Featured Post

Notice to Residents: Waste Reminders (UPDATED 20-JAN-2022)

Over the past several months, there have been a number of unsightly incidences on our property. Some have been a result of the strong winds ...

Thursday, May 5, 2022

Trash and Recycling tips and assistance

If American fails to appear to pick-up your trash and/or recycling, please go to their website and submit a complaint here: https://www.americandisposal.com/virginia/customer-service/

American Disposal’s service is provided for everyday-generated household waste only. All material set out to the curb must be in leak-proof metal or plastic containers with tightly fitted lids or in heavy-duty plastic bags. Please make sure to put out your trash curbside the night before your scheduled pickup. If you would like to schedule the removal of more than the allowed amount of trash detailed above, there will be an additional charge. Advance notice with their customer support team is required. Please note that construction material, cleanout items, and remodeling debris are not considered household waste. Paints, stains, and gas containers are not accepted and are considered hazardous waste.

Bulk/Special Waste Removal and Set-Out Instructions: Collection can be scheduled for oversized bulky items and large household items (like appliances and any material used for renovation or construction projects). Place bulky items curbside, away from obstructions and contact customer support for pricing and to schedule a removal.

Yard Waste Policy: Grass clippings and leaves need to be placed in biodegradable paper bags or a personal trash can marked “Yard Waste”. Tree limbs and brush must be tied in bundles no longer than 4 feet in length and 3 inches in diameter. Bundles or items that are bagged are not to exceed 50 pounds. American Disposal will collect a maximum of ten bundles of tree limbs and brush, per pick-up, and a maximum of ten bags of leaves, per pick-up. Christmas trees are collected during the first two weeks in January and should be free of all decorations and not placed out in plastic bags. American Disposal will not be responsible for damage to streets, curbs, gutters, or sidewalks resulting from containers and bags or otherwise placed for collection (for example, grass clippings that seep and stain placement area).

Christmas Trees: Christmas trees will be collected during the first two weeks of January. All decorations, lights, tinsel, and garland must be removed from the tree. Do not place trees in plastic bags.

Recycling: their process is called ‘Single Stream’ recycling and it allows you to put PAPER, CARDBOARD, PLASTIC and METAL in together in one bin. Please follow their recycling guidelines and make sure to put out your recyclables curbside the night before your scheduled pickup. Please note that all recyclables must be empty, clean, dry, and placed loosely in your bin. Unacceptable recycling material may be able to be donated, recycled elsewhere, or placed in your trash bin.

Acceptable Recycling Material:

  • Paper (colored, mixed, office paper, newspaper, magazines, catalogs, soft-cover books, junk mail, etc.)
  • Cardboard (broken down and flattened)
  • Paperboard
  • Cartons
  • Plastic (colored and clear - no black plastic, though - plastics labeled #1-#5, #7, rigid plastics, jugs, buckets, toys, and wide-mouth containers)
  • Metal (ferrous metals like aerosol cans and tin cans, and non-ferrous metal like aluminum, trays, and foils)

Unacceptable Recycling Material:

  • Items contaminated with food waste
  • Items smaller than your fist
  • Plastic bags
  • Lightbulbs
  • Batteries
  • Glass
  • Glassware
  • Ceramics
  • Christmas lights
  • Tires
  • Auto parts
  • Garden hoses
  • VCR tapes
  • Plastic and wire hangers
  • Diapers
  • Plastic utensils
  • Black plastics
  • Clam-shell containers
  • Pots and pans
  • Paper plates
  • Paper towels
  • Napkins
  • Styrofoam
  • To-go food containers

Holiday Schedule: American Disposal Services observe the following holidays, as well as days when the landfill is closed: New Year’s Day , Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Inclement Weather: They reserve the right to cancel services on any day they consider unsafe due to inclement weather or dangerous driving conditions. Adjusted service schedules will be posted on their website, and collection will resume when weather and road conditions allow.



Noise Complaints

 Fairfax County Noise Ordinance

Taken from: Fairfax County Noise Ordinance | Planning Development

On November 17, 2015, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted a new Noise Ordinance to better address the methodology used in noise measurements, consider the appropriateness of establishing daytime and nighttime noise levels to protect the community, and to add other objective criteria to regulate noise within Fairfax County. The 2015 Noise Ordinance has subsequently been amended. The current Noise Ordinance is contained in Chapter 108.1 of the County Code.

The overall goal of the Noise Ordinance is to:

  • Recognize that there will always be certain levels of noise that occur in the normal course of daily living;
  • Allow certain levels of daytime noise so that people can live, work, and play during the day; and
  • Minimize nighttime noise so residents have an appropriate quiet environment in their homes at night.

The overall framework of the Noise Ordinance is to:

  • Prohibit certain activities (prohibitions);
  • Exclude certain activities from the Noise Ordinance (exceptions); and
  • When not specifically prohibited or excepted, then activities or sources of sound would be subject to maximum decibel levels.

Use the following guidance document to help you determine if the noise you're hearing is actually a true violation of Fairfax County law or not: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RB-L4ejtOPO4f7-bpgSHOkm7JXG7ZCKJ/view?usp=sharing

If you feel you'd like to record this incident in the Walnut Ridge Cluster Incident Tracking Tool, you can do so here: WRCA Incident Reporter (google.com)

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Fairfax County Financial Crimes Reporting System

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF FILING A REPORT ONLINE USING THIS SYSTEM?

This system enters your information into our reporting system. Investigators will review your report and assign your case to a detective for follow-up if necessary.

Most victims of financial crimes are required to notify the police before filing an Affidavit of Fraud with the financial institution. This system will allow you to do that quickly so you can recover your loss.

WHAT CRIMES SHOULD I REPORT HERE?

  • Please use the on-line reporting service for the following crimes:
  • Check Fraud
  • Credit Card Theft and Fraud
  • Construction Fraud
  • Embezzlement
  • False Pretense
  • Identity Theft
  • Other Financial Crimes

NOTE: The Financial Crimes Unit does not investigate Blackmail or Extortion complaints.

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/Police_FiCOR

Fairfax County Community Complaint Form

If you’re concerned about possible fire, health, zoning, property maintenance or land use/construction code violations, then use this form to file a complaint. 

Your complaint will be reviewed in the order it was received and you may be contacted by the inspector investigating your complaint. You also may search existing complaints if you have an address or complaint number. 

NOTE: Information submitted as part of a complaint, including your name and other personally identifying information, may be subject to public disclosure under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act

Fairfax County Community Complaint Form (FIDO)

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fido/complaints/comp_submit.aspx

Monday, December 6, 2021

Reporting Non-Emergency Issues to Fairfax County Police Community Reporting System (CRS)

Just as a reminder, if you witness an issue that should be brought to the attention of the police, but is a non-emergency issue (car break-in, petty theft, destruction of property, etc) you can do so online via Fairfax County's Community Reporting System: (graffiti is not included)

Using this Community Reporting System allows you to report a crime 24/7 within Fairfax County; however, not every crime can be reported. Please read the information below to determine if using this system is appropriate for your purpose. An officer will reply within 72 hours.



Friday, June 18, 2021

Notice to Residents: Waste Reminders (UPDATED 20-JAN-2022)

Over the past several months, there have been a number of unsightly incidences on our property. Some have been a result of the strong winds we experienced during several storms this spring. However, most could have been avoided by better adherence to the rules and regulations established for our community. The Executive Board would like to remind all residents of several of these rule and regulations.

  1. Pet Waste. Pets must be walked in common areas. Caretakers must promptly cleanup their animal’s solid waste.
  2. Pick-up. Trash will be picked up at the curb twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays. Recycling will be picked up on Fridays.
  3. When can I put out my trash container(s)? Trash may be placed outside the home no earlier than sunset the evening before pickup. Under no circumstances should trash be left out for a longer period of time.
  4. When do I bring in my trash container(s)? Trash cans and recycling containers will be removed from the curb area on the day of trash/recycling collection.

A complete set of governing documents, including the rules and regulations for the community can be found on our website: Walnut Ridge Governance Document.

Thank you for helping to keep our community clean and visually pleasant.


~ Walnut Ridge Cluster Association Executive Board

Monday, January 11, 2021

Walnut Ridge's String & Fence Lighting Addendum Available!

 

Where can I find the new Walnut Ridge Cluster design covenants for string and fence lighting?


In February of 2021, the Walnut Ridge Cluster Board will be submitting a new design consideration to the Reston Association Design Review Board (DRB). This new design document will cover string and fence lighting for backyard environments.

These additional standards will address bistro/cafe lighting as well as fence-mounted lighting for those looking to add atmosphere to their backyard for hosting COVID-friendly get-togethers. 

The Walnut Ridge Cluster board has been reviewing the original covenants documentation in order to create a more comprehensive set of documents that will keep original covenants in-place, while adding features requested by many homeowners and tenants. Any new covenants will continue to enforce previous rules and regulations, while increasing a certain amount of latitude for personal taste, technology, and design evolution.

The lighting guide addendum covers the following areas:

  • String (“Bistro”) lighting restrictions
  • Fence-mounted lighting

The new Walnut Ridge Cluster design covenants documentation for WRCA Design- Outdoor Lighting Addendum (String & Fence Lights) can be found by clicking here

~ WRCA Board

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Walnut Ridge Cluster's New Outdoor Lighting Design Guide for 2020 Released!

 

Where can I find the new Walnut Ridge Cluster design covenants for lighting?

In December of 2020, the Walnut Ridge Cluster Board had a new design covenants document for outdoor lighting passed by the Reston Association Design Review Board (DRB). 

The Walnut Ridge Cluster board has been reviewing the original covenants documentation in order to create a more comprehensive set of documents that will keep original covenants in-place, while adding features requested by many homeowners and tenants. Any new covenants will continue to enforce previous rules and regulations, while increasing a certain amount of latitude for personal taste, technology, and design evolution.

If you are looking at replacing and/or updating the outdoor lighting on your property, it is recommended that you review the various light fixture styles, rules about light color and properties, as well as size and color are outlined in this design guide. Following the recommendations in this guide will ensure you are not only in compliance with Reston Association, but also with Walnut Ridge Cluster design covenants.

The lighting guide covers the following areas:

  • Post lamps & recommendations
  • Porch and basement door (wall-mounted) lamps & recommendations
  • Decorative lighting (sidewalks & gardens)
  • Lumens, color, and many other lighting considerations

The new Walnut Ridge Cluster design covenants documentation for Outdoor Lighting can be found by clicking here

We are working on additional standards that will address bistro/cafe lighting as well as fence-mounted lighting for those looking to add atmosphere to their backyard for hosting COVID-friendly get-togethers. Please stand-by as we are hoping to have these available here by the end of January, 2021.

~ WRCA Board

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Walnut Ridge Cluster's New Fence Covenants Design Guide for 2020 Released!


Where can I find the new Walnut Ridge Cluster design covenants for fences?

In July of 2020, the Walnut Ridge Cluster Board had a new design covenants document for fences passed by the Reston Association Design Review Board (DRB). 

The Walnut Ridge Cluster board has been reviewing the original covenants documentation in order to create a more comprehensive set of documents that will keep original covenants in-place, while adding features requested by many homeowners and tenants. Any new covenants will continue to enforce previous rules and regulations, while increasing a certain amount of latitude for personal taste, technology, and design evolution.

If you are looking at replacing and/or updating the fence around or behind your property, it is recommended that you review the various styles, construction methods, and materials outlined in this design guide. Doing so will ensure you are not only in compliance with Reston Association, but also with Walnut Ridge Cluster design covenants.

The fence designs are generally split into two categories: original designs representative of 1985 (the year Walnut Ridge Cluster was constructed) and 2020 (the year this design document was created). The primary difference between the two categories is that the 2020 designs will have enhanced structural changes to improve longevity and life of the fence.

The new Walnut Ridge Cluster design covenants documentation for Fences can be found by clicking here

~ WRCA Board

Saturday, March 7, 2020

Original Walnut Ridge Cluster Covenants

Where can I find the original Walnut Ridge Cluster covenants?

Originally, when Walnut Ridge Cluster was established in 1985, every house followed a specific color scheme that was originally established by the builder.

Over time, this has been edited, appended, and altered many times through the Reston Association covenants application process.

The Walnut Ridge Cluster board is currently reviewing the original covenants documentation in order to create a more comprehensive document that will keep original covenants in-place, while adding features requested by many homeowners and tenants. Any new covenants will continue to enforce previous rules and regulations, while increasing a certain amount of latitude for personal taste, technology, and design evolution.

The original Walnut Ridge Cluster covenants documentation can be found by clicking here. If you want a short link to share or write down, we have created this shortened link: http://bit.ly/3cHMD1S.

~ WRCA Board