DRC Corner: Helpful Tips for Homeowners

Are you thinking about installing a fence, adding a patio, or enhancing your landscaping? Before submitting your Design Review Committee (DRC) application through BUURT, it's important to understand when additional forms or approvals may be required. A complete application helps streamline the review process and prevents unnecessary delays!

When is a Variance Request Form Required?

A Variance Request Form is necessary when a proposed improvement does not meet certain requirements outlined in the Wendell Falls DRC Guidelines.

For example, a Variance Request Form is required for:

1. Patios & Paving: Installing a patio or paving within a building setback.

2. Landscape Edging: Adding metal or masonry edging around your planting beds.

3. Fence Placement: Installing a fence more than 6 inches from your side or rear property line.

4. Fences Facing Side Streets: If your proposed fence faces a side street and exceeds 4 feet in height.

5. Decorative Fence Lattice: If your proposed lattice design differs from the approved horizontal and vertical grid pattern outlined in the DRC Guidelines.

When Is An Easement Letter Required?

Certain exterior modifications may impact designated easements or areas near public sidewalks, and these projects require additional documentation.

An Easement Letter is necessary for:

1. Improvements Near Public Sidewalks: Proposing modifications within 6 feet of a public sidewalk.

2. Private Easements: If your proposed fence, paving, edging, piping, or other hardscape improvement encroaches into a recorded private easement.

3. Public Easements: If your proposed addition encroaches into a public easement, you must provide:

• A signed Easement Letter.
• An approval letter from the City of Raleigh authorizing the proposed easement encroachment.

Other Points To Keep In Mind:

Before submitting your next DRC application, remember these four important steps:

1. Review the Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the Wendell Falls DRC requirements for your proposed improvement.
2. Check Your Property Survey: Confirm property lines, setbacks, and recorded easements.
3. Submit All Required Documents: Include applicable variance forms, easement letters, and supporting materials.
4. Wait for Written Approval: Do not begin your improvement until your DRC application has been approved.

A friendly reminder that submitting a DRC application does not automatically mean your project is approved. Any required variance or easement documentation must also be reviewed as part of the approval process.

Taking a few extra minutes to prepare your application properly can save you time and prevent costly corrections. All of these pieces keep us in line with the common goal of maintaining the architectural standards that make Wendell Falls a beautiful place to call home!

Traffic Signal Update

Construction is underway for a traffic signal at Wendell Falls Parkway and Wendell Valley Boulevard. The poles have been installed, and the electrical work will take place during the next 30 days. Once the electrical work is completed around the beginning of November, the lights will flash for 7 days to notify the public of the upcoming changes. The traffic signal is expected to go live in the middle of November.

Coffee with the Board

Thank you to the residents who attended this morning's Coffee with the Board session! Join members of the Board of Directors for the next "Coffee with the Board" in the Raleigh Room on Wednesday, October 28th at 10am! This informal, relaxed community chat is a great opportunity to share your thoughts and have open conversations with members of the Board of Directors. While no official decisions will be made during these discussions, it’s another opportunity to connect. We hope to see you there!

Fall Leaves

As we enter the fall season, we would like to provide a friendly reminder that homeowners are responsible for collecting and properly disposing of fallen leaves on their property. Leaves should not be blown or deposited into the streets or HOA common areas.

Per the Association’s Landscaping Policy:

“Fallen leaves on lawns and planted bed areas shall be collected and removed from the property. Blowing leaves into the wooded areas to maintain a neat and orderly appearance to the turf areas is acceptable.”

We kindly ask that all homeowners adhere to this requirement to help maintain the cleanliness and appearance of our community. Blowing leaves into the streets or common areas creates additional maintenance concerns and impacts the overall appearance of the neighborhood.

Thank you to all who have volunteered to assist with the Trick or Trot 5K tomorrow morning!

If you are looking for a way to get involved with your neighbors and also be a part of a really fun event, we would love to have you assist with FestiFALLS, our Fall Festival on Saturday, November 7th!

For this event, we are enthusiastically seeking help with:

• event setup (10am-12pm) and/or breakdown (3pm-4pm)
• managing/keeping an eye on the kids' craft station (can be in shifts or the full event time from 12-3pm)
• facilitating the Cornhole Challenge (can be in shifts or the full event time from 12-3pm)

If any of those activities sound like a fit for you and yours, please contact Amy, your Lifestyle Director, at 919.374.7282 xt 30, or via the link below. No experience is needed, just a willingness to help!

It's here! It's here! Have you registered for the Trick or Trot 5K yet?! The weather is going to be fang-tastic!!

Join us tomorrow Saturday, October 24th at 9am: the route starts and ends at the Farmhouse and all paces are welcome!

Costumes are highly encouraged, so break out your spookiest, scariest, or even silliest fitness ‘fit. We'll have medals for all participants as well as prizes for fastest times and best costumes!

After the race, stick around: the Farmhouse Café will be open with food and drinks available for purchase to help you refuel!

So lace up your running shoes, throw on your most bewitching fitness attire, and join us for a frightfully fun morning at the Trick or Trok 5K at Wendell Falls.

Both Wendell Falls residents ($30/ea) and non-residents ($35/ea) are welcome to participate in the race, and registration is required. Check out the link below to register!

Thank you to our Gold Level Series Sponsors, Cardinal Charter Academy and Craftwork, our Silver Level Sponsor, Southern Energy Management, and our prize sponsor, Lightbridge Academy, for their support of this spook-tacular event!

Join us on the front lawn of the Farmhouse for FestiFALLS, our festively named Fall Festival, on Saturday, November 7th from 12-3pm!

Enjoy live bluegrass music from Slippery Hill Bluegrass Trio; a vendor market featuring resident artwork, crafts, and wares; plus line dancing lessons, face painting and balloon twisting, a cornhole tournament, Thanksgiving kids crafts! Feast on barbecue sandwiches and nachos from BytheGrace food truck, candy apples from the Candi Queen, Blazing Kettle popcorn, Cary Cotton Candy, and more!

We can't wait to see you there! RSVP below!

The next Wendell Underground Market, presented by the Makrs Society, will be held tomorrow Saturday, October 24th from 11am-3pm in Treelight Square! This free market and concert features over 25 local makers and businesses, as well as live music. For more info, visit the Makrs Society on Instagram @makrs, or via their website in the link below!