a decision via regular mail within two weeks. This may be delayed during holidays and inclement weather; however, you will definitely be sent a decision within 30 days. If your application is urgent, such as a dangerous tree, please clearly indicate the urgency and reason on the application form. 

6. What can be reviewed by Covenants staff and what must be reviewed by the AC?

In general, the AC hears appeals of architectural violations and reviews large alterations such as additions. The AC also reviews alterations that are not common or pre-existing in the neighborhood, are not in conformance with the Architectural Guidelines and are not architecturally and aesthetically appropriate for the architecture and color scheme of the lot. You will be notified of the meeting date and are encouraged to attend. Covenants staff may review alterations that have already been approved in the neighborhood, are in conformance with the Architectural Guidelines and are architecturally and aesthetically appropriate for the architecture and color scheme of the lot.

7. Why might an application be denied?

If the proposed alteration is not architecturally or aesthetically appropriate for the lot, encroaches on neighboring property, is too large or conspicuous, is not in conformance with the Architectural Guidelines or is deemed to be an inappropriate material or color it may be denied. The AC may make exceptions for corner and pipe stem lots and lots with unique topography.

8. How do I appeal a decision?

A decision made at an AC meeting is final and may not be appealed, whether or not you attend the meeting. A deferral may not be appealed. A denial issued by staff or an architectural violation may be appealed. You must submit an appeal statement to staff at least two weeks prior to the AC meeting to be placed on the agenda and have your appeal heard by the AC. The appeal must be in writing and clearly state the reason for the appeal. It can be submitted via email, fax (703-497-7145), regular mail, or dropped off at LRPRA (12350 Oakwood Drive).

9. How long is a decision valid?

A decision is valid for one year from the date of the decision letter. If the alteration has not been installed within one year, a new application must be submitted with all necessary documentation, samples, etc.

10. Where is the list of items and colors approved for my house?

In most cases, a list of pre-approved items and colors does not exist because the colors were not transferred from the builders to the Association. Staff suggests that you apply for what you want, using similar items in your neighborhood as a guide. (Please note: Everything seen on other houses may not be approved.) You may submit more than one option if you wish. For example, you may submit three possible colors for your front door and have the decision determine which one you use.

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1. Can I have someone else pick up/drop off the key?

No, unless they are on the contract. - As specified in the rental conditions, rentals are not permitted on behalf of another party-- only Member(s) listed on the rental contract are permitted to submit the contract and pick up/return community center key and security deposit. This ensures responsibility remain within the Association. Member(s) of the household may be added to the contract with proof of residency shown and written permission from the renter.

2. Can someone else pay for the rental?

Yes, but not the security deposit. - The rental fee (required up front) can be paid by someone other than the person listed on the contract. However, the security deposit (required the business day before the rental) must match up with the name listed on the contract.

3. What if I need to change my date or cancel my reservation?

Email Request within 10 Business Days of Event. - A written request must be submitted in order to cancel or change a reservation. Email Recreation with your name & address, community center & date reserved, and reason for cancelling or rescheduling. If the request is approved, adjustments will be made to your contract and fee will be charged/withheld as listed in the Rental Conditions.

4. Can I serve alcohol at my event?

Yes, but sale is prohibited. - According to ABC guidelines, if ALL of the following criteria are met for the event, no license is needed:

• The event is private (i.e., not open to the public and not in a public place).
• Money is not exchanged for alcohol or otherwise.
• The event is not held on a club or non-licensed restaurant premises.
• Alcohol purchased for the event is NOT from a wholesaler/distributor.

Consumption of alcoholic beverages by Renter or Renter’s guests or invitees must be in accordance with Virginia law. Association assumes no responsibility for injuries to Renter or Renter’s guests and invitees as a result of the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises.

5. What happens if I enter before or after my contract time to set up or clean up?

Forfeiture of Security Deposit. - As specified in the rental conditions, the Association does not permit Renter or Renter’s property to enter the building before or after the times specified on their contract. If the Renter enters outside of this time, the entire deposit is forfeited. Be sure to allow adequate time for set up and clean up at the time of your initial rental.

6. What type of tables and chairs are provided?

Folding Tables & Banquet or Folding Chairs. - 10 six-foot folding tables and 75 chairs are provided at each center. Tall Oaks has 61 rounded banquet chairs and 14 black padded folding chairs, while Canterbury Woods has 75 black padded folding chairs.

7. Are grills or bounce houses allowed outside the center?

No. - The rental of the community center covers the indoor facility. Grilling outside the center as well as the setup of bounce houses or other activities outdoors fall on common ground, which is not covered the Association liability. These activities can be set up on Members' personal property before or after the community center portion of the event.

8. Do I have to clean the center after my event?

Yes. - The Association does not include cleaning services with your rental. Cleaning supplies are provided. Follow the checklist provided on the contract for easy cleanup.

9. What do I do with my trash?

Remove from Premises. - The Association does not have a dumpster for Renter to dispose of bags of trash from their event. All trash must be transported to Renter’s place of residence for their trash service to take care of or disposed of in an authorized dumpster.

10. What should I do if the rental before me left trash or items out of place?

Take Photos & Report to Association. - If there are any issues, take photos of the specific items and call the on-call number. This ensures that the Association holds the correct person responsible to withhold the appropriate amount from their security deposit. There is also a plaque posted on the wall in each center with this information for your reference.

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1. Is there a list of pre-approved items and colors for my house?

No - In most cases, a list of pre-approved items and colors does not exist because the colors were not transferred from the builders to the Association. Staff suggests that you apply for what you want, using similar items in your neighborhood as a guide. (Please note: Everything seen on other houses may not be approved.) You may submit more than one option if you wish. For example, you may submit 3 possible colors for your front door and have the decision determine which one you use.

Please work with your contractor to match your current house colors. Most paint stores can color match using a sample of the existing color.

2. Does the Association recommend contractors?

No - Staff cannot recommend specific contractors. A book with business cards can be viewed at the office and the bi-monthly magazine has advertisements from several companies that work in this area.

3. Why were you taking photos of my house?

Compliance Inspections - Covenants Department staff perform inspections to check for compliance with the Lake Ridge Association governing documents. These inspections may be the result of a requested sale disclosure packet, a resident concern, a neighborhood inspection, something which staff noticed while in the neighborhood or review of an Architectural Committee application.

4. Can I see the photos you took of my house?

Yes - we can show them to you at the office or email you copies of the photos. Please contact us to request them by emailing or calling 703-491-2154.

5. What if I don’t want you on my property?

Governing Document Allowance - The governing documents give staff the authority to come onto the property for the purpose of enforcing the covenants and reviewing an Architectural Committee application. This includes entering yards, even fenced ones.

6. Once I have completed repairs/changes from a violation letter, what do I do?

Contact Covenants for Re-Inspection - Inspections of open violations are done at regular intervals. If an inspection finds a violation remedied, it will be closed. If you have completed repairs and want to confirm compliance, please contact us to request a re-inspection.

7. What happens if I don’t fix the violations?

Letters, Possible Hearing & Assessed Charges - Staff will take owners with violations through the enforcement process: several letters and re-inspections, placement on a POA hearing agenda with a possible assessment of charges authorized by the Lake Ridge Board of Directors in the amount of $10/day for up to 90 days.

8. What if I need more time?

Contact Us - Contact the Covenants staff to request additional time. Staff will work with you within reason.

9. Does the Covenants Department handle criminal or county matters such as overcrowding or damaged property?

No - The Covenants Department does not handle criminal or county matters. If someone has damaged your property, this is a criminal matter for the police to handle. For non-emergency police matters please call 703-792-6500. For overcrowding issues please call 703-792-7018.

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1. How do I know where my property lines are?

Property Plat - You will need to check your property plat, which is typically provided at settlement when a home is purchased.  A plat is a drawing prepared by a licensed land surveyor showing the actual location of a parcel of property, location, home, fence, decks and other depicted property information, specifically outlining property lines and existing structures on an individual residential lot. 

2. Does the Association snow plow our road?

List of Streets/Subdivisions - Click on the link for a list of streets/roads that the Association plows. For more information, see Snow Plowing & Sanding.

3. Does the Association clear snow from common area sidewalks?

No - Due to the magnitude of the task, Facilities does not clear snow or ice from common ground sidewalks, steps or mailbox areas. We ask Members to assist the Association by keeping fire hydrants, mailboxes and storm sewer inlets clear if possible.

4. How do I report a dead tree on Association common area?

Contact Us - Please report any dead tree by filling out the following online form or calling 703-491-2154 ext. 103 or 107.

5. Who do I contact during an after hours emergency on common area?

Association Office - If there is a life threatening emergency, call 911. For a common area emergency, call 703-491-2154 and follow the prompt for Maintenance and leave a message, or email Facilities.

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1. How are assessments billed?

Quarterly Statement - A quarterly statement is issued to the homeowner one month prior to the payment due date.

2. When are assessments due?

Quarterly - Assessment payments are due quarterly on the 1^st of September, December, March and June.

3. How can I make an assessment payment?

Owner's Portal, Mail - See more information under Assessment Payments.

4. Can assessment payments be made in advance?

Yes - Prepayment of assessments is welcome anytime.

5. Is there a discount offered if assessments are paid for the entire year?

No - There is not a discount for paying your assessments in advance.

6. What is my account number?

Your account number can be found on the Owner's Portal or your quarterly statement. Example: LR12345

7. When are late fees assessed?

Accounts which have unpaid balances after 5pm on the 15th day of the month in which the payment is due will be subject to collection costs. 

8. Can I request a late fee waiver?

No - The Association does not waive late fees.

9. I am refinancing my home-- how do I obtain a statement regarding my quarterly dues?

Contact Us - Complete a request for loan modifications, refinancing or for tax purposes.

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1. When are my assessments due?

Quarterly - Assessments are due on a quarterly basis on September 1, December 1, March 1, and June 1. For more payment information, visit the Assessment Payments page.

2. How can I access the pools?

Register with CellBadge - All residents must complete one-time registration with CellBadge to access pools. See Pool Access page for how to register.

3. Can I contact the Association after hours?

Yes - For a common area emergency, call 703-491-2154 and follow the prompt for Maintenance and leave a message, or email Facilities.

4. Where do I find my trash schedule?

Trash Service - Association-sponsored trash through Disposal Services is included in the assessment fee of those street/subdivisions listed in the Trash Schedule.

5. Do I need permission to make an exterior change on my property?

Yes - Any change to the exterior appearance of a lot requires approval prior to the alteration. This includes alterations in the yard and window replacements as well as any other exterior alteration. Applications for exterior alterations should be submitted to the Covenants Department by completing a request form. For more information, see the Covenants page.

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1. Can I still use my Membership Card to enter the pool?

No, CellBadge Required - Membership cards will no longer be valid. CellBadge will replace the use of membership cards, with registration required prior to pool arrival to access pools. 

2. Do I have to download an app to check into the pool?

No App Required - No app is required for check-in. Prior registration with CellBadge on a computer or phone is required, and verbal confirmation of name and address with the lifeguard at arrival for check-in.

3. Can I still enter the pool if I’m registered in CellBadge without a photo?

Photo Identification Required – Photo identification is required for all Members to enter the pool. This should be submitted following Step 3 of CellBadge registration process. 

As a transitional courtesy for the community, adults and minors registered in CellBadge without a photo on file can present a valid photo ID with their Lake Ridge address at EACH visit to enter the pool. To avoid slowing down the check-in process, we recommend residents follow the intended process of submitting a photo.

4. Can I have a private party at the pool?

Private Rentals Allowed - Private rentals for the pools are allowed after pool hours but are not allowed during regular pool hours. Find more information on private pool rentals and fees on the Private Pool Rentals page.

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1. Does the Association have community centers available to rent?

Yes - There are 2 community centers available for Members to rent. Weekend dates book up several months in advance so plan ahead and call the office to check availability. Members must fill out the rental contract in the Association office and pay the rental fee up front to reserve a date.

2. Is there a preschool in the Lake Ridge Association?

Yes - Lake Ridge Creative Preschool is a state-licensed program for 3-4 year olds that has been in existence for over 20 years. It provides a quality learning environment that allows children to grow and thrive.

3. Does the Association offer camp in the summer?

Yes - Lake Ridge Summer Camp is a state-licensed program that offers 1st – 7th graders a fun-filled summer designed to promote fellowship, teamwork and leadership. 

4. What youth leagues are offered for children?

Soccer, t-ball, coach pitch, swim lessons, cheerleading - In the spring, we offer soccer for ages 4-10, t-ball for ages 4-6 and coach pitch for ages 7-8. In the summer, we offer swim lessons for ages 6 mo.+. In the fall, we offer flag football for ages 6-13 and cheerleading for ages 6-10.

5. How do I find out about Association events?

Events calendar, magazine, email list, marquee - There are many community events throughout the year including the Taste of Lake Ridge, Eggstravaganza, Yard Sales, Outdoor Movies, Doggie Paddle, Paint Nights and more. Watch for information on the News, Events Calendar and Spotlight sections of the homepage, in the bi-monthly magazine, email blasts and on the marquee.    

6. What programs are offered for adults?

Clubs & classes - There are many clubs & classes sponsored by the Association including Moms Club, Garden Club, Toastmasters, Book Club, Bridge Club, Bunco Club, Woodbridge Wireless Club, Lake Ridge Chorale and more. Jazzercise and Paint Nights are also offered, along with Water Aerobics classes during the summer.