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FAQS

FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)

If you have questions, please call FirstService Residential Customer Care  at 703-385-1133 or email PropertyManager@unionmills.com.

 

Architectural

Change Request Form, Process and Builder Information

In order to maintain the values of your homes and the desirability of the community, our management company (First Service Management) do bi-weekly curbside inspections, as well as bi-annual full inspections. When the weather warms up and the winter snows melt away for the last time, it will be a good time to check over your house and see how the last year has treated the exterior of your home.

Per the Design Guidelines, residents are responsible for maintaining the exterior of their dwellings and any other structures on their lots, such as decks, fences, sheds, and playground-type equipment. Most residents would not allow any of the following conditions to exist. Rather, they seek to preserve and protect the investment in their homes and to limit their personal liability by keeping all improvements on their lots in good condition. The Association expects all residents will do the maintenance necessary to prevent any of the cited conditions from occurring in Union Mills. While it is difficult to provide precise criteria for what the Association deems as unacceptable conditions, the following list represents some of the conditions that are considered to be a violation of the Covenants:
(a) Peeling, cracked, and chipped paint on exterior trim;
(b) Dented mailboxes, or mailboxes in need of repainting [SFH];
(c) Broken playground equipment or equipment needing painting;
(d) Broken fences or fences needing parts and repairs;
(e) Broken or sagging gates or gates needing parts and repairs;
(f) Decks with missing or broken parts;
(g) Foundations in need of repainting;
(h) Dented, loose, or missing siding or trim, gutters, and down spouts; and
(i) Mold, mildew, or other stains on siding, roofs, fences, driveways, or other physical structures.

Typical Inspection Items – Below are a few of the items we look for during annual inspections. Please note that the list below is not all inclusive and additional items may be cited if they are not in compliance with the community’s architectural Guidelines. The Townhomes will be inspected from the front, side and rear (from the common areas) and the single family homes will inspected from the front due to the lack of common area access.

When is my lot inspected?
Annual Inspections occur usually in the spring.

What is being checked?
The property is being reviewed for appearance, cleanliness, and overall condition. It will also be looked at to determine if the property is not in compliance with our 2015 architectural design guidelines.

What are some of the other specific items that are being checked?
The exterior home inspection includes (but is not limited to) the following items:

  • Gutters: cleanliness, debris, and if any repairs are required
  • Siding: condition and if power washing is required
  • Exterior Wood: any broken or rotted trim wood that needs replacing or wood that is covered with mildew/algae.
  • Fencing: Damaged, rotted or leaning fences or broken gates.
  • Entry steps: Cleanliness
  • Landscaping: missing or dead shrubs
  • Shrubs & Beds: trimming, weed control, repairs to edging material
  • Trees: pruning, and removal of any dead trees/stumps
  • Grass: maintenance of grass, to include establishing and/or applying weed control
  • Paint: windows and trim, shutters, doors, and corner trim (faded or oxidized)
  • Garage Doors: painting, condition
  • Entry Doors: condition and replacement if necessary
  • Fence: condition, replace missing/warped boards, repair gate and/or latch
  • Decks: repair spindles, repair staircase, power wash, ensure correct color
  • Rear Yard: cleanliness and condition
  • Sheds: non-approved sheds – Any shed that was installed without an approved application
  • Roof: repairs or replacement – or black roof stains from roof algae (Geocapsa Magma)
  • Satellite: unapproved dish or conceal cabling
  • Window air conditioners: outside window units that extend beyond the window sash
  • House Numbers: replace any missing numbers
  • Lead walks: (sidewalks) – repair cracks, correct trip hazards
  • Foundation Walls (concrete): paint, condition and grading where waterproofing is exposed.
  • Subsidence: fill soil surface holes with top soil around front stoop and other areas as needed
  • Mailboxes: (single family only) stain or repaint posts and/or mailboxes
  • Miscellaneous Items: public view storage of trash cans, recycling bins and miscellaneous items such as garden tools, children’s toys, etc.

For any changes to the exterior of the home, you must submit an architectural application for change. This includes, but is not limited to, color changes, additions, storm doors, exterior entry doors, windows, siding, roofs, roof shingles, decks, fences, play sets, and exterior decorative objects.  Please refer to the Architectural Design Guidelines for a more specific list of requirements or contact your First Service Residential Property Manager.  You may download the ACC application form (see link below) and email it to PropertyManager@unionmills.com. 

MAKE sure that you have all your specs, Manufacturer names, Model #’s and detailed descriptions listed on the actual application.   While other supporting documentation (IE – Brochures, Web Links and physical samples are helpful), the specifics must be listed on the ACC Application itself.

Thank you.

Link to ACC Application (click here)

Also see Article 20 Fairfax County Zoning Laws for Union Mills

UM Design Guidelines

Union Mills is a well-established neighborhood of 94 garage-unit townhouses and 217 non-garage townhouses and 57 single family homes tucked in the southwest corner of Fairfax County, Virginia. The community was developed by Hazel Peterson circa 1991.

Within the town home areas the builders were Van Metre Companies and Batal Builders. In the single family section, the primary builder was Van Metre, however some of the homes were built by J Alfandre (Clarion Homes) and Battlefield Builders.

In the town home section, Van Metre built 2 traditional products. One was a wider than usual 22 foot townhome in both a garage and non-garage model, while Batal built a more contemporary 20 foot home (both in a garage and non-garage model).

Here is a list of the homes if you would like to know who your builder was at the time.

Canada Goose Ct – 13500-13556 – Van Metre 22 ft wide (Mixed garage and non-garage)
Covey Lane – 13500-13506 – Van Metre 22 ft wide w/garages.
Covey Lane – 13508-13524 – Van Metre 16-18 ft wide – no garage
Darter Ct – 13500-13554 – Batal 20 ft wide (Mixed garage and non-garage)
Gosling Ct – 5600-5622 – Batal 20 ft wide (Mixed garage and non-garage)
Gosling Dr – 5601-5635 – Batal 20 ft wide (Mixed garage and non-garage)
Gosling Dr – 5660-5686 – Batal 20 ft wide (no garages)
Gosling Dr – 5651-5675 – Batal 20 ft wide (Mixed garage and non-garage)
Gray Bill Ct – 13500-13550 – Van Metre 22 ft wide (Mixed garage and non-garage)
Harrier Ct – 5700-5746 – Van Metre 16-18 ft wide – no garage
Mallard Watch Way – 13550-13542 – Batal 20 ft wide (Mixed garage and non-garage)
Osprey Ct – 5700-5750 – Van Metre 16-18 ft wide – no garage
Quail Ct – Van Metre 22 wide (All Garage Homes)
Ruddy Duck Rd – 13500-13577 – Van Metre 16-18 ft wide – no garage
White Dove Lane – 5651-5697 – Van Metre 16-18 ft wide – no garage

Buying, Selling or Renting

Yes! If you are selling your home, you are required to provide your buyers with a Resale Package (HOA Docs). This package includes all the updated Rules and Regulations for the community as well as a current year budget, newly adopted resolutions, newly adopted rules and regulations and most importantly, an inspection letter that identifies to the potential buyers any problems with the property.

COLD FEET – BUYER’S REMORSE—The Property Owners Association Act (the “Act”) gives contract purchasers three days to review the HOA docs, once they have been delivered to the purchaser, and cancel the purchase contract if unsatisfied with the Association’s setup or condition. If you have a current set of HOA docs that you can provide to purchaser in a timely manner, with financial information current within thirty days of the sales contract, your buyer might be less prone to back out of the contract. (Confer with your Realtor on this). If you need the certificate updated later, First Service Residential may charge a nominal fee for re-inspecting the home and reissuing the resale certificate. Also, remember that the Act allows First Service to process Resale Disclosure Request. Besides the exterior site inspection and production of the HOA documents, there are several other processes that have to be performed behind the scenes. Producing the HOA docs is just not as simple as you would think. First Service will be looking for items like the ones referenced below as well as any of the maintenance items referenced on page 1 under “Annual Home Inspections”. Click here for more information from FirstService Residential.

To order a Resale or Questionnaire package from First Service Residential Click Here (note you must login to FSR with your account) 

It’s required that you complete and sign a Lease Addendum which can be downloaded from this link (Click Here).   Then you’ll need to submit a copy of the lease along with the Lead Addendum to the property manager.

You can email both documents to PropertyManager@unionmills.com. If you have any questions, please call FirstService Residential at 703-385-1133.

It’s also a good idea to update our contact information for both you and your tenants (in case of an emergency).

Please also encourage your tenants to register on the Unionmills.com website, so that we can keep them updated on special events (Pool Parties, October Fest, Neighborhood Watch and Special Updates).

Community Life

The UMCA Board meets monthly on the first Wednesday of the month at 7pm Eastern (unless a holiday impedes). The Annual Meeting  is held in May each year in lieu of a regular Board meeting.
Board Meetings are currently held virtually. There is a short session at the beginning of the meeting for a Homeowner Forum. If you have questions for the Board, you are welcome to join us in a Virtual meeting. The connection information is provided in a monthly email update to all on the email list, and is also posted on the website.  You may also email PropertyManager@Unionmills.com and request login/connection credentials and at the same time request to be added to the Email Distribution list so you can be kept up to date all on community issues.
We also recommend you register on the FirstService Residential Website at https://www.fsresidential.com/connect/find-my-community where you can: Receive regular email updates, access information on amenities, check your account balances, report violations . . . and more.
For other valuable information regarding Union Mills, you can also register at https://unionmills.com 
2021 Board Meeting Dates:
  • February 5th
  • March 4th
  • April 1st
  • May 6th
  • June 3rd
  • August 5th
  • September 2nd
  • October 7th
  • November 3rd
  • December 2nd
Annual Meeting
July 7th – Election of Officers
Location Virtual – Currently no in-person. 
Fairfax, VA 22030
We would like to encourage all owners to setup a FirstService Residential account.  Here you can access your FirstService Account and easily look up items, like your account balance, payments, forms and documents, Newsletters and Resident directories or make On-line payments.  FirstService then will also be able to provide you with important updates or notify you in the event of an emergency. When you setup your account, use your account number that came with your coupon book or follow the instructions.  If you have any questions about setting up your account, please call the Customer Care Center at 703-385-1133 for assistance. 
If you have never setup an account before click here  This will take you to a page where you will enter your zip code.  Then click on Find My Community.  On the next login page, click on Create New Account. 
Any resident that has already setup an account using the same pc/device can click on this link and bookmark this site in their favorites. 
How do we address noise complaints?  – This actually an issue for Fairfax County Police.  Please call the non-emergency number for Fairfax Police – 703-691-2131.  Be advised that the noise ordinance was updated in 2016 and it’s actually more strict that the previous statute.  The new noise ordinance on the books that will silence things like loud late night parties and early morning leaf blowing. The regulations became law on Feb. 17, 2016.
Other concerns can be addressed to FSR through the FSR Portal or by emailing PropertyManager@unionmills.com
Why Is There a New Ordinance?
We undertook an overhaul of noise rules due to a Virginia Supreme Court ruling. The court ruled against the City of Virginia Beach’s nuisance noise provisions. Their rules based enforcement on a subjective, “reasonable person” standard, instead of decibel measurements. Because Fairfax, along with other Virginia governments, used similar criteria, the county rewrote its law.
For more information or details on the new rules, visit the Department of Planning and Zoning’s Noise Ordinance Amendment web pages or call 703-324-1314
For complaints, here’s who to contact:
During daytime hours (Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Friday 9:15 a.m. – 4 p.m.), you should contact the Department of Code Compliance at 703-324-1300, TTY 711.
At night, call the Police Department’s non-emergency number, 703-691-2131, TTY 711.
To enforce the law, the county may seek civil and criminal penalties against violators, as well as court orders to prohibit current and future noise. Civil penalties start at $250, rising to $500 for subsequent offenses. Criminal convictions would be a misdemeanor.
How to get in Touch With Us
FirstService Residential Virginia. We welcome your questions, comments, inquiries, compliments and even your complaints to help us tailor – and continuously improve – the outstanding services we provide to your community.
Contact the Union Mills Board at this address Board@unionmills.com
How do I log into my FirstService Account or setup a login so that I can access my FSR account? Here is the link to your FirstService Login page.   http://dcmetro.fsrconnect.com/unionmillsca .  Here you can pay your association fees, download meeting minutes, check your account status and many other items.
BUSINESS HOURS
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
MAIN OFFICE
11351 Random Hills Road, Suite 500
Fairfax, VA  22030CONTACT US
Telephone: 703.385.1133
Fax: 703.591.5785
24 hr Customer Care Center: 703.385.1133
After Hours Emergency: 703.385.1133

Setup your own FirstService Account or Login to your FirstService Account
Access your First Service Account and easily look up items, like your account balance, forms and documents, Newsletters and Resident directories or make On-line payments.  When you setup your account, look for your account number on your coupon book.

Setup your own First Service Account or Login to your First Service Account (Click here)
Access your First Service Account and easily look up items, like your account balance, forms and documents, Newsletters and Resident directories or make On-line payments.  When you setup your account, look for your account number on your coupon book.
CONTACT US
Telephone: 703.385.1133
Fax: 703.591.5785
24 hr Customer Care Center: 703.385.1133
After Hours Emergency: 703.385.1133
Volunteers are essential to our ability to fulfill our mission to provide an amazing community for our residents! Our community needs your help with its ongoing efforts. We all have busy schedules yet a small commitment of time can make a difference.
All members of the UMCA Board and committees serve without pay or financial benefits of any kind. As a volunteer to UMCA, you are instrumental in making our community a premier place to live, and in the process, you would be helping yourself by discovering new interests and friends.
UMCA has many opportunities for you to contribute your skills and strengths in the creation, implementation and management of all of our on going efforts. If you have an interest and want to contribute to any of UMCA’s committees to include Budget/Finance, Communications, Architectural, Budget/Finance, Open Spaces, and Welcoming Committee, please complete this committee application and email it Volunteer@unionmills.com.
Thank you and we look forward to working with you.
Union Mills Board of Directors

Painting

Approved Exterior Paint color and Manufacturer

I need to paint my house and I’d like to keep it the same color, where do I get the paint?  In the townhome section, both Batal Homes and VanMetre Homes used McCormick Paints.   For specifics on Painting please See 2020 Architectural Guidelines 2020 (click here). 

417 Exterior Painting. As a general rule, color changes apply not only to the house siding, but also to the doors, shutters, trim, roofing, and other component structures. Color changes must adhere to an approved color per the lists referenced below. The manufacturer of the paint is not required to be McCormick Paints.

[TH] The doors and shutters of all the townhomes in Union Mills are to be painted the same color. No two adjacent townhomes shall have doors and shutters the same or a similar color.

The following are approved colors for use on TH trim which is defined as the trim around the garage, doors, windows, and front porch and post.

  • Batal townhomes
    • McCormick – Amber White – 101
    • McCormick – Super White – 100
    • Sherman Williams – Ovation – Extra White – 636355 (at Lowes)
    • Olympic – A01-6 – True White
  • Van Metre townhomes (around the garage, doors, windows and front porches) is to be painted
  • McCormick – Wheat – 108
  • McCormick – Amber White – 101
  • McCormick – Colonial White – 118
Exterior trim colors MUST be a semi-gloss. THE USE OF FLAT PAINT ON ANY EXTERIOR SURFACE IS PROHIBITED.
[TH] The following colors are approved for use on townhome doors and shutters:
  • McCormick – Old Colonial Red – 225
  • McCormick – Farmhouse Red – 217
  • McCormick – Carolina Slate – 226
  • McCormick – Chesapeake Blue – 449
  • McCormick – HearthStone – 216
  • McCormick – GreyStone – 110
  • McCormick – Incense – 106
  • McCormick – Foxhall Green – 202
  • McCormick – Williamsburg Blue – 227
  • McCormick – Potomac Blue – 235
  • McCormick – Kingston Clay – 120
  • McCormick – Gunston Hall – 445
  • McCormick – Thomas Point – 148
  • McCormick – Black – 200
** Effective as of the 2020 Standards** (McCormick – Georgetown Green – 220) has been discontinued. Homes with this color will need to select a new color from the approved colors when refreshing their paint.
Any deviations from the above original color chart MUST first be approved by the ACC. An Application to the ACC must include the manufacturer’s name, color name and a sample of the proposed color (Photocopies of paint charts will not be accepted.). In addition, homeowners wishing to change from one approved color to another approved color must submit an application, which includes the above information, as well as the colors of the two adjacent homes.
[SFH] Homeowners of single-family homes in Union Mills have the option to paint the front entrance door a color different from the color of the shutters (i.e., Black-200 shutters with an Old Colonial Red-225 front door). Changes of exterior colors should be related to the colors of the houses in the immediate area. A completed Application requires the following information and/or documents:
417.1 A listing of all existing exterior colors on property structures;
417.2 A color sample of the new color to be used if not on the approved list;
417.3 The estimated start date and completion date; and,
417.4 The signatures of the adjacent neighbors most affected by the change.

Parking Plan

Unions Mills New Rules/Guidelines on E.V. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. (See Page 46 -49 of the 2020 Union Mills Design Guidelines for all rules and requirements)
Union Mills Community Association
Design Standards
APPENDIX H
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
1.      Applicability of Va. Code § 55.1-1823.1 to Union Mills Subdivision. There is no express prohibition in the Union Mills Declaration regarding electric vehicle charging stations. Lot owners therefore have a statutory right to install electric vehicle charging stations on their lots pursuant to Va. Code § 55.1-1823.1, subject to the reasonable restrictions set forth in this Resolution. Additionally, Section 6.5 of the Declaration pertains to the prior application and approval requirements and Section 7.3 of the Declaration authorizes the Association’s Board of Directors to approve regulations restricting the use of Property (which term includes the private lots). Both Sections 6.5 and 7.3 are recorded restrictive covenants that encumber the title to all lots in the Union Mills Subdivision. Those sections shall be enforced by the Association relative to electric vehicle charging stations.
2.      Prior Application and Approval Requirements. Charging stations shall be treated as is any other proposed alteration, modification or improvement to the lot or dwelling exterior. Section 6.5 of the Declaration pertains. Unless otherwise indicated herein, any lot owner who wishes to install a charging station on his lot shall be required to submit a complete Exterior Alteration Application to the Covenants Committee or Board of Directors for consideration (see Appendix I, Design Standards). Unless otherwise indicated herein, no charging station shall be installed on a private lot in Union Mills without prior application to and the approval of the Covenants Committee or Board of Directors.
3.     Acceptable locations for electric vehicle charging stations on the private lots. The following, in order of preference from the most acceptable to the least acceptable, are the acceptable locations for the installation of charging stations on the lots. A less acceptable location shall not be approved if a more acceptable location on the lot is available.
a.        If the dwelling has a garage, the charging station must be installed within the confines of the garage. The vehicle may be parked either in the garage or on the driveway for charging. If the charging station is installed completely within the confines of the garage, no Exterior Alteration Application is required prior to installation.
b.        If the dwelling does not have a garage, the charging station may be attached to the exterior of the dwelling, at a height no higher than three feet (3’) above the ground. Installation on the side elevation of the dwelling is preferred, but installation may be approved on the front elevation of the dwelling, again at a height no higher than three feet (3’) above the ground. If the charging station is installed on the front of the dwelling, the Covenants Committee or Board of Directors may require the planting of shrubbery or bushes to camouflage or conceal the station.
c.      Charging stations on free-standing poles shall not normally be approved except in extraordinary circumstances. If approved, the approval shall be subject to the concealment of the pole and charging station by vegetation.
d.      Installation of charging stations on Association common area is prohibited and shall not be approved under any circumstances.
4.       Charging station considerations for townhome lots.
a.      For “middle” townhome lot installations (not an end lot) which do not have a garage, installation of the charging station by attachment to the front elevation of the townhome will be acceptable, subject to the height restriction of not more than three feet (3’) above the ground and subject to the shrubbery/landscaping requirement to conceal or camouflage the station.
b.      When the electric vehicle is in the reserved common area parking space, the charging cable will have to extend from the charging station to the vehicle. If the charging station cable is available in different color options, green or brown should be selected to make the cable less visually conspicuous.
c.      If the charging cable must cross a sidewalk to extend to the vehicle, the Covenants Committee or Board of Directors shall require that the lot owner acquire and use at all times a cable bridge to lessen the trip hazard presented by the cable stretched across the sidewalk.
5.      Maintenance Requirements for Charging Stations. An electric vehicle charging station is personal property of the lot owner who installs same. Lot owners who install charging stations on their lots are responsible for the following tasks and all associated costs.
a.      When not in use, the charging cable must be coiled neatly and inconspicuously next to the charging station, as would be a garden hose.
b.      Install, repair, maintain, replace, relocate or remove the charging station.
c.      Repair external and visible damage to dwelling caused by installation or removal of the charging station.
d.      Lot owners shall not permit their stations to fall into disrepair or to become a safety hazard. Lot owners shall be responsible for charging station maintenance, repair and replacement and the correction/abatement of any safety hazard.
e.      Lot owners shall be liable for any physical injury, harm or monetary damages resulting from the presence of their charging cable across a sidewalk.
f.      Lot owners shall be responsible for charging station re-painting or replacement if the exterior surface of the station deteriorates.
6.      Safety.
a.      Charging stations shall be installed and secured in a manner that complies with all applicable County and Commonwealth laws and regulations, and manufacturer’s instructions. If any governmental permit is required for the installation of a charging station, the applicant lot owner shall include the permit with his Exterior Alteration Application.
b.      Charging stations shall not obstruct access to or exit from any dwelling, walkway, ingress or egress from an area, electrical service equipment, or any other areas relevant to the provision of utility services to the neighboring lots. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure the safety of Association residents and personnel and to further ensure safe and easy access to each neighboring lot’s utilities and physical structures.
c.      Installation must consider aesthetic considerations and minimize the visual impact of the charging station to the exterior appearance and structure of the owner’s dwelling.
7.      Charging Station Removal. Owners must restore the property to the condition that existed prior to the installation of their charging station at their expense if their station is removed for any reason.
8. Indemnification of Association. Each lot owner who submits an application for a charging station installation must include with the application the indemnification form attached hereto as Exhibit 1 (p. 48 below). Any charging station application that does not include Exhibit 1 executed by the lot owner(s) shall be disapproved as incomplete.
9. Insurance Requirement. Each lot owner who submits an application for a charging station installation must include with the application the statement of insurance form attached hereto as Exhibit 2 (p. 49 below). Any charging station application that does not include a fully completed Exhibit 2 executed by the lot owner(s) shall be disapproved as incomplete.
(Exhibit 1 to Electric Vehicle Charging Station Application)
Indemnification Statement of Lot Owner Applying
To Install an Electric Vehicle Charging Station
(Must be included with any application to install an EV charging station)
Name(s) of Applicant Lot Owner(s): _________________________________
Address: _______________________________________
Upon receiving approval by the Covenants Committee or Board of Directors of the Union Mills Community Association of my/our Application for the installation of an electric vehicle charging station on my/our lot, I/we understand, acknowledge and agree that by proceeding with the installation, I/we covenant and agree for ourselves and our heirs, successors, and assigns that I/we shall indemnify and hold harmless the Union Mills Community Association, its Board of Directors, Committee members, Association members, employees, management personnel, agents and attorneys, from any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, suits, liens, debts, obligations, damages, liabilities, and judgments of any kind, nature, or amount, whether in tort, contract, or otherwise, whether in law or equity, whether known or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated, liquidated or unliquidated, including any and all claimed or unclaimed compensatory damages, consequential damages, incidental damages, punitive and exemplary damages, interest costs, expenses and fees (including reasonable attorney’s fees), and also including damages to third persons or their property or damage to the Association’s common area or to other lots in the Union Mills subdivision, all or any of which may arise out of, relate to, result from, or are in any way connected with the electric vehicle charging station that is the subject of this Application.
                                                                                                             ___________________________
Signature of Lot Owner
                                                                                                             Printed Name of Lot Owner: ___________________
                                                                                                              ___________________________
Signature of Lot Owner
                                                                                                             Printed Name of Lot Owner: ___________________
Date: _________
Page 48
(Exhibit 2 to Electric Vehicle Charging Station Application)
Insurance Statement of Lot Owner Applying
To Install an Electric Vehicle Charging Station
(Must be included with any application to install an EV charging station)
Name of Applicant Lot Owner(s): _________________________________
Address: _______________________________________
     In submitting this Application to install an electric vehicle charging station on my/our lot in the Union Mills subdivision, I/we hereby certify and attest to the truthfulness of the following statements:
1.      I/we are currently carrying homeowner’s insurance on our lot and dwelling at the above-cited address.
2.      The name of our homeowner’s insurance carrier is: _____________________.
3.      The policy number of our homeowner’s insurance policy is: _________________.
4.      I have consulted with an insurance professional or my insurance agent and have been informed that my homeowner’s policy will cover any claims or defenses of claims related to the installation, maintenance, operation or use of the electric vehicle charging station on my lot.
5. Name, company and position of insurance professional consulted:
________________________________________
                                                           ____________________________
                                                           Signature of Lot Owner
                                                           Printed Name of Lot Owner: ___________________
                                                           ___________________________
Signature of Lot Owner
                                                           Printed Name of Lot Owner: ___________________
                                                           Date: ____________
Exhibit 2
Page 49
Final Part – Complate Exterior Alteration Application Appendix 1. See page 50 of 2020 Union Mills Design Guidelines.  
Effective August 3rd, UMCA will utilize Battlefield Towing for towing services. Signage will be updated to reflect this change.
Towing Information – Should you wish to tow an unauthorized vehicle from your reserved space, or if one of your vehicles has been towed by Battlefield Towing-Storage or if you need to have a vehicle towed for mechanical reasons; please  call Battlefield Towing at 703-378-0059.  They are conveniently located in Chantilly but call first for instructions.
See the Design Guidelines.  Residents must file an application before placement and must not use the visitor spaces.

G.101 Portable Storage Units. Portable Storage Units are designed to assist homeowners in moving and storing household items while remodeling projects are underway or for other similar temporary, personal, non-business purposes.

G.102 Location. Owners of Single-Family homes or of Townhomes with garages wishing to use a Portable Storage Unit for a limited period of time, not to exceed 20 days, shall place no more than one such unit in the Homeowner’s driveway. Owners of townhomes without garages may place no more than one storage unit for a limited period of time, not to exceed 20 days, in the Owner’s reserved parking space. Under no circumstances shall a Portable Storage Unit be placed in a Visitor parking space and may not block or interfere with any designated Visitor parking space(s).

G.103 Portable Storage Unit Standards/Affidavit. Prior to the delivery and use of any Portable Storage Unit, an owner must submit an application to and receive approval from the ACC as provided in Chapter 2 of these Design Standards. Such Application shall also include an Affidavit as set forth below. The Affidavit holds the homeowner responsible for any damage to the Owner’s reserved parking space and provides the Association with a signed document that indicates the homeowner will not violate the parking Standards and other ACC Standards.

Parking Rules Resolution 2019-1  (By Community Vote May 1, 2019).
From First Service – July 12, 2019
  • Visitor Parking Permit Hangtags: All townhomes will be issued one (1) Union Mills visitor hangtag per townhome residence. When parking in a visitor space within the townhome areas, every vehicle must display the visitor hangtag 6 p.m. – 6 a.m.  Your personalized Hangtag ID is printing on your hangtag.
  • Three (3) day Rule:  Any vehicle remaining in a visitor parking space in excess of three (3) consecutive calendar days shall be subject to enforcement action, to including towing of the vehicle at the owner’s risk and expense.
  • Mandatory Use of Garage, Driveway, and Assigned Reserved Spaces:  To ensure that visitor spaces are available as needed (for visitors) to all townhomes, and to thereby ensure that all townhome residents (and their visitors) have a fair opportunity to park in a visitor space, townhome residents must prioritize their garage, driveway and assigned spaces before resorting to use of the visitor spaces.  It it therefore mandatory that residents use their garage, driveway and assigned reserved spaces prior to using the visitor spaces.
  • Shell Game Violation: A numbered parking tag cannot occupy the same specific visitor space for more than three (3) consecutive days, regardless of whether that hangtag is displayed in different vehicles.  Upon the expiration of the 3-day limit, that hangtag must move to either a different visitor space or off the common area altogether or the vehicle then displaying that hangtag will be subject to tow.
  • Pool area Parking: No visitor parking permit hangtags required at any time through the year.
    • Pool Season (Memorial Day to Labor Day): All vehicles parked overnight in the pool area must be moved out of the pool area by 9:00 each day.  Other than vehicles of the lifeguards and the pool management supervisor, no other vehicles are allowed in the pool parking area between the hours of 9:00 am.m – 9:30 p.m.  Violators shall be subject to towing.  As of 9:30 a.m. and thereafter during the day until 9:30 p.m. parking in the pool area will limited to pool patrons, residents and guests of residents only.
    • During the other time of the year when the pool is closed (September through May): Residents and guest may park in the pool parking area at any time without a visitor permit hangtag for a duration not to exceed three (3) consecutive Calendar days.  Other parking restrictions set forth herein (e.g. no commercial vehicles, etc.) also pertain the pool area.  Vehicles found to be using the pool area parking in violation of this rule shall be subject to enforcement action, including towning of the vehicle at the owner’s risk and expense.
If you have any questions, please contact Natalie McCracken at natalie.mccracken@fsresidential.com or by phone at 703-667-5995.
Parking is restricted in the townhome section except for the state maintained portion of Ruddy Duck Road. (From Union Mill Road to the end of the Cul-de-sac at Darter Ct.  All visitor and reserved spaces are showed on the Reserved Parking Plan 93-11-1
Please do not park commercial vehicles overnight on any of the private streets.  You may park some commercial vehicles on state maintained Ruddy Duck Road (subject to Fairfax County’s definitions and limitations on a state maintained road in a residentially zoned area).
(Parking on Common Areas within the community) – PR 2019 (d) Commercial Vehicles. Parking of commercial vehicles in open view within the community is not allowed. A commercial vehicle is defined as any vehicle that (i) bears any visible commercial advertising signs, names logos, dealer tags, letterings or initials (not including bumper stickers or similar sized stickers); or (ii) is used, or intended for use, as a car for hire or a work vehicle, which may be evidenced by open carriage of pipes, lumber or other work-related construction, equipment, machinery, materials or ladders, including but not limited to ladder racks, pipe racks, tools or other equipment; or (iii) vehicles designed or intended for use as commercial buses, cargo vans, express vans, delivery vans, flatbeds or trucks used for any other purpose other than for private/consumer use. Advertising is defined to include, but not be limited to the display of a company name and/or product name and telephone number and/or email address.

8. Towing.
(a) The Association has a standing arrangement with a commercial towing company to provide both on-demand towing and towing of all vehicles parked in fire lanes, parked across sidewalks, and parked on common area grass. Unless as required herein, any vehicle parked in violation of the Declaration or these regulations shall be subject to immediate towing without notice or process.

Visitor Permit Hang Tags – How to acquire replacements
PR2019(1) 5(c) Visitor Parking Permit Hang tags.  All townhomes shall be issues one (1`) Union Mills visitor permit hang tags per townhome residence. When parking in a visitor space within the townhome areas every vehicle must display the visitor permit hang tag 6 p.m. – 6 a.m.  The hang tag must be hung from the internal rearview mirror in the vehicle or on the dashboard.  Expired hang tags are invalid and cannot be used in place of or in addition to the current Union Mills visitor permit hangtag.  In addition, residents are not permitted to sell, lease, profit from use of their assigned hangtag and/or lend out/permit another resident to borrow their assigned hangtag for use on a continuous or routine basis.  Replacement visitor permit hangtags will be available at a cost of fifty dollars ($50.00) per replacement hangtag.  Townhouse residents are required to first use their garages, driveways, or reserved spaces before using the visitor spaces. 
Should you need a replacement pass, please call the FirstService telephone number at 703-385-1133 or use this contact Webform Request click here.   The old pass ID number shall be invalidated by FSR and the contracted towing company and then a new pass will be issued with a new current ID number.
Owners must be in good standing with all HOA & dues current in order to be issued a new or replacement Permit hangtag.
PR 2010 8. (b) The Association is not responsible for the enforcement of the reserved parking space plan except as noted above. Homeowners who find an unauthorized vehicle in his or her assigned space may initiate a tow in accordance with Exhibit B of UMCA Policy Resolution No. 93-11-1 (See Documents Section).  As set forth therein, homeowners who authorize the towing of a vehicle assume all responsibility and liability arising from that act.
You might want to see if the vehicle belongs to a guest of one of your neighbors, but you are authorized to have the vehicle towed.  Call Battlefield Towing at 703-378-0059.  http://www.battlefieldtow.com

PR 2010 – 7. Tradesmen. Vehicles of companies making repairs, replacements, deliveries, etc., are permitted between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Companies needing all-day parking should park in visitor spaces or the homeowner’s designated parking space. No overnight parking of commercial vehicles is permitted. The term “commercial vehicle” is defined in Section 21 of the Design Guidelines and is further defined in Section 9(d) below. During normal daytime business hours (7 am to 9 pm), a commercial vehicle owned by a company which has been contracted to provide service within the community may park in any visitor space and/or the reserved space of the driveway of the owner who is contracting their services. Commercial vehicles may not be parked in fire lanes or other non-designated spaces within the community.

Pet Rules

Pet Waste and Leash Laws

Pet Stations have been located conveniently throughout the community.  Please take advantage of these stations and pickup after your dog.  When it rains, uncollected waste runs into streams and rivers as runoff.  In addition to worms and protozoa, pet waste also contains fecal coliform bacteria. This group of bacteria includes the specific bacteria E. Coli which can cause serious illness and even death to people who ingest contaminated water. There is a direct correlation between bacteria concentrations and gastrointestinal illness.
Fresh water is the source of many recreational and life-sustaining activities, including swimming, fishing, and of course, drinking! As a result, many communities across the country, including those in Virginia, work hard to keep their water clean and useable.  One of the most preventable and significant water pollutants is dog waste.  Each gram of dog poop contains 23 million fecal coliform colonies.  Unfortunately, many people do not pick up after their dog, and the uncollected waste eventually becomes part of storm water runoff and flows into and pollutes creeks, streams, and rivers.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the extent of pollution bodies of water are allowed to contain and still be usable.  This measure is referred to as the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). TMDL is essentially a pollution budget which communities must live within. Communities found in violation of their allotted TMDL are subject to penalties. Pet waste is one of many contributors to TMDL and communities working to improve their waterways must manage its overall contribution.
POOPER SCOOPER LAW:
Section 41.1-2-6. – Animals causing unsanitary conditions.
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any animal or animals to keep such animal or animals in such a manner as to cause unsanitary conditions. The owner or custodian of any dog shall be responsible for the removal of excreta deposited by such dog on the property of another, including public places. (26-04-41.1.)
LEASH LAW:
Section 41.1-2-4. – Unrestricted dogs prohibited; leash law.

(a)  No dog shall run unrestricted, as defined in Section 41.1-1-1, in the County. Any person who is the owner of a dog found unrestricted in the County shall be in violation of this Section. This Section shall not apply to any person who uses a dog under his direct supervision while lawfully hunting, while engaged in a supervised formal obedience training class or show, during formally sanctioned field trials, while a dog is in an area owned, leased, controlled, or operated by Fairfax County designated by resolution of the Board of Supervisors as an off-leash dog exercise area, or while a dog is in an area owned, leased, controlled, or operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority and designated by resolution of the Fairfax County Park Authority as an off-leash or dog exercise area, or while a dog is in an area, leased, controlled, or operated by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority and designated by resolution of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority Board as an off-leash or dog exercise area. It is a violation of this Section for any owner of a dog to place such dog or allow it to be placed into custody of any person not physically capable of maintaining effective control of restricting such dog.

(b)  Any dog found unrestricted in violation of subsection (a) shall be impounded, except that if the rightful owner of the dog can be immediately ascertained and located, then that owner shall be allowed to have custody of the animal, but shall be subject to issuance of a summons for violation of this Section. (26-04-41.1.)
If you see dogs off leash in the community please do not hesitate to call 703-691-2131 and provide description of the owner, description the dog and their location. 
See also Design Guidelines Appendix D100-D104

Pool Information

The pool season is typically from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Pool Hours:
Sunday-Thursday 10am-7pm

Friday-Saturday 10am-9pm

Once school begins, the pool opens at 3:30pm, Monday-Friday.

Weather may close pool temporarily and signage will be posted.

Remodeling or Exterior Changes and Additions

County Building Permits – When do I need a permit and where can I apply fora building permit?

Reminder – An ACC Application is required for all deck staining or exterior painting projects. Also – We encourage you to consult with a professional for best results on this type of a project.   How to stain your deck like a pro.
Step 1: Take your Time
With every step of the staining process, take your time. When the project is completed and your tools are cleaned and put away, nothing will have had a greater impact on the quality of the job. Here’s a few tips before you get started. Take your time to allow new pressure treated lumber to weather for a few months and dry out before staining it. Allow stain strippers to be left on the surface long enough to break down old finishes before you rinse it off. Take your time to prevent overspray and spills on non-target surfaces and wait to start your project until the weather forecast is favorable.
Step 2 – Preparation, Preparation, Preparation
Preparation is key to the final results. All wood needs to be cleaned well before staining, whether it’s a brand new deck, or an older deck that’s been out in the weather and needs to be re-stained. Brand new lumber needs to be cleaned to remove “mill scale”. Mill scale is a crushing of the grain that takes place during the milling process. If it’s left un-cleaned, it can prevent wood stains from properly penetrating into the wood surface.
On an older deck, dirt, graying from the sun, mildew and old stains all need to be removed prior to staining. Sodium Percarbonate wood cleaners, also known as oxygen bleach wood cleaners, are a great choice for this step. They are highly effective at cleaning the wood, yet won’t harm plant life and vegetation. Best of all, they won’t hurt you either. Their soapy consistency won’t burn your skin.
If there is a build up of old stains on the deck then the job gets a little tougher but not impossible. Instead of a sodium percarbonate cleaner you’ll need to use a stain stripper.  Strippers are a little more caustic so follow the directions carefully. They work great and will remove most weathered stains in a single application. Lastly, if there are small spots of stain that won’t come off during the cleaning process, they should sand off easily using a palm-type sander after the deck has dried. If those spots of stain are left on the deck, they will show through the new finish and detract from the deck’s final appearance. Some stain manufacturers offer a free instructional video to help walk you through this entire process. They’re a terrific tool to use to ensure that you do it right the first time.
Step 3: Brighteners are Beautiful
In the deck staining process, no step is skipped more than this one. It’s by far the easiest step to do and it will have a dramatic effect on the final results. Wood brighteners are easy to apply. They help open up the surface of the wood to improve penetration, neutralize any stain strippers that were used, and restore the appearance of old, weathered wood to like new again. That’s a lot of things for one product to accomplish, but brighteners will do all of that so don’t skip using them . To use them, simply spray them on, wait a few minutes, and rinse them off. No scrubbing, and no “elbow grease” needed. There are so many benefits and they’re so easy, there’s no reason to not use them!
Decks are best stained with a semi-transparent wood stain. These types of products allow the natural grain of the wood to show through, allow the wood to naturally breathe, and are easily cleaned and reapplied. Pay attention to the directions and don’t over apply these types of products. You’ll end up with a beautiful, shiny finish that will probably peel off over time. When too much stained is applied a film can form, much like paint, that will longer allow the wood to breathe. When this happens the end result will be peeling and that’s a real mess. So only apply as much stain as the wood can easily absorb.
Step 4: Rinse like Mad
Use lots and lots of water after using any cleaning chemicals. Even though some of these chemicals can seem safe and harmless, they all need to be rinsed off extremely well after they are used. Left in the wood, these chemicals can resurface over time and begin to attack and break down the new stain. So once you are done cleaning, rinse the deck thoroughly to get all of the chemicals out of the wood.Step 5: Stay Away from the Cheap Stuff
Now that the deck is clean and dry, it’s ready to be stained. Before you decide which stain to buy, keep in mind that you always get what you pay for. Better ingredients cost more money. If you expect premium results then you’ll need to buy a premium product. There is a difference in quality when it comes to resins, pigments, mildewcides and many other materials that make up a gallon of wood stain. So stay away from the cheap stuff if you expect it to last.

Step 6: Take a Look at Waterborne Stains
Water based deck stains have become really popular in the last few years. If you have been reluctant to try them in the past, don’t be reluctant any longer. Air quality regulations have forced manufacturers to really improve these products some are now better, more durable and longer lasting than conventional oil-based alternatives. They offer some distinct advantages to the user that oil base stains can’t offer. Good quality water based stains clean up with soap and water, there are no nasty solvents to breathe, they have a significantly better resistance to weathering, the wood doesn’t need to be completely dry to use them, they dry more quickly than solvents and they are much easier on the environment.

Additionally, some of the waterborne stains are synthetic as well, such as DEFY Extreme Wood Stain. Synthetic resin wood stains are far less susceptible to mold growth, mildew and algae. So if you’re in area with a fair amount of moisture and humidity, there are some real advantages in waterborne synthetic stains.

Step 7: Read the Can…Follow the Directions
Every product is a little different so always read the label for directions. It only takes a few minutes and it will ensure that you have all of the right information before you get started. Pay attention to how many coats of stain to apply, how long to wait between coats, how long to wait after cleaning and how long to allow wood to weather. So read the label first and you’re likely to get it right the first time

Within the Union Mills Townhome section, we need to strongly emphasize that the goal is for the wood to appear as natural as possible and you must be able to see the grain in the wood. (please NO stains that are either dark, brown, red, Green, etc).  “Natural Cedar” is usually a good choice (Considering that the VanMetre homes originally came with cedar fencing while the Batal homes came with pressure treated pine fences).  We need to emphasize in the Guidelines for the townhomes that (1) wood finish must appear natural and you must be able to see the grain.
Uncoated wood may have mill glaze that can cause a coating to fail. The PREMIUM DECK, FENCE & SIDING PREP Products will prepare the uncoated surface, allow the new coating to fully penetrate the wood surface, and ensure a longer lasting, more durable finish.
Remember that Solid Stains are Prohibited in the townhome section along with Red Stains and Dark Stains.  
 
See ACC design Guidelines for info on deck stain choices.

Snow

Homeowners are required to clear the sidewalks in front of their home.

Roads in the single family sections are maintained by Fairfax County.

Roads in the townhome sections are maintained by the Association.

Snow that is removed from sidewalks, driveways, vehicles and parking places should be piled in your yard or other common area green spaces, or other resident spaces.  Please DO NOT shovel snow back into the roadway.  During particularily heavy snows, you may have to shovel out behind your vehicle.
ALSO – Due to liability issues and property damage control, residents may not contract for other plow services to push snow within the townhome section of the community.  This section contains all private roads.

Storm Water Ponds

Union Mills currently has two Storm Water Ponds in the townhome section and one in the single family section on Lonesome Dove.  Although the land is owned by the association, the ponds are maintained by Fairfax County.
If you notice that the storm ponds need maintenance, please do not hesitate to call the Fairfax County Stormwater Facility Maintenance Division at 703-877-2800 or use this link to request Service (click here).
A dry pond with a shallow wetland marsh provides better treatment of polluted stormwater and poses less of a mosquito problem than a dry pond with lawn grass because of natural controls such as the fish, frogs and dragonflies associated with a wetland marsh ecosystem. The county encourages property owners to allow vegetation to grow on the pond floor as an additional pollutant filter. The county does not remove trash from ponds.  We currently have Premier Landscaping removing the trash during dry periods.
Although the SWM pond has been retrofitted previously, the two SWM ponds in the townhome section have not been updated with a modern more efficient, attractive design.  There are engineering plans that have been done and proposed, but until these projects are funded, the ponds will not be upgraded.  Eventually, when they are retrofitted, they will remove the concrete trickle ditches and upgrade the facilities.  The end result will be much more attractive, more effective solution that requires less maintenance.
In early February fo 2013, the maintenance division for the department of Stormwater Management had indicated that they would soon plant additional rye and other grasses in order to stabilize the basin floor and later in the warmer part of the spring they will also plant some water grasses.
The following is from Fairfax County’s website.
If a stormwater management pond on your property or in your community is maintained by the county (which this one is) , please observe the following guidelines:
  • Publicly maintained ponds have easements for maintenance access, thus all easements must be clear of obstructions. No structures are permitted within an easement.
  • As part of a routine maintenance program, the county ensures dam embankments of all publicly maintained ponds are mowed once every one-to-two years for function and safety. The county encourages property owners to allow vegetation to grow on the pond floor as an additional pollutant filter. The county does not remove trash from ponds.
  • Publicly maintained ponds often exist on privately owned land; it is the land owners’ responsibility to perform routine maintenance outside the pond easement.


Here is the latest Fairfax County Plan Update for the current Fairfax County Stormwater Management Updates from October 2018 (click here).
Understanding Stormwater Ponds: Wet Ponds, Dry Ponds and Stormwater Pond Retrofits – From Fairfax County
Storm water ponds capture, control and filter runoff from roofs, roads and parking lots before it enters our local streams. In Fairfax County, the construction of stormwater ponds became a requirement for new development in the 1980s. Today, there are at least 2,162 stormwater ponds in Fairfax County; 1,325 are maintained by the county and the remaining ponds are privately maintained.
Why control runoff? When new roads and buildings are built, the increased amount and velocity of runoff can damage nearby streams. Streams will rise to new peak flows (the maximum amount of discharge after a rain or snow). If unmanaged, stream banks begin to erode under the increased flows. Sediment (soil), excess nutrients and other pollutants are carried downstream, negatively affecting aquatic life.
Stormwater ponds slow the flow of water, filter pollutants and improve stream health. Along with riparian buffers, rain gardens and other infiltration practices, they are an important tool to help protect local streams
Wet Ponds and Dry Ponds
There are two general types of stormwater ponds: wet ponds and dry ponds.
How can a pond be dry? A dry pond is designed to hold water for a short period of time before allowing the water to discharge to a nearby stream. Dry ponds control peak flows of runoff, help improve water quality and lessen the effects of erosion. Between rain events, a dry pond looks like a large, grassy low area. When it rains, the pond fills with water. They hold water for 48-72 hours to allow sediment and pollutants to settle out. Because they detain water for a brief time before allowing it to flow out, dry ponds are also called detention ponds.
Wet ponds, on the other hand, maintain a permanent pool of water throughout the year. They remove pollutants by allowing sediment to settle as water slowly moves from one end of the pond to the other and through biological uptake, as plants absorb excess nutrients. Wet ponds frequently have smaller pools, plants and a wetland area. Wet pond water levels can increase dramatically as a result of rainstorms, like dry ponds. Because they retain water for a longer time, wet ponds are also called retention ponds.
Both wet and dry ponds remove sediment, phosphorus and other pollutants. Because water stays in them longer, wet ponds typically are able to remove more pollutants. Dry ponds are more common, however. They are less expensive to install, require less maintenance and may involve less liability for the communities around them.
Stormwater Pond Retrofits
Many older county maintained stormwater ponds are being renovated so that they work more effectively in managing the quantity of stormwater runoff. For example, sometimes a stormwater pond will be resized to fit new conditions when a neighborhood grows. A larger stormwater pond can hold more water and store runoff for longer periods of time.
Some stormwater ponds also are being redesigned to improve their pollutant removal efficiency. A shallow permanent pool (often called a sediment forebay) may be added to trap silt and sediments and improve pollutant removal. Stormwater ponds are occasionally dredged, removing excess sediment that has built up throughout the years. The addition of a sediment forebay in a pond makes dredging quicker and easier since the sediment is confined to a small space. A small wetland area can provide essential habitat and further water filtration. Native plants and wildflowers are added, promoting nutrient uptake and stimulating ecosystem development.
At first, these changes can be unwelcome in a neighborhood. Residents may not be aware that these previously mowed, grassy areas are stormwater management facilities. Even though the county warns against using stormwater ponds for recreation, some people do. Some also worry about insects. (Ponds are actually not good mosquito breeding sites. See below: What about Mosquitoes? to learn why.) Once neighbors understand why their stormwater ponds are undergoing these changes, most come to accept and even enjoy the amenity.
After all, these pond retrofits are part of a bigger idea: helping streams to return to their natural pre-development flow. Before the roads, roofs and parking lots found all over Fairfax County today were built, this area was mostly farmland and wooded areas. These green areas allowed water to filter into the ground slowly, recharging groundwater and having a lighter impact on streams. With increased development over recent decades, stream quality has degraded. Recent efforts to restore streams naturally have focused on slowing runoff down, spreading it out, and soaking it into the ground.
The purpose of stormwater ponds is to control excess stormwater runoff and improve water quality to nearby streams. When enhanced with plantings, they can be attractive and increase residential property value. They can provide habitat to attract turtles, frogs, butterflies and birds that also help improve our own quality of life.

Stormwater Pond Questions and Answers
Here are some answers to common questions about stormwater ponds.
1. The Trash Rack: What is That?
In both dry and wet ponds, there is a screening device attached to the control structure which prevents trash and other debris from leaving the pond and entering the stream. The county does not remove trash from ponds. If the trash rack gets so clogged with litter, leaves, and grass clippings that the water cannot freely pass through it, then the facility will not function properly. “Adopt a Pond” is a new campaign to enable and empower residents living near a stormwater pond to help clean out the debris.In both dry and wet ponds, there is a screening device attached to the control structure which prevents trash and other debris from leaving the pond and entering the stream. If the trash rack gets so clogged with litter, leaves and grass clippings that the water cannot freely pass through it, then the facility will not function properly. “Adopt a Pond” is a new campaign to enable and empower residents living near a stormwater pond to help clean out the debris. To find out more, contact the Maintenance and Stormwater Management Division at 703-877-2800, TTY 711, or via email.
2. Why Are There Warning Signs?
Stormwater ponds are essentially designed to “flash flood.” If it is raining in the watershed, water can accumulate in
the pond very quickly. Don’t go in the pond when it’s raining!
3. What about Mosquitoes?
It may seem counter-intuitive, but stormwater ponds with pools or permanent wet areas are not good breeding sites for mosquitoes. Why? These ponds have mosquito predators such as fish, frogs and dragonflies. These predators feed on mosquito adults and larvae, and successful female mosquitoes will find a safer place to lay their eggs.
The Fairfax County Health Department offers recommendations for controlling mosquitos. Top mosquito breeding sites include sagging or clogged gutters. Mosquitoes are not able to fly very far, so if they attack when you walk out the door, check gutters and any downspout extensions first. The Fairfax County Health Department has an inspection and treatment program for mosquito control, 703-246-2300, TTY 703-591-6435,
4. Can Plants Be Added?
The county encourages property owners to plant vegetation in and around dry ponds as an additional pollutant filter. For this reason, some ponds also have “No Mow zone” signs to encourage plant growth around the perimeter of the pond. Residents must follow county guidelines. For more information, see Tree Planting in Detention Ponds.
5. Who Owns the Pond?
Publicly maintained dry ponds often exist on privately owned land. While the county maintains the pond area, it is the land owners’ responsibility to perform routine maintenance outside the pond easement. Publicly maintained ponds have easements for county maintenance access that have to be kept clear of obstructions. No structures are permitted within an easement. Wet ponds often are maintained by the private company or homeowners’ association where they are located. The property owners are required to follow county maintenance guidelines.

Sports/Tennis Court

How do we get access to the sports court?  The Union Mills Community Association Board of Directors has developed the Sports Court Use Agreement order to provide Members the ability to obtain access to the court. Below are the terms of this agreement:

  • You must fill out and return the Sports Court Use Agreement –  to PropertyManager@unionmills.com in order to obtain the combination code to the gate.
  • Upon your departure from the court, you must secure the gate and make sure it is locked.
  • If members are waiting to play upon your departure, you must direct them to obtain the combination code from the Property Manager. Members are not permitted to distribute the combination code to anyone for any reason.
  • Everyone who obtains the combination code must be in good standing with the Union Mills Community Association.
Download the Tennis Court Form from here and email your signed form to PropertyManager@unionmills.com. Once that is completed and received, you will be given the access code.

Tot Lot Playground

The Union Mills Tot Lot Playground is located next to 5515 and 5617 Gosling Dr. It is nestled in a large open, cleared wooded area, making it a great place to the kids to play.

Trash, Recycling, and Yard Waste

Holidays and weather conditions may impact pick-up schedules. Please see Patriot Disposal’s website or your community updates for this information.

https://www.patriotdisposalservices.com

Patriot Disposal typically picks up trees following the Christmas holiday in the first two weeks of January. Information will be sent out ahead of time. Trees must have all decorations, lights and strands removed. Patriot Disposal does not pick up faux trees without arranging for bulk item pickup.

What do I do if I have a large item to dispose of?
Bulk items will be picked up by Patriot Disposal when arranged ahead of time. You may be charged a small fee. Please see their website at https://www.patriotdisposalservices.com.
What items are unacceptable for collection from the curbside?
Ammunition, asbestos, bricks, cinder blocks, combustibles, concrete, dirt, fire extinguishers, flammable products, explosives, hazardous waste, helium tanks, infectious waste, manure, medical waste, mulch, pesticides, poisons, propane tanks, rocks, sod, stones, tires, toxic waste, tree stumps, or any other material prohibited by the landfill or any applicable state or federal law as being hazardous or toxic, or items too large or too heavy to be loaded safely into the collection vehicles.
What days does Patriot Disposal pickup regular trash, yard waste and/or recycling. 
Tuesday – Trash
Wednesday – Recycling and Yard Waste
Friday – Trash
Special or Large items – Furniture, appliances, electronics, Mattresses and other large items – Call for special pickup – 703-257-7100.   Patriot Link click here
442 Trash/ Recycle Containers.  Containers shall be placed for pickup not earlier than 6:00pm on the eve of the scheduled pickup day and not later than 7:00am on the scheduled pick-up day.

442.1    Trash is to be placed in appropriate plastic containers manufactured for trash storage. Dark, heavy-duty plastic bags shall be used to combine smaller, white trash bags and
other small, loose items to prevent trash from blowing away on windy days. It is recommended that wet trash (kitchen, garbage, etc.) be placed in covered containers as a deterrent to scavenger animals, domestic and wild.
442.2    Recycling materials should be placed in bins provided by the contractor and newspapers either tired or placed in paper bags. Loose newspapers tend to be blown out by the wind.
442.3    Remove trash and recycle containers from curbs on the same day pick-up is completed.
442.4    Containers must be stored so that they are screened from view from the street. Back yard or garage storage is preferred. Side yard storage is prohibited.
442.5    It is highly recommended that lids and containers be identified with the house number to assist neighbors in returning wind-blown items.
442.6    Do not store trash on upper decks. Wet trash being held in back yards for the next schedule trash pickup shall be stored in covered trash container for health, sanitary, and aesthetic reasons and also to deter scavenger animals, domestic and wild.
Leaves and/or Grass must be in bio-degradable paper yard waste bags.  Patriot will NOT pickup grass, leaves or other yard waste in black plastic bags.

Due to Fairfax County code, Chapter 109.1, yard waste (leaves, grass, and brush) is required to be recycled from all town house and single-family homes in Fairfax County. The code requires that residents in town houses and single-family homes separate yard waste from other trash and recycling for collection at the curb. It also requires that refuse and recycling collectors collect yard waste separately from refuse and other recyclables and deliver it to a recycling facility designed to manage yard waste. Tree stumps and limbs must be cut into 4 foot lengths and bundled (arm-full size) with rope or twine and should not exceed 50 pounds. Tree stumps and limbs larger than 6 inches in diameter and 4 ft in length will not be collected.

Union Mills has contracted with Patriot Disposal to begin collection of yard waste for all Townhomes located in the community every Wednesday during yard waste season (March 1 through December 24).  From January 1 through last day of February (28/29), all yard waste is to be placed at the curb for pickup with your regular household trash.

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