Q1: Why can the Board charge a water fee?
Because the governing documents and Virginia law say we can.
CCRs (Park Ridge Central, Article 5, Section 20):
“When a public or private utility company makes water service available to purchaser’s campsite lot, purchaser agrees to become a customer of such public or private water utility company and to pay all service charges therefor.”
👉 Our wells count as a private utility. If you use them, you must pay the service charge.
Bylaws (Article VIII – Enforcement of Restrictions and Regulations):
“The Board of Directors shall have the authority to enforce the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions. The Board of Directors…shall have the power and authority to make and publish rules and regulations governing the use of any and all facilities of any type used commonly by the property owners.”
👉 The wells are shared facilities. The Board has authority to set rules and fees to keep them running.
Virginia Property Owners’ Association Act (§ 55.1‑1819):
This law gives the Board power to manage common property and enforce charges for shared services.
👉 The $100 fee is a legal “service charge,” not a fine.
Q2: Who pays the fee?
If your lot uses the shared wells → you pay $100/year.
If you don’t use the wells → file the Water Service Declaration Form to be exempt.
Q3: Can I refuse to pay?
No. The CCRs, Bylaws, and Virginia law all say service charges are mandatory for serviced lots.
Q4: What is the money used for?
Only for water system costs: testing, maintenance, repairs, and reliability.
It’s in the CCRs: If water is available, you must pay service charges.
It’s in the Bylaws: The Board can enforce rules and fees for shared facilities.
It’s in Virginia law: Associations can charge for shared services.
👉 Bottom line: If you use the wells, you pay the fee.
If you use the wells, you pay the fee.
If you don’t use the wells, file the exemption form.
The money goes only to water system expenses.
This policy and FAQ apply only to Park Ridge Central.