Frequently Asked Questions
Jessica’s Pond is not just a place to take a nice walk. It is a stormwater management facility that is required by the State of Maryland Department of Environmental Protection and Montgomery County DEP. This facility consists of a wet pond, sand filters, infiltration trenches, oil grit separators, and underground storage structures that are vital components to protecting our streams and our safety. To provide a better understanding of how Jessica’s Pond serves stormwater facility, please read the following information which was taken from the Maryland DEP’s website: Why Stormwater Matters: The Impact of Runoff on Maryland’s Watersheds Urban development has a profound influence on the quality of Maryland’s waters. To start, development dramatically alters the local hydrologic cycle (see below). The hydrology of a site changes during the initial clearing and grading that occur during construction. Trees, meadow grasses, and agricultural crops that intercept and absorb rainfall are removed, and natural depressions that temporarily pond water are graded to a uniform slope. Cleared and graded sites erode, are often severely compacted, and can no longer prevent rainfall from being rapidly converted into stormwater runoff. The situation worsens after construction. Rooftops, roads, parking lots, driveways, and other impervious surfaces no longer allow rainfall to soak into the ground. Consequently, most rainfall is converted directly to runoff. The increase in stormwater can be too much for the existing natural drainage system to handle. As a result, the natural drainage system is often altered to rapidly collect runoff and quickly convey it away (using curb and gutter, enclosed storm sewers, and lined channels). The stormwater runoff is subsequently discharged to downstream waters such as streams, reservoirs, lakes, or estuaries.
Water Quality is affected by the accumulation of trash, oil, and rubber from cars, fertilizers and pesticides applied to lawns, sediment from bare or poorly vegetated ground, and other pollutants entering streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay. The inflow of sediment can cloud water, blocking sunlight from submerged plants. Sediment also settles to the bottom of streams, clogging the gravel beds used by fish for laying their eggs. Nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, from fertilizers, enter the water and promote unusually rapid algae growth. As this algae dies, its decomposition reduces or eliminates oxygen needed by fish, shellfish, and other aquatic life for survival. These are all examples of nonpoint source pollution, one of the significant contributors to the degradation of quality in Maryland’s waterways. Stormwater management practices help control nonpoint source pollution through the use of nonstructural and/or structural techniques to intercept surface runoff from developed areas, filter and treat this runoff and then discharge it at a controlled rate. The overriding condition that governs the quantity of stormwater runoff is the amount of impervious surfaces located on your property (driveways, roofs, carports, sidewalks, etc.). The Stormwater quality is a direct result of the accumulation of pollutants on the entire surface area. Regardless of whether your property is grassed or paved, as the use of chemicals around the home increase with fertilizers, pesticides, engine oils, de-icing materials, and similar products increases, the more degraded the stormwater runoff from your property will be. Although the effect of one property on the quality and quantity of stormwater runoff may seem insignificant, the cumulative impact from hundreds of thousands of yards across the State continues to be destructive to our water quality.
These Activities Will Minimize Stormwater Runoff from Your Property:
• Limit the number of impervious surfaces in your landscape. Use permeable paving surfaces such as wood decks, bricks, and concrete lattice to allow water to soak into the ground. Where possible, direct runoff from impervious surfaces across vegetated areas.
• Allow “thick” vegetation or “buffer strips” to grow alongside waterways to filter and slow runoff and soak up pollutants.
• Plant trees, shrubs, and groundcover. They will absorb up to fourteen times more rainwater than a grass lawn, and they don’t require fertilizer. For more information on environmentally-friendly planting and “Bayscaping,” contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources or the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.
These Activities Will Reduce Fertilizer, Pesticide, and Sediment Runoff: Use natural alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. If you must use fertilizers or pesticides, test your soil to determine the appropriate amount. For more information, contact the Maryland Cooperative Extension Service at 1-800-342-2507. If a lawn care company services your lawn, make sure they are not applying “blanket” applications of fertilizer and pesticides. Ask if they have conducted soil tests and a pest analysis to determine appropriate applications. Re-sod or re-seed bare patches in your lawn as soon as possible to avoid erosion. Stormwater Management Regulations are regulations governing Maryland’s stormwater management program and are located in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 26.17.02. The Maryland Department of the Environment, Water Management Administration, is pleased to announce the adoption of the 2000 Maryland Stormwater Design Manual, Volumes I & II (COMAR 26.17.02.01-1). The effective date of the new regulations and the manual is October 2, 2000. The revised COMAR is available from the Office of the Secretary of State, Division of State Documents (DSD) (www.dsd.state.md.us). Supplement to the Model Stormwater Management Ordinance The Maryland Department of the Environment, Water Management Administration (MDE/WMA) has published a Supplement to the Model Stormwater Management Ordinance. This supplement contains optional content for implementing an advanced stormwater management program in Maryland. MDE provides this guidance to assist county and municipal code development as part of local land use and planning to enhance protection of receiving waters, and meet the requirements of the Water Resources Element of local Comprehensive Plans. While all local development review and approval processes are unique, MDE will use this document as a template to ensure the effective implementation of advanced stormwater management ordinances.
Montgomery County Code Enforcement Changes to be Effective in Spring 2011 – New code enforcement laws initiated by the County Executive and approved by the County Council are designed to help protect residential neighborhoods. These laws went into effect on April 24, 2011. For more information about these new laws and how they may affect you, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/good neighbors.
Homeowners in community associations, and condominiums are required by Montgomery County to obtain a license to rent their property. Unlicensed property owners renting their property can be issued a citation, which carries a $500 fine. The Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) administers these rental licenses. Montgomery County law requires common ownership communities to provide a list of all properties being rented within the association. The license year runs from July 1st to June 30th. Homeowners should call 240-777-3636 or visit the DHCA website at: Http://hca.montgomery.org
You may obtain a resale package by emailing your request to [email protected] or [email protected].
Montgomery County needs your help in reporting vacant properties in the County. Vacant properties can pose a number of potential problems for neighborhoods. In an attempt to maintain the health, safety, and quality of our neighborhoods, DHCA is seeking help in identifying properties that present a blighting influence on neighborhoods; particularly those vacant and abandoned properties in the foreclosure process. If you suspect or know that a property in your neighborhood is vacant and not being maintained properly by the owner or a representative of the owner (e.g. realtor), please contact 311. DHCA will inspect the property to determine if it is properly secured and if there are any violations of County codes. The Department will initiate appropriate action and continue to monitor the property until it is occupied.
The CRCMC is a non-profit organization serving Montgomery County with the goal of preventing and resolving disputes through collaborative problem solving services. The CRCMC’s services are available in both English and Spanish. If you are interested in possibly utilizing their programs or would simply likely more information please call 311 or visit http://www.crcmc.org
We have a few reminders as the seasons begin to change. To keep costs reasonable, FHCC limits leaf removal to the common areas only. Each homeowner is responsible for the disposal of leaves and Christmas trees from his/her property. Leaf disposal is to be completed according to the county recycling guidelines. Call 311 for details. Leaves may be placed in recycling bags or labeled recycling cans only. Leaves are not to be raked onto any Flower Hill common areas or to be dumped in the fields, woods or streambeds. LEAVES, CHRISTMAS TREES, AND ALL OTHER DEBRIS SHALL NOT BE DISPOSED OF ON THE COMMON GROUNDS!
Flower Hill Central Corporation would like to take this opportunity to remind all homeowners and residents of Flower Hill there is no dumping or discarding of any items on the common areas located in Flower Hill.
Many residents incorrectly assume their local sub association’s trash service will pick up items. Please check with your sub-association before placing bulk items out for trash pickup. Flower Hill will no longer incur the cost to remove items placed out by residents in your community. Each sub-association must make arrangements for removal of bulk items placed on the common area in your community.
To update your mailing address please notify the FHCC office by e-mailing: [email protected]
Please contact 311 or visit the Montgomery County website at: www.montgomerycountymd.gov
Flower Hill Community Center is available to all Flower Hill HOA residents for weekend rentals. If you lease your home, please provide us with a current copy of the lease. For information online, please go to flowerhill.org, click “Amenities” and then click “Community Center Rental Forms.” Call the Flower Hill office at 301-208-1314 for available dates, times, and pricing.
KNOWING WHO DOES WHAT
We receive many telephone calls from homeowners with day-to-day questions and needs. These calls are often for situations which are not handled by the Flower Hill Central Corporation (FHCC) and we must direct the caller elsewhere. To help you to know where to call for help with problems, questions or requests, we have compiled a list of who’s who around the Flower Hill Community.
Every homeowner in Flower Hill belongs to two associations: The FHCC, and the individual sub association for the neighborhood in which they live. Each sub association has its own Board of Directors, its own set of rules, its own budget and expenses and its own separate responsibilities. Each sub association has a set of governing documents, that create the authority and responsibility of the Boards of Directors. You should have received a copy of this set of documents when you purchased your home. Please take some time to review the documents, as there are legal requirements contained in the documents for homeowners. If you need a copy, please contact the Flower Hill Office. Hopefully, this explanation will help everyone to understand the role of each entity.
The Flower Hill Central Corporation is the “Master or Umbrella Association.” What does that mean? A master or umbrella association consists of more than one residential community association. Flower Hill is responsible for maintaining all the common area, which consist of recreational facilities, the pool, playgrounds, Jessica’s Pond, the Community Club House/Office/Conference Room, common area asphalts and concrete, and maintains the landscaping in the common area around the community. Flower Hill Central Corporation is also responsible for collecting the assessments for the Sub Associations.
When to call FHCC:
Call FHCC with questions about:
• HOA fees and payments
• Changing your address
• Request for resale package
• Rental of the community center
• Obtaining pool passes
• Reporting problems with recreational facilities
• Request for landscape maintenance on common areas
• Snow removal on common areas
• Anything which would come under the jurisdiction and authority of the FHCC.
The Community Service Director of FHCC is responsible for handling the affairs of the Flower Hill Central Corporation and can be reached at 301-208-1314.
SUB ASSOCIATIONS
Each homeowner in Flower Hill also belongs to a Sub-Association. A portion of the fees paid each year is distributed to each sub association to administer the operation of their individual neighborhoods. Each sub-association has its own Board of Directors, and enforces its own set of rules. For contact information for your sub association, please call FHCC at 301-208-1314.
When to call your Sub-Association:
• Complaints with your neighborhood
• Parking issues
• Trash problems
• Request for architectural change to the exterior of your home
• Pet complaints
• Anything which would come under the jurisdiction and authority of the sub-association
Annual Homeowners Dues Bills will be mailed to all owners on or by March 1, of each year. Full payment is due April 1st. If you have changed your mailing address or if you do not receive the bill please notify the FHCC office at [email protected], as soon as possible to avoid additional charges.
Please contact the onsite office at 301-208-1314 or feel free to visit the Flower Hill website at: www.flowerhil.org and click the Sub Association tab to locate your community.
Please visit the Flower Hill website at: www.flowerhill.org and select the “FH Board” tab and select “Billing Process and Budgets”
Snow removal in the Townhouse communities are somewhat more complicated. Each townhome owner is responsible for clearing the sidewalk in front of and on the side of their unit.
The only community where the lines are quite clear is Southridge. At Southridge, the individual property owners own the walkways. The FHCC will clear connectors between townhouse groupings and entry area walkways that lead to public streets.
The condominiums are responsible for all of their walkways. FHCC will clear the long sidewalk along Snouffer School Road and Emory Grove Road, and portions of the walkway along Strawberry Knoll Road and Centerway Road. Asphalt paths that intersect the common grounds and lead to recreational areas will not be cleared except for the walks that lead to schools. Please feel free to call the FHCC office at 301-208-1314 with any questions.
There are three Montgomery County-owned public parks in Flower Hill. To obtain a permit to use the fields, please visit the County’s website at: http://www.mc-mncppc.org/permits. For more information or to report a problem at the County-owned parks, please contact at 240-777-2706. To report routine maintenance issues such as trash dumping, broken equipment, grass cutting, etc., please call 301-670-8080. Park Police Emergency Number: 301-949-3010
Attention Pet Owners
Pet waste left to decay on sidewalks, lawns, or common areas is a stinky mess! It’s also unhealthy for people and the environment. If you don’t scoop your pet’s poop, rain can wash that waste into storm drains and streams, making them unsafe. Pet waste frequently contains bacteria and parasites, which can severely sicken people, pets, and wildlife. Nutrients in animal waste can cause algae blooms, cloudy water, and can kill fish. PICK UP WASTE AND PLACE IT IN A SEPARATE TIED-UP PLASTIC BAG FOR DISPOSAL WITH YOUR HOUSEHOLD TRASH. Residents can file a complaint with the County by calling 240-777-0311
Emergency – 911
Non Emergency – 301-279-8000
Montgomery County Aminal Control- 240-773-5900
Contact MC 311.
In a few areas of Flower Hill the light poles are owned by the sub-associations. The light on Mt. Laurel Court are owned by the Parkside HOA. For information on how to contact the Parkside HOA please contact the Flower Hill office staff at 301-208-1314. For lights that are out around Jessica Pond please contact the FHCC office at [email protected].
What about the uncut grass on Woodfield Road at the corner of Flower Hill and Woodfield Road. This area is owned by the State of Maryland.
Montgomery County Recycling will pick up Christmas Trees with no decorations. Contact mc 311 for pick up days.
All homeowners at Flower Hill whose accounts are in good standing*, as well as tenants with current leases, are eligible to use the pool. If you have previously registered online, please do not register again. Only one registration per household is required, indefinitely. Simply show up at the pool with your photo ID (Driver’s License etc.), unless you uploaded pictures to your account. Remember, you can access your account at any time, using your personal log in information. Please remember to update the pictures on your account, especially for children.
Residents must register online to use the pool – there are no paper applications.
To register, follow these steps:
Go to www.flowerhill.org and click “Amenities and Pool Registration.” You will be taken to a screen with “Pool Rules & Regulations” and “Pool Registration.” After reading the rules and regulations, follow the instructions for pool registration.
If you are a tenant leasing your unit from a landlord, you must upload a copy of your current, unexpired lease. Please allow 1–2 business days for your application to be reviewed and activated. Once activated, you will receive an email prompting you to log into your account and update your residency information.
After saving your residency information in the system, you can visit the pool and sign in by providing your name to the lifeguards. If you do not upload photos, you must bring a photo ID (e.g., driver’s license) to sign in.
**Homeowners who have unpaid assessment accounts or are not on a current payment plan, as well as those not in compliance with HOA rules and regulations, are not considered “in good standing.” As a result, they will not be permitted to use the pool or rent the community center until the past-due balance is paid or the issue is resolved.
To report an animal bite or a violation of animal control laws, call the Animal Services Division at 240-773-5960 or 240-773-5925. For after-hours emergencies, call 240-773-5900