Frequently Asked Questions
Membership
Who is a member of the Discovery Crest Homeowner's Association? Every lot owner has agreed to membership in the Discovery Crest Homeowner's Association (DCHOA), simply by the completion of their mortgage contract and is obligated to comply with the CC&R's of the neighborhood. test
When am I responsible to pay association dues? All homeowners are billed by the DCHOA in the beginning of each year. Everyone is responsible to pay their dues by January 31st. If you are not able to make your payment by 1/31 please contact the board. Dues that are 30 days or more past due are subject to interest set by the association.
If I’m a member in good standing (current on dues payment), can my visiting family enjoy our park? Absolutely!
Can my voting rights and use of the common areas be suspended as a homeowner? It is the right of the Association to suspend the voting rights and right to use of the Common Areas and Improvements by any Owner for any period during which any assessment (dues) against the Owner’s Lot remains unpaid; and for a period not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days for any infraction of the published rules and regulations.
Can the CC&R’s be changed? Yes. The proposed changes would have to be written and approved by 70% of the Owners. It would then have to be recorded by the Snohomish County recorders office.
Is the ACC the only body that can enforce the CC&R’s? No. The ACC member or any Owner can enforce any covenant, conditions or restriction.
Who is the Board? The Discovery Crest Homeowners’ Board is made up of 9 members. President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and five additional elected officials.
ACC Approval
Who and what is the ACC? The ACC stands for the Architectural Control Committee. They are a team consisting of three homeowners with the responsibility and authority to approve or disapprove modifications to the property and to approve the construction of improvements on the property. The ACC reports to the association's board.
Everything you need to know about the ACC can be found on the Architectural Control Committee page.
In what circumstances am I required to obtain approval from the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) before I can make changes to my lot or home? All structures and exterior changes to existing structures (e.g., adding rooms, storage sheds, fences, retaining walls, changing house colors, re-roofing, etc.) must have prior approval from the ACC.
How do I submit a change for approval by the ACC? A Change Proposal Form must be filled out and returned with drawings, plot plans, colors, etc. You can obtain this form from the Architectural Control Committee page and email it to the ACC at ACC@DiscoveryCrest.org. You can also drop the completed form in the association mailbox (see Home Page for address) if you prefer. Please contact us if you have any questions about this process or if you would like us to mail a form to you.
Do I need to obtain permits for any new structure, or changes to my existing structure? Any structure built on a lot must have applicable permits and meet the City of Mukilteo & Snohomish County building codes.
How long will I have to wait before I receive an answer regarding a change proposal form? The ACC is obligated to respond to your request within 30 days of receipt. Having your Change Proposal Form properly filled out expedites this process. Please allow for this time before you begin work.
I’m thinking about having a daycare in my home. Is this ok? No trade, craft, business, profession, commercial or manufacturing enterprise or business or commercial activity of any kind, including day schools, nurseries, or church schools shall be conducted or carried on upon any residential Lot or Building Site. NOTE: The above restriction shall not restrict the following: The use of a private office so long as related activities do not create an annoyance or nuisance to the neighborhood or the adjoining Owners. The ACC shall be the sole judge as to whether the activity creates an annoyance or nuisance.
Painting
Are there rules for painting my house? Yes there is. Please go to the "Rules" page under "Governing Documents" to review the Paint rule.
Do I have to submit a change request if I want to paint my home? Yes, all colors must be approved by the ACC, regardless if you are painting your home the same color.
What is required to obtain approval for a change in paint color? A Change Proposal Form must be filled out and returned with paint swatches. You can obtain this form from the Architectural Control Committee page or from within the Paint rule. Please fill out and then send it to the ACC at ACC@DiscoveryCrest.org. You can also drop the completed form in the association mailbox (see Home Page for address) if you prefer. Please contact us if you have any questions about this process or if you would like us to mail a form to you.
What does the ACC look for in approving a paint request? The ACC is bound by the CC&R’s. Please see the Paint rule.
How long will I have to wait before I receive an answer regarding a paint proposal? The ACC will respond to requests within 30 days of receipt. Please allow for this time before you begin painting.
Once I get ACC approval, how long do I have before I must start the painting of my house? You can start at any time after receiving ACC approval. However you must complete painting within 60 days of approval. If you have not finished in 60 days then you must resubmit your request to the ACC to receive an extension.
Once I have started work, how long do I have to complete the painting of my house? You have 60 days from the approval date of the ACC request to complete your painting project. This includes the removal of all material used in your painting project like tarps, ladders, scaffolding, etc.
What are some pitfalls of painting? Be careful about using color-matching services to obtain certain colors when you buy paint. Consider the change of pigment as paint dries. Also be careful about using paint swatches alone to choose a color. A safe plan is to find a building somewhere that is painted in the color you want, and compare the paint swatch by holding it directly to the painted surface of that building. It's surprising how far a light hue can go when used on a broad surface.
Fences
Do I need approval to build a fence or change my existing fence line? Yes. All new fences or changes to existing fences must have prior approval from the ACC. Please see the Fence Replacement rule on the "Rules" page under "Governing Documents"
What is required to obtain approval for a fence project? A Change Proposal Form must be filled out and returned with fence style, height, layout of fence location, and colors. You can obtain this form from within the Fence Replacement rule found on the "Rules" page under "Governing Documents". Please fill it out and email it to the ACC at ACC@DiscoveryCrest.org. You can also drop the completed form in the association mailbox if you prefer. Please contact us if you have any questions about this process or if you would like us to mail a form to you.
Are there any restrictions on fence styles? Fences may be constructed in several approved styles. Normally, fences constructed of wire, including woven cyclone wire types, are strictly prohibited unless individually approved by the ACC for a specific purposes. For more details, please go to the "Rules" page under "Governing Documents" for the Fence Replacement rule or contact the ACC with your questions.
Are there restrictions on fence placement? Please see the Fence Replacement rule.
What does the ACC look for in approving fence requests? The ACC is bound by the CC&R’s, which state: the plans must be approved "as to the harmony...location in relation to, and its effect upon surrounding structures..." Approval of fence style may depend on existing adjacent fences. Consistency in style and color is taken under consideration.
Which way do I face the finished side of a new fence? The finished side of any fence (as approved by the ACC) that is visible from neighboring property or streets shall face the neighboring property or street. The finished side of any such fence shall be a side wherein its best decorative components, finishes and textures are displayed, and wherein any supporting rails are either not exposed or are evenly divided as to exposure between the two fence sides.
How long will I have to wait before I receive an answer regarding a fencing proposal? The ACC will respond to requests within 30 days of receipt. Please allow for this time before you begin fencing.
Antennas & Solar Panels
What's the first thing I should do if I want to install Solar Panels or and Antenna on my property? Please go to the "Rules" page under "Governing Documents" to see the Satellite Dish and Solar Energy Panel rules.
Can I install a satellite dish on my home? No house-top television, radio or other type of antenna shall be erected or placed on any residential site without the written approval of the ACC. Nor shall any rotary antenna, tower, beam or other similar device be constructed on any residential site or building without the written approval of the ACC. Please see the Satellite Dish rule.
Do I need to get ACC approval before installing an antenna or solar panels? Yes. A Change Proposal Form must be completed and returned. You can obtain this form from within the Satellite Dish and Solar Panel Energy rules on the "Rules" page under "Governing Documents". Please email the completed change proposal form to the ACC at ACC@DiscoveryCrest.org or you can drop the completed form in the association mailbox if you prefer. Please contact us if you have any questions about this process or if you would like us to mail a form to you.
Are there any restrictions on the placement of the antenna? Every attempt must be made to screen the reception device from public view so long as doing so does not affect the reception of an acceptable quality signal or result in unreasonable costs for installation or maintenance.
How long will I have to wait before I receive an answer regarding a dish, antenna, or solar panel installation? The ACC will respond to requests within 30 days of receipt. Please allow for this time before installation begins.
Maintenance of Structures & Landscaping
What are my responsibilities with regard to maintaining my yard? Yards (including trees, flowers, lawns, etc.) shall be maintained and cultivated so they are not a detriment to the neighborhood. Shrubs and trees are to be kept pruned. Lawns must be mowed regularly. Lawns must be fertilized and watered regularly, unless city mandated water restrictions are in place. Sidewalks and driveways should be kept free of debris. All structures should be kept in good repair and be properly painted, stained or otherwise finished. Please go to the "Rules" page under "Governing Documents" and read the Exterior Maintenance rule.
Vehicle Parking
Is there a parking rule for the neighborhood? Yes. The City of Mukilteo does not allow any street parking in our neighborhood between the hours of 2:30am and 4:30am, seven days a week. Additionally, the Discovery Crest Parking rule, Parking, can be found on the "Rules" page under "Governing Documents".
Are there restrictions on what type of vehicles I can park in my driveway, or in the street? No recreation vehicles and/or commercial vehicles including boats, campers, motorhomes, trailers, and known commercial vehicles are to be parked in public view. If the vehicle cannot be parked in a closed garage, off-site storage will be necessary.
Can I keep a broken-down vehicle on my property? Debilitated vehicles are not to be stored in public view. If the vehicle cannot be parked in a closed garage, off-site storage will be necessary.
Should I park my vehicle or trailer on the sidewalk to make more room on the street? No. In conjunction with state law, vehicles and trailers can not be parked on sidewalks.
I need to load or clean my RV, boat or trailer in conjunction with using it. Can I park it on my driveway or in the street? Normally parking your recreational vehicle or trailer in your driveway or on the street as required for its normal use or cleaning is allowed, as long as it is not done chronically.
Can I park my vehicle on my lawn? No.
Pets
What types of animals are allowed in Discovery Crest? No live poultry or animals shall be permitted on said property other than songbirds, and not more than two (2) dogs and two (2) cats as household pets.
Can I exercise my pet free of a lead? In conjunction with city leash laws, pets are not allowed to run at large.
Am I responsible for my pet's waste? All pet owners are responsible for their pet's debris on neighborhood lawns, plants, sidewalks, etc.
What can I do about a neighbor's barking dog? It is a violation of Mukilteo city law "for any owner of an animal to allow that animal to create a disturbance by loud, persistent, or habitual barking, howling, yelping or other unreasonable noise." While the direct approach of speaking to the neighbor usually works best, another option is to follow the cities procedure for filing a complaint: Animal complaints
Trash & Recycling
When can I put out my garbage and recycling bins and when do I need to remove them from the street? Please go to the "Rules" page under "Governing Documents" for the Trash, Recycling & Green Bin rule. Your attention to this rule is greatly appreciated.
Are there any restrictions on where I can keep my trash, yard waste and recycling? Yes. Trash, garbage or other waste shall not be kept except in sanitary containers. All equipment shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition. All containers must be buried or screened so as not to be visible from any street or adjacent properties or residences.
If I back up to a greenbelt can I utilize it as a dumping area. No trash, garbage, ashes, or other refuse, junk vehicles, underbrush, or other unsightly growths or objects shall be thrown, dumped or allowed to accumulate on any Lot or Building Site or public street.
NOTE: If any homeowner witnesses this type of activity, they are asked to email the ACC at ACC@DiscoveryCrest.org or fill out a Violation Inquiry and Report Form and email or drop it in the association mailbox. You can obtain this form from the Architectural Control Committee page.
Offensive Behavior
Do the CC&R's address offensive or disruptive behavior? No activity that becomes offensive or annoying to neighbors (e.g., loud music, loud parties, noisy vehicles, barking dogs, etc.) is permitted.
Enforcement
What recourse does the association have when it comes to violations of the CC&R's? The DCHOA has the right and duty to enforce any provision of the CC&R's, and to recover any and all damages resulting from any violation. Enforcement is done primarily through letters, fines, filing of liens, etc. as specied within the Enforcement section of the CC&R's.
Meetings
When is our annual meeting? Our annual meeting is held the first Monday of February @ 7:30 PM, usually at the Harbour Pointe Golf Club meeting room or other location as stipulated in the agenda. The agenda will be posted on the Home Page and will include the location and Zoom information if you can't be there in person. All homeowners are encouraged to attend.
How many votes does each household get at the annual meeting? Each Lot owner gets one vote. In the case of co-ownership, fractional voting is not permitted. If any lot is owned by more that one person or other entity, then the owners thereof shall appoint one person one person to cast the vote pertaining to the Lot, and shall file a written statement with the Board signed by all Owners of that particular lot stating that such person has been appointed to cast the vote for that Lot.
If I can’t make the annual meeting can I still vote by Proxy? At all meeting of members, each member may vote in person or by proxy. All proxies shall be in writing and filed with the Secretary.
Who can call a special meeting? Special meetings of the members may be called at any time by the President or by the Board of Directors, or upon written request of the members who are entitled to vote one-forth (1/4) of all of the votes of the membership.
When do the regular monthly meetings occur? The monthly meetings occur on the third Thursday of every month, usually at the Harbour Pointe Golf Club meeting room or other locations as stipulated in that months agenda. The meeting agenda can be found on the Home Page and will include the location and Zoom information if you want to attend remotely. All homeowners are welcome to attend.