FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Check Here First
The following are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that residents and visitors ask about life in Rose Hill Falls:
Q Do you have any maintenance tips for homeowners in Rose Hill Falls?
A Yes. The following list will be continuously updated:
- Trash and Recycling Receptacles: The wheeled trash and recycling receptacles provided by the City sometimes fly open or tip on windy days. Bungee cords are excellent for securing the lids.
- Air Conditioners and Water Heaters: Please remember that you need a permit or have an inspector from the city come and check the items you replace.
- Freezing Pipes: Remember to close the outside pipes so that the water does not freeze and the pipes burst in your basement.
- Fireplaces: Clean before using.
- Security and Fire Alarms: Check the battery of your alarm system so they continue to receive power during brownouts.
- Gutters: Check your gutters for the winter. Make sure that they are clean of leaves.
Q I want to paint my staircase and/or deck railing. What color should I use?
A You should use Alcoa Almond exclusively. No other colors are permitted. No, not even White.
Q How is the Rose Hill Falls neighborhood governed?
A Rose Hill Falls Homeowners Association (HOA) governs the neighborhood through covenants and regulations originally approved by the City of Rockville as part of the developer’s original proposed development plan for the property.
Q Is there a Board of Directors?
A Yes, the current seven-member Board, elected by homeowners according to the By-laws, meets four times a year. The Board approves the annual budget including the property assessment fee, oversees the contract for administration of the HOA services (Abaris Reality, Inc.), appoints and oversees the various HOA committees including the Archectural & Environmental Protection Committee, and implements intergovernmental relations with the City & County and other neighborhood associations on issues impacting Rose Hill Falls. Services provided by the HOA include landscaping, snow removal, street maintenance, open space maintenance, property improvement oversight, and other needed services.
Q How does the Board of Directors communicate with homeowners?
A Communication is conducted through a variety of means including mass home mailings, this website, individual homeowner mailings, and special meetings, and other appropriate mechanisms. The recently upgraded website is intended to improve communications among residents on a variety of issues including possible babysitting services, potential contractors, social opportunities, etc.
Q What types of Home Improvements & Repairs require a permit?
A The City of Rockville requires a permit for any significant exterior and interior projects including new additions, decks, bay windows, pools & hot tubs, screen porches, air conditioners, solar panels, electrical updates, and other. Interior projects requiring permits include new interior walls, removal of any structural bearing walls, finished basements and attics, new bathrooms, and other. For information, contact the City Inspection Services Division (240-314-5040). The Rose Hill Falls Homeowners Association (RHF) has an Architectural & Environmental Preservation Committee (AEPC) that is charged to manage the external design and appearance of all properties and improvements thereon in such a manner as to preserve and enhance property values, to ensure harmony with utility systems, and to ensure harmonious relationship among the improvements on the lots and the natural vegetation land topography. Application forms can be obtained from Abaris Reality Inc., 12009 Nebel Street, Rockville, MD 20852 (301-468-8919).
Q How does the Association implement its AEPC requirements?
A Homeowners volunteer to serve on the AEPC Committee. The Committee conducts an annual visual examination to identify any potential evolving property issues and notifies property owners. The AEPC reviews any homeowner’s requests by for property improvements and renders a decision in each case. A copy of the RHF Covenants that spells out the detailed requirements of the AEPC were provided to each home upon its purchase; in addition additional copies can be gotten from Abaris Reality, Inc. Reminder: all improvements requires AEPC approval and, depending on the type of improvement, may require a City of Rockville permit. All significant improvements require a permit; failure to comply could result in a required remediation or removal of the property changes.
Q Can homeowners volunteer to serve on RHF Committees?
A Yes. In fact, the Board encourages homeowners to volunteer so more homeowners can get involved in the governance of its HOA. There are currently 4 Committees looking for volunteers: AEPC, Social, Recreation and Website Committees (new). Contact Glenn Loveland, Abaris Reality, to express your interest in serving.
Q Are there any major property or services issues facing the community?
A Fortunately, there are no major property issues currently facing the community. The Board of Directors, since the beginning of Rose Hill Falls, has maintained a Capital Improvements Program and Budget in anticipation of required repair and upgrade of our community’s assets. The CIP is supported from the regular HOA assessment fee. This budget anticipates both the short and long term expenditures to maintain the infrastructure of RHF. An annual list of target projects is approved by the Board at its annual meeting in November from the approved 15 year CIP Plan. The Association also regularly interfaces with the City of Rockville on maintenance of City assets within the boundaries of the HOA. For example, the City maintains the street lights, watershed and related open space areas, as well as, the main streets running through the neighborhood; the HOA is responsible for certain parking lot areas, sidewalks, playgrounds, tennis & basketball courts and common areas. The City is also responsible for policing, traffic enforcement, and animal control within RHF. The HOA provides the dog stations throughout the neighborhood as a public health and environmental service. Some residents have expressed concern for speeding on our streets; the Board is working with the City to identify ways to mitigate this issue. However, all of the residents should be aware of their speed traversing the neighborhood.
