The
prices of the lots seem higher than we’ve heard of in Aberdeen. Why?
In the City of Aberdeen, never has so much been included in the price
of home sites.
Views and
open space areas managed by Aberdeen Highlands Homeowner’s Association,
add greatly to the value of home-sites
Every home-site
has all underground utilities provided to the lot line with no additional
cost to the property owner, other than city required hook-up fees.
The utilities include electric power, water, sewer, natural gas, telephone
and television cable. This means no cutting concrete, excavating and
patching the street to connect to the lot.
How big are the home sites? They look small to me.
Aberdeen
Highlands has the additional advantage of yards fronting common areas
dedicated to the homeowners association. These areas assure the property
owner that no buildings will be constructed in protected areas.
Single-family
lots in Division 3 range in size from 6,000 to 14,000 square feet.
As a general comparison, city lots in platted residential areas in
Aberdeen range from 5,700 to 6,500 square feet. In the Belaire neighborhood
the general range is 5,600 to 9,360 square feet.
Lots in Division
2 are smaller and are platted so more homeowners can have the advantage
of the spectacular views.
Of the 86
acres platted, 57 of those acres are open space, or 66% of the platted
area is open space.
What about Manufactured Homes?
Manufactured
homes are not allowed in Aberdeen Highlands. The covenants specifically
require “stick built” homes in both divisions.
Aberdeen
Highlands in the only neighborhood within the city limits of Aberdeen
where manufactured homes are restricted. In any other neighborhood
in the city, the zoning allows manufactured homes to be built on any
residential lot.
What about sewers?
The entire
subdivision is connected to city sewers. When a house is constructed
it’s connected to a pressurized sewer system. The homeowner purchases
an Eone Sewer Pump, which grinds and pumps sewage into a force main.
This eliminates the necessity of costly deep excavation to connect
to a gravity system, and allows smaller pipe sizes. The manufacturer
estimates the annual energy consumption typically that of a 40-watt
light bulb.
The manufacturer
states that similar systems are in use in communities of Pierce County
and in Pacific Beach. Pierce County has had 900 pumps in service since
1984.
Life cycle
of the replaceable pump cartridge is expected to be 12 years under
normal use.
The sites look like they all have great views, how are they
protected?
The open
space areas are managed by the Aberdeen Highlands Homeowner's Association.
The covenants provide that the Aberdeen Highlands Homeowner's Association
has the authority to maintain view corridors.
Of the 86
acres in Aberdeen Highlands, Divisions 2 and 3, only 29 acres are
platted lots or streets. The remaining 57 acres are open space areas
managed by the Aberdeen Highlands Homeowner’s Association. This type
of development is referred to as a “clustered subdivision”, whereby
the most homesites have the advantage of open space along at least
one property line
Covenants
are in place, which limit the height of homes on certain lots to protect
the views of homeowners in the subdivision.
Who governs the Homeowner’s Association, and what are the
fees?
The Homeowner’s
Association is governed by a board of directors, which is elected
by the property owners.
The fees
will differ between Division 2 and Division 3. In Division 2 the association
maintains the road, drainage, streetlights, controls vegetation in
view corridors, maintains landscaping within the front yard, and enforces
the covenants. The 2008 fee for Division 2 is $50 per month per
lot.
The Division
3 homeowner’s association governs architectural design, controls vegetation
in view corridors, and enforces the covenants. The initial fee has
not yet been established, but it will be less than that of Division
2.
Can you purchase a lot and build later on? Is there a time
limit for start to finish on home construction?
You may purchase
a lot for future development. However, once construction is begun
the house must be completed within one year.
What about access? Is Basich Boulevard the only access to
the property?
Basich Boulevard
is currently the primary access to the property. The City of Aberdeen is currently constructing an alternate access through Herbig Heights.
Do I have to build an expensive home?
There is
no restriction on how much money must be spent on a home provided the square footage meets the minimum required by the Covenants. There are
some very economical house plans that will fit nicely in Aberdeen
Highlands
Do I have to use a certain builder for a home in Aberdeen
Highlands?
There are
no exclusive builders in Aberdeen Highlands. Homeowners may use any
licensed contractor, or build a house themselves. All homebuilders
will be required to meet City of Aberdeen building code and provisions
of the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions.
If a homeowner
desires recommendations for a contractor, they should seek opinions
of those who have purchased, or constructed new homes.
We recommend
homebuilders interview more that one contractor and ask for references.
If a homeowner
is capable of constructing his own home, there is no requirement to
use any contractor provided the construction meets all building requirements.
What are the building requirements of the Covenants, Conditions
and Restrictions (CCR)?
The recorded
Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC & R) are for the protection
of all property owners in Aberdeen Highlands. They are designed to
encourage generally accepted home designs for a middle class neighborhood.
The Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC & R) are recorded
with the Grays Harbor County Auditor. Copies may be acquired from
the auditor, the real estate broker, or the Homeowner’s Association.
What’s the process to build a home at Aberdeen Highlands?
There are
several options.
From time
to time “spec homes” will be available to move into immediately.
The developer
has a working relationship with builders who will build homes on a
“pre-sale” basis. What this means is that each builder has a preferred
group of house plans they will build for pre-determined prices. Once
a homeowner selects the desired plan from the builder's plan selection,
a contract is signed, financing is arranged, and the contractor constructs
the home.
Custom homes
can also be built where the homeowner has their own house plan to
homeowner’s exact specifications. Whether building a pre-sale home or a custom home, the homeowner should have a written agreement with the contractor and have the agreement reviewed by an attorney.
Can I build a shop on my lot?
Outbuildings
and detached garages can be constructed, provided they meet the building
requirements of the recorded Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions
(CC & R), and city building codes.
Can my neighbor build anything he wants on the lot next door?
All property
owners within the subdivision have the benefit of recorded Covenants,
Conditions and Restrictions (CC & R), and city building codes
to guide the design.
What are the permitting requirements to build at Aberdeen
Highlands?
Customary
city permits, and architectural review committee approval are all
that are required. The plans can generally be approved in a short
period of time, depending on the detail of the plans provided.
If I live at Aberdeen Highlands am I going to be bothered
by construction noise and debris?
The recorded
Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC & R) restrict the hours
of construction and site conditions.
Are townhouses the only option within the gated community
of Aberdeen Highlands?
The gated
community is all within Division 2 of Aberdeen Highlands. Both townhouses
and single-family homes may be constructed in Division 2.
Division
3 is outside the security gate, and only single-family homes can be
constructed in the division.
Will there be a community club in the development?
An area on
the “island” in Division 3 has been set aside for park use. The Aberdeen
Highlands Homeowner’s Association has the freedom to choose how the
park is used.
Additional
play areas may be constructed on the concrete water retention structures
by the homeowner’s association.
The homeowner’s
Association may also provide walking trails in the open space areas.
No clubhouse
is planned for the development.
