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Approval Process for Property Changes or Home Improvements

West Whiteland Township requires permits for  "...all aspects of new construction, additions, renovations, and other structures built or renovated on your property".  This includes "...fences, decks, garages, sheds, barns, kitchen and bathroom renovations, new electrical services, new heater and air conditioner units, underground tank removal, re-roofing, wood burning stoves, structural repairs to foundations and walls, swimming pools, and larger doors and windows." Permits are required for everything except siding, painting, or window replacement of the same size.  When in doubt, contact the Code Enforcement Office  (610) 363-9525.

In addition, all fences (or hedges or continuous obstructions) erected within the neighborhood require the approval of the RHHA Board of Directors.  This includes the installation of new fences or hedges and the replacement of existing ones.  Even if the existing fence or hedge was originally approved, any change or replacement must also be submitted for approval.

Fences should conform to the following types or styles:

  •  Split rail, picket or ornamental fencing such as, but not limited to, wood, composite, vinyl, aluminum or wrought iron. 
  •  Stockade or Privacy fencing is not permitted nor is chain link fencing.
  •  Fences must be maintained in such a manner as to preserve the aesthetics of the community. 

Hedges or Other Continuous Obstructions

Types of materials or plantings, spacing, height, length of beds, etc. are all factors in determining hedges and continuous obstructions. Since the variations are too numerous to set guidelines, and there are different circumstances for installing a hedge or other continuous obstruction, the Board cannot define a set list of acceptable types. A detailed plan should be submitted to the Board for approval.

All requests must include the following:

  1. Homeowner's full name and address.
  2. Description of the type of fence or types of plantings and proposed location.
  3. Photograph, picture or drawing of proposed fence or hedge at elevation level.
  4. Drawing showing the proposed location of fence or hedge within your lot.

All requests must be made in writing and should be sent to:

Ryerss Hunt Homeowners Association
PO Box 2121
West Chester, PA  19380

The Board will review each request at its next regularly scheduled meeting which is held every 6- 8 weeks.   Should you need your request expedited, please note your timeframe in your request documentation. You may e-mail your request to all Board members to expedite the approval process. The Board will review your proposal and provide to you a response in writing.  No verbal approvals will be given. You may be requested to provide additional information if the details are incomplete. A homeowner is not permitted to begin any change until written approval is received from the Board. Approval of any request by the Board does not waive the necessity of obtaining the required approval from West Whiteland Township and any other municipal permits. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to adhere to local building requirements. (Please note that obtaining a municipal permit does not waive the need for Board approval.)

If you do not follow these procedures, or have outstanding guideline violations, or are not current in payment of Association fees, the Board will not consider your request until all outstanding issues are resolved.  As specified in our by-laws: (Article IX)...”Approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, consistent with preservation of aesthetics within the community.” All homeowners should be aware that failure to comply with these regulations may result in a fine as per Administrative Resolution #2.

Should you have any questions, please contact any Board member.
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