Potomac Falls Good Neighbor Guidelines

Fences (Covenant Requirement)

Covenant — Section 1(d), Land Use and Improvements: 

"No line fence or wall, or fence or wall used for the purpose of dividing or enclosing a lot, in whole or in part, shall be placed, erected or permitted to remain on any lot, or any portion thereof, except hedge, shrubbery, stone, brick, ornamental iron, mortised post and split rail, or plank, which do not exceed four (4) feet in height, except with the written consent of the Committee." 

All permanent fencing must not exceed 4 feet in height and must be constructed using only covenant-approved materials — hedge, shrubbery, stone, brick, ornamental iron, or mortised post and split rail/plank — unless written consent has been obtained from the Committee. Montgomery County code may supersede covenant requirements in certain circumstances. All existing fences and walls must be maintained in good condition or removed entirely. 

This provision exists to preserve property values, ensure consistency of appearance throughout the neighborhood, and prevent structures that may negatively affect neighboring properties. 

Good Neighbor Guideline: For modifications not explicitly addressed by the covenants — including trees, landscape screening, solar panels, and exterior lighting — PFHA strongly encourages homeowners to consult with affected neighbors prior to proceeding. 

Contractor Signs (Covenant Requirement) 

Covenant – Section 2(a) Signs and Nuisances: 

No advertising sign, billboard or other similar device shall be placed, entered or permitted to remain on any lot. 

The placement of advertising signage is prohibited under the Potomac Falls covenants. Homeowners are required to ensure that contractors do not install signs on their property. "For Sale" signs are currently the only recognized exception to this prohibition. 

County Rights of Way (Covenant Requirement + County Regulation + Good Neighbor Guideline) 

Covenant – Section 6(a)(b) Right-of-Way and Easements: 

1. In the Deed of Conveyance conveying each lot, Grantor will reserve for itself, its successors and assigns, a right of-way ten (10) feet in width, which, in its sole judgment, may be at the rear lot line or at either or both the side lot lines of each lot, or a combination thereof, to be used for the purpose of construction and maintenance of poles, wires and conduits for the transmission of electricity for lighting, telephone, and other purposes, and for the necessary attachments in connection therewith, and the public and private sewers, storm water drains, land drains, pipes and other methods of conducting and performing any public or quasi-public utility or function beneath the surface of the ground, including underground cables or conduits for electrical and telephone services. 
2. The Grantee herein, at his sole cost and expense, shall keep and maintain the above right-of-way free and unobstructed by fences, gates or the like, and shall likewise keep the same free from trash, refuse, weeds, and undesirable vegetation, so as to permit the ready traversing thereof. And the Grantee, by the acceptance of this deed, hereby expressly agrees that the same when connected with similar rights-of-way over adjoining lots, may be used as a foot and bridle path.

County Regulation: The minimum 10-foot strip between the street and the property line is owned by Montgomery County. County code strictly prohibits the placement of any obstacle — including stakes, rocks, or other obstructions — within this right of way. The County retains the authority to remove such obstructions at any time and bears responsibility for maintaining functional drainage swales. 

Good Neighbor Guideline: Routine maintenance and grooming of the right-of-way area is the responsibility of the abutting homeowner. Residents are asked to keep this area clear of debris and to ensure that drainage channels remain unobstructed. 

Bridlepaths (Good Neighbor Guideline) 

The bridle paths are an integral component of Potomac Falls' original 1960s community design and exist as recorded easements. The abutting homeowner holds ownership of the underlying land and bears responsibility for its upkeep. Residents are asked to maintain these areas free of debris and overgrown vegetation in order to preserve this defining community feature. 

Noise (County Regulation + Good Neighbor Guideline) 

County Regulation: Montgomery County code prohibits construction activity before 7:00 a.m. 

Good Neighbor Guidelines: 

• Operation of leaf blowers and other noisy equipment on weekends should be limited to the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

• Outdoor music and amplified sound must be reduced to an acceptable level after 11:00 p.m. 

• Large truck deliveries should be scheduled exclusively during daytime hours 

• Dogs that are barking outdoors must be brought inside between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. 

Dumpsters (County Regulation + Good Neighbor Guideline) 

County Regulation: Placement of a dumpster on a public street requires a right-of-way permit issued by Montgomery County. 

Good Neighbor Guideline: Homeowners are asked to direct contractors to position dumpsters on the driveway whenever feasible, in order to maintain safe and unobstructed access for traffic and pedestrians throughout the neighborhood. 

Pets (Good Neighbor Guideline) 

• Homeowners are required to clean up after their animals at all times 

• Pets must not approach other persons or animals without permission, nor enter another homeowner's property unattended 

• Should a dog bark continuously for more than a brief period, particularly during evening hours, the homeowner is asked to bring the animal indoors promptly 

Solicitation (Good Neighbor Guideline)

Potomac Falls maintains a No Solicitation policy. Homeowners who are approached by vendors are encouraged to direct them to observe this policy. Residents who experience persistent solicitation should contact IAS Security or local law enforcement, as unauthorized solicitation is treated as a security concern. 

Newspapers and Trash (Good Neighbor Guideline)

• Newspapers and other printed materials should be retrieved from the driveway promptly upon delivery 

• Homeowners who will be absent for an extended period are asked to suspend newspaper delivery and mail service accordingly 

• Empty trash and recycling receptacles should be removed from the curb in a timely manner following scheduled pickup 

Speed and Safety (County Regulation + Good Neighbor Guideline) 

County Regulation: The posted speed limit throughout Potomac Falls is 25 miles per hour and must be observed at all times. 

Good Neighbor Guideline: Drivers are expected to come to a complete stop at all intersections. Because Potomac Falls was designed without sidewalks, drivers are asked to reduce speed in the presence of children, pedestrians, joggers, and animals. State law requires all drivers to stop for school buses. 

Street Parking (Good Neighbor Guideline) 

• Homeowners are asked to utilize their driveways for personal vehicles and those of guests and contractors whenever possible 

• Homeowners hosting large gatherings should notify IAS Security at least one week in advance to permit appropriate traffic monitoring and ensure unobstructed emergency vehicle access and to make your immediate neighbors aware 

• When street parking is necessary, vehicles should be parked on one side of the street only, with tires kept off neighboring lawns 

PFHA thanks all residents for their commitment to upholding the standards that have defined Potomac Falls for more than forty years. Adherence to these guidelines ensures that our community remains a desirable and well-maintained neighborhood for all who call it home.