General Landscaping Policy

 

This policy is applicable to permits submitted after the adoption date of this policy

General Landscaping

Recitals:

a.       The Board of Directors of the Homes Association of Cedar Hills adopts this policy to clarify the rules governing yard landscaping and maintenance within the community. This policy aims to balance homeowners’ rights to personalize their yards with the community’s interest in preserving health and safety and maintaining an attractive neighborhood, thereby preserving property values.

b.      This policy is intended to be consistent with state and federal law and the Washington County Development Code and Development Standards. Where this policy is more restrictive, it is the governing standard of the Association.

Authority:

a.       This policy is established pursuant to the Amended and Restated Declaration of Restrictions of Homes Association of Cedar Hills (at the time of this policy, adopted on 14 April, 2024, “The CC&Rs”), specifically Article III (g)(2) regarding attractive landscaping and maintenance, and Article VI (b) regarding jurisdictional rights-of-way and Association easements.

Policy:

  1. GENERAL LANDSCAPING STANDARDS

    All properties within the Association are subject to the following general landscaping standards:

    a. Majority ‘Green’: A majority of the yard (front, side, and back) and the planter strip must consist of live plants, including those in a dormant state. This includes, but is not limited to: grasses, bushes, flowers, vegetables, and trees. Tree canopy coverage counts towards the “majority green” requirement. Rocks and bark may be used as accents, but not as the primary ground cover.

    b. Drought-Tolerant/Naturescaping: Drought-tolerant and “naturescape” plantings are permitted, provided they adhere to basic principles of water management, appropriate plant selection, placement, and maintenance. Resources for native plants and naturescaping tips are available in the Resources Section 4.

    c. Hardscape Limitations: Thoughtful use of hardscape (e.g., patios, walkways, retaining walls) is permitted, but should not comprise more than 50 percent of the landscaped area in the yard or planter strip.

    d. Lawn Maintenance: Lawns and approved lawn alternatives must be mowed or maintained at a uniform height regularly. Watering is not required during summer dormancy, but maintenance is still necessary.

    e. Weed Control: Large uncontrolled sections of weeds are not considered neat and attractive. Weeds must be kept under control to prevent spreading to your neighbors. Weeds can be removed by physically pulling them out. If you choose to use chemical herbicides to kill weeds or reduce their growth, spot treat individual weeds rather than broadcasting over entire areas. This is a more effective method to control weeds and reduces harm to people, pets, wildlife, groundwater, and local streams and lakes.

    f.  Accessibility: Access to the home’s front door must be clear and not obscured by vegetation or other barriers.

 2. SPECIFIC AREA REQUIREMENTS

The following areas of the property have specific requirements beyond the General Landscaping Standards in Section 1.

a. County/City Right-of-Way: Homeowners are responsible for maintaining the County or City right-of-way adjacent to their property, including:

          i.  Sidewalk maintenance (repairing trip hazards and removing slip hazards).

1.  Keeping sidewalks free of obstructions (shrubs, branches, parked cars).

          ii. Street tree and planting maintenance and replacement.

1.  Right-of-way plantings must be selected from the Washington County approved species list or have a variance granted by Washington County: https://www.washingtoncountyor.gov/traffic-road-engineering/documents/appendix-g-street-trees-road-construction-standards/download?inline#.

2.  Maintain proper lines of site in accordance with Washington County Community Development Code.

          iii. The Planter Strip: Plantings and associated hardscape in the planter strip should not impede opening car doors parked on the street.

1. The planter strip (between the curb and sidewalk) is considered part of your front yard and is also to be “Majority Green.” (See “Majority Green” requirement above.) Rocks, gravel and bark can be used as accents but should not comprise a majority of the planter strip.

b. Front Yard: The front yard is defined as the area visible from the street. Corner lots have two front yards. While the Association encourages diverse landscaping styles, all front yards must comply with the General Landscaping Standards (Section 1). See Section 3 for permit requirements. Trees that have been cut down should not have visible stumps remaining. Stumps need to be ground out or cut flush at or below ground level.

c.  Side Yard: The portion of the side yard visible from the street is subject to front yard rules. The area behind a fence is considered the backyard. County setbacks and Association easements apply (five feet from the property line). Structures, equipment (including HVAC units), and poured concrete or paver surfaces are prohibited within the easement without written Association approval.

d. Back Yard: County setbacks and Association easements apply (five feet from the rear property line). Structures and equipment are prohibited within the easement. While backyard landscaping is generally not subject to the same landscaping rules as the front yard, it must be maintained in a neat and attractive condition, free of prohibited items at all times (such as litter, waste, or other refuse per the CC&Rs Article III, (i)). Adding poured concrete, pavers, or permanent structures requires an Association permit (see Section 3.e.). “Weed free” and “neat and attractive” standards still apply, particularly where the backyard impacts neighboring properties.

3.  PERMITTED ACTIVITIES & REQUIREMENTS:

The following activities require permits. These items are still subject to the General Landscape Standards in Section 1 above as well as the requirements below. In addition to general permit requirements, these activities require additional permit information described below.

a. Street Trees: Removal or planting of street trees (between the sidewalk and the street) requires an Association permit. Street trees must be replaced on a 1:1 basis unless a waiver is approved by the Board[NI1][NW2] . Replanting requirements may be waived if replacement is not feasible due to existing utilities, site lines, or unsuitable density of existing trees. If a tree is removed and not replaced (per Association approval), the stump must be removed. Tree selection must appear on the Washington County approved tree list  (www.washingtoncountyor.gov/lut/road-maintenance/street-trees). 

Removing a large street tree requiring road closure may also need a county permit. The Association permit does not provide approval from the county.

Required Permit Contents:

  • Site plan of the property, with dimensions, showing location of tree(s) to be removed/planted and whether any power lines are involved.

  • Species of new tree(s), using the approved list from Washington County. (See 3.a. above)

  • If requesting a replanting waiver, describe the site conditions that do not allow for replanting.

 b. Lawn Alternatives: Lawn alternatives (eco-lawns) require an Association permit. Lawn Alternatives (seed mix or plant choice) must be designated for the Pacific Northwest. Lawn alternatives must have a uniform distribution of plants, be maintained at a uniform height, and be free of noxious weeds. Permit applications for lawn alternatives must include neighbor signatures, a description of the seed mix or plant types, and a drawing or description of the area to be planted.

Required Permit Contents:

  • Site plan drawings

  • Seed mix or planting plan

  • A general description of the area being converted

  • Proposed timeline

c. Front or Side Yard Gardening Boxes: Front or side yard gardening boxes require an Association permit. Gardening boxes may not occupy more than fifty percent (50%) of the total front and/or side yard area.

Garden box appearance:

d. Maximum dimensions for an individual box is 40 square-feet, and 24-inches high. Additional dimensions of boxes may be approved by the Board in consideration of other factors.

e.  Materials need to be weather resistant (e.g. cedar with coated fasteners) and constructed and finished in a professional manner (e.g. square corners, installed level, etc.).

f.  Garden boxes are subject to “Majority green” and weed free requirements in Section 1 above.

g.  The boxes must be harmonious with the main landscaping of the front yard.

h.  Must remain in “neat & attractive” condition year-round: weed free, tools removed, no composting refuse, etc.

i.  Garden boxes must be located outside of the County right-of-way. Exceptions may be approved by the Association if the boxes do not impede the normal use of the right-of-way, ensuring sidewalks are safe and passable and cars are able to safely park in the street and open their doors.

Required Permit Contents:

  • A site plan drawn to scale, showing placement of the boxes in relation with the property lines and setbacks (dimensions/distances noted).

  • A description of the box(es), including details such as size, height and materials used to construct them. If using a commercial kit, a photo or brochure of the finished product may be included.

  • A planting plan as to the planting and maintenance during the fall and winter.

j.‍ ‍Major Overhaul of Front or Side Yard: Major overhaul or replacement of 50 percent or more of the front yard or side yard (outside the fence), including the planter strip (between the curb and sidewalk), requires an Association permit. This communicates to both the Association and the neighbors that any disruption to the appearance of the property is temporary, and a plan is in place that is in keeping with community norms.

Required Permit Contents:

  • A general description of the work to be done, including major design details such as trees, retaining walls/berms, hardscape/walkways, etc.

  • A site plan drawn to scale, showing placement of the above design features.

  • Proposed timeline or staging plan.

k.  Structures and Hardscape:

a. Sidewalk replacement (County permit/inspection also required). See “Sidewalk Repair/Replacement“ Policy

b. New or replacement structures (sheds, gazebos, etc.). See “Accessory Buildings”

 Adopted by Board of Directors

Homes Association of Cedar Hills
April 11, 2017; Amended: March 2022; Amended: September 2023; Amended: November 2023; Amended 5/2026