General Rules for Sky Valley Home Owners Association DCL Maryaland

Sky Valley Association, Inc.
584 Sky Valley Drive
Swanton, Maryland 21561
Sky Valley Rules and Regulations

Last update: January 2022

The Board of Directors of Sky Valley Association, Inc., pursuant to the powers vested in it under Section 5.08 and 5.09 of the By-Laws, has from time to time adopted these rules and regulations governing the use of the Valley by its members, their guests and persons who rent properties here from members. Members shall be responsible for the payment of any fines due to any violations of these rules by their guests or renters.

A. General Rules

1.0        The speed limit for all vehicles on all Sky Valley roads including the public access is 15 MPH (unless otherwise posted).

1.01 No firearms or other weapons may be discharged in Sky Valley. No sporting weapons (bow and arrow etc.) may be used. No hunting of any kind is permitted.

1.02 Members who rent their properties must post the laminated General Rules for renters placard. Placards will be distributed by the Sky Valley Manager.

1.03 Renters must keep their dogs leashed at all times while on Sky Valley property.

1.04 "Quiet Time" is 11pm to 8am daily.

1.2 Open fires are permitted only as campfires and are not permitted to burn brush or trash. Open fires must be contained and are permitted only in the camping area or on members' property. The containment shall be inspected and issued a written permit by the Sky Valley Manager prior to use. Generally, containment by either earth-pit-with-rock-enclosure or prefabricated, non-combustible container is acceptable. Fires shall be of reasonable size. There shall be a minimum of 10 feet of clear space around the containment (including10 feet of overhead clearance from branches). Preferably, fire containment will have spark-containing screening and be approved by Underwriters' Laboratories. No open fires will be permitted when the Sky Valley entry sign states that fire danger level is "High." No fires will be started or continued unless an adult is present and unless there is at least 5 gallons of water or working water hose within close proximity to the fire. The fire shall be extinguished with water when finished. The member shall be held responsible for any damage caused by fire.

1.3 Fireworks or firecrackers of any kind are not to be ignited in Sky Valley at any time.

1.4 Tents and other camping equipment may be used in the camping area only. Usage of the camping area is limited to members and guests only, for periods not to exceed two sequential weeks. The Sky Valley Manager must be notified prior to using the campground and a member's contact number must be provided.

1.4.1   Children's backyard camping for ages through 18 years is permitted on your property, with an adult Sky Valley member present on the property.

1.5 All pets must be kept under control of the owner at all times. Owners are responsible for clean up of any excrement left by pets in SV public areas. No pets are allowed in the swim beach areas at any time.

1.6 The following rules apply to trash and garbage disposal:

a.        No trash or garbage collection is available anywhere on Sky Valley grounds. Trash or garbage shall not be left anywhere on the grounds including the beaches, boat docks, or boat ramps.

b.        Member trash and garbage will be bagged and deposited by the household occupant in the central compactor on Sky Valley Drive across from the Lodge. No contractor trash shall be deposited in the compactor. Instructions for operation and exceptions to the types of trash and garbage to be deposited in the compactor are posted at the compactor. Members are responsible for guests, renters and contractors compliance with this policy.

c.        Brush and logs may be delivered to the burn pile near the compactor only when the burn pile is open as designated by the sign at the burn pile. No leaves, household or construction material shall be delivered to the burn pile.

d.        The Sky Valley Manager is available at 301-387-7190 for assistance with oversized items and for guidance for the disposition of items that are prohibited from deposit in the compactor or the burn pile. Large item pick-up days are scheduled four times per year and should be used.

1.7 No clear-cutting of trees on a lot is permitted. The consequences of clear-cutting are destructive and contrary to the philosophy of the Sky Valley Homeowner's Association of maintaining a wooded secluded neighborhood. The homeowner, logger, and Sky Valley Manager shall meet in advance of any tree cutting to agree upon the extent of the cutting. Only those trees necessary for construction shall be cut. The logger shall clearly mark all trees to remain with survey tape or similar material. The logger shall coordinate his visit for the cutting with the Sky Valley Manager who shall oversee the operation to ensure the marked trees are not damaged during the cutting. If any tree that is marked for survival is cut or damaged to the extent survival is unlikely, it shall be replaced with trees of the same species and equivalent caliper size, e.g., 1-16" caliper red oak replaced w/ 4-4" caliper red oaks or 8-2" caliper red oaks. Additionally, violation of the procedure shall result in a fine.

Members are encouraged to keep lots clear of fallen debris which creates a fire hazard, a potential home for undesirable animals and may negatively impact adjacent home and lot values. Annual lot surveys will be conducted by the Board and owners notified if cleanup of their lot is warranted.

1.8 Building Contractors must agree to provide a porta potty for their crew prior to issuance of a Sky Valley Building Permit.

1.9 The following rules apply to the merging of adjacent lots within Sky Valley:
a.        Only adjacent whole lots may be joined within Sky Valley.
b.        The dividing of any lot in Sky Valley is not permitted.
c.        Members must notify the Sky Valley Manager and Association in writing and receive a written response before proceeding with merging lots.
d.        The lot(s) to be joined must be surveyed prior to transaction. All lot closing documentation shall be provided to the Sky Valley Manager to maintain
            Association files current and accurate.
e.        All applicable Planning, Zoning and Sky Valley Association By-Laws and Rules must be followed.
f.        Lot owners must pay for any related Sky Valley Association costs such as road improvements, map and directory revisions.
g.        Adjacent lots may be combined into one lot resulting in the owners paying an additional lot membership fee one improved and one unimproved or two
            unimproved as applicable. The owner maintains all Member privileges commensurate with the dues structure paid.
h.        Ownership of adjacent lots that are not merged must conform to the S.V. Rules regarding lot and building restrictions.
i.        This policy shall be in force once approved by the Board and applied retroactively as determined by Board review.

1.10 S.V. Building Review: As stated in the Sky Valley By-Laws, owing to the topography of the grounds of the subdivision and the desire to preserve the natural beauty of the whole, Sky Valley Association, Inc. reserves the right to approve the location and exterior appearance of any house or structure. This review will be conducted before lot clearing, and the issuance of a Sky Valley construction permit. Before submitting the permit or starting construction it is strongly recommended the owner review the Sky Valley Architectural Design Guidelines on file at the Sky Valley Office and posted on the Sky Valley website.   After a construction permit is approved by the Architectural Committee and issued by the Sky Valley Manager, no changes to the exterior appearance or location of the construction will occur without the approval of the Architectural Committee

1.11   Sky Valley Construction Materials are not to be moved or used for personal use without the permission of the Sky Valley Manager.

1.12   Erosion Control Projects are expensive joint projects with the State of Maryland. Rocks used in any Sky Valley Erosion Control Project will not be moved, thrown or repurposed.

1.13. Any items brought into any of the Sky Valley public areas will be removed upon departing the area such as empty food and drink containers. Keeping all of Sky Valley free of trash is appreciated. Lowering maintenance costs and not attracting dangerous animals is in everyone's best interest.

1.14. Only human waste and toilet paper will be deposited in Porta-Potties.

B. Vehicle Rules

1.0 All members are to display the Sky Valley decal on their cars, trucks, motorcycles, or any other vehicle that is registered for use on public roads to identify the vehicle as belonging in Sky Valley. They are to be located on rear of the vehicle. Decals may be obtained from the Manager.

1.1 All guests or renters must display a temporary permit which may be obtained from the Manager. This is to be placed above the dashboard. (Members may secure these for guests/renters and they may supply them to their rental agents.)

1.2 No vehicle may park at the Beach parking lot, the Marina Road or Boat Launch areas without a decal or temporary permit.

1.3 The Marina Road is designated as one-way running from the Beach Parking Lot to Marina One. This will allow for parking on both sides and make the traffic flow smoother. Access for emergency response vehicle shall be provided at all times.

1.4 Parking along Sky Valley roads must be done in a manner that will allow safe access of both members' and emergency vehicles. If you are entertaining guests at your property, as a general rule you should permit parking on one side of the road only, ensuring that two vehicles can still pass. Under no circumstances will parking be allowed along Sky Valley roads when snow plowing becomes necessary. For guidance on parking under special circumstances contact the Manager.

1.5 No vehicle of any kind is allowed to operate along the Lake shore line which is owned by the State of Maryland. Exceptions are vehicles having a valid Handicap Pass which may be used to drive a person to the swim beach area or the boat launch ramp, and Sky Valley Maintenance Vehicles.

1.6 Only Sky Valley members, their family, their guests and full time residents may operate recreational vehicles in Sky Valley. Short term renters are not permitted to operate recreational vehicles in Sky Valley.

1.7 All recreational vehicles of any kind must be registered. Registration is by lot number and plates must be obtained from the Manager. This applies to any vehicle not registered for use on public roads even though it never leaves Sky Valley.

1.8 Identification plates for recreational vehicles must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle and be plainly visible at all times.

1.9 All recreational vehicles shall be operated in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations for each vehicle and adhere to Sky Valley speed limits and rules. The Board of Directors strongly recommends that owners familiarize themselves with their manufacturer's recommendations. Parents shall be responsible for overseeing the usage of four wheelers (or any other recreational vehicles) by their children. The purpose of recreational vehicles in Sky Valley is convenient transportation, not recreational riding.

1.10 All operators of and passengers on off road recreational vehicles under the age of 18 must wear protective helmets, and any other protective clothing recommended by the manufacturer.

1.11 All snowmobile operators and passengers should wear helmets.

1.12 Recreational vehicles may be operated from 7:30 AM until sunset for riders under age 16. Members age 16 and over may also operate their vehicles until midnight, but only for transportation purposes from one location to a specific destination.

1.13 All recreational vehicles must have standard factory installed mufflers.

1.14 All recreational vehicles must be operated on Sky Valley roads only, except as provided in 3.1 (Handicap access). Posted Speed Limit applies to ALL vehicles. NO Joy Riding off road or in Sky Valley common areas is permitted at any time. Members are responsible for damage to roads or Sky Valley property caused by operation of recreational vehicles.

1.15 Any member wishing to purchase a new type of recreational vehicle for use in Sky Valley must submit full descriptive material to the Board of Directors before bringing such vehicle to Sky Valley. No registration shall be issued by the Manager until approval from the Board of Directors has been received. The vehicle shall not be ridden without the Sky Valley registration.