Hilltop Rules, Regulations and Procedures

Welcome to Hilltop!

In order to preserve the residential character of the community, the Properties forming the Hilltop Homeowners Association (hereinafter the “Property”) shall be subject to the following Rules, Regulations and Procedures.  These Rules, Regulations and Procedures govern the details of the use of the Properties and require approval of any addition, alteration or change to the exterior of the Dwelling Units.  

These Rules, Regulations and Procedures may be amended from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors.  These Rules, Regulations and Procedures shall replace and supersede any previously adopted rules, regulations, policies or resolutions of the Association that have been previously adopted and circulated which are inconsistent with this document, effective immediately.  These Rules, Regulations and Procedures are in addition to the restrictions contained in the Association’s Declaration and Bylaws. 

All present and future Owners, Owner’s family members, occupants of the Dwelling Units, tenants, guests, agents, employees and invitees are subject to and bound by these Rules, Regulations and Procedures.  Each Owner shall be responsible for any violation of these Rules, Regulations and Procedures by their family members, occupants, tenants, guests, agents, employees, and invitees of the Owner and any other individuals occupying or visiting the Owner’s Dwelling Unit.

The Board asks that you read this document carefully. If you have any questions, please contact the Association’s Property Manager, Adam Westgate, at managementhilltophoa@gmail.com  for assistance. Management’s contact information is listed on the Hilltop website at www.HilltopHOA.com.

(This document was revised/updated 3-23-21.  Please disregard all earlier versions.)

Architectural Control – IMPORTANT!

No house, garage, building, structure, driveway or fence shall be erected, constructed or maintained on said Properties without the Architectural Committee’s prior written approval.

No addition to, change or alteration shall be made to the Dwelling Unit, including a change in the exterior colors of the Dwelling Unit, without the Architectural Committee’s prior written approval.  

None of the above shall be permitted unless and until plans and specifications showing the nature, kind, shape, height, materials, floor plans, color scheme, location, front and rear facings, roofing and elevations thereof have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Architectural Committee.

Architectural Committee

ALL requests for exterior additions, exterior repairs, alterations and/or changes shall first be submitted to the Property Manager at managementhilltophoa@gmail.com and approved by the Architectural Committee before beginning any project.  

Any additions, alterations and/or changes to a Dwelling Unit and/or Lot made or completed prior to obtaining approval and/or which is not approved by the Architectural Committee shall be removed and the Dwelling Unit and/or Lot shall be restored to its original condition at Owner’s sole cost and expense.  

The Architectural Committee shall have the right to decline to approve any such plans and specifications submitted which are not suitable or desirable in its opinion.  Reasons may include not only the general aesthetics, but also take into consideration the effect these changes will have on the adjacent or neighboring property, and whether the plans are in keeping and general harmony with the surroundings.  

Owner will be required to immediately paint in the correct matching color any repair or replacement of courtyard fencing, decks or other exterior surfaces painted by the Association at the Owner’s expense. If the Owner is waiting a set time period for the wood to appropriately dry out prior to painting, Owner shall notify the Architectural Committee of its intentions and obtain its approval of the Owner’s schedule. 

In the event the Committee fails to approve or disapprove such plans and specifications within thirty (30) days after said plans and specifications have been submitted to it, approval shall be deemed to have been granted.  

Owners shall refer to the Association’s Architectural Guidelines when submitting an architectural request. The Architectural Guidelines are intended to provide guidance to Owners and the Architectural Committee in connection with the submission and review of an architectural request.  The Board reserves the right to change, alter and/or add to the Architectural Guidelines at its discretion. Notice of any change, alteration or addition to the Architectural Guidelines will be provided to the Unit Owners. The Architectural Guidelines are not the exclusive basis for the Board/Architectural Committee’s decision and compliance with such Architectural Guidelines does not guarantee approval of an architectural request.

Topics in alphabetical order

Air Conditioners (Window)  

Window air conditioners are not allowed without the prior written approval of the Architectural Committee, which approval shall only granted in the event of a medical or other condition which the Architectural Committee in its reasonable discretion deems to warrant a waiver of this Rule.  

Any window air conditioner approved by the Architectural Committee may be installed after May 1 and must be removed before September 30 of each year. 

No permanent “through the wall” air conditioning units are allowed.

Animals, Insects, and Pets  

No animal or poultry of any kind shall be kept on the Property, except those commonly recognized as domestic house pets and with a limitation per Dwelling Unit of the lesser of (i) one (1) animal weighing in excess of 40 pounds or (ii) two animals in total.  Offspring increasing the number of domestic house pets above the 2 allowable shall not be permitted on the Property and shall be removed from the Property within three (3) months of birth. Domestic pets shall be considered to be dog, cat, rabbit or other rodent, fish, bird and turtle, but not other reptiles. 

All pet waste shall be IMMEDIATELY removed from outside areas, including patios and decks and stored in a contained, appropriate place, hidden from view.  This is particularly true during mowing season. No one wants dog poop spayed around their home by a mower hitting a pile!

No kennel, doghouse, or other pet shelter shall be permitted on any Lot.

Electric Dog Fences are Prohibited.

All dogs are subject to the Pennsylvania Dog Leash Law. 

“Pennsylvania law requires that a dog must always be confined within the premises of the owner, firmly secured by a collar and chain (leash), or must always be under the reasonable control of some person.”  The Association does not have the ability to monitor pet activities. The Association may only act in certain situations where it has corraborated evidence of wrongdoing by an Owner or Tenant.

The Association is not responsible for nusiance wildlife, insect control, and pest control. Wildlife includes, but is not limited to, bear, deer, fox, rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, skunks, and groundhogs. Insect and pests include, but are not limited to, ants, bagworms, bees, hornets, lanternflies, mice, rats, rodents, termites, yellow jackets, and wasps.

Nuisance Wildlife management is the responsibility of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The Southeast Regional Office of the Pa. Game Commission may be contacted at 610-926-3136 or 610-926-3137.

If an insect or pest issue at a Unit becomes a safety issue, the Association may require an Owner to address the issue within a reasonable time at the Owner’s expense. If an Owner does not address the issue within a reasonable time, the Association will schedule and address the issue with the cost applied to the Unit Owner’s account.

Antennas 

Satellite dishes and antennas that are one meter or less in diameter shall be permitted in accordance with applicable FCC regulations upon approval of the Architectural Committee.  Except to the extent permitted by law, no other types of antennas are permitted.

Permitted satellite dishes and/or antennas must be erected on the rear of the Dwelling Unit, unless such placement impedes reception in which event such antenna may be erected in another location on the Dwelling Unit or Lot approved by the Architectural Committee provided it is screened by landscaping or other material where reasonable.

Under no circumstances may a satellite dish or antenna be placed on the ridge line of the roof.

Any damage to the roof, Dwelling Unit or the Property and any cost, expense or liability incurred by the Association as a result of the installation, maintenance, repair, use or operation of a dish or antenna shall be the sole and exclusive obligation of the Owner of the Dwelling Unit which the dish serves.  

Awnings – A request must be submitted to the Property Manager for review and approval of the Architectural Committee before any work will be approved.

Basketball hoops/Play Equipment    

Permanent basketball hoops are prohibited.  Permanent play structures are not allowed on the Property or on any Lot   Use of a portable basketball hoop and/or temporary play structures are permissible so long as it is confined to the Owner’s driveway, does not interfere with the neighbors, and is stored out of sight in the garage when not in use and shall not be left outside overnight.  

Clothes lines

No wash poles, lines or clothing shall be exposed or hung on the exterior of any Dwelling Unit.  

Common Areas

There are no common areas in Hilltop.  We are a fee-simple townhome community, not condominiums.  

Criminal Activity

The Association does not have the authority and does not employ staff to handle law enforcement or public safety matters. Owners should contact the East Hempfield Township Police in all matters related to alleged criminal activity or public safety issues. Alleged criminal activity includes, but is not limited to, the attempted or actual perpetration of the following:

1. Alcohol Crimes including a minor in possession of alcohol, having an open container in public, or public intoxication.

2. Animal Crimes including animal abuse, animal cruelty, animal mistreatment, failure to properly supervise their pet, and failure to clean and remove pet feces.*

Decks

Prior written approval of the Architectural Committee is required for any change.  Repair and replacement of decks is the sole responsibility of the Owner. Any such repair or replacement that in any way changes the look of the original deck, must be approved by the Architecture Committee.  All new wood must be painted or stained to match the original color of the surrounding decks during the year in which it is installed*.  

To ensure that you have the correct color, please contact the Property Manager.  If you use the wrong color, you will be responsible for correcting it. 

* The newer synthetic wood options (Trex or similar), are acceptable, but you must still follow the above procedures.  Due to Building Code changes, railings must now be vertical and the approved color for all new railings is white. If you have any questions, please check with the Property Manager before proceeding.  managementhilltophoa@gmail.com

Note:  All of the above also applies to Fences. 

See also: * Painting

Decorations – Holiday

Holiday decorations may not be displayed for more than 45 days spanning the holiday and must be removed no more than 15 days after the holiday ends.  No decorations shall exceed 18” x 18” (such as a garden flag, plaque, etc.). No lawn decorations are permitted outside of the established flower beds.

Lights and decorations – shall be confined to the courtyard, courtyard fence and flower bed in front of the courtyard fence.  Nothing shall be suspended over the courtyard or hung from the eaves/gutters. No flashing lights, bright lights or lights that impinge on other properties shall be permitted.  The Architecture Committee in its reasonable discretion shall determine the appropriateness of decorations.

Decorations – Outdoor (including hanging baskets, bird feeders, wind chimes, etc.)

Outdoor decorations shall be confined to Owner’s courtyard and flower bed areas.  No decorations shall be placed on the lawn area or where they might in any way interfere with lawn mowing.  

No decorations shall exceed 18” x 18” (such as a garden flag, plaque, etc.).

The Architecture Committee in its reasonable discretion shall determine the appropriateness of decorations.

Nothing shall be hung from the gutters, eaves or soffits, as they are not built to hold weight.  Should any of these areas be damaged, it will be the Owner’s responsibility to repair and/or replace them at their expense.  The Compliance Committee regularly checks for these issues and is authorized to issue warnings and, if necessary, fines should the violation continue. [See separate document Fines Policy] 

Drones

For the safety and privacy of all Owners and occupants and to protect the Dwelling Units and Property, no drones, unmanned aerial vehicles or similar remote or radio controlled aerial devices shall be operated on or above the Property by any Owners or occupants.

Driveways and Sidewalks 

Owners are responsible for keeping their driveways and sidewalks in good repair.  This includes removing any stains (oil, etc.) on the asphalt, repairing cracks and resurfacing every 3-5 years, as necessary. 

Sidewalks are to be kept clear and in good repair at all times. This includes repairing any portion of a sidewalk that is a hazard (raised or broken) to others walking on the sidewalk.  

Owners or occupants shall not obstruct or store anything on the sidewalks at any time or in any way.  By way of example and without limitation, no bicycles, toy, chairs, etc., or any part of any vehicle is to be blocking or partially blocking any part of a sidewalk. 

Fences

Prior written approval of the Architectural Committee is required.  In addition, Fences must meet the specifications contained in Article 2(3)(f) of the Association’s Declaration.

Repair and replacement of fences is the sole responsibility of the Owner.  Any such repair or replacement that in any way changes the look of the original fence, must be approved by the Architecture Committee prior to beginning construction.  All new wood must be painted or stained to match the original color of the deck.  

To ensure that you have the correct color, please contact the Property Manager.  

If you use the wrong color, you will be responsible for correcting it. 

Style change:  As of 2019, all new gates must be flat across the top (see example at 100 Treetops).  This will give a flat surface that is better able to be sealed and resist rotting.

Note:  All of the above also applies to Decks. 

See also comments regarding use of synthetic materials under Decks. 

See also: Garden fences

Fireplaces & Chimneys

Maintenance of fireplaces and (internal) chimneys is the responsibility of the Owner.  Maintenance shall include proper inspection and cleaning by a certified and insured contractor.  The owner is also responsible for all exterior components of the fireplace and chimney, including, but not limited to, the flu, chimney cap, spark arrester and the structure built to enclose the chimney flu.  The HOA is only responsible for maintenance, repair and replacement of exterior surface of the chimney. 

Improper use of fireplaces constitutes a safety hazard.  Fireplaces shall only be used in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions.  Fireplaces not designed for regular heating of the Dwelling Unit shall only be used for entertainment purposes on an occasional basis.  

ONLY compressed logs (not regular wood logs or kindling) are to be used in the fireplaces per the manufacturer’s instructions.  No storage of firewood or kindling is permitted.

Note:  

If you feel your chimney may be leaking, please contact the Property Manager for evaluation at once at managementhilltophoa@gmail.com.

Gardens

Any flower or vegetable garden or garden plot shall be maintained only within a fenced area adjoining the improvements erected on the Lot as described more fully below.

Any additions, alterations or changes to the configuration of an existing flower bed outside the Owner’s courtyard requires the prior written approval of the Landscape Committee in accordance with the following procedures:

ALL requests for exterior grounds additions, alterations and/or changes (patios, walkways, flower beds, permanent plantings such as shrubs and trees, garden accessories, garden fences, other décor, etc.) shall first be submitted to the Property Manager, and approved by, the Landscape Committee before beginning any project.  managementhilltophoa@gmail.com  Any additions, alterations and/or changes to the grounds outside the courtyard made or completed prior to obtaining approval and/or which is not approved by the Landscape Committee shall be removed and the grounds shall be restored to their original condition at Owner’s sole cost and expense.  

The Landscape Committee shall have the right to decline to approve any such plans and specifications submitted which are not suitable or desirable in its opinion.  Reasons may include not only the general aesthetics, but also take into consideration the effect these changes will have on the adjacent or neighboring property, and whether the plans are in keeping and general harmony with the surroundings. 

Owner is responsible for maintaining any flower or vegetable garden(s), keeping the garden free from unsightly weeds, removing dead crops and controlling soil erosion. 

Vegetable gardens shall be contained within fenced courtyards or on back patios/decks in appropriate containers.  Flower gardens shall be contained within courtyards and existing beds outside the courtyard.  

No changes to bed configuration may be made without submitting a written request and receiving approval from the Landscape Committee.

Garden Edging

Our beds are all professionally edged and mulched every spring.  

An Owner wishing to install a decorative edging on the beds outside the Owner’s courtyard must first receive approval from the Architectural Committee.  Edging may not exceed 4” in height and must be either permanently installed stone or another durable material (black only). It is the Owner’s sole responsibility to maintain any such decorative edging in good condition.

Any edging other than stone, must be removed yearly before spring cleanup (edging and mulching) is done by the Association’s landscape contractor.  The landscape contractor cannot work with any decorative edging in place. Per the terms of the contract, the landscape contractor may not remove or replace any decorative edging.  

The Association and the landscape contractor assume NO LIABILITY for any damage to garden edging caused by mowing, edging or other normal lawn care. 

Garbage – Trash and Recycling (See also Rubbish)

Owner is responsible for picking up and disposing of all trash (blown or otherwise) on their property.  Please be considerate of your neighbors and secure your recycling by putting a heavy trash bag on top of the recycle bin or securing in some other way.  

Wind storms inevitably blow trash out of recycle bins.  Please be kind toward your neighbors whose recycling may inadvertently wind up in your yard.  Even if recycling is not yours, please dispose of it appropriately. .   

No garbage or trash containers shall be located in the driveway, front or side lawn area of any Lot for more than a twenty-four hour period.  Trash and recycling pickups take place on a weekly basis, with pickup on Wednesday mornings.  Trash and recycling containers/bins shall be placed on paved areas (street or driveway) ONLY (not on the grass) and not be placed before 6:00 PM the night before trash pick-up day. Empty trash and recycling containers/bins shall be taken in no later than 6:00 PM on the day of trash collection.  Recycling bins shall be secured during windy weather so that your neighbors will not need to pick up your items.  

The scheduling of a special pick-up may be necessary for large articles. No large articles, tires, etc., are to be stored outside of your Dwelling Unit at any time.

All trash and recycling containers/bins shall be stored in your garage or on paved areas of your Dwelling Unit and shall not be stored/placed on the grass. 

All garbage and trash storage areas shall be screened.

Gutters & Downspouts

While the HOA replaces the gutters when necessary, we do not inspect them and it is the responsibility of the owner to report any leaks or damage NOT caused by ice or snow or by hanging flowers or bird feeders, etc. from the gutters.  The HOA will ONLY repair or replace gutters due to ‘normal wear and tear’. Replacement will be using materials of the same kind as the original gutters. If an owner wants to upgrade or add a ‘guard’, they must do so at their own expense, after getting approval from the Architecture committee.
The property owner is responsible for directing the water that exits the downspout away from all units.  HOA responsibility ends at the bottom of the downspout that is attached to the unit.  

Damage from weather, neglect or abuse is NOT covered by the HOA.  Please contact your homeowner’s insurance carrier if this damage occurs.  

Home Business   

The Property shall be used for residential purposes only and facilities related to and accessory to residential use of the Property.  

No Impact Home-Based Businesses shall be permitted in accordance with East Hempfield Township ordinances.  East Hempfield Township defines a No Impact Home-Based Business as follows:

A business or commercial activity administered or conducted as an accessory use which is clearly secondary to the use as a residential dwelling and which involves no customer, client, or patient traffic, whether vehicular or pedestrian; and pickup, delivery or removal functions to or from the premises, in excess of those normally associated with residential use.

Except as set forth above, no store, tavern or other public, commercial, industrial or professional business shall be maintained within the Property.

Hot Tub

If you wish to have a hot tub, please submit your request to the Property Manager. It must be shown to be at the back of the home and sufficiently concealed so as not to be a nuisance to any neighbor.  Upon sale of the home, the hot tub must be removed unless the buyer agrees in writing and the Property Manager is informed of such, that the buyer wishes to keep the hot tub. 

Landscape Maintenance

The Association shall be responsible for lawn mowing as needed and builder-planted shrubbery trimming in the front yard only once a year during Spring Cleanup and pear tree trimming as deemed necessary by the Board.  The Association is not responsible for maintenance of decorative plants or shrubs which Owner(s) have planted in their back yards. Any areas within screened or fenced portions of any Lots shall be maintained by the Owner.  All Lots shall be kept free of unsightly weeds and rubbish at all times. Lawn grass shall not exceed seven inches in height.

Except as specifically set forth above, Owners shall be responsible for all other landscape maintenance, including but not limited to, bare spots in the grass, erosion control, the removal of root shoots from pear trees, removal of “volunteer/pioneer” trees (i.e. trees not intentionally planted), downed tree limbs, and trees on Owners’ Lots.  

Owners shall also be responsible for the removal of overhanging tree branches which may encroach on Owners’ Lots from adjacent properties as needed and/or where such removal is necessary in order for the Association to perform its landscape maintenance responsibilities or otherwise required.  

Trees, shrubs or other plantings, particularly those at the sides and rear of homes, added by Owner(s), including trees, shrubs or other plantings added by Prior Owners, shall be the sole responsibility of current Owner(s) to maintain, repair and replace. 

Owner shall be responsible for the maintenance of any approved planting areas, gardens, fountains, ponds, steps or other decorative features added by Owners including in their back yards.  Maintenance shall include, but is not limited to, the cleaning and repair of any such features and the removal of dead flowers or plants in the fall and prior to the Association’s performance of spring clean-up services as may be necessary.  

At no time shall standing water be allowed to accumulate on any property, whether in a water feature or in empty containers, as it is a breeding ground for mosquitos and other insects. 

Note:  The landscape contactor’s employees are not horticulturists.  They may remove or cut something that they see as dead during spring cleanup.  If an Owner is worried about ANY plants on their property, the Association strongly advises the Owner to clean their own beds prior to the spring cleanup.  An Owner may try marking the plants that they do not want to be touched with a pink ribbon, but the Association cannot guarantee that your instructions will be followed. 

The Association CANNOT provide specific instructions on individual homes to the landscape contactor’s employees.  Owners are responsible for the flowers/shrubs in the beds outside the courtyard on their property and for keeping the beds weed free. 

Leasing/Tenants

Owners shall provide a copy of these Rules, Regulations and Procedures along with the Association’s Declaration and Bylaws to any tenants and real estate agents offering properties for rent.  These may all be found on the Hilltop website at www.HilltopHOA.com.

Tenants and occupants shall be subject to and bound by the Association’s Rules, Regulations and Procedures, Fine & Enforcement Policy, the Declaration, Bylaws and any other governing documents in effect at the time.  Owners shall be liable for any violation thereof by Owner’s Tenant’s, Tenant’s guests and/or invitees.

Light fixtures – Exterior

Per Article V of the Declarations regarding Architectural Control and approval, all exterior changes to any property require the prior approval of the Architectural Committee.  This includes all outdoor lighting, including – but not limited to – the lights next to the front door, over the garage and on the back of the house.

The Committee has the sole right to accept or decline the design submitted as to suitability or desirability for aesthetic or other reasons, including maintaining the general harmony with surrounding properties. 

Therefore, any exterior lights on the front of the property must be in a style similar to the lights of adjacent properties. Pictures of the proposed lights as well as of the lights on surrounding properties must be submitted to the Architectural Committee for approval before installation.

Lights on the back of a property will be granted more latitude in style, but must still be submitted to the Architectural Committee for approval before installation.  

At no time may any light or light fixture be installed that would pose an annoyance or hazard to any neighboring property.  

Motion sensor lights require the same approval as other outdoor lights and the Board retains the right to request that they be adjusted if they pose an annoyance to a neighbor.

Noise/Nuisance 

No noise or other nuisance shall be permitted to exist or operate upon any property so as to be offensive or detrimental to any other property in the vicinity thereof or to the occupants thereof.  Without limiting the generality of any of the foregoing provisions, no exterior speakers, horns, whistles, bells or other sound devices (other than security devices used exclusively for security purposes) shall be located, used or placed on any Lot without the prior written approval of the Board of Directors of the Association.

Owners and occupants shall comply with the regulations of the Township of East Hempfield, PA are available to read in their entirely here: http://ecode360.com/11085812 

No loud noises such as power equipment, music, barking dogs, etc. shall be permitted between the hours of 9 PM and 6 AM. 

The Association recommends that anyone who has problems with noise from neighbors or their guests should call the police department. Loud music or parties that unreasonably disturbs another Unit(s) is prohibited.

Painting

The Association is responsible for painting and/or staining of all exterior building surfaces as well as fences and decks.  See Painting and Staining schedule and procedures on the Association’s website. Owners’ cooperation with the schedule and procedures is required.

Pressure washing of exterior wood surfaces prior to painting or staining is included with this service.

Any repairs needed to decks, fences, railings and stairs are the responsibility of the owner and must be completed prior to painting.  If they are not, the Association has the right to make the repairs and charge the owner. 

If you have any new construction that requires painting, if it is done during the year your unit is scheduled for painting/staining there will be no charge.  If it is NOT scheduled, you will be responsible for having it painted at your own expense. The Association will not deviate from the contracted painting and staining schedule.  If you don’t know when your unit is scheduled, please contact the Property Manager at

managementhilltophoa@gmail.com

See also: Decks and Fences 

Patios and Walkways

The cement back patios and front walkways from the gate to the driveway are the responsibility of the owner to keep clean and in good repair.  For back patios, this may require occasional pressure washing by owner to remove mold and mildew.  

Parking/Vehicles

All vehicles must be parked in a legal manner when on the street.  In a legal manner means parallel to the curb, away from fire hydrants, and not blocking driveways. Only one vehicle per Unit may be parked on the street for a period exceeding 24 hours. Please be considerate of your neighbors, especially if you live on one of our cul-de-sacs.

No exterior storage or overnight parking of recreational vehicles, including but not limited to trail motorcycles, mini-bikes, motor cycles, snowmobiles, campers, motor homes, boats, trailers, etc., shall be permitted. 

No exterior storage or parking of commercial vehicles (except those in the process of making deliveries or providing services) or any vehicle with advertising signage shall be permitted. 

No commercial vehicle shall be parked in a driveway or on the street for more than 24 hours.  “Commercial Vehicle” shall be defined as any vehicle which has, commercial license plates, business signage and/or equipment of any type that is visible and that would identify it to a casual observer as a vehicle used for business. The Board may, and is hereby empowered, to further define these vehicles which are prohibited from parking within Hilltop.

No vehicle or other object shall block any Owner’s driveway at any time.  

Motor vehicle storage is prohibited consistent with the Township of East Hempfield Regulations which is defined as follows:  

MOTOR VEHICLE STORAGE

The keeping, in an unenclosed area, of motor vehicles including but not limited to cars, trucks, motor homes, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, golf carts, busses, etc., in the same place for more than 24 hours.

The Association does NOT monitor (a) the number of on-street parking spaces used each Unit, (b) the of vehicles owned by each Unit, (c) disabled vehicles, (d) vehicles with flat tires (e) or vehicles with improper tags or registration. Please contact the East Hempfield Township Police with these concerns.

No vehicle which is inoperable, not currently registered and licensed, or having an invalid and expired state motor vehicle inspection sticker shall be kept, parked or stored on or about the Property.  Recreation vehicles may be parked in a Unit’s driveway for up to forty-eight (48) hours.  If additional time is required, the homeowner should contact the Compliance Committee Chair to request an extension.

If you are aware of a vehicle that is not registered or licensed or is parked in the same place for more than 24+ hours, thereby violating East Hempfield Township regulations as stated above, a resident is advised to call the police and report it.  

The Association IS NOT responsible for policing or reporting parking violations. 

Pressure Washing

See Painting and Staining schedule and procedures on the Association’s website.

Rubbish

Owner is responsible for picking up and disposing of all trash (blown or otherwise) on their property.  (See Garbage)  

No rubbish or debris of any kind, including brush and landscape waste, shall be placed or permitted to accumulate upon any Lot and no odors shall be permitted to arise therefrom, or pests allowed to nest, so as to render any such Lot or any portion thereof unsanitary, unsightly, offensive or detrimental to any other Lot or Dwelling Unit property in the vicinity thereof or to the occupants thereof.  

The storage of fire wood, kindling, hay, straw or similar items is specifically prohibited.  

Safety/Hazardous Activities

No activities shall be conducted on any Property and no improvements may be constructed which are or may be unsafe or hazardous to any person or property.

Sidewalks (see Driveways and Sidewalks)

Signs

No advertising signs, billboards or other signs (including political signs and vendor signs) are permitted on any Lot or in any Dwelling (no signs in windows), except real estate signs offering the Dwelling Unit for sale.  Permitted signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in size.  

Notwithstanding the foregoing, customary house number identification signs, however, shall be permitted on a Lot provided the same do not exceed one (1) square foot in size.

Snow Removal

The Association is responsible for most snow removal.  See the Association’s Snow Removal procedures on the Association’s website. 

Solar Energy Systems

No solar collection panels, films, shingles or other solar energy devices and/or solar structural components (“Solar Energy Systems”) shall permitted to be installed or erected on the Property.

Soliciting  

There shall be no soliciting on the Property.  “No Soliciting” signs are installed at the Association’s entrances.  Owners should contact the police if a solicitor approaches you on your property and does not leave upon request.  

Staining

See Painting (above)

Swales – Drainage

The rocky areas you see around the neighborhood are called ‘swales’ and are part of our engineered rain management system.  They are maintained by the HOA.

Please do NOT remove any stones or rocks from these areas or change them in any way.  They are there for the safety of all homes in Hilltop. 

Tiki Torches, fire pits and other outside flame sources

No open outside flames are permitted.  We have 30+ year old fences and decks that could easily catch fire, as well as vinyl siding that melts if too close to a high heat source (like a BBQ). 

If you have a BBQ or outside grill, you MUST watch it at all times to prevent a fire.  Any damage to the flame source owner’s home or a neighbor’s home will be the responsibility of the party using the open flame.

Reminder:  ALL owners are required under the HOA Governing Documents to have homeowner’s insurance and must, upon request, provide a copy to the HOA board.  

Windows

All replacement windows must be pre-approved by the Architectural Committee in accordance with the Association’s Architectural Guidelines. Before getting quotes, PLEASE check with the Architectural Committee for specifications on grids, etc.

Window coverings 

All windows shall have standard coverings such as curtains, blinds, shades or interior shutters.  The use of sheets, blankets, tablecloths, tarps, or anything not designed specifically. to cover windows is not allowed.

Approved and Resolution passed by the Board of Directors

April 23, 2019

Revisions approved, March 27, 2020