Reston Association and Fairfax County Complaint Forms
(Posted Mar. 12, 2024) Did you know that there are two different ways to file a complaint as a Reston Association member? Despite good intentions, filing a complaint can sometimes be the last resort for members to take regarding an alleged violation of Reston’s protective covenants. Depending on the specific nature of the issue, members can either file a Reston Association complaint or a complaint with Fairfax County. Covenants Staff often fields questions such as “What do I do if someone is not taking care of their yard?” or “Someone is playing loud music every night across the street at 1 am”.
Please see below for a breakdown and summary of each type of Complaint Form; contact your dedicated Covenants Advisor with any questions.
Reston Association Complaint Form
RA complaints are generally regarding maintenance issues, such as pervasive discolored stucco or siding, unapproved house colors, unapproved landscaping (including tree removals), etc. Complaints may be filed only by a Reston Association member, including member sub-associations such as cluster associations and condominium associations. RA will not automatically provide the submitting party’s name and contact information to the property owner who is the subject of this complaint. However, if asked, we will provide the property owner with a copy of the original complaint form, with the email and phone number redacted.
PROCEDURES:
Complaints must include the property address and information detailing the nature of the complaint.
Covenants Staff, on behalf of the Covenants Committee, will acknowledge receipt of a signed complaint within seven business days.
Covenants Staff will also advise the property owner and complainant that a complaint has been received, that it will conduct a visual inspection of the property to view the conditions alleged in the complaint and determine its/their validity, verify the accuracy of the complaint and notify the property owner and complainant of the results of its inspection. A letter detailing the findings of the inspection will be sent to the property owner and complainant. The inspection will be conducted in order of receipt of the complaint.
For further procedural information regarding the complaint process, please refer to the Complaint Form.
Fairfax County Department of Code Compliance (formerly FIDO) Complaint Form
Fairfax County’s Department of Code Compliance (DCC) investigates a wide variety of neighborhood circumstances and conditions, including everything from parking on the grass and storage of junk in the yard, to rodents/pests, noise, hoarding and construction without permits. DCC also enforces various rules related to land use and the maintenance of structures and properties throughout the County. This includes enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance and Virginia Property Maintenance Code, and ensuring permits and inspections are obtained under the Virginia Building Code. Reports come from the community or are referred to DCC from other agencies. Complaints can be anonymous, but providing contact information is encouraged, especially if the complainant would like a follow-up.
PROCEDURES:
Investigators visit the property, take pictures, and attempt to contact the owner or tenants to explain why DCC is there.
If the inspection yields findings, a Notice of Violation (NOV) is issued, which details what needs to be done to correct issues. The NOV also provides a deadline for bringing the property into compliance.
Investigators communicate with the property owner, or whoever is responsible, so everyone understands what is expected. More time may be given if there is active work being done toward compliance. After deadlines have passed, a reinspection is done to make sure issues have been resolved.
If the person(s) found responsible refuses to comply with the NOV, and DCC efforts to motivate and assist them are not successful, then legal action may be taken, including fines and penalties.
Engaging in a community complaint process can often help resolve common neighborhood and home maintenance issues. The key is knowing the correct person to contact to best address the concern. Make sure your next call is to your dedicated Covenants Advisor for any further questions on navigating community complaint issues.