Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

• What is my lot number?
• When is the next association meeting?
• What actions require approval from the Architectural Control Committee?
• How much are our HOA fees, and when are they due?
• Who is responsible for fallen trees or tree limbs?
• Who should I contact if a tree or other debris is blocking the street?

Have another question that isn’t answered here? Try reading our governing documents or contacting the Board of Directors.

What is my lot number?

The easiest way to determine your lot number is by looking at the Heronwood Estates plat.

When is the next association meeting?

Our annual meeting occurs on a specified day in May at 7pm (Article II, Section 1). All association members will receive a notice (by mail and/or email) of the meeting at least 15 days in advance. Past and future meetings can be found here.

What actions require approval from the Architectural Control Committee?

Per our CC&Rs (Article V, Section 2), the following actions require approval:

1. Clearing of any lot.
2. Removal of any growing tree larger than 10” at its base.
3. Construction of any building or structure, including outbuildings, fences, and walls.
4. Alteration of the exterior of any building or improvement, including any change in exterior color and type of roof other than architectural grade shingles, shakes, tile or high-grade metal.
5. Excavation, grading or removal of dirt.
6. Any alteration of the natural drainage on a lot.
7. Installation of exterior lighting which is visible from any street, open space, or house within the property.
8. Removal of vegetation of any kind from screening easements along Briarwood Lane or the screening easements along the rear lot lines of those residential lots numbered 27 through 41, inclusive, except the vegetation removal required in the interest of safety or necessitated by the emplacement of drainage facilities or other common utilities.
9. Fencing of any kind within the screening easements or common areas along Briarwood Lane or the screening easements along the rear lot lines of those residential lots numbered 27 through 41, inclusive.

Additionally, according to Article VII, Section 16:

No changes in landscaping, nor removal or trimming of trees, lawns, or shrubs will be permitted within the common areas without written authorization of the Board or the Architectural Control Committee.

In order to request approval, please submit an Architectural Modification Request.

How much are our HOA fees, and when are they due?

Heronwood Estates has an annual fee (also known as an annual assessment) of $181 per lot per year. Assessment notices are to mailed to homeowners no later than December 21st (By-Laws, Article VI, Section 2), and the assessment is due on January 15th (CC&Rs, Article IV, Section 7).

Who is responsible for fallen trees or tree limbs?

In Washington, it is generally the responsibility of the property owner that incurred any damages, not the owner of the tree.

• Neighbor’s tree just flattened your fence? You’ll still have to pay (Tacoma News Tribune)
• How to Deal with a Fallen Tree (Cross Insurance Agency)

We recommend calling your insurance provider.

Who should I contact if a tree or other debris is blocking the street?

Our neighboorhood’s streets are maintained by the City of Gig Harbor. Call the Public Works Department Operations Division at (253) 851-8406 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 7am-3:30pm) or at (253) 530-6888 for after-hours emergencies.